VERA EFFIGIES EXCELLENTISSIMI PRINCIPIS CAROLI MAG. BRITAN: FRAN. & HIBERNIAE. HAEREDIS. Vivat ô Vivat Princeps CAROLINUS, et Orbi. Imperet, inumeris decorans sua sêcla Triumphis. Flourish brave Prince, out shine thy Glorious Name. Triumphant Laurels ever Crown thy Fame. CAROLUS inter Reges ut Lilium inter Flores VEROLAM. LINCO●●● LONDON. YORK. A ROMAN A SAXON A DANE A NO●●●● CHRONICLE OF THE KINGS OF ENGLAND From the Time of the ROMANS Government unto the Reign of our Sovereign LORD KING CHARLES'. Containing all Passages of State & Church, With all other Observations proper for a CHRONICLE. Faithfully Collected out of Authors Ancient and Modern; & digested into a new Method. By Sr R. Baker, Knight. LONDON, Printed for Daniel Frere, and are to be sold at his Shop, at the Red Bull in Little Britain. 1643. To the High and Mighty Prince CHARLES, Prince of Wales, and Duke of Cornwall: Eldest Son of our Sovereign Lord, CHARLES', King of Great Britain, France, and IRELAND. SIR, THE Dedication of Chronicles hath in all times been thought worthy of the greatest Princes: Gulielmus Gemiticensis writ a Chronicle of the Dukes of Normandy, and Dedicated it to William the Conqueror. Thomas Walsingham writ a Chronicle of the Kings of England, and Dedicated it to King Henry the sixth: And of late time, Sir Francis Bacon, Viscount Saint Alban, and Lord Chancellor of England, writ a History of the Reign of King Henry the seventh, and Dedicated it to Your Royal Grandfather of blessed memory, King james: For indeed, as nothing makes Princes more Illustrious than Learning; So no Learning makes them more Judicious than History; Other Learning may fill their minds with knowledge; This only with Judgement: And seeing it is Judgement that must sit as Precedent over all their Actions, it is fit that History should sit as Precedent over all their Studies. History gives an Antedate to Time; and brings Experience without grey hairs: Other Knowledges make You but see Quod antepedes est; History is the true perspective Glass, that will make You see things afar off: And though it make not men to become Prophets, yet it makes their conjectures to be little less than Oracles● But most Illustrious Prince, there accrues to your Highness, by this Chronicle, a greater benefit than all this; For if it were an Excitation of great force to virtue, to have it said, Et Pater Aeneas & Auunculus excitet Hector; of how great Force must it needs be, when You shall read the Noble Acts of so many your worthy Progenitors; Some Eternised for their valorous Achievements in War: Some for their prudent government in Peace: Some Renowned for Mercy, some for Justice: And although the Example of your Royal Father be not amongst them, yet it may be sufficient that while you have the Acts of others upon Record, you have his under View, by which he seems to say unto you, Disce Puer virtutem exme, verumque laborem; Fortunam ex aliis. And if in any of your Progenitors, there appear, as it were Maculae in Orb Lunae, will it not invite you to a higher Orb, that Your Actions may shine with the clearer Beams? and then how happy will the eyes be, that shall see you sitting in your Throne? For myself, I should account it happiness enough, that I have lived to see the days of your Illustrious Father; if it were not a great unhappiness to see them overcast with clouds; & yet when these clouds shall be dispelled, will it not make him shine with the greater Splendour? And this as old as I am, I doubt not to live myself to see, and having once seen it, shall then willingly say my Nunc Dimittis, and l●ave the joy of your glorious times for another Age: In the mean time prostrating myself humbly at your feet; and wishing to your Highness, as D●iphobus did to Aeneas;— I Decus, I Nostrum, Melioribus utere Fatis. Your most humble and most devoted Servant, RICHARD BAKER. An Epistle to the READER. THis Book, I suppose will no sooner come abroad; but the question will be asked, why any man would take so superfluous a Labour, to write that which hath been written by so many; by some so copiously, by some so elegantly, that nothing can be added: To which Objection, I confess myself unable to make a better Answer than by Precedent: For when many excellent men had written the Story of the Roman Emperors, both accurately and eloquently; yet Suetonius Tranquillus coming after them, wanted not his part of Commendation. For though he added nothing in the matter or substance, yet be altered much in the form and disposition, distinguishing that into Classes and Chapters, which the former had delivered in one continued Narration: as being both less tedious to the Reader, like a way marked out by Miles; and more plainly Informing, where Distinction took away confusion. Besides, many have Written the Reigns of our English Kings, copiously indeed, but so superfluously, that much may justly be pared away; Some again Elegantly indeed, but so succinctly, that much as justly may be added: And this, if I have endeavoured to do, I cannot be blamed; If done it, I deserve acceptance. Again, where many have written the Reigns of some of our Kings, excellently as in the way of History, yet I may say they have not done it so well in the way of Chronicle; For whilst they insist wholly upon matters of State, they wholly omit meaner Accidents, which yet are Materials as proper for a Chronicle, as the other. For myself, if in some places I be found to set down whole passages, as they are already set down by others, and may seem rather to transcribe then to write; yet this I suppose may be excused, as being all of one common stock; and no matter from whence the water comes, so it come clean to the Readers use. Lastly, for the Work itself; I dare be bold to say, that it hath been Collected out of Authors both Ancient and Modern, with so great care and diligence, that if all other Chronicles should be lost, yet this only would be sufficient to inform Posterity of all passages memorable or worthy to be known; which of any other general Chronicle, cannot perhaps be said. RICHARD BAKER. A CATALOGVE OF WRITERS, BOTH ANCIENT AND MODERN, Out of whom this CHRONICLE hath been Collected. 1 GIldas Britannicus, surnamed the Wise, was the first writer of our English Nation; who amongst other his Works; writ a Treatise De Excidio Britanniae, He was borne in the year 493. and died in the year 580. 2 Nennius a Monk of Bangor, writ the Story of Britain, and lived about the year 620. 3 Venerable Bede, a Saxon and a Priest, writ the Ecclesiastical Story of the English Nation, from the coming in of Julius Caesar, to the year 733. about which time he died. 4 Ethelwardus, a writer next to Bede the most ancient, writ a general Chronicle from the Creation to the end of King Edgar. 5 Radulphus de Diceto, who lived about the year 685. 6 Segebert King of the East Angles, writ an Institution of Laws, in his later days became a Monk, and was slain by Penda King of the Mercians, in the year 652. 7 Cymbertus Bishop of Lindsey, in the kingdom of Mercia, writ the Annals of that Country, & lived about the year 730 8 Daniel Wentanus a Bishop, writ the History of his Province: and the Acts of the South Saxons, and died in the year 746. 9 Asserius Menevensis, borne in Pembrokeshire, Bishop of Salisbury, writ the Story of Britain, and the Acts of King Alphred, and lived about the year 890. 10 Alphredus the great, King of the Angles, forth son of King Ethelwolph; writ, besides many other works, a Collection of Chronicles, and died at Winchester in the year 901. 11 Osbernus a Benedictine Monk, writ the life of the Archbishop Dunstan, and other works: and lived about the year 1020. 12 Colman●us Anglicus, writ a Chronicle and a Catalogue of the English Kings, and lived about the year 1040. in the time of King Harold the first. 13 Gulielmus Gemeticensis, a Norman and a Monk, writ the lives of the Dukes of Normandy, to William the Conqueror, to whom he Dedicated his Work: and after enlarged it to the death of King Henry the first, in the year 1135. at which time he lived. 14 Marianus Scotus a Monk, writ Annals from the beginning of the world to his own time, and died in the year 1086. 15 Alphredus a Priest of Beverly, writ a History, from the first Original of the Britaines to his own time, and lived about the year 1087. in the time of William the Conqueror. 16 Veremundus a Spaniard, and a Priest, but who lived much in Scotland, writ the Antiquities of the Scottish Nation, and lived about the year 1090. 17 Lucianus a Monk, and an English writer, and lived in the first times of the Normans. 18 Ingulphus Abbot of Croyland, writ from the year 664. to the year 1066. and lived in the time of William the Conqueror, whose Secretary he had been. 19 Turgotus an Englishman, first Dean of Durham, and afterward Bishop of Saint Andrew's in Scotland, writ a History of the Kings of Scotland, also Chronicles of Durham, Annals of his own time, and the life of King Malcolm, and lived in the year 1098. in the time of King William Rufus. 20 G●lielmus Pictaviensis, writ a Treatise of the Life of William the Conqueror. 21 Gualterus Mappaeus, writ a Book, De Nugis Curialium, and lived about the conquerors time. 22 William of Malmesbury, a Benedictine Monk, writ a History of the English Nation, from the first coming of the Saxons into Britain, to his own time, which Work he Dedicated to Robert Duke of Gloucester, base Son of King Henry the First, and lived to the first years of King Henry the Second. 23 Florentius Bravonius, a Monk of Worcester, compiled a Chronicle from the Creation, to the year 1118. in which year he died; his Work was continued by another Monk to the year 1163. 24 Eadmerus a Monk of Canterbury, writ the lives of William the Conqueror, William Rufus, and King Henry the First, in whose time he lived. 25 Raradocus borne in Wales, writ the Acts of the Britain Kings, from Cadwallader to his own time, and lived in the time of King Stephen. 26 Gervasius Dorobernensis, a Benedictine Monk, writ a History of the English Nation, & lived about the year 1120 27 Johannes Fiberius commonly called De Bever, writ short Annals of the English Nation, and lived about the year 1110. in the time of King Henry the first. 28 Henry, archdeacon of Huntingdon, writ a History of the Kings of England, to the Reign of King Stephen, in whose time he lived. 29 Geoffrey of Monmouth, a Benedictine Monk, and afterward Bishop of Asaph, writ a History of the Britain's, and was the first that makes mention of Brute and of Merlin's Prophecies, for which he is much taxed by divers Authors of his own time; and after; he lived about the year 1150. in the time of King Stephen. 30 William of Newborough, borne at the beginning of King Stephen's Reign, writ a History of the English Nation, and bitterly inveighes against Geoffrey of Monmouth, as a Deviser of Fables. 31 Sylvester Gyraldus, borne in Wales, and thereof called Cambrensis; after long travail abroad was called home, and made Secretary to King Henry the Second; and after was sent Tutor to his Son John into Ireland; he writ the History of that Nation very tightly; also an Itinerarium of Wales and Britain; the Life of Henry the Second; the Acts of King John, and a Chronicle of the English Nation, and lived about the year 1190. in the times of King Richard the First, and King John. 32 John of Hagulstad, a Town in the North, a Benedictine Monk in Durham, writ the most memorable things, from the ninth year of King Henry the Second, to the first year of King Richard the first, in whose time he lived, about the year 1190. 33 Roger Hoveden, a Priest of Oxford, writ the Annals of the Kings of England, and the memorable passages under the Romans, Picts, Saxons, Danes, and Normans; he lived in the time of King Richard the first, and died in the time of King John. 34 Johannes Tilberiensis, a secular Priest, writ a History of the English Nation; and lived in the time of King Richard the first. 35 Richardus Canonicus, traveled with King Richard the first into Palestine; and writ of his journey and Acts there. 36 Aluredus Rivallensis, or de Rivallis, a Cistersian Monk, in the Diocese of York, writ the Life of Edward King of England, and David King of Scots, and died in the year 1166. 37 Simon Dunelmensis, a Benedictine Monk, writ a History of the English Nation, from the death of Venerable Bede, to the year 1164. and lived in the time of King Henry the second. 38 John de Oxenford, first Dean of Salisbury, and after Bishop of Norwich, writ the British History, and continued it to his own time; wherein he agreeth much with Geoffry of Monmouth; and lived about the year 1174. in the tim● of King Henry the second. 39 Johannes Sarisberiensis, writ an excellent Book De Nugis Curialium; and lived about the year 1182. in the time of King Henry the second. 40 Gulielmus Parvus, a Canon Regular in the Province of York, writ a History of the Norman Kings; and li●ed about the year● 1216. in the time of King John. 41 Johannes Campobellus, a Scotch man writ the History of the Scots, from the first Original of the Nation to his own time: and lived in the year 1260. 42 John Breton an Englishman, Bishop of Hereford, writ a Book De Juribus Anglicanis, and lived in the year 1270. in the time of King Henry the third. 43 Thomas Wyke an Englishman, a Canon Regular of Osney near Oxford, writ a short History from the coming in of William the Conqueror to his own time, and lived in the year 1290. in the time of King Edward the first. 44 Thomas Langford an Englishman, a Dominican Friar of Chemsford in Essex, writ an Universal Chronicle, from the beginning of the world to his own time, and lived in the year 1320. in the time of King Edward the second. 45 Radulphus de Rizeto an Englishman, writ a Chronicle of the English Nation, and lived about the year 1210. in the time of King John. 46 Robertus Montensis, a benedictine Monk, writ a Chronicle from the year 1112. to the year 1210. at which time he lived. 47 Johannes Burgensis an Englishman, a benedictine Monk, writ Annals of the English Nation. 48 Thomas Spot●ey an Englishman, a benedictine Friar of Canterbury, writ the Chronicles of Canterbury, and lived about the time of King Edward the second. 49 Matthaeus Westmonasteriensis, called Florilegus, for collecting Flores Historiarum, chiefly of Bri●aine, containing from the beginning of the world to the year 1307. about which time he lived. 50 Ranulphus Higden, a benedictine Monk of Chester, writ a Book which he called Polychronicon, containing from the beginning of the world to the sixteenth year of King Edward the third in whose time he lived. 51 Matthew Paris, a benedictine Monk of Saint Alban, writ a History, chiefly Ecclesiastical, of the English Nation, from William the Conqueror, to the last year of King Henry the third, and lived about the time of King Edward the third. 52 William Pachenton an Englishman, writ a History of the English Nation, and lived about the tim● of King Edward the third. 53 Bartholmeus Anglicus, a Franciscan Friar, writ a Book Entitled De Proprietatibus rerum, and a Chronicle of the Scots, and lived in the year 1360. in the time of King Edward the third. 54 Nicholas Trivet, borne in Norfolk, of a worshipful Family, became a Domidican Friar, writ many excellent works in Divinity and Philosophy; also Annals of the English Kings, from King Stephen, to King Edward the second, and lived in the year 1307. in the time of King Edward the third. 55. Alexander Essebiensis Pryor of a Monastery of Regular Canons, writ divers learned works, amongst other an Epitome of the British History: and lived in the year 1360. in the time of King Edward the third. 56 John Froyssart borne in the Low Countries, writ a Chronicle in the French tongue, containing seventy four years; Namely, beginning with King Edward the third, and ●nding with King Henry the fourth, in whose time he lived; whose Chronicle, Sir John Bourchier knight translated into English, and John Sleyden a French man hath lately contracted into an Epitome. 57 Thomas de la Moor, borne in Glocestershire, in the time of King Edward the first, by whom as having twenty pounds' land, holden by knight's service, he was made a Knight, and afterward being very inward with King Edward the second, writ a History of his life and death. 58 Thomas Rodbourne an Englishman, and a Bishop, writ a Chronicle of his Nation, and lived in the year 1412. in the time of King Henry the fourth. 59 John Trevisa borne in Glocestershire, a Priest, translated Polychronicon into English, adding to it an Eighth Book, Entitled De Memorabilibus eorum temporum, containing from the year 1342. to the year 1460. He writ also of the Acts of King Arthur, and Descriptions both of Britain and Ireland, and lived in the time of King Edward the fourth. 60 John Harding a Gentleman of a good Family in the North, writ a Chronicle in verse, of the Kings of England, to the Reign of King Edward the fourth; wherein he allegeth many Records, which he had got in Scotland, that testify the Scottish Kings submissions to the Kings of England he lived in the year 1448. in the time of King Henry the sixth. 61 John Capgrave, borne in Kent, an Hermit Friar, writ many learned works in Divinity, and a Catalogue of the English Saints, and lived in the year. 1464. in the time of King Edward the fourth. 62 John Lydgate, Monk of Saint Edmundsbury in Suffolk, writ divers works in verse, and some in prose: as the lives of King Edward, and King Ethelstan, of the round Table of King Arthur, and lived in the year 1470. in the time of King Edward the fourth. 63 John Weathamstead, Abbot of Saint Alban, in his work of English Affairs, accuseth Geoffrey of Monmouth, of mere Fabulousnesse, and lived about the year 1440. 64 Gulielmus Elphinston a Scotchman, Bishop of Aberdene, writ the Antiquities of Scotland, and the Statutes of Counsels, and lived in the year 1480. in the time of James the third King of Scotland. 65 George Buchanan a Scotchman, writ the story of Scotland from Fergusius, to Queen Mary, in whose time he lived. 66 William Caxton an Englishman, writ a Chronicle to the three and twentyeth year of King Edward the Fourth, which he calls Fructus Temporum: also a Description of Britain, the life of Saint Edward, and the History of King Arthur, and lived in the year 1484. 67 Thomas Walsingham borne in Norfolk, a Benedictine Monk of Saint Alban, writ two Histories; One shorter, the other larger; the first beginning from the year 1273. and continued to the year 1423. The other, beginning at the coming in of the Normans, and continued to the beginning of King Henry the sixth, to whom he Dedicated his work. 68 Robert Fabian a Sheriff of London, writ a Concordance of Histories, from Brute the first King of the Britain's, to the last year of King Henry the second; and another work from King Richard the first, to King Henry the seventh, in whose time he lived. 69 Sir Thomas Moor borne in London, Lord Chancellor of England; besides many other learned works, writ the Life of King Richard the third; and died for denying the King's Supremacy, in the Reign of King Henry the Eight, in the year 1535. 70 Hector Boethius a Scotchman, writ a Catalogue and History of the Kings of Scotland: also a Description of that kingdom, and lived in the year 1526. in the time of James the fifth, King of Scotland. 71 Polydore Virgil, an Italian, but made here in England archdeacon of Wells; amongst other his learned works, writ the History of England, from its first beginning, to the thirtyeth year of King Henry the Eighth, to whom he Dedicated his Worke. 72 Edward Hall a Lawyer, writ a Chronicle which he calls the Union of the two Roses, the Red and the White, containing from the beginning of King Henry the fourth, to the last year of King Henry the eighth, and died in the year 1547. 73 John Leland, a Londoner, amongst divers other works, writ a Book of the Antiquity of Britain, and of the famous men and Bishops in it, and lived in the year 1546. in the time of King Henry the Eighth. 74 John Rogers, first a Papist, and afterward a Protestant, amongst other his learned works writ a History from the beginning of the world; and lived most in Germany, in the year 1548. in the time of King Edward the sixth. 75 Philip Commines, a knight of Flanders, writ the lives of Lewis & Charles the Eighth, Kings of France, wherein he handles many passages between them and the Kings of England their contemporaries. Of the Modern, These: 76 Richard Grafton a Citizen of London, writ a Chronicle from the beginning of the world, to the beginning of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, in whose time he lived. 77 Raphaell Holinshed, a Minister, writ a large Chronicle, from the Conquest to the year 1577. and was continued by others, to the year 1586. 78 Doctor Goodwin Bishop of Hereford, writ the Lives of King Henry the eight, King Edward the sixth, and Queen Marry, & lived in the time of Qu. Elizabeth 79 Doctor Heyward writ the History of the first Kings, William the Conqueror, William Rufus, and Henry the first, also the Reign of King Henry the fourth, and Edward the sixth, and lived to the time of King James. 80 Samuel Daniel writ a Chronicle of the Kings of England, to the end of King Edward the third, and is continued by John Trussell to the beginning of King Henry the seventh. 81 Sir Francis Bacon Viscount, Viscount S. Alban, hath written a History of the Reign of King Henry the seventh, in a most elegant stile, and lived in the time of King James. 82 John Fox writ three large Volumes of the Acts and Monuments of the Church; particularly treating of the English Martyrs in the Reigns of King Henry the eighth, and Queen Mary, and lived in the time of Queen Elizabeth. 83 Thomas Cowper, Bishop of Winchester, writ Chronicle Notes of all Nations, specially of England, from the beginning of the world to his own time, and lived in the time of Queen Elizabeth. 84 William Camden King at Arms, writ the life of Queen Elizabeth, and a Description of Britain, and lived in the time of King James. 85 William Martin Esquire, writ the Reigns of the Kings of England, from William the Conqueror, to the end of King Henry the eighth: to which was afterward added the Reigns of King Edward the sixth, Queen Marry, and Queen Elizabeth. 86 Francis Biondi an Italian Gentleman, and of the Privy Chamber to King Charles, hath written in the Italian tongue, the Civil Wars between the two Houses of Lancaster and York, from King Richard the second, to King Henry the seventh: Translated elegantly into English by Henry Earl of Monmouth, now living. 87 Henry Isaacson a Londoner, hath written a Chronology of all kingdoms, from the beginning of the world to the year 1630. being the fifth year of King Charles his Reign. 88 Nicholas Harpsefield archdeacon of Canterbury, hath written a Chronicle of all the Bishops of England, to which Edmund Campian the jesuit, made an Addition. 89 John Stow Citizen of London, writ a Chronicle from Brute to the end of Qu. Elizabeth, and is continued to this present time, being the 18. year of King Charles, by Edmund Howes a Londoner. 90 John Speed a Londoner, writ the Story of Britain, from the first beginning to the year 1605. being the second year of King James. 91 William Abington Esquire, hath written the Reign of King Edward the fourth in a very fine stile, and is yet living. 92 Thomas Fuller Bachelor of Divinity, and Prebendary of Sarum, hath written the Holy War in very fine language, wherein he relates the Acts of our Kings of England in the Holy Land, and is now living. 93 Andre du Chesne, a Frenchman, Geographer to the King of France, hath written the History of England, Scotland & Ireland, from their first beginnings, to the seventeenth year of our present Sovereign Lord King Charles. The end of the Catalogue of Authors. A CHRONICLE OF THE KINGS OF ENGLAND from the time of the Romans Government, unto the Reign of King CHARLES. Of the first known times of this Island. ALthough we begin the Aera of our Computation from William called the Conqueror, as though he were the first King of our English Nation: Yet before him; were many other excellent Kings; and their Acts perhaps as worthy to be known, if they could be known. But seeing after ages can know nothing of former times but what is Recorded by writing: It hath followed that as the first Writers were Poets: So the first writings have been Fictions; and nothing is delivered to Posterity of the most ancient times, but very Fables: Such as is the story of Albina (of whom they say, this Island was called Albion: though others say, ab albis rupibus, of the white cliffs) that she should be● the eldest of the two and thirty daughters of Dioclesian King of Syria, (such as never was) who being married to two and thirty Kings, in one night killed all their husbands: for which fact, they were put in a ship, themselves alone without any Pylo●, so to try their adventure, and by chance arrived in this Island, of whom Giants were begotten. And if you like not of this; then have you the story of Albion the son of Neptune, of whom the Island took its name. But when these are exploded; there follows another with great Attestation, and yet as very a Fable as these; namely the story of the Trojan Brute, (of whom the Island they say, was called Britain: though many other causes are given of the name:) as likewise the story of Brutus' cousin Corinaeus, (of whom they say, the Country of Cornwall had its name, to whom it was given, for overcoming the Giant Gogmagog:) and that Brute having three sons, Lectrine, Albanact, and Camber; he gave at his death to his eldest son Locrine, all the land on this side Humber, and called it Lo●gria; to his second son Albanact, all the land beyond Humber, of whom it was called Albania, (now Scotland:) and to his youngest son Camber, all the land beyond the river of Severne, of whom it was called Cambria, (now Wales:) with other such stuff, which may please children, but not riper Judgements; and were first broached by Geoffry Archdeacon of Monmouth: for which all the Writers of his time cried shame upon him; and yet can scarce keep many at this day, from giving credit to his Fictions. And when we are once gotten out of Fables, and come to some truth; yet that truth is delivered in such slender draughts, and such broken pieces, that very small benefit can be gotten by the knowing it, and was not till the time of julius Caesar, a thousand years after the Fable of Brute: at which time, the Island was yet but in manner of a Village, being without Walls, as having no shipping, (which are indeed the true Walls of an Island) but only certain small vessels, made of boards and wicker. And as they had no ships, for defence without: So neither had they any Forts, for defence within: scarce any houses but such as were made of stakes and boughs of trees fastened together; Neither was it yet come to be a Kingdom, but was Governed by a number of petty Rulers: So as Kent only had in it (as Caesar calleth them) four Kings; Cingetorix, Carvilius, Taximagulus, and Segonax: which division, as it made the Britain's the more easy to be conquered, so it made the Romans the longer in conquering. For if they had been one united body, one or two battles might have made a conquest of the whole, where being thus divided, there was need to be as many battles as there were divisions; So as it was many years, before the Romans could conquer the whole Island; even from the time of julius Caesar, to the time of the Emperor Domitian; not much less than two hundred years. It is true, after Caesar's first coming, the Island grew sensible of this defect of their division, and thereupon by consent of a great part, made choice of Cassibelan, King of the Trinovants, who had his seat at Verulam, to be General of their wars; which made indeed some little stop to the Romans proceedings, but after the loss of a battle or two, they fell again into a relapse of their former defect, and thought it better to secure every one his own, by his own means, then by a general power, to hazard all at once; whereby it came afterward to be true: Dum singuli pugnant, universi vincuntur. Yet before the Country could be wholly Conquered; at first by reason of the Nations valour, seeking to keep themselves free, and afterward by reason of the insolency of the garrison soldiers, that sought to make them slaves, many great oppositions were made, amongst which the most memorable was that of Voadicia, a certain Queen of the Country, who having been by the Roman soldiers herself abused, and her daughters ravished, used means to levy an Army of six score thousand men, whom she led herself into the field, and set upon the Romans in their chief towns, which were London, Verulam, and Camalodunum (now Malden in Essex;) of whom she flew above seventy thousand: but then in a second battle, had fourscore thousand of her own Army slain, after which defeat, for avoiding of slavery, she poisoned herself. This Island for a long time, was so much esteemed of the Romans, that their Emperors sometimes came hither in person; as first the Emperor Adrian, in the year 124. who made a great wall of earth between England and Scotland, and having set the Country in order, returned. After him sometime, Severus the Emperor in the year 212. came over into Brit●ine to repress the Incur●ions of the Picts and Scots, by whom in a battle near York, he was wounded and thereof died, or as others say, he died of age and sickness. Afterward in the year 305. Constantius the Emperor came into Britain, and ended his life at York, making that City famous for the death and burial of two great Emperors; and yet more famous for the honour done to Constantine the Great, son of Constantius, who in that City was first saluted Emperor. But notwithstanding the great estimation the Romans a long time made of this Island, yet at last, after five hundred years they had kept it in subjection, they voluntarily left it: the charge of keeping it, being greater, than the benefit; for to keep it in subjection, they maintained no fewer than fourscore thousand soldiers in pay, and when wars grew amongst themselves at home, they could no longer spare so many abroad, but recalled them home: but then, though they left Britain, yet they left not the Britain's, but carried them, at least, a great part of them away with them; of whom the most were slain in their service, and the rest planted in that part of France, which of them was afterward, and is to this day called Britain. And now one would think, the Island should be in good case, being freed from them that kept them in subjection, but it proved to be in worse case being at liberty, than it was before in servitude, for being deprived of their ablest men, and at the same time, their King Lucius happening to die without issue, they were left as a few loose sticks without the bond of a Governor: which the Picts and Scots observing, thought now was the time to make the Country their own, and thereupon made invasions upon it with all their Forces. Whereupon the Britain's having none left of their Native Kings to succeed; and knowing they could ill manage the Body of an Army without a Head: they make choice of Vortigerne Earl of Cornwall, one extracted from the British Line; and he, whether so advised by his Cabinet Counsellor, the Prophetical Merlin, or as finding his own strength too weak to make resistance; implores first aid of the Romans, and they making answer, they had business enough to do of their own, and leaving them to themselves, he then fled to the Saxons for aid; a warlike people of Germany, and who had greater swarms than their hives would well hold. And here we may plainly see how dangerous a thing it is for a Nation, to call in strangers to their aid, and especially in any great number; for though they come at first but mercenaries, yet once admitted, and finding their own strength, they soon grow Masters, as here it proved with the Saxons. But before we speak further of the coming in of the Saxons, who were at that time Infidels, and brought with them their two Idols, Woden and Frya, (whereof two of our week days, Wednesday and Friday, take their names; it will be fit to say something of the state of the Christian Church in this Island. First then, it is recorded, that in the year 63. what time Arviragus reigned here, joseph of Arim●thea (who buried the body of Christ) came into this Island, and laid the foundation of the Christian Faith in the Western parts, at a place called then Hvalon; now Glastenbury; and that there came with him, Marry Magdalen, Lazarus, and Martha: and more than this, that Simon Zelotes one of the Apostles suffered martyrdom here in Britain: and more than this, that both St. Peter and St. Paul came into this Island and Preached the Gospel; all which and more to this purpose, is Recorded by Authors of good Account: though it be hard believing, That persons, and specially women of so great age, as these must needs be at this time, should take so long a journey. But howsoever it was, certain it is, that the doctrine of Christianity was about this time planted in this Island, though it made afterwards but small progress, and that with some persecution; as in which time, St. Alban suffered martyrdom at Verulam, and at Lichfield shortly after, no fewer than a thousand. After this, in the year 180 what time Lucius was King of this Island, Eleutherius then Bishop of Rome, sent Faganus and Damianus to him: upon whose preaching, the Temples of the Heathenish Flamens and Archflamins (one and thirty in number) were converted to so many Bishops Sees; whereof London, York, and Caerleyn (now St. david's) were made the Metropolitans of the Province. And there is a Table remaining at this day, in the Parish Church of St. Peter on Cornhill London, which recordeth; that the Foundation thereof was laid by this King Lucius, and that this Church was the Cathedral to that Archbishops See. In the year 359. a Council was holden at Ariminum in Italy; where four hundred Western Bishops were Assembled, whereof three went out of Britain, and gave their voices against the Arian Heresy. After this, about the year 420. rose up in this Island, one Pelagius a Monk, brought up in the Monastery of Bangor in Wales, who spread the poison of his Heresy, first in this his Native Country, and afterward all the world over. And these had been the chief passages in matters Ecclesiastical within this Island, when the Saxons were called in, about the year 450. And now under the Conduct of two brothers, Hengist and Horsa, came over nine thousand Saxons with their wives and children, to a●●ist the Britain's against the Scots, and were appointed the Isle of Thanet to Inhabit. With which assistance the Britain's give their enemy's battle, and overcome them: So as they accounted the Saxons as Angels sent from heaven, and then allowed them Kent also fo● their Inhabiting. Not long after Hengist obtained of King Vortigern the property of so much ground, as he could enclose with a Bulls Hide: which cutting into thongs, he there built the Castle, Facti de nomine, called Thong Castle. And now having built it he invites V●rtigern to a Feast, where falling in love with Rowena, the beautiful daughter of Hengist, and marrying her, it put Hengist into such a height of boldness, that he began to aspire, sending for greater Forces to come over to him; as meaning to transplant himself hither, and to make this Island his Inheritance: which the British Lords perceiving, and not able to wean their King from his new wife, and her father Hengist, they Depose him; and in his place set up his son Vortimer, a true lover of his Country: who presently in a pitched battle near unto Aylesford in Kent, set upon the Saxons; where Catigern the brother of Vor●imer, and H●rs●, of Hengist, in single ●ight hand to hand slew each other. In which place Catigern was buried, and a Monument in memory of him Erected, the stones whereof at this day are standing in a great Plain in the Parish of Aylesford; which instead of Catigern, is corruptly called Kits-Cotyhouse. Another the like Monument was erected for Hors●, though now defaced; remembered only by the Town where it stood, called Horstead. Three other battles after this were fought between the Britain's and the Saxons: one at Craford; another at Weppeds-fleete; the third upon Colmore: in which last, the Britain's got so great a victory, that the Saxons were clean driven out of Kent, and in Thanet also not suffered also to rest; so as shortly after, Hengist with his Saxons departed the Kingdom, as being now out of hope to make his Fortune in this Island. But while Vortimer was th●s intentive for his Country's liberty; Rowena the former King's wife, being daughter to Hengist, was as intentive to bring it into servitude; which knowing she could not do as long as Vortimer lived, she used means by poison, to take away his life, after he had been King the space of four years, and then by the witchcraft of fair words, so enchanted the British Nobility, that her husband Vortigern was again established in the Kingdom; which was no sooner don●, but Hengist, (relying upon his son Vortigerns love) with a mighty Army attempts to return again into the Island; when being resisted, he makes a show, as if he desired nothing but to fetch away his daughter Rowena, and to have a friendly conference for continuance of amity: which motion seeming reasonable, a place and time of conference was appointed: the time upon the first of May; the place upon the Plain of Ambrii, now called Salisbury; whither the plain meaning Britain's came unarmed, according to agreement; but the fraudulent Saxons under their long Cassocks had short skeynes hidden, with which, upon a watchword given, they set upon the Britain's, and of their unarmed Nobility slew three, some say five hundred, & took the King himself prisoner, whom they would not release, till they were put in possession of these four Counties, Kent, Sussex, Suffolk, and Norfolk. Whereupon Vortigern, whether fearing a second Deposing, or whether so advised by his Cabinet counsellor the Prophetical Merlin, betook him into Wales, and there built him a strong Castle for his safeguard; while the Saxons coming daily in great swarms into the Land, had at this time overrun all; if Aurelius Ambrose a Roman borne, but affected to the British Nation, had not landed at To●nes in Devonshire, to whom resorted great troops of Britain's. His first expedition was against Vortigern, (as the first cause of the Britain's misery) whose Castle he besieged; and whether by wild fire, or by fire from Heaven, both he and his Castle, and all that were in it were burnt to ashes. To this Ambrose is ascribed the admirable Monument in Wiltshire, now called Stoneh●●ge, in the place where the Bri●aines had been treacherously slaughtered and interred; and of whom the Town of Ambersbury bears its name. After this he set upon the Saxons, and in many batrailes discomfited them; till at last falling sick in the City of Winchester, a Saxon, in show a Britain, and in habit a Physician, was sent unto him, who instead of Physic, ministered poison, whereof he died, in the year 497. after he had reigned two and thirty years. After Ambrose, succeeded Uter, (some say his brother, others, a Britain) called Pendragon, of his Royal Banner borne ever before him; wherein was portrayed a Dragon with a golden Head, as in our English Camps, it is at this day borne for the Imperial standard. And he also in many battles discomfited the Saxons, till after eighteen years' Reign he came to his end by treachery; dying by poison put into a Well, whereof he usually drank; in the year 515. After him succeeded his son Arthur, begotten of the fair Lady Igren, wife of the Duke of Cornwall, to whose bed the Art of Merlin brought him in the likeness of her husband; and he in t●elve set battles discomfited the Saxons; but in one most memorable in which gi●ding himself with his sword called Callibourne, he flew upon his Enemies, and with his own hand slew eight hundred of them; which is but one of his wonderful deeds, whereof there are so many reported, that he might well be reckoned amongst the Fabulous, if there were not ●now true to give them credit. Amongst other his Acts, he Instituted the Order of Knights of the Round Table, to the end there might be no question about Precedence, and to teach Heroical minds, nor to stand upon place, but Merit. But this great Prince, for all his great valour, was at last in a battle wounded, whereof he died, in the year 542. after he had reigned six and twenty years. After King Arthur succeeded his cousin Constantine; & after his three years' reign, Aurelius Conanus the Nephew of King Arthur; whose Reign is so uncertain, that some say, he reigned only two, some, three years, some again thirty, and some three and thirty. After Conanus succeeded Vortiporus, who after many victories against the Saxons, and four years' Reign, died. After whom succeeded Malgo Conanus, and Reigned six years. After him Careticus, who setting upon the Saxons and beaten, ●led into the Town of Chichester, whereupon the Saxons catching certain Sparrows and fastening fire to their feet, let them fly into the Town, where lighting upon straw, and other matter apt to take fire, the whole City in short space was burnt; and thereupon Careticus flying, secured himself amongst the Mountains of Wales, where he died, after he had unprosperously Reigned three years: and from that time forth, the Britain's lost their whole Kingdom in the East part of the Island, and were confined in the West by the river's Severne and Dee. After Careticus succeeded Cadwan, who Reigned two and twenty years. After him his son Cadwallo, who Reigned eight and forty years, and then died; whose body was buried in St. Martin's Church near Ludgate, and his Image of brass placed upon the same gate, for a terror to the Saxons. In his time, the doctrine of Mahomet began to spread itself all the Eastern world over. After Cadwallo succeeded his son Cadwalladar; in whose time so great a Famine, and afterward Mortality happened, continuing eleven years, that the Land became in a manner desolate: in so much, that the King and many of his Lords were driven to forsake their native Country, and Cadwalladar himself went to his cousin Alan King of little Britain in France. At which time the Saxons taking advantage of his absence, came over in swarms, and dispossessed the forlorn Britain's of all they had, and divided the Land amongst themselves. Whereupon Cadwalladar, obtaining assistance of his cousin Alan, was coming over to restrain their insolences; when making prayers to God for good success, an Angel appeared to him, or at least to his seeming he heard a voice, that forbade him the enterprise, declaring that it was not Gods will, the Britain's should rule this Land any longer, and therefore bade him high him to Rome, and receive of Pope Sergius the habit of Religion, wherein he should die and rest in peace. Which accordingly he did: and in him ended the blood of the British Kings; in the year 689. So as Britain now, was no longer Brit●ine; but a Colony of the Saxons. And now is time to speak of the Heptarchy of the Saxons; so much spoken of, by all Writers● and to show by what degrees the Britai●es lost, and the Saxons got the whole possession of this Island: for this Heptarchy or division of this Island into seven Kingdoms, came not in all at once, nor yet in an equal partition, but some good distance of time, one after another, and as the Invadour had strength to expel the Natives. The first Kingdom being of Kent. THe first Kingdom of the Saxons began by Hengist, in the year 455. containing all Kent, and continued 372. years, during the reigns of seventeen Kings, of whom as many as performed any memorable Act, shall be remembered, and for the rest, it will be no loss to pass them over in silence. Of these seventeen Kings, Ethelbert being the fifth, was the first Saxon Christian King of this Island, converted by Austin the Monk, whom Pope Gregory sent hither to that purpose, with forty others, in the year 595. to whom King Ethelbert gave his chief City of Canterbury, and his own Royal Palace there, made since the Cathedral of that See; withdrawing himself to Re●ulver in the Isle of Thanet, where he erected a Palace for himself and his successors. He gave him also an old Temple, standing without the East wall of the City, which he honoured with the name of St. Paneras, and then added a Monastery to it, and Dedicated it to St. Peter and Paul, appointing it to be the place for the Kentish Kings Sepulchers. But in regard of Austin the procurer, both Pan●ras, Peter, and Paul were soon forgotten, and it was; and is to this day, called St. Austin's: which Abbey St. Austin enriched with divers Relics which he brought with him from Rome; amongst which was a part of Christ's seamelesse Coat, and of Aaron's Rod. This King after his own conversion, converted also Sebert King of the East Angles, and assisted him in the building of the Cathedral Church o● St. Paul London; as also the Church of St. Peter, on the West of London, then called Thorny: and himself at Rochester built the Cathedral Church there, which he Dedicated to the Apostle St. Andrew; and dying, when he had Reigned six and fifty years, was buried at Canterbury. And thus by this first Saxon Kingdom, was all Kent lopped off from the Britain's Dominion; and this was their first impairing, and this happened in the Reign of Ambrose before spoken of. The sixth King of Kent was Ethelbald; who at first an Apostata, was afterwards converted, and built a Chapel within the Monastery of St. Peter and Paul at Canterbury. The seventh King was Ercombert, a virtuous and religious Prince, who first commanded the observing of Lent; and in his days, the Archbishop Honorius divided Kent into Parishes. The eighth King was Egbert, who obtained the kingdom by murdering his Nephews: whose sister the Lady Dompnena, founded the Abbey of Minster in Kent. The eleventh King was Withered, who founded the Priory of St. Merton at Dover. The last was Baldred, who overcome by Egbert King of the West Saxons, left Kent a Province to that Kingdom, in the year 827. The second Kingdom being of the South Saxons. THe second Kingdom of the Heptarchy, was of the South Saxons, and began by Ella, in the year 488. containing Sussex and Surrey, and continued 113 years, during the reign of five Kings only, of whom Cissa being the second founded the City of Chichester, and reigned as some say threescore and sixteen years. And then Berthan being the last King, was overcome by Ine King of the West Saxons, and his Country became a Province to that Kingdom, in the year 601. and thus as Kent before, so now Sussex and Surrey were lopped off from the Britain's Dominion: and this was a second impairing, which also happened in the Reign of the British King Ambrose. The third Kingdom being of the West Saxons. THe third Kingdom of the Heptarchy, was of the West Saxons, and began by Cerdic, in the year 519. containing Cornwall, Devonshire, Dorse●shire, Somersetshire, Wiltshire, Hampshire, and Berkshire, and continued 561. years, during the Reigns of nineteen Kings, of whom this Cerdic was the first: in whose time, Porth a Saxon landed in the West, at a place from him called afterward Portesmouth, and aided Cerdic in his conquest. And this happened in the Reign of King Arthur: and as Kent, Sussex, and Surrey before, so now these seven other shires were lopped off from the Britain's Dominion: and this was a third impairing. The sixth King of the West Saxons was Kingills, who was the first Christian King of this kingdom, converted by Berynus an Italian Divine, to whom he gave the City of Dorchester, near to Oxford; who therein erected his Episcopal See. The seventh King was Kenwald, who at first an Apostata was afterward converted, and founded the Cathedral of Winchester, and the Abbey of Mamesbery; whose wife Segburg also built a house of devotion in the Isle of Sheppey, wherein herself became a Nun, and was afterward elected Abbess of Ely. The eleventh King was Ine, who ordained many good laws, which are yet extant in the Saxon tongue, and are translated into Latin, by the learned Master William Lambert. This King built a College at Wells bearing the name of St. Andrews, which afterward King Kenulph made an Episcopal See. He also in most stately manner new built the Abbey of Glastenbery; and out of his devotion to the See of Rome, he enjoined every one of his Subjects, that possessed in his house of any one kind of goods to the value of nineteen pence, to pay yearly upon Lammas day, one penny to the Pope; which at first was contributed under the name of the King's Alms, but afterward was paid by the name of Peter pence. At last he went to Rome, and there took upon him the habit of Religion, and therein died. His wife also became a veiled Nun, and afterward was made Abbess of Barking near London. The thirteenth King was Cuthred, who first permitted the bodies of the dead to be buried within the walls of their Cities, which before were used to be buried in the fields. The foureteenth was Sigebert, who for his cruelty and exactions, was by his subjects forced to fly into the woods to hide himself, where by a swinherd he was slain. The fifteenth was Kenwolph, who founded the Cathedral Church of St. Andrews at Wells, and was afterward slain by Kynoard, whom he had banished. The sixteenth King was Brithrick, whose Queen Ethelburg, having prepared a poison for another, the King chanced to taste it, and thereof died. In fear of which chance the Queen fled into France; where Charles the then King for her excellent beauty, offered her the choice of himself or his son in marriage: but she out of her lustful humour choosing the son, was thereupon debarred of both, and thrust into a Monastery, where committing adultery, she was driven from thence, and ended her life in great misery. For her sake the West Saxons ordained a Law, that no King's wife should hereafter have the Title or Majesty of a Queen, which for many years after was severely executed. The fourth Kingdom being of the East Saxons. THe fourth Kingdom of the Heptarchy was of the East Saxons, & began by Erchenwyn, in the year 527. containing Essex and Middlesex, and continued 281 years, during the Reigns of fourteen Kings; of whom the third was Sebert, who first built the Cathedral of St. Paul London, which had formerly been the Temple of Diana: He likewise Founded the Church of St. Peter in the West of London, at a place called Thorny, where some time stood the Temple of Apollo, which being overthrown by an Earthquake, King Lucius new built for the service of God; & that again being decayed, this King restored to a greater beauty, & with his Queen Athelgarda was there buried. The ninth King was Sebba, who after thirty years peaceable Reign relinquished the Crown, & took upon him a Religious habit, in the Monastery of St. Paul London; where dying, his body was Intumbed in a Coffin of grey Marble, the cover coaped, and as yet standeth in the North wall of the Chancel of the same Church. The twelveth was Offa, famous for the beauty of his countenance, who both enlarged with buildings, and enriched with lands the Church of Westminster, and after eight years' Reign went to Rome, and was there shorn a Monk, and in that habit died. The fourteenth was Suthred, whom Egbert King of the West Saxons subdued, and made his Kingdom a Province to his own. And thus besides the former Shires, these two also were lopped off from the Britain's Dominion, and this was a fourth impairing. The fifth Kingdom being of Northumberland. THe fifth Kingdom was of Northumberland, and began by Ella and Ida, in the year 547. Containing Yorkshire, Durham, Lancashire, Westmoreland, Cumberland, and Northumberland, and continued 379. years, during the Reigns of three and twenty Kings, of whom nothing is recorded of these two first, but that they builded the Castle of Bamburg. The seventh King was Ethelfryd, who at Caerlegion (now Westchester) made a slaughter of twelve hundred Christian Monks, and was himself afterward slain, by Redwald King of the East Angles. The thirteenth King was Osred, whose wife Cutburga, out of a loathing weariness of wedlock, sued out a divorce from her husband, and built a Nunnery at Winburne in Dorsetshire, where in a Religious habit she ended her life. The sixteenth King was Cednulph, who after eight years' Reign, left his Royal robes, and put on the habit of a Monk, in the Isle of Lindesfern or Holy Island. Unto this King the Venerable B●de, a Saxon and a Priest in the Monastery of Peter and Paul at Werimouth near to Durham, Dedicate● his work of the English History, which he continued from the first entrance of the Saxons into this Island, to the year 731. containing after his own account 285. years. The seventeenth King was Egbert, who after twenty years' Reign forsook the world also, and shore himself a Monk; whose-brother being Archbishop of York, erected a notable Library there, and stored it with an infinite number of learned books. The last King was Oswald, after whom this Kingdom yielded to the protection of Egbert King of the West Saxons, who was now in the year 926. become absolute Monarch of the whole Island. And thus by the erection of this fifth Kingdom, were the six Northern shires lopped off from the Britain's Dominion, and this was a fifth impairing. The sixth Kingdom being of Mercia. THe sixth Kingdom was of Mercia, and began in Crida, in the year 522. containing Huntingdon, Rutland, Lincoln, Nottingham, Warwickshire, Leycester, Northampton, Derbyshire, Oxfordshire, Cheshire, Shropshire, Glostershire, Staffordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, and Hartfordshire, and continued 202. years, during the Reigns of twenty Kings; eight of whom in a continued succession kept the Imperial Crown of the Heptarchy: for though other Reigned as Kings in their own Territories, yet among them ever one was the supreme head of the rest, and was called King of Englelond, till Egbert the West Saxon brought them all into one. The fifth of these Kings of Mercia was Penda, who was the first Christian King of the Mercians, and laid the Foundation of a fair Church at Medeshamstead, now called Peterborough. The seventh King was Ethelred, who Reigned thirty years, ●nd then gave over the Crown, and became a Monk in the Monastery of Bradney in Lincolnshire, where in the year 716. he died. The eighth King was Kenred, who after four years' reign went to Rome, where he took upon him the habit of a Monk, and after other four years died. The tenth King was Ethelbald, who at first was given to much lasciviousness of life, but being reprehended for it by Boniface Archbishop of Ments, was so far converted that he Founded the Monastery of Crowland, driving in mighty piles of Oak into that Marish ground, where he laid a great and goodly building of stone; and after two and forty years' Reign was slain in a battle by Cuthred King of the West Saxons. The eleventh King was Offa, who greatly enlarged his Dominions; reigned nine and thirty years, and Founded the Monastery of St. Alban. The thirteenth King was Kenwolph, who reigned two and twenty years, and Founded the Monastery of Winchcomb in the County of Gloucester, where his body was interred. The eighteenth King was Withlafe, who overcome by Egbert King of the West Saxons, held his Country afterward as his substitute and Tributary, acknowledging Egbert as now the sole Monarch of this Island. And by erection of this Mercian Kingdom, were seventeen shires mo●e lopped off from the Britain's Dominion, and was a sixth and a great impairing, so as now they were driven into a narrow room. The seventh Kingdom being of the East Angles. THe seventh Kingdom was of the East Angles, and began by Uffa, in the year 575. containing Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, and the Isle of Ely, and continued 353. years, during the reign of fifteen Kings, of whom the fifth was Sigebert, who first brought the light of the Gospel into his Dominions, and built a School for education of youth, but whether at Oxford or Cambridge, is left a Quaere; and after three years' Reign shore himself a Monk in the Abbey of Cumbreburg, which himself had built: but being afterward violently drawn from thence by his Subjects the East Angles, to resist the Mercian King Penda, and refusing to use any other weapon but only a white wand, was in a battle by him slain. The seventh King was Anna, who after thirteen years' reign, was also slain by Penda the Mercian King. This King Anna was memorable chief for the holiness of his children, of whom his son Erkenwald was Bishop of London, and built the Abbey of Barking near London. His eldest daughter Etheldrid was twice married, and yet continued a Virgin still, and at last became a Nun, and is remembered to posterity by the name of St. Audrie. His second daughter named Sexburg, his third named Ethelburg, his fourth (a Natural daughter) named Withburg: all entered into Monasteries, and are Canonised all for Saints. The foureteenth King was Ethelbert, a learned and religious Prince, who being invited by Offa the Mercian King to marry Elfrid his daughter, came for that purpose to Offa's Court, then seated at Sutton waleys in the County of Hereford, and there by him was cruelly murdered. In whose memorial notwithstanding, he afterward built a fair Church at Hereford, the Cathedral of that See, as though he could expiate a murder of the living, by a Monument to the dead, and were not rather a Monument of his own impiety. The fifteenth King was Edmund, who assaulted by the Danes for his possessions, was more assaulted for his profession: for continuing constant in his Christian Faith, those Pagans first beat him with bats, then scourged him with whips, ●nd lastly bound him to a stake, and with their arrows shot him to death; whose body was buried at the Town where Sigebert the East Anglian King, one of his Predecessors, had built a Church, and where afterward (in honour of him) was built another most spacious, of a wonderful frame of Timber, and the name of the Town upon the occasion of his burial there, called to this day St. Edmund's bury. This Church and place, Suenus the Danish King burnt to ashes: but when his son Canutus had gotten possession of the English Crown, terrified with a Vision of the seeming St. Edmund; in a religious devotion to expiate his Father's sacrilege, he built it anew most sumptuously, and offered his own Crown upon the Martyr's Tomb. After the death of this Edmund, the East Angel's Country was possessed by the Danes, and so continued the space of fifty years, until that Edmund surnamed the Elder, expelled those Danes, and made that Kingdom a Province to the West Saxons. By that which hath been said, it plainly appears, by what degrees the Britain's lost, and the Saxons got the whole possession of this Island. For after that Vortigern in the year 455. had called in the Saxons, every Britain King that succeeded him, lost some part or other of it to the Saxon●, till at last in the year 689. C●dw●llader the last Britain King lost all; and then the Saxon Kings striving amongst themselves for sovereignty, they still gained one upon another, till at last in the year 818 Egbert King of the West Saxons reduced them all under his subjection, and then caused all the South of the Island to be called England, according to the Angles of whom himself came; after whom they were no longer properly called Saxon Kings, but Kings of England, and so continued till the Danes, in the year 1017. made an interruption; of whose succession now comes the time to speak. Of the Saxons that Reigned sole Kings of this Island, and may properly be called English Kings. EGbert the eighteenth King of the West Saxons, is now become the first of the Kings of England, in whose time the Danes began first to infest the Land; as thinking they might do as much against the Saxons, as the Saxons had done against the Britain's; but though they made divers Invasions, and did great spoil, yet they were still repelled. This King reigned six and thirty years, and dying in the year 836. was buried at Winchester. Of his issue, his daughter Edith was made Governess of a Monastery of Ladies, by her planted in a place which the King her brother had given her, called Pollesworth, situate in Arden, in the North part of the County of Warwick, where she died and was buried, and the place in memory of her called St Edyths of Pollesworth. To Egbert succeeded his son Ethelwolph, who in his youth was so addicted to a Religious life, that he was first made Deacon, and after Bishop of Winchester; but his father dying, he was entreated by his people to take upon him the Crown, and by Pope Gregory the fourth, was to that end absolved of his Vow. His reign was infested with many and great Invasions of the Danes, to whom notwithstanding he gave incredible overthrows. In the time of his Reign, remembering his former Religious profession, he ordained that riches and lands due to holy Church, should be free from all Tribute or Regal services, and in great devotion went himself to Rome, where he lived a year; confirmed the grant of Peter pence, and agreed beside to pay yearly to Rome three hundred Marks. Returning home through France, and being a Widower, he there married judith, the beautiful daughter of Charles the Bald than Emperor; in honour of whom, in his own Court, he ever placed her in a chair of Estate, with all other Majestical compliments of a Queen, contrary to the Law of the West Saxons formerly made; which so much displeased his Lords, that for it they were ready to Depose him; but howsoever he lived not long after, having Reigned one and twenty years. His youngest son Neoto, was much addicted to learning, and was one of the first Divinity Readers in the University of Oxford, and Founded a Monastery in Cornwall, which of him was called Neotestock; and being dead his body was Interred in the County of Huntingdon, at a place then called Arnulphsbury, and afterward, in regard of his Interment, St. Neotes, and now St. N●edes. This King was famous, for having four sons, who all of them were Kings of this Land successively. First after him Reigned his eldest son Ethelbald, in the year 857. who to his eternal shame, took to wife judith his father's widow, Reigned but two years and dying, was buried at Shirborn in Dorsetshire, at that time the Episcopal See. From this judith, married afterward to the Earl of Flanders, after divers descents, came Maude the wife of William the Conqueror, from whom are descended all our Kings ever since. Next to the eldest Reigned the second son Ethelbert, all whose Reign, which was only five years, was perpetually disquieted with Invasions of the Danes, which yet were at last repelled. He died in the year 866. and was buried at Shirborne in Dorsetshire. Next to the second Reigned his third son Ethelred, whose Reign was more disquieted with the Danes then any others before: for they Invading the Land, under the leading of Hunger, and Hubba, spoilt all the Country as they went, not sparing Religious places; amongst other, the goodly Monasteries of Bradney, Crowland, Peterborough, Ely, and Huntingdon, they laid level with the ground: the Monks and Nuns they murdered or ravished; at which time a rare example of Chastity and Fortitude was seen in the Nuns of Coldingham. For to avoid the barbarous pollutions of these Pagans, they deformed themselves by cutting off their upper lips and noses. Nine battles in one year this King fought with the Danes, in most o● them victorious; but at last received a wound whereof he died, and was buried in the Church at Winborne in Dorsetshire. Next to the third Reigned his fourth son Alfred, in whose time came over greater swarms of Danes then ever before, and had now got footing in the North, the West, & South parts of this Island, leaving this King nothing of all his great Monarchy, but only Somerset, Hampton, and Wiltshire; and not these neither altogether free, so as he was forced sometimes to fly into the Fens and Marish grounds to secure himself, where he lived by Fishing and Fowling, and hunting of wild beasts, till at last learning policy from adversity, and gathering courage from misery, he ventured in the habit of a common Minstrel, to enter the Danes Camp; where having viewed the manner of their Encamping, and observed their security, he returned back, showing his Lords in what condition he found them: whereupon setting upon them at unawares, he not only made of them a great slaughter, but brought upon them a greater terror: for presently upon this the Danes sue for Peace, and deliver Hostages for performance of these Conditions; that their King should receive Baptism, and their great Army depart quietly out of the Land. But though upon this agreement they departed for the present into France, yet the year following they returned with greater Forces, foraging all parts of the Country in most cruel manner, though still encountered by this Valorous Prince, till he ended his life in the year 901. after he had Reigned nine and twenty years. The virtues of this King, if they were not incredible, they were at least admirable, whereof these may be instances. The day and night containing four and twenty hours, he designed equally to three special uses, observing them by the burning of a Taper set in his Chapel; (there being at that time, no other way of distinguishing them) Eight hours he spent in Contemplation, Reading and Prayers: Eight in provision for himself, his Health and Recreation: and the other eight in the Affairs of the Commonwealth and State. His Kingdom likewise he divided into Shires, Hundreds and tithings; ordaining that no man might remove out of his Hundred without security: by which course he so suppressed Thiefs and Robbers, which had formerly increased by the long wars, that it is said a boy or girl might openly carry a bag of gold or silver, and carry it safely all the Country over. Besides his great Piety, he was also learned; and ●s far as it may be a commendation in a Prince, a skilful Musician and an excellent Poet. All former Laws he caused to be survayed, and made choice of the best, which he translated into the English tongue; as also the Pastoral of St. Gregory, the History of Bede, and Boetius his consolation of Philosophy; the Psalms of David likewise he began to translate, but died before he could finish it. And so great a love he had to learning, that he made a Law, that all Freemen of the Kingdom, possessing two Hides of land, should bring up their sons in learning, till they were fifteen years of age at least, that so they might be trained to know God, to be men of understanding, and to live happily. His buildings were many, both for God's service and for other public use: as at Edlingsey a Monastery, at Winchester a new Minster, and at Shaftesb●ry a house of Nuns; whereof he made his daughter Ethelgeda the Abbess; but his Foundation of the University of Oxford, exceeded all the rest: which he began in the year 895. and to furnish it with able Scholars, drew thither out of France, Grimbaldus and Scotus, and out of Wales, Asser, (who wrote his life) whose Lectures he honoured often with his own presence. And for a stock of Frugality, he made a Survey of the Kingdom; and had all the particulars of his Estate, registered in a Book; which he kept in his Treasury at Winchester. He Reigned seven and twenty years, and dying was buried in the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter at Winchester, though removed afterward, into the Church of the new Monastery, without the Northgate of the City called Hide. His Wife Elsewith, Founded a Monastery of Nuns at Winchester, and was there buried. Their second daughter Ethelgeda, took upon her the Vow of Virginity; and by her Father's appointment was made a Nun of Shaftesbery, in the County of Dorset, in the Monastery ●ounded there by him, who is also accounted the Founder of the Town itself. King Alfred being deceased, his son Edward (called Edward the Elder) succeeded: not so learned as his Father; but in Valour his Equal, and Superior in Fortune. For, first, he overcame his Cousin Ethelwald, who aspired to the Crown; then the Danes, whose chief leader he ●lew in battle; lastly the Welsh; but these last, more by humility showed to their Prince Leolyn, then by force of A●mes. But yet he must not have all the glory of his time; some must be imparted to his sister elfled; who being married to Ethelred Earl of Mercia, had by him a daughter, but with so grievous pa●nes in her travail, that ever after she refused the nuptial bed of her Husband, saying, it was a foolish pleasure, that brought with it so excessive pains. And thereupon after her husband's death, made choice to follow the wars; assisting her brother both against the Welsh, and against the Danes, whom she brought to be at her disposing. Dying she was buried at Gloucester, in the Monastery of Saint Peter, which her Husband and herself had built. King Edw●rd himself, after four and twenty years' Reign, deceased at Faringdon in Berkshire, in the year 924. and was buried in the new Monastery of Winchester, which his Father began, and himself wholly finished: having had by his three Wives, six Sons and nine Daughters, of whom his eldest son Athelstan succeeded him in the kingdom, whom his Grandfather King Alfred had with his own hands Knighted● in an extraordinary manner; putting upon him a purple Robe, and girding him with a girdle wrought with Pearl. His second son Elfred, he so loved, that he caused him to be Crowned King with himself, which yet he enjoyed but a short time, being taken away by death. His third son Elsward, presently upon his Father's death, died himself also. His fourth son Edwin, was by his brother Athelstan, out of jealousy of state, put into a little Pinnace, without either Tackle or Oars, accompanied only with one Page; with grief whereof, the young Prince leapt into the Sea and drowned himself. His fifth, and sixth sons, Edmund, and Edred, came in succession to be Kings of England. Of his Daughters, the eldest Edytha, was married to Sithricke the Danish King of Northumberland, and he deceasing, she entered into a Monastery, which she began at Tamworth in Warwickshire, and there died. His second daughter Elflede, took upon her the vow of Virginity, in the Monastery of Ramsey, in the County of South-hampton, where she died and was interred. His third daughter Eguina, was first married to Charles the Simple, King of France, and after his decease, to Herbert, Ea●le of Vermandois. His fourth daughter Ethelhild, became a Nun in the Monastery of Wilton, which was sometime the head Town, giving name to the whole County of Wil●shire, and anciently called Ellandon. That we may see in those first times of Religion, when there was lea●t knowledge, there was most devotion. His fifth daughter Edhold, was married to Hugh, surnamed the Great, Earl of Paris, and Constable of France. And Edgith his sixth daughter, to Otho, the Emperor of the West, surnamed the Great. His seventh daughter Elgina, was married to a Duke of Italy. His ninth Edgina, to Lewis Prince of Aquitaine in France. After the death of King Edward, his eldest son Athelstan succeeded, and was Crowned at Kingston upon Thames, in the County of Surrey, by Athelmu● Archbishop of Canterbury, in the year 924. The beginning of whose Reign, was molested with the Treason of one Elfrid a Nobleman, who being apprehended and sent to Rome to purge himself, and there denying the Act upon his Oath, fell suddenly down, and within three days died, to the eternal ●errour of all perjured persons. Presently upon this, another dysaster befell King Athelstan, for having caused his brother Edwyns death, (as before is showed) chiefly procured by his Cupbearers suggestions: It happened not long after, that his Cupbearer, in his service at a Festival, stumbling with one foot, and recovering himself with the other, and saying merrily, See how one brother helps another; His words put the King in remembrance of his Brother, whose death he had caused, and with remorse thereof, not only caused his Cupbearer to be put to death, but did also seven yeared penance: and built the two Monasteries of Middleton, and Michelnesse, in the County of Dorset, in expiation of his offence. This King ordained many good Laws; and those to bind as well the Clergy, as the Laity; amongst which, one was the Attachment of Felons, that stole a●ove twelve pence, and were above twelve years old. Of this King, there is one Act related, that may seem ridiculous; another that may seem miraculous; For what more ridiculous, then that, going to visit the Tomb of Saint john of Beverley, and having nothing else of worth to offer, he offered his knife in devotion to the Saint? Yet the miraculous is more apparent: For going to encounter the Danes, and praying to God for good success, he prayed withal, that God would show some sign of his rightful cause, and thereupon striking with his sword, he struck it an ell deep into a hard stone, which stood so cloven a long time after. But whether this be true or no, this certainly is true, that he obtained many great victories against the Danes, against the Scots, against the Irish, and against the Welsh, whose Princes he brought to be his Tributaries, entering Covenant at Heref●rd, to pay him yearly twenty pound weight of gold, three hundred of silver, and five and twenty hundred head of cattle, besides a certain number of Hawks and Hounds. Lastly, he joined Northumberland to the rest of his Monarchy, and enlarged his Dominions beyond any of his Predecessors, which made all Neighbouring Princes to seek his friendship, and to gratify him with rare presents, as Hugh King of France sent him the sword of Constantine the Great, in the hilt whereof, was one of the nails that fastened Christ to his Cross; He sent him also the spear of Charles the Grea●, reputed to be the same that pierced Christ's side; as also part of the Cross whereon Christ suffered, and a piece of the Thorny Crown put upon his head. Likewise Otho the Emperor, who had married his sister, sent him a vessel of precious stones, artificially made, wherein were seen Landscapes with Vines, Corn, and Men, all of them seeming so artificially to move, as if they were growing, and alive. Likewise the King of Norway sent him a goodly Ship, with a gilt Ste●ne, purple ●ayles, and the deck garnished all with gold. Of these accounted Holy Relics, King Athelstan gave part to the Abbey of Saint Swithin in Winchester, and the rest to the Monastery of Mamesbury, whereof Adelm was the Founder, and his Tutelar Saint. He new built the Monasteries of Wilton, Michelnesse, and Middleton; Founded Saint Germane in Cornwall, Saint Petrocus at Bodmyn, and the Priory of Pilton; new walled and beautified the City of Exeter, and enriched either with Jewels or Lands, every special Abbey of the Land. But the chiefest of his works for the service of God, and good of his Subjects, was the Translation of the Bible into the Saxon Tongue, which was then the Mother tongue of the Land. He Reigned fifteen● years, Died at Glocest●r, and was buried at Mamesbery, in the year 940. having never been married. After the death of Athelstan, his brother Edmund, the fifth son of his Father succeeded; and was Crowned at Kingston upon Thames; but no sooner was the Crown set upon his head, but the Danes were upon his back; and in Northumberland made Insurrections, whom yet he not only repressed in that part; but took from them the Towns of Lincoln, Leycester, Derby, Stafford and Nottingham; compelling them withal to receive Baptism, and to become his Subjects, so as the Country was wholly his as far as Humber. Cumberland also, which had been an entire Kingdom of itself, and was now aided by Leolyn King of South-wales, he utterly wasted, and gave it to Malcolm King of Scots, to hold of him by Fealty. After his returning home, he ●et himself to ordain Laws for the good of his People; which Master Lambert hath since translated into Latin. But after all his noble Acts both in War and Peace, he came at last to a lamentable end; for at his Manor of Pucklekerks, in the County of Gloucester, interposing himself to part a fray between two of his servants, he was thrust through the body, and so wounded that he died, and was buried at Glastenbury, after he had Reigned five years and seven months, leaving behind him two young Sons, Edwin, and Edgar. King Edmund dying, his brother Edred, in the minority of his Nephews, was Crowned at Kingston upon Thames, by Otho Archbishop of Canterbury, in the year 946. Not as Protector; (It seems that kind of Authority was not yet come in use) but as King himself, though with purpose to resign, when the right Heir should come of age, which at this time needed not, for while the right Heir was scarce yet fourteen years old, he resigned to him the Kingdom, by resigning his life to Nature, after he had twice repressed the rebelling Northumbrians, and twice forgiven their rebelling, which yet was not a simple Rebellion; for they had sent for Anlafe the Dane out of Ireland, and made him their King; which place for four years he held; and then weary of his government, they thrust him out and take one Hericus to be their King, whom not long after they put down also; and then partly alured by the lenity of King Edred; and partly forced by his Arms; they submit themselves to him, and ask forgiveness; to whom he, as a merciful Prince, giants an Act of Oblivion, and received them again into protection. This Prince was so devout and humble, that he submitted his body to be chastised at the will of Dunstan Abbot of Glastenbury, and committed all his Treasure and Jewels to his custody. The stately Abbey of Mich at Abington near Oxford, built by King Inas, but destroyed by the Danes, he newly re-edified; endowing it with revenues and Lands, the Charters whereof he confirmed with seals of Gold. He ordained Saint Germane in Cornwall, to be a Bishops See, which there continued, till by Canutus it was annexed to the Episcopal See of Kyrton in Devonshire; Both which Sees were afterward by King Edward the Confessor, translated to the City of Exeter. He left behind him two Sons, Elfred, and Bertfred, and was buried in the old Minster, without the City of Winchester; whose bones with other Kings, are to this day preserved in a gilt Coffer, fixed upon the wall, in the South side of the Quire. After Edred, not any of his sons, but his Nephew Edwin, the eldest son of King Edmund succeeded, and was anointed and Crowned at Kingston upon Thames, by Otho Archbishop of Canterbury, in the year 955. This Prince, though scarce fourteen years old, and in age but a child, yet was able to commit sin as a man; For upon the very day of his Coronation, and in sight of his Lords, as they sat in Counsel, he shamefully abused a Lady of great Estate, and his near kinswoman, and to mend the matter, shortly after slew her Husband, the more freely to enjoy his incestuous pleasure. And whether for this infamous fact, or for thrusting the Monks out of the Monasteries of Mamesbury, and Glastenbury, and placing married Priests in their rooms, as also for banishing Dunstan the holy Abbot of Glastenbury out of the Realm, a great part of his Subjects hearts was so turned against him, that the Mercians and Northumbrians revolted, and swore Fealty to his younger brother Edgar, with grief whereof, after four years' Reign, he ended his life, and was buried in the Church of the New Abbey of Hyde, at Winchester. After Edwin, succeeded his younger brother Edgar, at the age of sixteen years; but his Coronation, when, and where, and by whom, so uncertain, that some say he was Crowned at Kingston upon Thames, by Otho Archbishop of Canterbury, in the first year of his Reign, others say, not till the twelfth, and William of Mamesbery, not till the thirtyeth: Another Chronicle saith, in his eleventh year; and that in the City of bath, by the hands of Dunstan Archbishop of Canterbury. This King, by reason of the tranquillity of his Reign, was surnamed the Peaceable; for as he was something inclined to the Danes, so the Danes never offered to stir in all his time; and as for the Saxons, they acknowledged him their sole Sovereign, without division of Provinces or Titles. His Acts were, some Virtuous, some Politic, some Just, some Pious, and yet all these not without some mixture of vice. To repress dunkennesse, which the Danes had brought in; he ma●e a Law, Ordaining a size, by certain pins in the pot, with penalty to any, that should presume to drink deeper than the mark. It was a Politic device which he used for the destruction of Wolves, that in his days did great annoyance to the Land. For, the tribute imposed on the Princes of Wales, by King Athelstan, he wholly remitted, appointing in lieu thereof a certain number of Wolves yearly to be paid; whereof the Prince of North-wales, for his part was to pay three hundred; which continued for three years' space: and in the fourth year, there was not a Wolf to be found; and so the tribute ceased. He had in his Navy Royal, three thousand and six hundred ships, which he divided into three parts, appointing every one of them to a several Quarter, to scour the Seas, and to secure the Coasts from Pirates: and left his Officers might be careless, or corrupted; he would himself in person sail about all the Coasts of his Kingdom every Summer. It was a notable Act of Justice, that in his Circuits, and Progresses through the Country, he would take special account of the demeanour of his Lords; and specially for his Judges; whom he severely punished, if he found them Delinquents. Wars he had none in all his Reign, only towards his end, the Welshmen moved some rebellion; against whom he went with a mighty Army, and chastised the Authors; but when his Soldiers had gotten great spoils, and made prey upon the innocent Country people; he commanded them to restore it all back again; which, if it made some few English angry, it made the whole Country of the Welsh well pleased, and sound forth his praises. His Pious Acts were, that he built and prepared seven and forty Monasteries, and meant to have made them up fifty, but was prevented by death. But now his mixture of Vice marred all; especially being a Vice opposite to all those Virtues, which was Lasciviousness. For first, he deflowered a sacred Nun, called Wolfchild; on whom yet he begot a Saint, the chaste Edyth. After her, another Virgin, called Ethelflede, for her excellent beauty surnamed the White, on whom he begot his eldest Son Edward; for which Fact he did seven years' penance, enjoined him by the Archbishop Dunstan. After this he chanced to hear of a Virgin, Daughter to a Western Duke, exceedingly praised for her beauty, and coming to Andover, commanded her to his Bed. But the Mother, tender of her Daughter's honour, brought in the dark her maid to him; who in the morning, making haste to rise, and the King not suffering her to depart, she told him what great work she had to do; and how she should incur her Lady's displeasure, if it were not done; by which words, the King perceiving the deceit, turned it to a jest, but so well liked her company, that he kept himself true to her ever after, till he married. But now his marriage itself happened by a greater vice than any of these; For hearing of the admirable beauty of El●rida, the only daughter of Ordganus Duke of Devonshire, Founder of Tavestocke Abbey in that Country, he sent his great Favourite Earl Ethelwold, (who could well judge of beauty) to try the truth thereof; with Commission, that if he found her such as Fame reported, he should seize her for him, and he would make her his Queen. The young Earl, upon sight of the lady, was so surprised with her love, that he began to woo her for himself, and got her Father's good will, so as the King would give his consent. Hereupon the Earl posted to the King, relating to him, that the Maid was fair indeed, but nothing answerable to the Fame that went of her: yet desired the King that he might marry her, as being her Father's heir, thereby to raise his Fortunes. The King consented, and the marriage was solemnised. Soon after, the fame of her beauty began to spread more than before, so as the King much doubting that he had been abused, meant to try the truth himself, and thereupon taking occasion of hunting in the Duke's Park, came to his house: whose coming Ethelwold suspecting, acquainted his wife with the wrong he had done both her, and the King, and therefore to prevent the King's displeasure, entreated her by all the persuasions he could use, to clothe herself in such attire, as might be least fit to set her forth; but she considering that now was the time, to make the most of her beauty, and longing to be a Queen; would not be accessary to her own wrong, but decked herself in her richest Ornaments; which so improved her beauty, that the King at her first sight was struck with admiration, and meant to be revenged of his perfidious Favourite; yet dissembling his passion, till he could take him at advantage, he then with a Javelin ran him through; and having thereby made the fair Elfrid a Widow, took her to be his Wife. This King founded the Monastery of Ramsey in Hamshire, Reigned sixteen years, Lived seven and thirty, and with great Fun●rall pomp was buried in the Abbey of Glastenbury. He had children by his first wife Ethelfleda, one son named Edward; and by his second wife Elfrid, two sons, one named Edmund, who died young, the other Ethelred. He had also one natural Daughter, named Edgyth, by a Lady named Wolfchild, the daughter of Wolholme, the son of Birding, the son of Nesting; which two latter bear in their names, the memory of their Fortunes; the last of them being found in an Eagles nest, by King Alfred as he was a hunting. This Edgyth built the Monastery and Church of Saint Dennis at Wilton, and was there buried. After the death of King Edgar, succeeded his son Edward, but not without some opposition, for Queen Elfrid combined with divers of the Lords, to make her Son Ethelred King, saying that Prince Edward was illegitimate; on the other side, the Archbishop Dunstan, and the Monks stood for Edward, abetting his Title as being lawfully borne; but while the Counsel was assembled to argue their Rights, the Archbishop came in with his Banner and Cross, and not staying for debating De jure, De Facto presented Prince Edward for their lawful King, and the Assembly consisting most of Clergy men, drew the approbation of the rest; and thereupon Prince Edward was admitted, being but twelve years of age, and was Crowned King at Kingston upon Thames, by Archbishop Dunstan, in the year 975. In the beginning of his Reign, it fell into debate whether married Priests were to be allowed to live in Monasteries upon the revenues of the Church. The Mercian Duke Alferus, favouring the cause of the married Priests, destroyed the Monasteries in his Province, cast out the Monks, and restored again the ancient revenues to the Priests and their wives. On the other side, Edelwyn Duke of the East Angles, and Brithnoth Earl of Essex, who stood for the Monks, cast married Priests out of their Provinces. The matter being debated in a Council at Westminster, the Monks cause was like to have the foil, till it was referred to the Rood, placed on the Refectory wall, where the Counsel sat. For to this gréat Oracle, Saint Dunstan desired them devoutly to pray, and to give diligent ear for an Answer; when suddenly a voice was heard to say, God forbid it should be so, God forbid it should be so. This was thought authority sufficient, to suppress the Priests, till they persuading the people, that this was but a cunning practice of the Monks, in placing behind the wall, a man of their own, who through a Trunk uttered these words in the mouth of the Rood, whereupon another Assembly was appointed at Cleve in Wiltshire, whither repaired the Prelates, with most of all the Lords and Gentlemen of the Kingdom. The Synod being set, and the matter at the height of discussing, it happened that the joists of the room, where the Synod was held, suddenly broke, and the floor with all the people thereon, fell down, whereof many were hurt, and some slain. Only the Archbishop Dunstan then Precedent, and mouth for the Monks, remained unhurt; which whether it were done by practice, or were miraculous, it served the Monks turn for justifying their cause; and married Priests were thereupon discarded. It were infinite and indeed ridiculous, to speak of all the Miracles reported to be done by this Saint Dunstan, which may be fit for a Legend, but not for a Chronicle. But now a most lamentable dysaster, comes to be remembered: For King Edward, hunting one time in the Island of Purbacke: not far from Corfe Castle; where his mother in Law Queen Elfrid, with his brother Prince Ethelred, were then residing, he out of his love to both, would needs himself alone go visit them; where the cruel woman, out of ambition to bring her own Son to the Crown, caused one to run him into the back with a knife, as he was drinking a cup of Wine on horse back at his departing, who feeling himself hurt, set spurs to his horse, thinking thereby to get to his company, but the wound being mortal, and he fainting thorough loss of much blood, fell from his Horse; but one foot being entangled in the stirrup, he was thereby ruefully dragged up and down, through Woods, and Lands: And lastly left dead at Corfes' gate; for which untimely death, he was ever after called by ●he name of Edward the Martyr. He Reigned only three years and ●ix months, and was Buried first at Winchester, without all Funeral pomp; but after three years, by Duke Alferus removed, and with great solemnity interred in the Minster of Shaftsbury. Queen Elfrid, to expiate this her bloody fact, built the two Monasteries of Almesbery, and Worwell, in the Counties of Wil●shire, and Southampton, in which latter, with great repentance, she lived till her death. After the death of Edward the Martyr, dying at the age of sixteen years, his half brother Ethelred, at the age of twelve years, in the year 979. was Crowned King at Kingston upon Thames, by Dunstan Archbishop of Canterbury, though much against his will; which King, by reason of his backwardness in Action, was commonly called the Unready. Before whose time, for two and twenty years' past●; the Danes had lived as quiet Inmates with the English, but whether weary of so long doing nothing, or finding now opportunity of doing something, in the second year of this King, they begin to stir, and inviting from home more forces, who in seven Ships arrived upon the Coast of Kent, they spoiled all the Country, specially the Isle of Thanet, and continued this course of foraging the Kingdom, sometimes in one part, and sometimes in another, for eleven years together: till at last in the year 991. the King, by advice of his Lords, of whom Siricius, the now Archbishop of Canterbury was chief, was contented to pay them ten thousand pounds, upon condition they should quietly depart the Realm. This served the turn for the present, but was so far from satisfying them, that it did but give them the greater appetite: for the year following they came again, and that with a greater Fleet than before, against whom the King prepared a competent Navy, and committed it to Elfricke, Earl of Mercia, but he proving treacherous (as indeed all other for the most part did, whom the King employed against the Danes, as with whom they were allyanced in blood) the Dan●s so prevailed● that for the next Composition, they had sixteen thousand pounds given them, and a year after, twenty thousand; and so every year more and more, till it came at last to forty thousand: by which means, the Land was emptied of all Coin, and the English were brought so low, that they were fain to Till, and Ear the Ground, whilst the Danes sat idle, and ate the fruit of their labours; abusing the Wives and Daughters of their Hosts where they lay, and yet i● every place, for every fear, were called Lord-Danes; (which afterward became a word of derision, when one would signify a lazy Lubber.) In this distressed state, the King at last bethought himself of a course: He sent forth a secret Commission, into every City within his Dominions, that at an appointed time, they should massacre all the Danes that were amongst them; The day was the thirteenth of November, being the Festival of Saint Bricius, in the year 1002. His command was accordingly performed, and with such rigour, that in Oxford the Danes for refuge took into the Church of Saint Frideswyde, as into a Sanctuary, when the English, neither regarding Place nor Person, set the Church on site, wherein many of the Danes were burnt, and the Library thereof utterly defaced. And who would not now think, but that England by this Fact had clean shaken off the Danish yoke for ever? yet it proved clean otherwise: For the news of this massacre, adding a new edge of revenge, to the old edge of ambition: made the Danes sharper set against the English, then ever they had been before; so as the year following, their King Sweyne, with a mighty Navy, entered the Country, razed, and leveled with the ground the City of Exeter, all along from the East Gate to the West; against whom the King levied an Army, and made General over it, the Earl Edricke, his great Favourite; whom he had created Duke of Mercia; and given him his Daughter Edgyth in marriage; yet all this great favour could not keep him from being treacherous, for being sent Ambassador to the Danes, to mediate for Peace, he revealed to them the weakness of the Land, and treacherously dissuaded them from consenting to any Truce. Upon this King Ethelred gave order, that every three hundred and ten Hides of Land should build a Ship, and every eight Hides, find a complete Armour furnished, yet all this great preparation came to nothing, but only to make a show. After this, the King seeing no end of their invasions, nor promise kept upon any composition; (for three Danish Princes, with a great Fleet, were now newly arrived) He intended to adventure once for all, and to commit his cause to God, by the fortune of a Battle. To which end he secretly gathered a mightily Power, and coming unlooked for, when the Enemy was unprepared, he had certainly given an end to the Quarrel, if the wicked Edricke had not dissuaded him from fight, and put him into a causeless fear, by forged tales. After this, the Danes foraged many Countries; burnt Oxford, The●ford, and Cambridge: and lastly entered Wiltshire, which was the seventh shire in number, they had laid waste like a Wilderness. The year after, they make a new Expedition, and besiege Canterbury; which by treason of a Churchman they won, took Alphegus the Archbishop, and flew nine hundred Monks, and men of Religion, besides many Citizens, without all mercy; for they Tythed the people, slaying all by nine, and reserving only the tenth to live; so that of all the Monks in the Town, there were but four saved, and of the Lay people, four thousand eight hundred, by which account Master Lambert collecteth, that there died in this Massacre, three and forty thousand, and two hundred persons. The Archbishop Alphegus, for that he refused to charge his Tenants with three thousand pounds to pay for his ransom, they most cruelly stoned to death at Green●wich. Turkillus the leader of these murderers, took into his possession all Norfolk and Suffolk, over whom he tyrannised in most savage manner; the rest compounding with the English for eight thousand pounds, quietly for a while sojourned among them. The year following came King Sweyne again, and with a great Navy arrived in the mouth of Humber, and landed at Gainsborough, to whom the Northumbrians, and the people of Lindsey, yielded themselves; So that now over all the North from Watlingstreete, he Reigned sole King, and exacted pledges of them for their further obedience. From the North he passed into the South, subduing all before him, till he came to London, where he was so valiantly encountered by the Londoners, that he was glad to retire, in which retiring notwithstanding he entered bath; where Ethelmore Earl of Devonshire, with his Western people, submitted himself to him. Yet after this, between him and the English was struck a fierce battle, which had been with good success, if the treachery of some in turning to the Danes, had not hindered it. After this the Danes proceeded on victoriously, and had gotten most part of the Land, and even London also by submission: whereupon the unfortunate King Ethelred sending his Wife Emma, with her two sons, Edward and Alfred, to her Brother, Duke of Normandy, himself also the Winter following passed thither, leaving the Danes Lording it in his Realm. Sweyne now as an absolute King, extorted from the English both Victuals, and Pay for his Soldiers; and demanding such a Composition for preserving of Saint Edmund's Monastery in Suffolk, as the Inhabitants were not able, and therefore refused to pay; he thereupon threatened spoil, both to the Place, and to the Martyr's bones there interred, when suddenly, in the midst of his jollity (saith Hoveden) he cried out, that he was struck by Saint Edmund with a sword, being then in the midst of his Lords: and no man seeing from whose hand it came, and so with great horror and torment, three days af●er; upon the third of February, he ended his life at Thetford, or (as others say) at Gaynsborough. And now who would not think, but this was a fair opportunity offered to the English, to free themselves wholly from the Danish yoke? but when all was don●, either crossed by treachery, or frustrated by misfortune, nothing prospered. I● is true, upon this occasion of Sweynes' death, King Ethelred returned out of Normandy, but at his coming, Canutus the son o Sweyne, had gotten the people of Lindsey to be at his devotion, and to find him both Horse and Men against their own King; so as Ethelred was now to encounter as well his own Subjects as the Danes, which he did so valiantly, that he made Canutus glad to return into Denmark, as utterly hopeless of any good to be done in England. And now one would certainly think the Danes had been removed, Root and Branch, out of England, and never like to trouble the Land any more; and indeed there was all the appearance of probability for it that could be. But it is a true saying, That which will be, shall be, let all be done that can be. For now Turkill the Dane, who had before revolted to King Ethelred, growing sensible of his fault, which was this, or no way to be redeemed; and tender of his Countrymens' case, which was now or never to be helped; with nine of his Ships sailed into Denmark, and first excusing himself to Canutus for his former defection, as though he had done it of purpose, to learn all advantages against the English, which now he could discover to him, he so prevailed with Canutus once again to try his fortune, that with a Navy of two hundred Ships he set sail for England, and landed at Sandwich, where he gave the English a great overthrow, and passed victoriously through the Counties of Dorset, Somerset, and Wilts. When (Ethelred lying dangerously sick at Cossam) the managing of the War was committed to Prince Edmund his son, who preparing to give the Danes battle, had suddenly notice given him, that his Brother in Law Edricke, meant to betray him into his Enemy's hands, which made him suspend his proceeding; and Edricke perceiving his design to be discovered, cast off the mask, and with forty of the King's ships fled openly to the Enemy; and thereupon, all the West Countries submitted themselves unto Canutus. By this time King Ethelred having recovered his sickness, prepared to go on with the Battle, which his son Edmund had intended, but his Forces being assembled, he likewise had suddenly notice given him, that his Subjects meant to betray him to the Danes. Hereupon he withdrew himself to London, as the place in which he most confided; where falling into a relapse of his former sickness, he ended his unfortunate days, in the year 1016. when he had Reigned 37. years; and was buried in the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, whose bones as yet remain in the North wall of the Chancel, in a chest of grey Marble; adjoining to that of Sebba King of the East Saxons. He had by his two Wives, eight Sons, and four Daughters; of whom, his youngest named Goda, was married to one Walter de Magne, a Nobleman of Normandy; by whom she had a son named Rodolph, which Rodolph had a son named Harold, created afterward by King William the Conqueror, Baron of Sudeley, in the County of Gloucester, and Ancestor to the Barons of that place succeeding, and of the Lord Chandowes of Sudeley now being. Ethelred being dead, his third son Edmund called Ironside (of his ability in enduring labour) but the eldest living at his father's death, succeeded, and was Crowned at Kingston upon Thames, by Levingus Archbishop of Canterbury, in the year 1016. A great part of the English both feared and favoured, and indeed out of fear favoured Canutus; especially the Clergy, who at Southampton ordained him their King, and swore Feaalty to him: but the Londoners stood firm to Prince Edmund, and were the principal authors of his Election. Canutus before the death of King Ethelred, had besieged the City, and now with a large Trench encompassed it: but the new King Edmund coming on, raised the siege, and made Canutus fly to the Isle of Sheppey, where having stayed the winter, the Spring following, he assailed the West of England, and at Penham in Dorse●shire, a battle was fought, and the Danes discomfitted. After this, in Worc●stershire at a place called Sherostan, another battle was fought, where the Danes were like again to be discomfited, but the traitorous Edrick perceiving it, he cut off the head of a soldier like unto King Edm●nd both in hair and countenance, and shaking his bloody sword, with the gasping head, cried to the Army of the English, Fly ye wretches fly, & get away, for your King is slain; behold, here is his head: but King Edmund having notice of this treacherous stratagem, hasted to show himself where he might best be seen: whose sight so encouraged his men, that they had gotten that day a final Victory, if night had not prevented them. Duke Edrick excused his fact, as being mistaken in the countenance of the man, and desirous to save the blood of the English; upon which false colour he was received into favour again. After this, Canutus secretly in the night broke up his Camp, and marched towards London, which in a sort was still besieged by the Danish ships: but King Edmund hearing of his departure, followed him, and with small ado removed the siege, and in Triumphant manner entered the City. After this, near unto Otford in Kent, was another great battle fought, in which Canutus lost four thousand five hundred men, and King Edmund only six hundred; the rest of the Danes saving themselves by ●light; whom if King Edmund had pursued, it is thought that day had ended the wars between these two Nations for ever. But the ever traitorous Edrick, kept King Edmund from pursuing them, by telling him of Ambushes and other dangers: So as Canutu● had leisure to pass over into Essex, but thither also King Edmund followed him; where at Ashdone three miles from Saffron Walden, another battle was fought, in which ●he Danes being at the point to be overthrown, the traitorous Edrick with all his Forces revoulted to their side, by which treachery the English lost the day. There died of King Edmund's Nobility, Duke Alfred, Duke Goodwin, Duke Athelward, Duke Athelwyn, Earl Urchill, Codnoth Bishop of Lincoln, Woolsey Abbot of Ramsey, with many other. The remembrance of which battle is retained to this day, by certain small hills there remaining, whence have been digged the bones of men, Armour, and horsebridles. After this; at Dereherst near to the river Severn●, another battle was ready to be fought; when suddenly a certain Captain steps forth, and for saving of blood used great persuasions, that either they should try the matter by single Combat, or else divide the Kingdom betwixt them. Upon this the Combat is agreed on, and the two Princes entering into a small Island called Alney, adjoining to the City of Gloucester, in complete Armour assailed each other, at first on horseback, and after on foot: when Canutus having received a dangerous wound, and finding himself overmatched in strength, desired a Compromise, and with a loud voice used these words. What necessity should move us most Valiant Prince, for obtaining of a Title to endanger our lives? were it not better to lay malice aside, and condescend to a loving agreement? let us therefore become sworn brothers, and divide the Kingdom between us. This motion was by King Edmund accepted, and thus was the Kingdom divided between these two Princes; Edmund enjoying that part which lies upon the coast of France, and Canutus the rest. But now Duke Edrick hath his last and greatest Act of treachery to play: for King Edmund being retired to a place for nature's necessity, he thirst from under the draught a sharp spear into his body, and then cutting off his head, presented it to Canutus, with these fawning words, All hail, thou sole Monarch now of England, for here behold the head of thy Copartner, which for thy sake I have adventured to cut off. Canutus though ambitious enough of sovereignty, yet abashed at so disloyal a fact, replied and vowed, that in reward of that service his own head should be advanced above all the Peers of his Kingdom, which soon after he performed; for by his command the false Edricks head was cut off, and placed upon the highest gate in London. The death of this King in this manner, some say was acted at Oxford; other, that he died of natural sickness in London, but howsoever he came to his death, his Reign was but only seven months, & his body was buried at Glasten●ury, near to his Grandfather King Edgar. This King Edmund had by his wife Algyt●, two sons; the eldest named Edward, surnamed the Outlaw, because he lived out of England in Hungary as a banished man, for fear of King Canutus: but when his Uncle King Edward the Confessor, had obtained the Crown, he was recalled, and honourably entertained till he died. He married Agatha, sister to Queen Sophia, wife to Solomon King of Hungary, and daughter to the Emperor Henry the second; by whom he had Edgar surnamed Atheling, the right Heir of the English Crown, though he never enjoyed it. King Edmund had also two daughters, Margaret and Christian, of whom the younger became a Veiled Nun at Ramsey in Hampshire; the elder Margaret, after sole Heir to the Saxon Monarchy, married Malcolm the third King of Scotland, from which Princely bed in a lineal Descent, our High and Mighty Monarch King james the first, doth in his most Royal person, unite the Britain's, Saxons, Normans, and Scottish Imperial Crowns in one. Of the first Danish King in England. CAnutus being possessed of half the Kingdom by composition with King Edmund, now after his death seized upon the whole, and to prevent all further question, he called a Council of the English Nobility, wherein it was propounded, whether in the agreement betwixt Edm●nd and him, any claim of Title to the Crown had been reserved for King Edmund's brethren or sons: to which (not daring to say otherwise) they absolutely answered no, and thereupon took all of them the Oath of Allegiance to Canutus. Being thus cleared of all Opposites he prepared with great solemnity for his Coronation, which was performed at London, by the hands of Levingus surnamed Elstane, Archbishop of Canterbury, in the year 1017. being the first Dane that Reigned Monarch of England. But Canutus not thinking himself sufficiently safe, as long as any that might pretend, were in the people's eye, caused first Edwin the son of King Ethelred, and brother of Edmund, to abjure the Realm, who was yet afterward recalled, and treacherously murdered by his own men, and his body buried at Tavestock in Devonshire. Next were the two sons of Edmund Ironside, Edward and Edmund, whom to the end the people might not see him shed the blood of Innocents', he sent to his half brother King of Sweden to be made away. Then remained Edward and Alfred, the sons of King Ethelred, and them their mother Queen Emma had sent away before to her brother the Duke of Normandy, there to be in safety: so as none of the Royal blood was now left in the land, to give Canutus any fear of competition. After this, he took to wife the virtuous Lady Emma, the Relict of King Ethelred, by which match he procured to himself three great benefits: one that he won the love of the people by marrying a Lady whom they so entirely loved; another, that he got the Alliance of the Duke of Normandi●, a neighbouring Prince of great power; the third, that by marrying the mother, he secured himself against the sons: as likewise Queen Emma was not unwillingly persuaded to the match, upon agreement to make her issue, if he had any by her, to inherit the Crown of England. And to win the love of the people more, he caused great numbers of his Danes, who pestered the Country, to return home, bestowing amongst them for their satisfaction four score and two thousand pounds. And to win the love of the people yet more, he now set himself to the making of good lawes● in a Parliament at Oxford, whereof, for a Pattern of those times, some that concern Religion, may not unfitly be here related. First, for the celebration of divine Service, it was ordained, that all Ceremonies tending to the increase of reverence & devotion should be used as need required. Secondly, that upon the Sabbath day, all public Fairs, Markets, Synods, Hunt, and all secular actions should be forborn, unless some urgent necessity should require it. Thirdly, that every Christian should thrice in the year receive the blessed Sacrament of the Lords Supper. Fourthly, that if a Minister of the Altar killed a man, or committed any notorious crime, he should be deprived both of his Order and Dignity. Fifthly, th●t a married woman convict of adultery, should have her nose and ears cut off. Sixthly, That a widow marrying within a twelvemonth after her husband's decease, should lose her Jointure. These and many other good laws were made, whereby the kingdom remained during all his time, in a most peaceable state and government. In the third year of his Reign, he heard how the Vandals taking advantage of his absence, had entered Denmark, and annoyed his subjects; whereupon with a great Army of English he passed over the Seas, and gave them battle, but with ill success the first day; when preparing for the next day's battle, the Earl Goodwin who was General of the English, secretly in the dead of the night, set upon the Vandals Camp, & with a great slaughter of their soldiers, made their two Princes Ulfus and Anlave, to fly the field. In the morning it was told Canutus, that the English were fled, for that their station was left, and not a man of them to be found, which did not a little trouble his patience: but he going in person to see the truth, found the great overthrow the English had given, for which service ever after, he held the English, and especially the Earl Goodwin in great estimation. After this, returning home he made a prosperous Expedition against Malcolm King of Scots; and at last, in the fifteenth year of his Reign, wearied with the honourable troubles of the world, and out of devotion, he took a Journey to Rome, to visit the Sepulchre of St. Peter and Paul, from whence he writ to the Bishops and Nobility of England, that they should carefully administer Justice, and never seek to advance his profit by any undue ways, or with the detriment of any man. At his return from Rome, he built in Essex the Church of Ashdone, where he got the victory against King Edmund; in Norfolk, the Abbey of St. Benet's, which Saint he greatly reverenced; and in Suffolk the Monastery of St. Edmund, which Saint he deadly feared. To the Church of Winchester he gave many rich Jewels, whereof one was a Cross, valued to be worth as much as the whole Revenue of England amounted to in one year. To Coventry he gave the arm of the great St. Austin, which he bought at Pavia in his return from Rome, for which he paid an hundred Talents of silver and one of gold. One strange Act is recorded, which he did for convincing his fawning flatterers, who used to tell him that his power were more than humane. For being one time at Southampton, he commanded that his chair of State should be set on the shore when the Sea began to flow, and then sitting down there in the presence of his many attendants, he spoke thus to that Element: I charge thee that thou presume not to enter my Land, nor wet these Robes of thy Lord that are about me. But the Sea giving no heed to his command, but keeping on his usual course of Tide, first wet his skirts, and after his thighs, whereupon suddenly rising, he thus spoke in the hearing of them all. Let all the world's Inhabitants know, that vain and weak is the power of their Kings; and that none is worthy of the name of King, but he that keeps both heaven and earth and sea in obedience. After which time he would never ●uffer the Crown to be set upon his head, but presently Crowned therewith the Picture of Christ on the Cross at Winchester: from which example arose perhaps the custom, to hang up the Armour of Worthy men in Churches, as Offerings consecrated to him who is the Lord of battle. When he had Reigned nineteen years, he deceased at Shafte●bery in the County of Dorset, the twelfth of November, in the year 1035. and was buried in the Church of the old Monastery at Winchester, which being after new built, his bones with many other English Saxon Kings, were taken up, and are preserved in gilt Coffers, fixed upon the walls of the Choir in that Cathedral Church. He had by his two wives, three sons, Sweyne, and Harold by his first wife Alfgive; and Hardicnute by his second wife Queen Emma, and two daughters, of whom the eldest, called Guinhilda, was married to the Roman Emperor Henry the third, who being accused of adultery, and none found to defend her cause, at last an English Page adventured to maintain her Innocency against a mighty Gyantlike-Combatant; who in fight, at one blow cutting the sinews of his adversaries leg, with another he felled him to the ground, and then with his sword taking his head from his shoulders, redeemed both the Empresses life and honour. But the Empress after this hard usage forsook her husband's bed, and took upon her the Veil of a Nun, in the Town of Burges in Flanders, where she devoutly spent the r●st of her life. Of the second Danish King in England. KIng Canutus dying left his Kingdom of Norway, to his eldest Son Sweyn●, and his Kingdom of England, to his youngest Son Hardikn●te, whom he had by his wife Emma, but he being at the time of his Father's death in Denmark, Harold his elder Brother, by a former wife, taking advantage of his absence, lays claim to the Crown. For determining of which Right, the Lords assembled at Oxford, where Queen Emma pleaded for her son Hardiknute, urging the Covenant of Can●tus at their marriage, and his last Will at his death; as also Earl Goodwin of Kent did the like, being left Guardian of her Children, and keeper of his last Will. But Harold's presence, together with the favour of the Londoners, Danes, and Northumbrians, so wrought with the Lords, that the absent Hardiknute was neglected, and Harold was Proclaimed and Crowned King at Oxford, by ●lnothus Archbishop of Canterbury, in the year 1036. Harold having now attained the Crown, was not so jealous of his Brother Hardiknute, as of his mother in Law Queen Emma, and her Sons by King Ethelre● who were beyond Sea, and therefore how to secure himself against these, was his first care. For effecting whereof, he framed a Letter, as written by Queen Emma, to her two Sons Edward and Alfred; instigating them to attempt the Crown usurped by Harold, against their Right: to which letter, coming first to the hands of Alfred, he suspecting no fraud, returned Answer, that he would shortly come over, and follow her Counsel. And thereupon with a small Fleet, and some few soldiers, lent him by Baldwyn Earl of Flaunders, he took the Sea for England, where coming to shore, Earl Goodwin met him, and bound himself by Oath to be his guide to his Mother Queen Emma, but being wrought firm for Harold, he led him and his company a contrary way, and lodged them at Guildford, making known to King Harold what he had done, who presently committed them all to slaughter, sparing only every tenth man, for service or sale. Prince Alfred himself he sent Prisoner to the Isle of Ely, where having his eyes inhumanely put out, in grief and torment he ended his life. Some add a more horrible kind of cruelty, as that his belly was opened, and one end of his bowels drawn out, and fastened to a stake, his body pricked with Needles, or Poignards, and forced about, till all his Entrails were extracted. This done, he then set upon Queen Emma, confiscated her Goods, and banished her the Realm. And now further to secure himself, he kept the Seas with sixteen Danish Ships, to the maintenance whereof, he charged the English with great payments; by which, if he procured the safety of his Person, he certainly procured the hatred of his Subjects. This King for his swiftness in running was called Harefoot; but though by his swiftness he outrun his Brother for the Kingdom, yet could he not run so fast, but that death quickly overtook him; For having Reigned only four years and some months, he died at Oxford● and was buried at Westminster; having never had Wife or Children. Of the third and last Danish King in England. KIng Harold being dead, the Lords to make amends for their former neglect, send now for Hardiknute, and offer him their Allegiance, who accepteth their offer, and thereupon taking Sea, arrived upon the Coast of Kent, the sixth day after he had set sail out of Denmark; and with great pomp conveyed to London, was there Crowned King by Elnothus Archbishop of Canterbury, in the year 1040. His first Act, was to be revenged of his deceased brother Harold, whose body he caused to be digged up, and thrown into the Thames, where it remained till a Fisherman found it, and buried it in the Church yard of Saint Clement without Temple Bar, commonly called Saint Clement Danes, because it was the burying place of the Danes, as some write. But towards his Mother, and half Brother Prince Edw●rd, he showed true natural affection, inviting them both to return into England; where he received them with all the honour, that from a Son or Brother could be expected. But now, as the King Harold, for his swiftness in running was surnamed Harefoo●e; So this King for his intemperance in diet, might have been surnamed Swines-mouth, or Bocc●di Porco; for his Tables were spread every day four times, and furnished with all kinds of curious dishes, as delighting in nothing but Gormandizing and Swilling; and as for managing the State, he committed it wholly to his Mother Queen Emma, and to the politic Earl of Kent, Godwyn; who finding this weakness in the King, began to think himself of aspiring● and to make the better way for it, he sought by all means to alien the Subject's hearts from the Prince, amongst other courses, he caused him to lay heavy Taxes upon them; only for Ship-money to pay his Danes, amounting to two and thirty thousand pounds: which was so offensive to the people, that the Citizens of Worcester slew two of his Officers, Thursta● and Fe●dax, that came to Collect it. But this King had soon the reward of his Intemperance; For in a Solemn Assembly and Banquet at Lambeth, Revelling and Carousing, he suddenly fell down without speech, or breath, after he had Reigned only two years, and was buried at Winchester. His death was so welcome to his Subjects, that the day of his death, is to this day commonly celebrated with open pastimes in the street, and is called Hockstide, signifying scorning or contempt, which fell upon the Danes by his death. For with him ended the Reign of the Danes in England; after they had miserably afflicted the kingdom, for the space of two hundred and forty years, though in Regal Government, but only six and twenty. Of English Kings again, and first of Edward the Confessor. KIng Hardiknute dying without issue, as having never been married, and the Danish line clean extinguished, Edward, for his Piety called the Confessor, half Brother to the deceased Hardiknute, and son to King Ethelred by his Wife Queen Emma, was by a general consent admitted King of England, and was Crowned at Winchester by Edsyne Archbishop of Canterbury, on Easter day, in the year 1042. being then of the age of forty years. He was borne at Islip, near to Oxford, and after his Father's death, for safety sent into France, to the Duke of Normandy his Mother's Brother, from whence he now came, to take upon him the Crown of England. His Acts for gaining the People's love, were first, the remitting the yearly tribute of forty thousand pounds, gathered by the name of Danegilt, which had been imposed by his Father, and for forty years together paid out of all men's Lands, but only the Clergy; and then, from the divers Laws of the Mercians, West Saxons, Danes, and Northumbrians, he selected the best, and made of them one Body certain, and written in Latin, being in a sort the Fountain of those which at this day we term the Common Laws, though the forms of pleading, and process therein, were afterward brought in by the Conqueror. The Reign of this King was very peaceable: Only in his sixth year, the Danish Pirates entered the Port of Sandwich; which with all the Sea-coast of Essex they spoiled, and then in Flanders made merchandise of their prey. As likewise the Irish, with thirty ships entered Severne, and with the assistance of Griffyth King of Southwales, burnt or ●lew all in their way, till at last, Reese the brother of Griffyth was slain at B●lenden, and his head presented to King Edward at Gloucester. His Domestical troubles were only by Earl G●dwyn and his sons; who yet after many contestations and affronts, were reconciled, and Godwyn received again into as great favour as before. But though King Edward forgave his Treasons, yet the Divine Providence did not; for soon after, as he sat at Table with the King, on Easter Monday, he was suddenly strucken with death, and on the Thursday following died, and was buried at Winchester. Some make his death more exemplar; as that justifying himself for Prince alfred's death, he should pray to God, that if he were any way guilty of it, he might never swallow down one morsel of bread, and thereupon by the just Judgement of God, was choked by the first morsel he offered to eat. In this King's time, such abundance of snow fell in january, continuing till the middle of March following, that almost all cattle and Fowle perished, and therewithal an excessive dearth followed. Two Acts are related of this King, that seem nothing correspondent to the general opinion had of his Virtue, one concerning his Mother, the other touching his Wife. That concerning his Mother Queen Emma was this, that because after King Ethelreds' death, she married the Danish King Canutus, and seemed to favour her issue by him, more than her issue by King Ethelred, therefore he dispossessed her of all her Goods; and committed her to custody, in the Abbey of Worwell; and more than this, so far harkened to an aspersion cast upon her, of unchaste familiarity with Alwyne Bishop of Winchester, that for her Purgation, she was fain to pass the trial of Fire Ordeall, which was in this manner; nine Ploughshares red hot we●e laid in unequal distance, which she must pass barefoot and blindfold; and if she passed them unhurt, than she was judged Innocent, if otherwise, Guilty. And this trial she passed, and came off fairly, to the great astonishment of all beholders. The other touching his Wife was this; He had married Editha the beautiful, and indeed virtuous daughter of the Earl Godwyn, and because he had taken displeasure against the Father, he would show no kindness to the daughter; he had made her his wife, but conversed not with her as his wife, only at board, bu● not at Bed, or if at bed, no otherwise than David with Abishagh, and yet was content to hear her accused of Incontinency, whereof if she were guilty, he could not be innocent. So as, what the virtues were, for which after his death, he should be reputed a Saint, doth not easily appear. It seems he was chaste, but not without injury to his wife; Pious, but not without ungratefulness to his Mother; Just in his present Government, but not without neglect of Posterity; for through his want of providence in that point, he left the Crown to so doubtful succession, that soon after his decease it was translated out of English into French, and the Kingdom made servile to a fourth foreign Nation. One Ability he had which raised him above the pitch of ordinary Kings, and yet at this day is ordinary with Kings, that by his only touching and laying his hand upon it, he cured a Disease, which from his Curing, is called The King's Evil. His Mother Queen Emma, in memory of the nine Ploughshares she had passed in her Trial, gave nine Manors to the Minster of Winchester, and himself remembering the wrong he had done her, bestowed on the same place, the Island of Portland in Dorsetshire, being about seven miles in compass. He made also of a little Monastery in the West of London● by the River of Thames, a most beautiful Church, (called of the place Westminster) where he provided for his own Sepulchre, and another Dedicated to Saint Margaret, standing without the Abbey. This of Westminster he endowed with many rich revenues, and confirmed his Charters under his broad Seal, being the first of the Kings of England, who used that large and stately Impression in their Charters and Patents. He Founded also the College of Saint Mary Otterey in Devonshire, and gave unto it the Village of Otereg, and removed the Bishops See from Cridington to Exeter, as to a place of far more Dignity: and when he had Reigned the space of three and twenty years and six months, he ended his life, the fourth of january, in that room of his Palace at Westminster, which is now called the Painted Chamber, in the year 1066. and was buried in the Church at Westminster, which he had builded. Of Harold the second English King after the Danes. KIng Edward the Confessor, being himself without issue, had in his life time, sent into Hungary for his Nephew Edward called the Outlaw, the son of Edmund Ironside; with a purpose to design him his Successor in the Crown, but he dying soon after his coming into England, King Edward then gave his Son Edgar the name of Atheling; as to say; Prince Edgar meaning to design him for his Successor, but being prevented by death, before the successor was fully established, and Edgar Atheling, though he had right, yet being young, and not of power to make good his Right, Harold the son of Earl Goodwin steps into the Throne, and never standing upon ceremonies, set himself the Crown upon his own head, wherein, though as a violater of holy Rites, he offended the Clergy, yet not any either of Clergy or Layity, durst oppose him, as being at that time the most martial man in the Kingdom; and such a one, as the state of the Realm stood at that time in need of, and besides his own worthiness had the assistance of Edwin and Marchar, the two great Earls of Yorkshire and Chester, whose sister Algyth he had married. It is true withal, that King Edward had appointed the Crown after his own decease, sometimes to William Duke of Normandy, sometimes to Edgar Atheling, and sometimes to this Harold, so as he was Crowned by Aldred Archbishop of York, as not coming in by intrusion or wrong, but by the appointment of King Edward, though that appointment of King Edwa●d, was rather to make him Regent, during the minority of Edgar, then to make him absolute King, but howsoever, being once in the Throne, he was then able to make his own Title, and to make Prince Edgar some amends, he created him Earl of Oxford, which was indeed to use him like a Child, take away a Jewel, and please him with an Apple. Yet Harold having once gotten into the Throne, he c●rryed himself with great Valour and Justice, for the time he sat in it, which was but very short, as being indeed but tottering from the very beginning, and that chiefly by means of his own Brother To●stayne, who by diverting his Forces to suppress a Rebellion, made him of less force to resist an invasion. But now that we have showed how Harold entered the Throne, we must forbear to show how he was cast out, till we come to him that cast him out, who because he was not only of another Family, but of another Nation, we must necessarily take the beginning from a deeper root, and indeed, seeing in him, we shall join our Island to the Continent, which is a larger world: Our Kings hereafter, will afford a larger Extent for matter of Discourse then heretofore they have done. THE LIFE OF KING WILLIAM THE FIRST, CALLED THE CONQVEROUR. His Parentage and Descent. THere were six Dukes of Normandy in France, in a direct line succeeding from father to son. The first was Rollo, who of a private man in Denmark, coming forth with the exuberancy of his Nation, wrested by force of Arms from Charles the Simple King of France, to be made Duke of Normandy. The second was William his son, called Long Espee, or Long Sword. The third was Richard his son, called the Hardy, who had Richard, and a daughter called Emma, married to Ethelred King of England, father of Edward the Confessor. The fourth was Richard the second his son, called the Good. The fifth was Richard the third his son, who by a first wife had three sons, Richard, Robert and William, and by a second, two other sons, William Earl of Argues, and Ma●ger, Archbishop of Rouen. So as Richard his eldest son by his first wife succeeded him by the name of Richard the fourth, and dying without issue, the Dukedom descended to Robert his second son by his first wife; which Robert was father to our William the Conqueror, of whom it is thus recorded: that riding one time abroad, he happened to pass by a company of Country Maids that were a dancing, where staying a while to look upon them, he was so taken with the handsomeness and graceful carriage of one of them whose name was Arlotte, a Skinner's daughter, (from whence as some think our word Harlot comes) that affection commanding him, and authority her, he caused her that night to be brought to his bed; where being together, what was done or said between them is no matter for History to record, though some Historians have recorded both; making her not so modest as was fit for a Maid: only ten months after, it appeared that at this time our Duke William was begotten; who proving a man of extraordinary spirit, we may attribute it to the heat of affection in which he was begotten. His succeeding in the Dukedom, notwithstanding his Bastardy. IT appears by many examples, that Bastardy in those days was no bar to succession, till a law was afterward made to make it a bar. It brought some disgrace where the mother was mean, but no impediment where the father was Noble; and even his Bastardy seemed to have some allay, if it be true (as some write) that his father took the said Arlotte afterward to be his wife, and yet perhaps he had not the Dukedom so much by succession, as by gift. For when he was about nine years old, his father calling his Nobility together, caused them to swear Allegiance to this base son of his, and to take him for their Liege Lord after his decease. Neither was this in those days infrequent, for Princes to confer their Principalities after their own deceases upon whom they pleased; counting it as lawful to appoint successors after them, as substitutes under them; even in our time and Kingdom, the Duke of Northumberland prevailed with King Edward the sixth, to exclude his two sisters, Mary and Elizabeth, and to appoint the Lady jane Grey, daughter of the Duke of Suffolk, to succeed him. His Education and Tuition in his minority. HIs father having declared and appointed him to be his Successor, went soon after (whether out of devotion, or to do Penance for procuring his brother's death, whereof he was suspected) into the Holy Land, in which Journey he died, having left the tuition of his young son to his two brothers, and the Guardianship to the King of France, in whose Court for a time he was brought up. A strange confidence, to commit the tuition of a son that was base, to Pretenders that were legitimate, and to a King of France, who aimed at nothing more, then to reannexe this Dukedom to his Crown. But it seems his confidence was grounded upon the proximity of blood in his brothers, and upon the merits of his own service formerly done to the King of France; which though it proved well enough with him, yet is not to betaken into example to follow. His Troubles in his minority. FIrst, Roger de Tresny, who derived his Pedigree directly from Rollo, and had won much honour by his valour in the wars, (notwithstanding the Oath of Allegiance he had formerly taken) takes exception to his Bastardy, and invites Complices to assist him in recovering the Dukedom to ● legitimate Race: a fal●e pretext if the Fate of Duke William had not been against it; who though he were himself but young, and could not do much in his own person, yet the Divine Providence raised him up friends that supplied him with Assistance, and particularly Roger de Beaumont, by whose valour this Roger de Tresny, with his two brothers, was defeated and slain. After Roger de Tres●y, William de Arques his Uncle lays claim to the Duchy, and assisted by the King of France comes to a battle, but by the valour of Count Gyfford, the Duke's General, was likewise defeated: and these were trouble's before he arrived to seventeen years of age. After this, one Guy Earl of Burgoigne, Grandchild to Richard the second, Duke of Normandy, grew sensible also of his Right to the Dukedom, and joining with Viscount Needle, and the Earl of Bes●in, two powerful Normans, conspired Duke William's death, and had effected it, if a certain Fool about him, had not stolen away in the night, to the place where the Duke was, and never left knocking and crying at the gate, till he was admitted to his presence, willing him to fly for his life instantly, or he would be murdered. The Duke considering that being related by a Fool, it was like to be the more palpable, and that there might be danger in staying, none in going, road instantly away, all alone, toward Falaise, his principal Castle, but missing his way, he happened to pass where a Gentleman was standing at his door, of whom he asked the way, and was by him, as knowing him, directed; which he had no sooner done, but the conspirators came presently enquiring if such a one had not passed that way, which the Gentleman affirmed, and undertook to be their guide to overtake him, but leading them of purpose a contrary way, the Duke by this means, came safely to F●l●ise; and from thence journeys to the King of France, complaining of his injuries; and imploring his aid, as one that wa●●is homager, and committed to his care● by his servant his Father. The King of France moved with his distress, and remembrance of his Father's meri●s, though he wished he was less than he was, yet he ●o aided him, that he made him greater than he was; for himself in person, suffering much in the Battle, procured him the Victory. By which we may see that folly, and fortune, and even Enemies themselves are all assistants to the Destinies; or to say better, indeed to the divine Providence. Many other affronts were offered him, some by meaner Princes; some afterward by the King of France himself, who was now grown jealous of his Greatness; all which he encountered with such dexterity, that made his Bastardy, as it were become Legitimate, and Virtue herself to grow proud of his person. His Carriage afterwards in Peace. BY this time he was come to the age of two and twenty years, and where all this while he had showed himself a valiant General in War, he now began to show himself a provident Governor in Peace, composing and ordering his state, wherein he so carried himself, that as his Subjects did both fear and love him, so his Neighbouring Princes did both fear and hate him, or if not hate him, at least emulate him. His Incitements for Invading of England. HE was now grown about fifty years old: an Age that might well have arrested all ambitious thoughts in him, but who can think himself too old for a Kingdom; when Galba for attaining the Roman Empire, was contented to buckle on Armour, being fourscore years old? The D●ke in his time of peace came over into England to visit his cousin King Edward, who besides his Princely entertainment, made him at that time (as some think) a promise to leave him his Successor in the Kingdom; & Harold after this, going over to the Duk● in Normandy, for procuring some friends of his to be released, the better to effect it, took his solemn Oath to assist him for obtaining the Kingdom. So as having the word of Edward, and the oath of Harold, he had now sufficient obligations to expect it. But hearing of the death of King Edward, and that Harold was Crowned King, he thought himself not more forgotten by Edward, then wronged by Harold; and therefore sent messengers to him to put him in mind of K. Edward's Promise's, and his own Oath: but Harold puffed up with the conceit of being a King, as though that very name were enough to expiate all breach of Oaths, and that nothing could bind him, who had now the fetters in his own hand; returned only slight answers, that his Oath was forced, and void in itself, as being made without consent of the Kingdom. Whereupon the Duke thus slighted by Harold, endeavours to make him an honest man by force, assuring himself, he should find him the weaker Enemy, for finding him a perjured Friend. The Reasons that facilitated his Conquest of England. DUke William incensed with Harold's answers, acquaints his Nobility with his purpose, who with some ado consented to aid him, as likewise many other great Lords of France, but specially Baldwyn Earl of Flanders, whose daughter he had married; and who being at that time Guardian of the young King of France, procured aid from him also; and to make the Enterprise the more successful, Pope Alexander the second sent him a Banner with an Agnus of Gold, and one o● the hairs of Saint Peter. So as the preparation of the Duke, both by Sea and Land was very great, having three hundred sail of ships, and as some write, 890● and as one Norman, above a thousand, and as Cemeticensis, three thousand: and though Harold had likewise provided a warlike Fleet to encounter him, yet it was at tha● time unfortunately diverted another way; for Taustay●e his Brother, being then in rebellion in the North, and Harold Harfager: King of Norway, at the same time invading those parts, and perhaps upon a bruit, that the Dukes● Fleet was not yet ready to come forth, removed both his Fleet and Army thither: where though he got the Victory at Stamford, with the death both of his Brother Toustayne, and of the King of No●way, yet it made way for the Duke to land quietly, and he entered the Kingdom, as one may enter a house, when the doors are all left open. By this means King Har●lds shipping, (the best wall of defence to an Island) was utterly frustrate: and as for his Land Forces, they were by his Battle at Stamford, exceedingly both weakened and impaired; yet hearing that Duke William was landed at Pemsey, not far from Hastings in Sussex, he repaired thither with all speed, and gathering together his broken Forces, and increasing them by all the means he could, made himself ready to give the Duke Battaile. Duke William in the mean time, as soon as he had landed his men, sent his ships presently away, that there might be no thinking of any thing, but either Death or Victory. And then going himself on land, it is said, his foot slipped, and he fell down; which some that stood by, taking for an ill sign, No (saith he) I have by this, taken possession of this Land. And indeed Presages are but as Animus ejus qui praesagit, as in this Dukes fall it afterwards fell out. Many ways of composition, between Duke William, and King Harold were propounded, yet Harold would hearken to none, as nothing doubting of success, and perhaps thinking it a disgrace, to capitulate for that, which was now his own: and when one of his Brothers called Girth, being less interessed, and therefore clearer sighted, entreated him to consider what a fearful thing it was to break an Oath, which he so solemnly had sworn: Harold seemed to conceive, that nothing which he did, being a private man, could be of force to bind him now being a Prince; and so on the fourteenth day of October, being Saturday, in the year 1066. (which day he liked the better, because it was his Birthday, hoping, that the day of his Birth would not so much degenerate, to prove the day of his death, though even this also bred no good blood to the Action, for the Soldiers of Harold, thinking thereby to honour their King's Birthday, spent the night before in revelling and drinking, where the Soldiers of the Duke, out of consideration of their next day's work, spent the night in quietness and devotion) they joined battle, (the Kentish-men being placed in the Forefront, as by an ancient custom is their due, and King Harold with his Londoners, leading the main Battle) where though their Armies were not much unequal in number, (for they were each of them near about threescore thou●and men) yet there was great odds in the expertness of their Soldiers, and more in the advantage of their weapons: for, the Duke had with him all the flower of France and Flanders, where King Harold had lost his best men, in his late Battle: and for advantage of weapons, the Normans had long Bows and Arrows, which of the English at that time, were not at all in use: what marvel then that the Normans got the Victory, though King Harold losing his life, yet lost no Reputation; and though the English Soldiers showed no less valour, in being Conquered, than the Normans did in Conquering. One circumstance may not be omitted, that King ●arold as an expert General, had ordered his men in so firm a Body, that no force of the Normans could disorder their Ranks, till Duke William● used a Stratagem, commanding his men to retire, and to counterfeit flight; by which he drew the English on, upon a hollow ground, covered with earth, whereinto many of them fell, and perished, and besides into an ambush of his Horsemen, which unexpectedly fell upon them, and cut them in pieces. Withal, there seems one great error to have been committed (at least, if it were an error, and not rather a necessity) that there was not a supplemental Army provided; (as his Brother Girth would have had it) which might have come on if the first had failed, and would have been of great advantage against a wearied Army. But when Sic visum est superis, all humane force is weak and cannot withstand, all humane Providence is unprovided, and cannot prevent. The body of Harold at his Mother Thyrace suit was recovered, and lies buried in Waltham Abbey, which he had begun to build, at least to repair. But here Gyraldus Cambrensis tells a strange story, that Harold was not slain in the Battle, but only wounded and lost his left eye, and then escaped by flight to Chester, where he afterwards led a holy Anchorets' life. How Duke William proceeded after his victory at Hastings. AS his Valour won him the Victory, so his Victory won him a Crown; that now of an old Duke, he was suddenly become a young King: and indeed, nothing so much renews life, and makes the years in a manner young again: as addition of Honour, specially when it is the fruit of merit. First therefore, having given public thanks to God for his happy success, he led his Army towards London, not the direct way (perhaps doubting some new Encounter) but coasting about through part of Kent, through Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire, where at Wallingford he passed over the Thames; and then through Oxford●shire, Buckinghamshire, and Hartfordshire, until he came to Barkehamstead, where there came unto him Aldred Archbishop of York, Woolstan Bishop of Worcester, Willfere, Bishop of Hereford, and many other Prelates, accompanied with Edgar Atheling, with Earl Edwin and Mar●har, Brothers, and men of the greatest sway in the Kingdom, and many others of the Nobility. It is true, upon the defeat at Hastings, Earl Edwin and Marchar, had a purpose to set up Edgar Atheling, as next Heir of the Royal blood; and Grandchild to Edmund ironside, and so beloved of the people, that he was called their Darling: but considering his young years, and other inabilities, but specially finding the minds of the Bishops, (who at that time bore all the sway) to be otherwise inclined, they desisted from that course, and thus the Duke, without any opposition, coming to London, was received by Bishops, and Lords and all, with great joy, though small gladness, and if he had not their hearts, yet he had their knees, for in most humble manner they submitted themselves to him, acknowledging him for their Sovereign Lord, and upon Christmas-day after, he was Crowned at Westminster by Aldred Archbishop of York, the Archbishop of Canterbury Stigand, not being admitted to do that office, for some defect in his Investiture; and perhaps for some aspersion in his manners. How he rewarded his followers.: THough he hath had the name of Conqueror, yet he used not the Kingdom as gotten by Conquest, for he took no man's living from him, nor dispossessed any of their goods, but such only, whose demerit made unworthy to hold them; as appears by his Act to one Warren a Norman, to whom he had given the Castle of Sherborne in Norfolk; for when Sherborne, who was owner of it, acquainted the King, that the Castle was his; and that he had never borne Arms against him; he presently commanded Warren, to deliver it quietly up unto him● Only vacancies of Offices, and filling up the places of those who were slain or fled, were the present means he made use of, for preferring his Followers. One special preferment we cannot omit, that where one Herlowyn a Nobleman in Normandy, had married his Mother Arlette, and had by her a Son named Hugh Lupus, he gave to the said Hugh, the Earldom of Chester, to hold of him as freely by his sword, as himself held England by his Crown, by virtue of which Grant, the said Hugh ordained under him four Barons, Nigell he made Baron of Halton: Malbanke, Baron of Nantwich: Eustace Baron of Mawpase; and Vernon, Baron of Shipbrooke: Such an Honour, as no Subject before or since, ever enjoyed the like. What means he used for securing himself in the Kingdom: BEsides the Oath of Fealty, which he took of all his Lords both Spiritual and Temporal, at his Coronation; in Lent following, going into Normandy, he took along with him the greatest part of the great men of the Kingdom, of whom, Edwin and Marchar, the two Earls of Northumberland and Mercia, Stigand Archbishop of Canterbury, Edgar Atheling, Waltheoff son to Syward formerly Earl of Northumberland, and Agelnothus Abbot of Glastenbury were the chief; leaving the care of the Kingdom in his absence to Odo Bishop of Bayeux, his Brother by the Mother; and to William Fits Osburne, whom he had made Earl of Hereford. And to abate the greatness of the Prelates, which at that time was grown in a manner unlimited, he ordained that from thenceforth, they should not command with any Temporal Authority whatsoever. And because the common people are no less to be feared for their number, than the Nobility for their greatness, he first took from them all their Armour, to the end, that leaving them without stings, they might afterward be but Drones. And because there is seldom any danger from singular numbers, but all the danger riseth from plurality: therefore to prevent conspiracies and combinations, which are commonly contrived in the night, he commanded that in all Towns and Villages, a Bell should be rung at eight a clock in the Evening, and that in every house they should then put out their Fire and Lights (which was called Cowre Feu) and go to Bed. And for more security he erected Castles in the most doubtful places of the Kingdom. One at York, another at Lincoln, a third at Nottingham, (at that time called Snottingham) and a fourth at Hastings, where he first Landed. By these means the Kingdom was quiet all the time of his being away in Normandy, saving only that Edrick the Forester, in the County of Hereford, call in to his aid the Kings of Wales, made some small disturbance. And indeed all the States of the Kingdom might in his very person find something to make them apt to tolerate his Government. For first, the People might think themselves in a sort advanced, being now made members of a greater Body; when the Dukedom of Normandy should come to be annexed to the Kingdom of England; and by experience of his good Government being a Duke, they might well hope, he would not govern worse being made a King. And the Nobility might be well content, as having a King of their former Kings choosing, and though a Stranger, yet no Alien, as having in him many veins of the same blood, and therefore likely also to have some vennes of the same goodness, of their good King Edward. But specially the Clergy could not choose but be content, as having a King who came commended to them, by a commending as strong as a commanding, the Pope's Benediction. What Troubles or Insurrections were during his Reign. BUt the Body of a State being more obnoxious to crudities and ill humours, than the state of a Natural body; It is impossible to continue long without distempers; notwithstanding any preservatives that can be applied. And therefore in the second year of his Reign, broke forth the discontentment of Edgar Etheling, justly the first, as having most cause, being the next of the late Royal blood, and therefore most apt to be sensible of servitude; who taking along with him his mother Agatha, and his two Sisters, Margaret and Christine; stole secretly away to Sea, with intention to pass into Hungary, the Country where he was borne; but by contrary winds was cast upon the Coast of Scotland, where the King Malcolm, not only most kindly entertained him, but for a stricter bond of kindness, took his Sister Margaret to Wife, by whom he had many Children, out of which, in the second Generation after, a match was found, by which in the person of King Henry the second, the Sax●n and Norman blood were conjoined, the union whereof continues in the race of our Kings of England to this day. Not long after to Edgar in Scotland, came the two great Earls, Edwin and Marchar, brothers to Agatha the late King Harold's Wife; also Hereward, Gospatrick, and Syward, with many other Lords; and shortly after Stigand and Aldred Archbishops, with divers of the Clergy. And these Lords being together in Scotland, did but watch opportunity, to recover that, which for want of taking opportunity they had lost; And assisted by the Scots, they invaded the North parts, spoiling the Country, and killing many for the fault they had themselves committed, but all they could do, was but to forage the Country, and so return. After this, in the third year of his Reign, the two sons of Swayne King of Denmark, Harold and Canutus, with a Fleet of 240. ships, entered Humber, and invaded the North parts, with whom the English Lords in Scotland joined, and foraged all the Country, till they came near to York. When the Normans that were in the Town, to save the City, set fire on the suburbs; but the fire not so contented, by assistance of a violent wind, took hold of the City itself, burning a great part of it, and which perhaps was more worth than the City, a Library of excellent Books, and the Normans that were left in defence of the City, to the number of three thousand, were all slain. King William hearing hereof was so much incensed, that with all speed he raised an Army, and entered Northumberland, wasting the Country that already lay waste; and yet for all his great rage, was contented with a great sum of money, to purchase the Danes departure. By these devastations in many Shires of the Kingdom, but especially in Northumberland, so great a Dearth and Famine followed, that men were glad to eat horses and dogs, cats and rats, and what el●e is most abhorrent to nature; and between York and Durham, the space of 60. miles, for nine years together, there was so utter desolation, as that neither any house was left standing, nor any ground tilled. Many other insurrections there were in his Reign; as at Exeter, at Oxford, in the Isle of Ely, and many times by the Scots in the Northern parts; but all these were easily suppressed, for they were but scattered Forces; Et dum singuli pugnant, universi vincuntur; whereas if they had united themselves into an Army, they might perhaps have made it a War, which now were little more than Routs and Riots. Yet some write, that King William granted Cumberland to Malcolm King of Scots, to hold from him conditionally, that the Scots should not attempt any thing prejudicial to the Crown of England, for which Grant King Malcolm did him Homage. The greatest and last was an Insurrection raised in Normandy, by his son Robert, the more dangerous because unnatural, for by the instigation and assistance of Philip King of France, (emulous now of K. William's greatness) he entered Normandy, & claimed it as in his own right. His father indeed had made him a promise of it long before, but Robert impatient of delay, as counting so long staying to be little better then disinheriting, endeavoured by strong hand to wrest it from his father. But his father King William hearing hereof, with a strong Army passeth over into Normandy, where in a battle meeting hand to hand with his son, was by him unhorsed, and hurt in the arm: but his son perceiving him by his voice to be his father, suddenly leaps off his horse, takes up his father, casts himself down at his feet, and humbly entreats his pardon; which as a father he easily grants, embraceth his son, and ever after, the son from the father had fatherly love, and the father from the son a filial obedience. But though his father did thus pardon him, yet it seems there is a Nemesis, or to say better, a Divine Providence, that did not pardon him; for after this, it is observed he never prospered in any thing he undertook. It cannot perhaps be discovered, whether the King's severity begat his subjects Insurrections, or his subjects Insurrections the King's severity; but which of them soever was the mother, it is certain they were nurses each of them to other. His aptness to forget Injuries. CErtainly there is no such goodness of nature, as aptness to be reconciled; of which virtue it seems King William had a large proportion, for he seldom remembered injuries after submission. Edric the first that rebelled against him, he placed in Office near about him. Gospatric who had been a factious man, and a plotter of conspiracies against him, he made Earl of Gloucester, and trusted him with managing a War against Malcolm King of Scots. Eustace Earl of Boleyne, who in the King's absence in Normandy attempted to seize upon Dover Castle, he received afterward into great favour and respect. The Earls Marchar & Syward, with Wolnoth the brother of Harold, a little before his death, he released out of prison. Edgar, who as next heir to the Saxon Kings, had often attempted by Arms to recover his right, he not only after twice defection pardoned, but gave him also allowance as a Prince: It is said twenty shillings a day, or rather a pound weight of silver, and other large livings besides; so as Edgar finding the sweetness of safety, and the pleasures of a Country life, spent the rest of his days (which were many) retired from Court, neither envying nor being envied. Only Waltheoff Earl of Northumberland, and Northam●ton, of all the English Nobility was put to death in all the time of this King's Reign; and not he neither, till he had twice falsified his Oath of Allegiance. Of new Acquests to this Kingdom, by this King's means. IN the thirteenth year of his Reign, he subdued Wales, and made it tributary to him, as before in the seaventh year of his Reign, he brought Malcolm King of Scots to do him Homage, and thereupon to give him Hostages; that if England made him greater than he was before, a King of a Duke; he no less made England greater than it was before, three Kingdoms in one. Of his Exactions and courses for raising of money. AS his Taxations were many in number, so they were various in kind, not always bringing in money directly, but sometimes obliquely saving it. The first tax he laid upon his subjects was in the first year of his Reign, after his return out of Normandy; a grievous tax all writers say, but none what tax it was. In the third year of his Reign he ransacked all Monasteries, and all the gold and silver of either Chalices or Shrines, he took to his own use. Likewise he sess all Bishops and Abbots what number of soldiers they should find to serve him in his wars: also the strangers which he maintained in Pay, he dipsersed into Religious houses, and some also among the Nobility to be maintained at their charge. Many other taxations he made, but last of all in the eighteenth year of his Reign, by the advice of Roger Earl of Hertford, he caused the whole Realm to be described in a censual Roll, (whereof he took a Precedent from King Alfred) so as there was not one Hyde of Land, but both the yearly rent, and the owner thereof was therein set down: How many Ploughlands, what Pastures, Fens or Marshes, what Woods, Farms, and Tenements were in every Shire, and what every one was worth: Also how many Villains every man had; what Beasts, what cattle, what F●es, what other goods, what rent or commodity his Possessions did yield. This book was called the Roll of Winton, because it was kept in the City of Winchester. By the English it was called Doomsday book, either by reason of the generality thereof, or else corruptly, instead of Domu● Dei book, for that it was laid in the Church of Winchester, in a place called Domu● Dei. According to this Roll taxations were imposed; sometimes two shillings, and at this time six shillings upon every Hyde of Land, (a Hyde containing as some account it, twenty Acres, bu● as Master Lambert proveth, a hundred Acres.) In all those Lands which he gave to any man, he reserved Dominion in chief to himself, as also a yearly rent, and likewise a Fine whensoever the Tenant did alien or die. These were bound to him by Oath of Fealty and Homage, and if any died, his heir being within age, the King received the profits of his Lands, and had the custody and disposing of the heirs body, until his age of one and twenty years. To be short, his greediness of money was so great, that he spared not his own brother Odo, but found accusations against him● to the end he might seize upon his Treasure; which was infinite great, and which he had gathered in hope to buy the Papacy. Only one kind of profit he forbore to meddle with, that is, Vacancies of Abbeys and Bishoprics, which he always reserved for the Successors: but then he took another course of far greater profit, for he compelled all men to make new Fines at his pleasure, for confirmation of any Grant or Privileges formerly granted by any Prince of the Realm: by which devise he got into his possession, the greatest part of all the riches of the Land, as well of the Clergy, as of the Laity. And one particular may not be omitted that is reported of him, which was this: The Monks of Ely to purchase their peace, agreed to give him seven hundred Marks, when coming to pay it, there wanted a Groat in the weight, (for in those days greater sums were not paid by tale, but by weight) which the King understanding, denied them all composition for Peace, until with much suit he was entreated to accept of a thousand Marks more. Of his Laws and Ordinances, and Courts of justice erected by him. ALthough at his Coronation he had taken an Oath to observe the Laws of King Edward then in use, yet afterwards (perhaps counting his Coronation Oath but a matter of course) he abrogated many, and in their stead brought in the Laws of Normandy; commanding them to be written in French, and also that all Causes should be Pleaded, and all matters of Form dispatched in French; upon a pretence to dignify the French tongue, but with a purpose to entrap men through ignorance of the language, as indeed it did: or perhaps to make the Normans language predominant in the Kingdom as he had made their persons; which yet he was so far from effecting, that there is not so much as any footsteps remaining of the Norman language in the English tongue. Forms of Judgement, and trials by Fire and Water, called Ordeal, formerly used, were in short time after the Conquest disused, and in the end utterly abrogated by the Pope, as derived from Paganism. That of Combat continued longer, but of no ordinary use: and all actions both criminal and real, began now to be wholly adjudged by the Verdict of twelve men, according to the custom of Normandy, where the like Form is used, and called by the name of Enquest, with the same cautions for the Jurours, as it is here continued to this day; though by the Laws of Ethelred it appears, that the trial by twelve men was in use long before his time. And where before the Bishop and the Alderman were the absolute Judges to determine all business in every Shire, and the Bishop, in many Cases, shared in the benefit of the Mulcts with the King; now he confined the Clergy within the Privince of their own Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, to deal only in business concerning rule of souls, according to the Canons and Laws Episcopal. And where the Causes of the Kingdom were before determined in every Shire, and by a Law of King Edward, all matters in question were upon special penalty decided in their Gemote, or Conventicle held monthly in every Hundred: Now he ordained that four times in the year, for certain days, the same businesses should be determined in such place as he would appoint, where he constituted Judges to attend for that purpose. Also he Decreed there should be Sheriffs in every Shire, and Justices of Peace for punishment of Malefactors. Finally he ordained his Council of State, his Chancery, his Exchequer, (Scaccarium corruptly called so, of the word Statarium, or rather of the Board or Table where the Officers sat;) also his Courts of Justice, which always removed with his Court. These places he furnished with Officers, and assigned four Terms in the year for determining controversies among the people. The place of these Courts was Westminster, where King William Rufus afterward built a stately Palace. Now for his provisionary Revenues, the King's Tenants who held Lands of the Crown, paid him no money at all, but only Corn and other victuals; and a just note of the quality and quantity of every man's ratement, was taken through out all the Shires of the Kingdom, and levied ever certain, for maintenance of the King's house. Only the Kentish men procured the continuance of their ancient Laws by a trick; for King William riding towards Dover, at Sw●nscombe two miles from Gravesend, the Kentish men met him, but in the form of a moving wood, by reason of the great boughs they had cut and carried in their hands, and compassing the King about, they only made suit for the continuant of their Laws, which the King without any great scruple granted, and glad he was so rid of them. A strange conceit in the Kentish men, to hazard themselves more, for the preserving a simple Custom; then for preserving the Liberty of themselves and their Country: But such is the violence of conceit, till it be mastered by time, or rather so very a Changeling is Humane Reason, that what they then cut down great Woods to defend, they have since been content to see abolished, without cutting down so much as a twig. But one Law especially he made, extremely distasteful to all the Gentry of the Land: for where before they might at their pleasure hunt and take Dear which they found abroad in the Woods; Now it was Ordained, under a great penalty, no less than putting out their eyes; that none should presume to kill or take any of them, as reserving them only for his own delight. And indeed so great delight he took in that kind of sport, that he depopulated a great part of Hamshire, the space of thirty miles, where there had been (saith Car●on) six and twenty Towns, and fourscore Religious Houses, and made it a Habitation for such kind of Beasts; which was then, and to this day is called the New-Forest. But the lamentable dysasters that have happened to this King's Issue, do plainly show, that there is a power, that observes all our Actions, and which we may know to be Memorem Fandi atque Nefandi. But in the first year of this Kings Raign●, he granted to the City of London, their first Charter and Liberties, in as large form, as they enjoyed them in the time of King Edward the Confessor, which he granted at the suit of William a Norman, Bishop of London; in grateful remembrance whereof, the Lord Major and Aldermen, upon the solemn days of their resort to Paul's, do still use to walk to the Grave-stone, where this Bishop lies interred. Also this King was the first, that brought the Jews to inhabit here in England, as likewise he made a Law, that whosoever forced a woman, should lose his genitals: and in his time, long Bows came first into use in England, which as they were the weapons with which France under this King Conquered England: so they were the weapons with which England under after-Kings, Conquered Fra●ce; as if it were not enough for us to beat them, if we did not beat them with their own weapons. This King also appointed a Constable of Dover Castle, and a Lord Warden of the Cinque-Ports, with Immunities as they are at this day. Affairs of the Church in his Reign. IN the twelfth year of his Reign, Lanfranke Archbishop of Canterbury, held a Synod at London, where amongst other things, he removed Bishops Sees, from small Towns to great Cities, as from Silliway to Chichester; from Kyrton to Exeter; from Wells to bath; from Shirborne to Salisbury; from Dorchester to Lincoln; and from Lichfield to Chester; and from thence again to Coventry; and not long before, the Bishopric of Lindafferne, otherwise called Holy Land, upon the river Tweed, had been translated to Durham. In the sixth year of his Reign, a controversy arising between the two Archbishops of Canterbury and York, they appealed to Rome, and the Pope remitted it to the King and Bishops of England. Hereupon a Synod is holden at Windsor, where sentence was given on Lanfranks then Archbishop of Canterbury's side: that in matters of Religion, the Archbishop of Yo●ke, should ever be subject to the Archbishop of Canterbury: Only at Rome it was decreed, for matter of Title, that the See of York should be styled Primas Angliae, and the See of Canterbury, Primas totius Angliae, as it is at this day. And as the Archbishop of York oweth obedience to the Archbishop of Canterbury; So all the Bishops of Scotland owe obedience to the Archbishop of York, as to the Primate of Scotland. But as this King took down the Prelates in Temporalties, for he ordained they should exercise no Temporal Authority at all; So in Spiritualties, he rather raised them, as may be seen by a passage between Aldred Archbishop of York, and the King: for at a time, upon the repulse of a certain suit, the Archbishop in great discontentment offered to depart, when the King, in awe of his displeasure, stayed him, fell down at his feet, desired pardon, and promised to grant his suit. The King all this while being down at the Archbishops feet the Noblemen that were present, put him in mind that he should cause the King to arise, Nay (saith the Archbishop) let him alone, let him find what it is to anger Saint Peter. And as by this story, we see the insulting pride of a Prelate in those days: So by another, we may see the equivocating falsehood of a Prelate at that time; For St●gand Archbishop of Canterbury would often swear, he had not one penny upon the Earth, when under the Earth it was afterward found he had hidden great Treasure. Also it is memorable, but scarce credible of another Bishop, who being accused of Simony, and denying i●, the Cardinal before whom he was to Answer, told him, that a Bishopric was the gift of the Holy Ghost, and therefore to buy a Bishopric, was against the Holy Ghost, and thereupon bid him say, Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghast; which the Bishop beginning, and oft essaying, could never say, [and to the Holy Ghost] but said it plainly when he was put out of his Bishopric. And yet was not the Church in that Age so barren of Virtue, but that it afforded some good Bishops, as William Bishop of Durham, Founder of University College in Oxford, but specially Bishop Woolstan; whom, upon Lanfrankes reporting, to be insufficient for the place, for want of Learning, the King commanded to put off his Pontifical Robes, and to leave his Bishopric: when suddenly out of a divine Inspiration, Woolstan answered: A better than you, O King, bestowed these Robes upon me, and to him I will restore them. And therewithal going to Saint Edward's Shrine, who had made him a Bishop, and putting off his Robes, he struck his Staff upon Saint Edward's Monument, which stuck so fast in the stone of it, that by no strength it could be drawn forth, till he drew it forth himself: which so terrified both Lanfranke and the King, that they entreated him to take his Robes again, and keep his Bishopric. Also Oswald Bishop of Salisbury, who devised a Form of Prayers to be daily used in his Church, and was used afterwards in other Churches, from whence proceeded the common saying of Secundum usum Sarum. In this King's time was Berengarius, who denied the true body of Christ to be in the Sacrament; Also in his time, Pope Gregory the seventh, removed married Priests from executing Divine Service, whereof great troubles arose in England. Works of Piety, by him, and others in his time. THis King Founded the Abbey of Baltell in Sussex, where he overcame Harold; the Abbey of Selby in Yorkshire; and a third near London, called Saint Saviour's. He founded also the Priory of Saint Nicholas at Exeter; and gave great privileges to Saint martin's le Grand in London; which Church was founded before the Conquest, by Ingelricus and Emardus his Brother, Cousins to King Edward the Confessor. These were this King's works of Piety in England, but in Normandy he Founded also an Abbey at Caen: where his Wife Maude built likewise a Monastery of Nuns. He gave also to the Church of Saint Stephens in Caen, two Manors in Dorsetshire, one Manor in Devonshire, another in Essex, much Land in Berkshire, some in Norfolk, a Mansion house in Woodstreet; London, with many Advowsons' of Churches, and even he gave his Crown and Regal Ornaments to the said Church, being of his own Foundation, for the redemption whereof, his Son Henry gave the Manor of Brydeton in Dorsetshire. In this King's time, Robert, son to Hyldebert La●ie, Founded the Priory of Pon●fraite; Henry Earl Ferrer Founded a Priory within his Castle at Tutbury; Alwyn Child, a Citizen of London, Founded the Monastery of Saint Saviour's at Bermondsey in Southwark, and gave to the Monks there divers Rents in London: Also in this King's time, Mauric● Bishop of London, after the firing of the former Church of Saint Paul in London, began the Foundation of the new Church, a work so admirable, that many thought it would never have been finished. Towards the building of the East end whereof, the King gave the choice stones of his Castle, at the West end of the City, upon the bank of the River Thames; which Castle having been at that time fired, in place thereof Edward Kilwarby Archbishop of Canterbury, did afterwards Found a Monastery of Blackfriars. The King also gave the Manor of Storford to the same Maurice, and to his Successors in that See; after whose decease, Richard his next Successor, bestowed all the Rents of his Bishopric, to advance the building of this Church, maintaining himself by his private Patrimony; and yet all he could do, made no great show, but the finishing of the work was left to many other succeeding Bishops. In the fifteenth year of this King's Reign, William Bishop of Durham, Founded University College in Oxford: Also one Gylbert a Norman Lord, Founded the Abbey of Merton in Surrey, seven miles from London; and Thomas Archbishop of York, first builded the Minster of York. In this King's sixteenth year, his Brother Duke Robert, being sent against the Scots, builded a Fort, where at this day standeth New Castle upon Tyne: but the Town and Walls w●re builded afterward by King john. Also in this King's time, Ledes Castle in Kent was builded by Creveken, and the Castle of Oxford, by Robert d' Oily: two Noble men that came into England with him. Osmond Bishop of Salisbury built the new Church there; Also Waring Earl of Shrewesbury, built two Abbeys, one in the Suburbs of Shrewesbury, and another at Wenlocke. Casualties happening in his time. IN the twentyeth year of his Reign, so great a fire happened in London, that from the West-gate to the East-gate, it consumed Houses and Churches all the way, and amongst the rest the Church of Saint Paul, the most grievous fire that ever happened in that City. Also this year, by reason of distemperature of weather, there ensued a Famine: and afterwards a miserable mortality of Men and cattle. Also this year in the Province of Wales, upon the Sea shore, was found the body of Gawen, sister's son to Arthur, the great King of the Britain's: reported to be fourteen foot in length. Also in this King's time, a great Lord ●itting at a Feast, was set upon by Mice, and though he were removed from Land to Sea, and from Sea again to Land, yet the Mice still followed him, and at last devoured him. Of his Wife and Children. HE had to Wi●e, and her only; Mathilde or Maude, Daughter to Baldwyn Earl of Flanders. She was Crowned Queen of England, the second year of his Reign: the seventeenth year of his Reign, she died; a Woman only memorable for this, that nothing memorable is Recorded of her, but that she built a Nunnery at Caen in Normandy, where she lies Buried. By her he had four sons and fiv● daughters. His Sons were, Robert, Richard, William, and Henry: of whom Robert the eldest, called Court-cayse, of his short thighs, or Court-hose, of his short Breeches, or Courtois, of his courteous behaviour: (for so many are the Comments upon his name) succeeded his Father in the Duchy of Normandy. Richard his second Son, was killed by misfortune, hunting in the New-Forest. William his third Son, called Rufus, succeeded his Father in the Kingdom of England. Henry his youngest Son called Beauclerke, for his Learning, had by his Father's Will, five thousand pounds in money, and the inheritance also of his Mother. His Daughters were Cicelie, C●nstance, Adela, Margaret, and Elinor, of whom Cicelie was Abbess of Caen in Normandy. Constance was married to Alan Earl of Britain. Adela to Stephen Earl of Blois. Margaret affianced to Harold King of England, but never married, and died young. Elinor, betrothed to Alphonsus' King of Gallitia, but desiring to die a Virgin, she had her wish, spending her time so much in Prayer, that with continual kneeling, her knees were brawned. Of his Personage and Conditions. HE was but mean of stature, yet big of body, and therewithal so strong, that few were able to draw his Bow: growing in years, he was bald before; his beard always shaved, after the manner of the Normans; and where in his younger time, he was much given to that infirmity of Youth, which grows out of strength of Youth, Incontinency: after he was once married, whether out of satiety, or out of Grace, he was never known to offend in that kind. Of so perfect health, that he was never sick, till that sickness whereof he died. Of a stern countenance, yet of an affable nature: In war, as expert as valiant: In Peace, as provident as prudent: and in all his Enterprises, as Fortunate, as Bold and Hardy. Much given to Hunting and Feasting, wherein he was no less pleasant than magnificent. He made no great proficience in Learning; as having had his education in the licentiousness of the French Court: yet he favoured learned men; and drew out of Italy, Lanfranke, Anselm, Durand, Traherne, and divers others, famous at that time for Learning and Piety. Very devout he was, and always held the Clergy in exceeding great Reverence: And this is one special honour attributed unto him, that from him we begin the Computation of our Kings of England. His Places of Residence. HIs Christmas he commonly kept at Gloucester; his Easter at Wi●chester; and his Whi●sontide at Westminster; and once in the year, at one of these places would be new Crowned; as though by often putting on his Crown, he thought to make it sit the easier upon his head. And for the houses which the Kings of England had in those days in London; I find that at Westminster was a Palace, the ancient habitation of the Kings of England, from the time of Edward the Confessor: which in the Reign of King Henry the Eight, was by casual fire burnt down to the ground. A very large and stately Palace this was, and in that Age, for building incomparable. The Remains whereof, are the Chamber of assembling the High Court of Parliament, and the next unto it, wherein anciently they were wont to begin the Parliament, called Saint Edward's painted Chamber, because the Tradition holdeth, that the said King Edward died in it. Adjoining unto this, is the Whitehall, wherein at this day the Court of Requests is kept; Beneath this is the Great Hall, where Courts of Justice are now kept: This Hall which we now have, was built by King Richard the second, out of the Ground; as appeareth by his Arms engraven in the stone work: (when he had plucked down the old Hall, built before by William Rufus) and made it his own habitation. But the aforesaid Palace, after it was burnt down in anno 15●2. lay desolate, and King Henry the Eighth shortly after translated the King's seat, to a house not far off, built by Cardinal Woolsey● and is called White-Hall. The Tower of London also was anciently used by the Kings of England to lodge in. Other Houses they anciently had; one where Bridewell now standeth, out of the ruins whereof, the now Bridewell was built. Another called the Tower Royal, now the King's Wardrobe. Another in Bucklersbury, called Sernes Tower. Another where now the Popes-head Tavern is, over against the Old Exchange; and oftentimes they made use of Baynard's Castle. But these are all long since demolished, that we may see Palaces and places have their Fa●es and periods as well as men. His Death and Burial. TOwards the end of his Reign, he appointed his two sons Robert and Henry with joint authority, Governors of Normandy: These went together, to visit the King of France, lying at Constance, where entertaining the time with variety of sports; Henry played with Lewis the Dauphin of France at Chess, and winning much money of him, Lewis grew so choleric, that he threw the Chess-men at Henry's face; calling him the son of a Bastard: and thereupon Henry struck Lewis with the Chessboard, and had presently slain him, if his Brother Robert had not stepped in, and stayed him. Upon this the King of France invades Normandy, and draws Robert, King William's eldest son, to join with him against his Father: but King William coming presently over with an Army, was soon reconciled to his Son, yet being corpulent and in years, was by this means much distempered in Body, and so retired to Rouen, where he stayed, as not being well in health. The French King hearing of his sickness, scoffingly said, that he lay in Childbed of his great belly. Which so incensed King William, that he swore by God's Resurrection and his Brightness, (his usual Oath) that assoon as he should be Churched of that Child, he would offer a thousand Lights in France; and indeed he performed it; for he entered France in Arms, and ●et many Towns and Corne-fields on fire, in which he was so violent, that by reason of his travail and the unreasonable heat, being in the month of August, it brought upon him a relapse of his sickness, and withal, leaping on horseback over a ditch, his fat belly did bear so hard upon the pommel of his saddle, that he took a rupture in his inner parts; whereupon returning to Rouen, his sickness so increased, that in short time he died; and that which is scarce credible, yet Recorded for certain, the very same day he died at Rouen, his death was known at Rome, a thousand miles off. In all the time of his sickness, he retained to the very last, his memory and speech: and showed many demonstrations of Devotion, and true contrition, specially for his severity used towards the English. And thus he who was a Conqueror of men, was conquered himself by death; the ninth day of September, when he had Reigned twenty years, and near eleven months, in the threescore and fourth year of his age: I may well say, he was conquered by Death; seeing death used him more despitefully● than ever he living used any whom he had conquered: For no sooner was the breath out of his body, but his attendants purloining what they could lay hands on, forsook him and fled: leaving his body almost naked upon the Ground. Afterwards, William Archbishop of Rouen, commanded his body should be conveyed to Caen, but his command was little regarded: till at last, one H●rlewyne, a Country Knight, at his own charges caused his body to be Embalmed, and conveyed thither; where the Abbot and Monks meeting the Corpse, suddenly in the midst of their solemnities, a violent fire broke out in the Town, with the fright whereof, every man left the place; and thus was his body the second time left forlorn. In the end a few Monks returned and accompanied the Hearse to the Abbey Church; but when the Divine Office was ended, and the body ready to be laid in the Grave, one Anselm Fits Arthur, stood up, and claimed that Ground to have been the Floor of his Father's house, which King William had violently wrested from him; and thereupon charged them, as they would answer it before the dreadful face of God, not to cover his Body with the Earth of his Inheritance. Whereupon after some pause, agreement was made with him, and three pound was paid in hand for the Ground broken up, and a hundred pounds more afterward for the Ground itself, paid him by Henry the King's youngest Son, who only of all his Sons was present at the Funeral. And yet this was not all, but when his Body was to be put in the Earth, it happened that the Sepulchre of Stone which stood within the G●ave, was hewed somewhat too straight for his fat belly, so as they were fain to press it down with some violence, with which, whether his bowels burst, or whether some Excrements were forced out of their natural passage; such an intolerable stink proceeded from him, that none were able to endure it, but made all the hast they could to be gone. And yet neither was this the last of his miseries: For in the year, 1562. when Castillion took the City of Caen, certain dissolute Soldiers opened his Tomb, and not finding the Treasure they expected, threw forth his bones with great derision: whereof some were afterward brought into England. So that if we consider his many troubles in life, and after his death, we may well think, that notwithstanding all his greatness, a very mean man would hardly be persuaded to change fortunes with him. Men of Note in his time. MEn of Learning in his time, were but rare in this Island, yet some there were, particularly Marianus Scotus, a Historiographer, and Alpheredus a Monk o● Beverley, a Writer also of Historical Argument. And as for Men of Valour, they are not to be expected in a time of Servitude, but as if all the English Valour were now remaining in the Kentish men, they only made resistance, when all other Countries had submitted. THE REIGN OF KING WILLIAM THE SECOND. KING William the Second called Rufus, second Son to William the Conqueror, appointed Successor by his Father's Will; was upon the fifth of October, in the year 1087. by Lanfranke Archbishop of Canterbury, Crowned at Westminster King of England. Wherein his Father seems to have followed the Example of jacob, who gave to his younger son joseph, the Land which he had taken with his Sword and his Bow: for with his sword and his Bow, had King William gotten the Land of England; and therefore might justly bestow it on which of his Sons he pleased. And besides, there was cause enough, why he should show this Son of his some extraordinary favour, seeing in the Rebellion of his brother Robert, yet he stood firmly for his Father; and in his quarrel incurred no small hazard of his life, as wherein he received divers wounds: and perhaps also, his Father thought the rough disposition of this son, fitter to bridle the insurrections of the English, than the softly disposition of his son Robert. But though he have thus quietly gotten the Crown, he must not look to hold it so; and indeed at his very beginning is assaulted with two troubles in one: for both his Brother Robert prepares to recover it from him, and the Lords of the Kingdom combine with Robert to assist him in it. The first mover of this trouble was Odo Bishop of Bayeux, his Uncle, who finding himself not to bear the sway he expected, and specially for an old grudge he bore to Lanfranke, Archbishop of Canterbury, as by whose means, in the former King's time he had been imprisoned (the Archbishop telling him, that though he might not imprison a Bishop, yet he might imprison an Earl of Kent, as this Odo was made not long before) he draws many other Bishops and Temporal Lords to join with him● in behalf of Duke Robert, against the King: but though the storm were violent for a while, yet it soon passed over; that indeed of his Lords, with more difficulty: but that of his brother Robert with more cost: For it was at last agreed, that Rufus should pay him three thousand marks a year, during his life, and leave him the Kingdom after his own decease. But there was difficulty in repressing his Rebel Lords, by reason of their spreading themselves abroad in many quarters. For Odo fortified himself in Kent; Roger Montgomery, Earl of Shrewsbury, in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire; Hugh de Grandmenill, in Leycestershire, and Northamptonshire; Robert Mowbray Earl of Northumberland, possessed himself of Bristol; William Bishop of Durham, of the North parts of the Realm; and divers other of the Clergy, and Nobility, fortify themselves in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Worcestershire, and all the Countries adjoining to Wales, thinking by this means to distract the King that he should not know where to begin, nor whither to turn him. But this course, as it made it hard to repress them suddenly, so it made it easy to repress them at leisure; for being thus divided, they were but as single sticks, that are easily broken; where if they had united themselves, as into a Faggot, they might have made a strength of far greater resistance. But the King having Lanfranke Archbishop of Canterbury, and Woolstan Bishop of Worcester, firm of his side: partly by their Authority and love amongst the people; but chiefly by his own promises, to restore their ancient Laws, and to allow them liberty of hunting in his Forests, he so firmly won the hearts of all unto him; that some of the Rebel Lords he reconciled with fair words, as Robert Montgomery; (a principal sinew of the Faction) some again he mastered by strong hand, and Odo the chief Engineer of all the work, he besieged in the Castle of Rochester, took him Prisoner, and forced him to abjure the Realm. And thus this great Rebellion was suppressed: In which it is observable, that though so many hot bloods were up, yet there was but little blood spilt. A happy rebellion for the English; for the Rebel Lords and Bishops being all Normans, the King had none to trust to, but the English, whom for their faithfulness to him in this service, he ever after respected more than he had done before. After this storm was over in the South, there ariseth another in the North; For now Malcolm King of Scots, thinking it a fit time to do some feats when King William was troubled at home; invades Northumberland, and having burnt and spoilt the Country, returns home laden with booties. Which King William hearing, he takes his brother Robert along with him, and with a mighty Army enters Scotland, brings Malcolm to acknowledge his ancient homage: and upon Faith given, returns to London. After this, Duke Robert finding his brother King William, not to keep his promise, in paying his Pension, complains to the King of France, and with his aid, assaults and takes some Towns, which he before had delivered in pawn for money to his brother King William; who hearing of it, hastens into Normandy with an Army, and by the mediation of money takes off the King of France, and makes his brother, being left destitute of assistance, to ask him pardon: a wise and merciful course in King William; for to buy his peace with the King of France, did cost him but money, where to have purchased it by War, must besides money, have cost the lives of many. After this Malcolm, King of Scots, came in kindness to visit King William at Gloucester: but the King not vouchsafing so much as to see him, put him into so great an indignation, that returning home, he makes ready an Army, invades Northumberland, making great spoil and getting great spoils, but by Robert Mowbray, the King's Lieutenant there, was taken in ambush, and together with his eldest son Edward, defeated and slain. This King Malcolm was a most valiant Prince, as may appear by an Act of his of an extraordinary strain; for hearing of a conspiracy plotted to murder him, whereof one was Author, whose name is not recorded, he dissembled the knowing it, till being abroad one day a hunting, he took the fellow apart from the company, and being alone, said unto him: Here now is a fit time and place, to do that manfully, which you have intended to do treacherously; draw your weapon, and if you kill me, none being present, you can incur no danger: with which speech of the King, the fellow was so daunted, that presently he fell down at his feet, confessed his fault, humbly asked forgiveness, and being granted him, was ever after serviceable and faithful to him. The death of King Malcolm and his Son, was so grievous, and so grievously taken of Margaret his Queen, the sister of Edgar Atheling, that she made it her Prayer, and had it granted, not to over-live them, and so, within three days after died: a woman as full of virtues all her life, as at this time of sorrows; whom yet I should not break order to mention, but for one pious Act of hers, in causing a most barbarous custom of Scotland to be abrogated, that when a man married, his Lord should lie the first night with his Bride. Which custom by her endeavour was altered to a payment in money. After these troubles were ended in the North, a new trouble ariseth in the West; for now the Welsh men hearing of King William's distractions, enter upon the English borders, making spoil and havoc of men and Towns: whom King William went with an Army to encounter, but could do no good upon them, till he was fain to return to London, and provide him a stronger Army. About this time also Robert Mowbray Earl of Northumberland, by whom Malcolm King of Scots was in King William's service formerly slain, finding his service not rewarded as he expected, enters into Conspiracy against the King; but the King being informed of the practice, seizeth suddenly upon many of his Complices, and himself, after many devises and shifts for flight, is taken and put in prison, in the Castle of Windsor. After this, King William to take a further revenge of the Welsh, and to make an absolute conquest of that unquiet people, with a far greater Army than ever before, enters Wales, and thinks with new devices of Castles and Forts, utterly to subdue them, but they defending themselves, with their Woods, and Mountainous passages, tire and weary out the King and his Army, so as he leaves the business to two Hughes, one, Earl of Salop, the other of Chester, who first invaded and took Anglesey, (their Island of refuge) where they used all kind of cruelty, pulling out of eyes, and cutting off hands and noses: in prosecuting of which business, Hugh Earl of Salop was slain, but Hugh Earl of Chester, entered Wales, and in the end, with the slaughter of Rees, the last King of Wales, made an absolute Conquest of the Country. For after this, though they often rebelled, yet they were in a true subjection. And these for the most part, were all the troubles of his Reign: where we may observe, that none of them did ever overtake him, but still he met them, and from none of them he ever fled, but was still the pursuer, and yet so many as might well have taken away all the comfort of a Crown, and have made him willing to change his Diadem for a pair of Beads, but that Ambition, though sometimes weary, yet never tynes. His Exactions and Courses for raising of money. IN the second year of his Reign, Lanfranke Archbishop of Canterbury died, who had kept the kingdom and King in some good Order, but assoon as he was dead, the King, as though he were then got loose, ranged without reins, in all licentiousness: preying especially upon the Clergy, as amongst whom he found the richest Booties. When Bishoprickes or Abbeys were vacant, it was familiar with him to seize them into his own hands, as this of Lanfranke, he kept to his own use four years together, and longer would have kept it, if a sickness of his Body had not healed this disease of his mind: For finding himself in some hazard of death, he then conferred the Archbishopricke of Canterbury upon Anselm, and the Bishopric of Lincoln, upon Robert Bloet, two eminent men of that time; but assoon as he was well again, it repented him of that he had done, and was not quiet, till he had drawn from the said Bloet, five thousand pounds, and from Anselm also good sums of money. For he repented not more in time of sickness for the evil he had done in health, then being in health, he repented him of the good he had done in sickness; that it may in a manner be said, there was nothing made him sick but health, and nothing made him be in health but sickness. But this preying upon the Clergy was grown into such a custom with him, that he kept in his hands at one time, three Bishoprickes, Canterbury, Winchester, and Salisbury; and twelve Abbeys; all which he let out to Farm, and received the profits: and from this King, the use is said to have risen first in England, that the Kings succeeding had the Temporalties of Bishops Sees, as long as they remained void. Having agreed to pay the King of France a great sum of money, he raised it in this manner; He caused twenty thousand men to be levied, under pretence for his wars in Normandy; but when they were ready to be shipped, it was signified to them from the King, that whosoever would pay ten shillings towards the levying of Soldiers in Normandy, should be excused from going, and stay at home; which was so plausible an offer to the Army, that scarce a man was found that accepted not the condition. When Duke Robert went into the Holy Land he pawned his D●tchy of Normandy to his Brother King William for 6666. pounds, or as some write, for 12600. which money King William took up part by a grievous Imposition: so that Bishops melted their Plate, and the Temporal Lords spoilt their Tenants for the payment thereof: and part by loan; but chiefly of Religious persons. He sold the Abbey of Glastenbury to Thurstan for five hundred pounds; and when he built Westminster Hall, he made that an occasion to lay a heavy tax upon the people, who grudged at it, as done of purpose. He usually sold all Spiritual preferments, to them would give most; and took Fines of Priests for Fornication: as also he took money of Jews, to cause such of them as were converted, to renounce Christianity, and return to Judaisme, as making more benefit by their Unbelief then by their Conversion. He caused divers of the Nobility to pay grievous Fines for transgressing his Laws, though the fault were never so small. He set forth a Proclamation that none should go out of the Realm without his Licence, by which he drew much money from many; for either they must tarry at home and live discontented, or else content him for giving them leave to go abroad. And from thence the Custom or Law of Ne exeas Regno, seems to have taken its beginning: for Precedents of servitude are sure to live, where Precedents of Liberty are commonly stillborn. These were his ways for raising of money, wherein Promoters and Informers were his darling servants; and the most officious of all was Ralph Bishop of Durham, of whom he would often say, there was not such another man in the world to serve a King's turn. And yet he was not so greedy of lucre but that he did some Acts that may serve for examples: as one time, an Abbey being vacant, two Monks of the Covent came suitors to him for the place, offering great sums, and each of them out-bidding the other; whereupon the King looking about, and espying another Monk standing not far off, asked him what he would give for the place? Who answering, he neither had any thing to give, nor would give any thing if he had it: Well (said the King) thou hast spoken honestly, thou art fitter to be Abbot then either of these; and so bestowed the place upon him gratis. Of his Magnanimity. Word was brought him as he sat at dinner, that his City of Man's in Normandy was besieged, and in great danger to be taken, if not presently relieved: whereupon the King asked which way Man's lay; and then caused Masons presently to take down the Wall, to make him passage the next way, and so road instantly towards the Sea. His Lords about him, advising him to stay till his people were ready: No (saith he) but such as love me I know will follow me. And being come on Shipboard, and the weather growing very tempestuous, he was advised by the Master of his Ship, to stay for some calmer season: No (saith he) Fear nothing, I never yet heard of any King that was drowned. And thereby coming to Mans●nexpected ●nexpected, he presently dispersed the Besiegers, and took Helias Count de la Flesche, who had been Author of the tumult, Prisoner; who vaunting to the King, and saying, Now indeed you have taken me by a wile; but if I were at liberty again, you should find me to do other manner of feats: at which the King laughing; Well then (saith he) go your ways and do your worst, and let us see what feats you will do. Being reconciled to his Brother Robert, he assisted him to recover the Fort of Mount Saint Michael, which their Brother Henry did forcibly hold in Normandy: during which siege, straggling one time alone upon the shore, he was set upon by three horsemen, who assaulted him so fiercely, that they drove him from his saddle, and his saddle from his horse; but he taking up his saddle, and withal drawing out his sword, defended himself till rescue came: and being afterward blamed for being so obstinate to save his saddle, he answered: It would have angered me at the very heart, that the knaves should have bragged they had won the saddle from me. Of his justness in keeping his word. THis virtue specially was commended in him, and he would often say, that even God himself was obliged by his word. But if we observe the course of his life, we shall find that howsoever he might keep his word in small matters, yet certainly not in great● For he kept not his word with his Brother Robert, to whom he promised to leave the Kingdom of England after his decease, but performed it not. Nor he kept not his word with his subjects, for in the rebellion of the Norman Lords, he promised the English, if they would now stick to him, they should have their ancient Laws restored, and be allowed liberty to hunt in his Forests; which promise he either kept not at all, or at least soon broke. Nor he kept not his word with God himself; for being sick at Gloucester, and in some hazard of his life, he made a solemn vow, that if he recovered, he would lead a new life, and give over all his disorderly courses: but being recovered, he grew more disorderly than he was before that if denomination be made from the greatest actions, it cannot be truly said that he was just of his word; but such is the privilege of Princes over their subjects, that if they make a promise it must be believed; and if they break it, it must not be questioned. Of his Incontinency. MUch is spoken of his lascivious life in general, but nothing in particular: for neither is mentioned any violence he ever offered to any; nor is any woman named to have been his Concubine, and Princes Concubines are seldom concealed. It is true he was never married, and of a strong constitution of body, and so probable he might be inclining to that vice; but probabilities are not always concluding, and therefore whether it be a true accusation, or but a slander, it may well be doubted: only one base son of his is spoken of, called Bertrannus, whom he advanced in honour, and matched in a Noble Family. But why should we more look for particulars of his Incontinency, then of his Prodigality? for he was taxed no less for being Prodigal, then for being Incontinent; and yet of his Prodigality there is not so much as one instance recorded, unless we take this for an instance; that when his Chamberlain brought him a pair of hose, which because they were new, he asked what they cost? And being told they cost three shillings, in a great chafe he threw them away; ask him, If he thought a pair of hose of three shillings, to be fit for a King to wear? Get thee gone (saith he) and let me have a pair of a Mark. His Chamberlain went, and bringng him another pair scarce so good as the former, and telling him they cost a Mark; I marry (saith the King) these are something like, and was better satisfied with hearing what they cost, then with seeing what they were worth: and yet was this no imputation to his wisdom, for to say the truth, it is no defect of wisdom in a King to be ignorant what his clothes are worth. Of his wavering in Religion. HE appointed a disputation to be held between Christians and Jews, and before the day came, the Jews brought the King a Present, to the end they might have an indifferent hearing; The King took the Present, encouraging them to quit themselves like men: and swore by Saint Luke's face (his usual oath) that if they prevailed in Disputation, he would himself turn Jew, and be of their Religion. A young Jew on a time was converted to the Christian Faith, whose Father being much troubled at it, presented the King sixty Marks, entreating him to make his son to return to his Judaisme; whereupon the King sent for his son, commanding him without more ado to return to the Religion of his Nation. But the young man answered, he wondered his Majesty would use such words; for being a Christian, he should rather persuade him to Christianity: with which answer the King was so confounded, that he commanded the young man to get h●m out of his sight. But his Father finding the King could do no good upon his son, required his money again; Nay (saith the King) I have taken pains enough for it, and yet that you may see how kindly I will deal, you shall have one half; and the other half you cannot in conscience deny me. There were fifty Gentlemen accused for hunting and killing the King's Deer, which they denied, and were therefore condemned to the trial of fire; which by God's merciful judgement they passed through untouched: the King hearing it, and deceived of the confiscation he expected, is said in a great chafe to say; How happens this? Is God a just Judge in suffering it? Now a murrain take him that believes it. It seems also he doubted of many points of Religion, then in credit. For he would often prote●t, that he believed not that Saints could profit any man in God's sight, and therefore neither would he, nor any other that were wise (as he affirmed) make Intercession either to Peter, or to any other for help. Affairs of the Church in his time. THe King claimed the Investiture of Bishops to be his right, and forbade Appeals and Intercourse to Rome; (for no Appeals had ever been used till Anselm in this King's Reign appealed to the Pope) upon whose complaint the Pope was about to Excommunicate the King, but having a little before Excommunicated the Emperor Henry the fourth (the first Christian Prince with Sovereign authority, that was ever Excommunicate by any Pope) he forbore at that time to do it, lest by making Excommunication common, he should make it be slighted. At this time great contention arose between the King and the Archbishop Anselm: and Ans●lme not yielding to the King in any point prejudicial to the Pope's authority; nor the King yielding to Anselm in any point prejudicial to his own Prerogative; (which were points indeed Incompatible) the contention continued long and hot, and the hotter, because there were at that time two Popes on foot at once: one elected by the Conclave, called Urbanus the second; another set up by the Emperor, called Clement the third: for Anselm held with Urban, the King with Clement: and thus not agreeing in a third, it was impossible they should agree between themselves; and this contention, though palliated with pretensions, sometimes of one side, sometimes of another, yet broke out again, and was renewed both in this King's time, and in the times of many Kings after. Anselm often threathing his going to Rome, the King told him plainly he would not thrust him out of the Realm, but if he would go without his leave, he would then keep him out during his pleasure; and besides, he should carry nothing out of the Realm wi●h him: yet Anselm ventured it, and the King performed it; for William Warlewast was sent to rifle him in his passage at Sea of all he had, neither was he suffered to return as long as the King lived; during all which time, the King took the profits of his Archbishopric to his own use. It may not be amiss to show a passage here concerning the first cause of contention between the King and Anselm, which some say was this; The King required a thousand Marks of him for having preferred him to that See: which Anselm refused to give, as judging it no less Simony to give after the preferment then before: but yet afterward offering five hundred pounds, the King refused to accept it, as being worth (he said) five times as much: whereupon Anselm told him, Your Grace may have me, and all that is mine, to serve your turn in a friendly manner; but in the way of servitude and bondage, you shall never have me nor mine: Which words so angered the King, that they could never after be reconciled. In this King's Reign Pope Urbane exhorted all Christian Princes to join together for recovery of jerusalem and the Holy Land: and by the soliciting of Peter an Hermit, there assembled for that enterprise, under the conduct of Godefry of Boulogne, to the number of three hundred thousand men; amongst whom was Robert Duke of Normandy, who so valiantly carried himself in the action, that after jerusalem was won, the Kingdom of it (as some write) was offered to him: but he looking more after the Kingdom of England, and therefore refusing it; It is observed he never prospered all his life after. In this King's Reign, although he had no command in Ireland, yet their Bishop of Dublin was sent over to Anselm Archbishop of Canterbury, to be Consecrated by him; and the Citizens of Waterford also desiring to have a Bishop, procured Murcherdach, King of Ireland, to write to Anselm, to give his consent. Also in this King's days, the Pope forbade the marriage of Priests. Works of piety of this King, or by other in his time. THis King gave to the Monks of Southwark, the Church of Saint Saviour of Be●mondsey, and Bermondsey itself; he also Founded at York the Hospital of Saint leonard's: He gave the Church of Saint Peter in the City of bath to be a Bishops See. Hugh Earl of Chester, in this King's days builded the Abbey of Chester: Oswald Bishop of Salisbury, Founded the Cathedral Church of Salisbury: Remigius Bishop of Dorchester, to the end his Bishopric might be removed to Lincoln; began to build the Cathedral Church of Lincoln; and Lanfrank Archbishop of Canterbury builded two Hospitals without the City; the one of Saint john, the other at Harbaldowne, repaired Christ's Church, and caused five and twenty Manors to be restored to that See, which had unjustly been withholden. He repaired also the Abbey of Saint Alban, and the Church of Rochester, where for four secular Priests, he placed to the number of fifty Monks. In the sixth year of this King's Reign, William Warren the first Earl of Surrey, and Gundred his wife, Founded the Abbey of Lewis in Sussex: and Warren Earl of Shrewsbury built two Abbeys, one in the Suburbs of Shrewsbury, the other at Wenlock. In his twelfth year, Robert Losaunge, Bishop of Thetford, removed his See from Thetford to Norwich, and founded there a fair Monastery. His buildings and Structures. THis King enlarged the Tower of London, and compassed it with new walls: he also built the great Hall at Westminster, being 270. foot in length, and 74. in breadth; but thinking it too little, he intended to have built another Hall which should have stretched from the Thames to the King's street. He repaired the City and Castle of Carlisle, which had been wasted by the Danes two hundred years before, and because it had but few Inhabitants, he brought a Colony thither out of the Southern parts. He finished Newcastle upon Tyne, and many other Castles he erected or repaired upon the borders of Scotland; many also upon the frontiers, and within the very breast of Wales. Casualties happening in his Reign. IN the fourth year of his Reign, on Saint Luke's day, above six hundred houses in London were thrown down with tempest; and the roof of Saint Mary Bow Church in Cheap, was so raised, that in the fall six of the beams being 27. foot long, were driven so deep into the ground: (the streets being not then paved with stone) that not above four foot remained in sight, and yet stood in such rank and order as the workmen had placed them upon the Church. Also in this Kings Reign all the Lands in Kent, sometimes belonging to Earl Godwin, were by breaking in of the Sea covered with Sands, and are called Godwins Sands to this day. In his eleventh year, at a Town called Finchamstead in the County of Berkshire, a Well cast out blood, as before it had done water: and after by the space of fifteen days, great flames of fire were seen in sundry places and at sundry times. Of his Personage and Condition. HE was but mean of stature, thick and square bodied, his belly swelling somewhat round, his face was red, his hai●e deep yellow, whereof he was called Rufus; his forehead four square like a window; his eyes spotted, and not one like another; his speech unpleasant, and not easily uttered, specially when he was moved with anger. Concerning the qualities of his mind, they may best be known by looking upon the actions of his life; in which we shall find he was never more assured, then when he was least sure, never less dejected, then when in most extremity; being like a Cube, that which way soever he fell, he was still upon his bottom. For his delights to pass the time, there was none in more request with him then hunting, a delight hereditary to him, which was the cause that as his Father had begun the great new Forest, so he enlarged it to a far greater extent. Other delights of his we find not any, unless we shall reckon his wars for delights: for though they were oftentimes forced upon him, when he could not avoid them; yet sometimes he entered into them when he needed not, but for his pleasure. And in general, it may be said that one of his greatest virtues, was that which is one of the greatest virtues, Magnanimity; and his worst vice, was that which was the worst of vices, Irreligion. Presages that preceded his Death. AT Finchamstead in Berkshire, near unto Abington, a spring cast up liquor for the space of fifteen days, in substance and colour like to blood. The night before the King was killed, a certain Monk dreamed, that he saw the King gnaw the Image of Christ crucified with his teeth; and that as he was about to bite away the legs of the same Image, Christ with his feet spurned him down to the ground: and that as he lay on the earth, there came out of his mouth a flame of fire, with abundance of smoke. This being related to the King by Robert Fits Mammon, he made a jest of it, saying; This Monk would fain have something for his Dream: Go, give him a hundred shillings; but bid him look that he dream more auspicious Dreams hereafter. Also the same night, the King himself dreamed that the veins of his arms were broken, and that the blood issued out in great abundance: and many other like passages there were, by which it seems he had friends somewhere, as well as julius Caesar, that did all they could to give him warning: but that as Caesar's, so his Malus Genius would not suffer him to take it. Of his Death and Burial. KIng William having kept his Christmas at Gloucester, his Easter at Winchester, his Whitsuntide at Westminster, notwithstanding forewarned by many signs of some great dysaster towards him, would needs the day after Lammas, go a hunting in the New Forest; yet something resenting the many presages, he stayed within all the forenoon: about dinner time, an Artificer came and brought him six Crossbow Arrows, very strong and sharp; whereof four he kept himself, and the other two he delivered to Sir Walter Terrell, a Knight of Normandy his Bow-bearer; saying, Here Terrell, take you two, for you know how to shoot them to purpose: and so having at dinner drunk more liberally than his custom, as it were in contempt of Presages, out he rides into the new Forest, where Sir Walter Terrell shooting at a Deer, the arrow glanced against a tree, or as some write, grazed upon the back of the Deer, and flying forward, hit the King upon the breast; with which he instantly fell down dead. Thus it is delivered by a common consent of all; only one Sugerius, a writer that lived at that time, and was a familiar acquaintance of the said Tyrels; against the current of all Writers, aff●irmes that he had often heard the said Sir Walter swear that he was not in the Forest with the King all that day. I have been the longer upon this point, because a more pregnant example of God's judgement remains not any where upon Record. For not only this King at this time, but before this, a brother of his named Richard, a young Prince of great hope; and also a Nephew of his, the son of his brother Robert, came all in this place to violent deaths: that although King William the Founder of the Forest, escaped the punishment in his own person, yet it was doubled and trebled upon him in his issue. Thus died King William Ruf●s, in ●he three and fortieth year of his age, and twelfth and some months of his Reign. His body was drawn in a Collier's Cart with one Horse to the City of Winchester, where the day following it was buried in the Cathedral Church of Saint Swithen, and was laid there in the Choir under a Marble stone, till afterward it was translated, and laid by King Canutus bones. Men of Note i● his time. FOr men of valour, he must stand alone by himself: for men of learning, there was Lanfranke, a Lombard, but Bishop of Canterbury: also Robert a Lorraine, who Epitomised the Chronicle of Marianus Scotus: also Turgotus an English man, Deane of Durham, who wrote the Annals of his own time, and divers other works: but especially Osmund Bishop of Salisbury, who composed the ordinary Office, or book of Prayer. THE REIGN OF KING HENRY THE FIRST. Of his coming to the Crown. ALthough Henry came not to the Crown, as his Brother William did, by the gift of his Father, yet he came to it by the Prophecy of his Father: For, when his Father made his Will, and divided all his Estate in Land between his two eldest Sons, giving to Henry his youngest only a portion in money, with which division he perceived him to be much discontented; he said unto him, Content thyself Harry, for the time will come, that thy turn shall be served as well as theirs. And now the time was come that his prediction was accomplished; for on the fifth of August, in the year 1100. he was Crowned King of England, at Westminster, by Maurice Bishop of London, (as Deane of all the Bishops of England, and therefore might do it without any prejudice to the Archbishop of Canterbury, though he had been present, who was indeed at this time in Exile.) But though it appears fuisse in Fatis, to be decreed by the Divine Providence that it should be so, yet it would not have been so, if his own endeavours had not been concurring. And therefore being in the New Forest, when his Brother King William was killed, he never stayed to compliment the Dysaster, but road presently to Winchester, and there, not without some opposition of the keepers, seis●d upon his Brother's Treasure, as knowing treasure to be the means for getting of Friends, and Friends the means for getting the Crown; and having now gotten the first means, he made use of it for the s●cond, and both of them together brought him to this he is. Yet withal there were circumstances in his own Person that conduced to it; his Brother was borne, when their Father was but a Duke, he, when he was a King; Robert was a Foreigner, being borne in Normandy, himself a Native, borne at Selby in Yorkshire; and it was not the least circumstance, that he was called Beauclerke, as to say, a good Scholar, having been bred in Cambridge; not perhaps that his learning was so great, but that it was great, either in respect of that age, which had but little; or in respect of his Brothers, who had none at all: and the People having been oppressed before, by the ill Government of two Kings, that were illiterate; could not choose but be glad to come under the Government of a King ●hat was Learned. And though his Brother Robert, as being the Elder, had right unto it, yet he as out of sight was out of mind, and perhaps neglected, as being himself negligent; withal it was given out, that he was chosen King of Jerusalem, and therefore no looking for him to come home; and to give force to all these reasons, Henry Newborough Earl of Warwick was a principal ●urtherer. His course for establishing himself in the Kingdom. IT is a hard matter to keep that safely, which is unjustly gotten; and therefore he took all possible care to overcome that hardness: which he effected by these means; First, he called Anselm Archbishop of Canterbury home from Exile; placed William Gyfford a learned man, in the Bishopric of Winchester; and Monasteries that had been long vacant, he furnished with good Abbots. And because it is no less pleasing to the People, to have bad instruments punished, than the good to be advanced, he cast Ralph Bishop of Durham, (a principal cause of their late oppressions) into prison: then mitigated the rigour of the new Laws; and promised restitution of the old. And that there might be no abuse in measures, he ordained a measure, made by the length of his own Arm, which is called a Yard. He restored to his Subjects the use of Lights and Fire in the night, which before had been forbidden after eight a clock at night. He acquitted the People from the Tax of Danegelt, and from all other unjust payments, which had been imposed upon them by the two former Kings. He gave free liberty to the Nobility and Gentry of the Realm, to enclose Parks for Deer, and Warrens for Coneys; and such like game. And because he knew Scotland might be an ill Neighbour to him, if not tied by some Bond, and none so sure as the Bond of Alliance, he therefore takes Matild sister of the present King Edgar to be his Wife. His Troubles during his Reign. RAlph Bishop of Durham, the late King William's great Instrument for Exactions, that had by this King been committed to the Tower, made an escape, and passing over to Duke Robert in Normandy; incenseth him, not to suffer himself to be baffled by a younger Brother; as for his Brother William, there was some reason, because his Father had given him the Kingdom by his Will, but what could Henry pretend, who had his Portion given him in money? Besides, it was an agreement with his Brother William, with consent of all the Lords of the Realm, that the Survivor of them should succeed. With such like instigations, and withal assuring him, there were many in England would take his part; he easily persuaded the Duke to that, from which he could hardly have dissuaded him; who thereupon with a convenient Army, puts to Sea, and lands at Portsmouth, while Henry waited for his coming about Hastings; and being landed there, much people resorted to him, that it was like to have been a bloody business; but by mediation of Friends, working upon the flexible nature of Duke Robert, it was brought at last to this agreement, that King Henry should pay to Duke Robert, three thousand marks yearly, and Duke Robert should succeed him in the kingdom, if he survived. And thus, this cloud, that threatened so great a storm, brought with it, ●ather Sunshine and fair weather: for now, to his possession of the Kingdom, there was added a right, and he might now justify his being a King, without any scandal or usurpation. After this, another little cloud arose, but was soon dispersed: For Robert de Belesme Earl of Shrewsbury, a rash young man of disposition, but more through discontentment, though discontented for nothing, but that having a great Estate, he was not a King as well as some others, fortified the Town of Shrewsbury, and the Castle of Bridgenorth, and got many Welshmen to assist him, but the King coming with a mighty Army, so terrified the Welsh, that they abandoned the Earl, and left him a prey to the King in his person, and more in his Estate, for the King seized his Estate into his hands, but for his Person he only banished it the Realm. For as yet, the shedding of blood and putting to death, though for great Treasonable practices, was not much in use; Policy of State was not yet grown to that height of severity. The like attempt, and upon the like occasion, was made by William Earl of Mortaigne in Normandy, and of Cornwall in England, Uncle to the King, only for denying him the Earldom of Kent, which because he could not obtain, he entered into Treasonable practices, by which he lost the Earldoms he had before. But these troubles were but as the labour of a Woman that is safely delivered; painful for a time, but ending in joy: and indeed for the most part this King had the fortune to be a gainer by his losses. After this, Duke Robert came in kindness into England, to visit● his Brother Henry; where he was so well pleased with his entertainment, that in requital thereof, and to do a favour to the Queen, that was his God-daughter; he released to King Henry, the three thousand marks, which he was yearly to pay him. But returning into Normandy, and considering better what he had done, he so repented him, that he spared not to give out, that his Brother had directly cozened him. Which coming to King Henry's ear, so incensed him, that he presently sent over a mighty Army, which foraged the Country, and won many Towns and Cities, and soon after went over himself; where he so prevailed, that he left Duke Robert but only Rouen in all Normandy to put his head in, and this done, returns into England. And now Duke Robert begins to be sensible of his own weakness, and therefore comes over into England to try the u●●ermost of his Brothers good nature; himself had sent him a Tun of Wine to refresh him withal, when in a siege he was ready to perish for want of water: and it cannot be, but that gratefulness and natural affection, meeting together, must needs work something in the mind of a Brother. Thus resolved, he presents himself to the King, referring both his Dukedom and himself, and all differences and debates to his will and pleasure. But whether incensed with the scandalous words, Duke Robert had given out of him, or whether aspiring to join Normandy to England, as his Father had done before; King Henry scarce vouchsafed to hear him speak, at least vouchsafed not to make him any answer, but in a sullen manner turned away, and so left him: which scornful usage put the Duke into such indignation, that he resolved to set his whole state at stake, and either to redeem his disgrace, or to forfeit his life. So returning into Normandy, he useth all his force in raising of Forces, but King Henry suspecting his intentions, and not using to give Insurrections time to ripen, came upon him so suddenly with a mighty Army, that he drew him to a battle before he was half ready to fight. Yet desire of revenge so animated the Duke, and the Duke his Soldiers, that never battle was more fiercely fought, and the Normans seemed at first to have the better, till King Henry showing himself in the Army, put such courage into his Soldiers, that they quickly made good the advantage they had in number, and King Henry obtained a complete victory, both in slaughter of men, (of whom there wer● slain above ten thousand) and in taking of prisoners, (to the number of four hundred) amongst whom, besides divers other Great ones, as the Earl of Mortaigne, William Crispin, and William Ferreis, was Duke Robert himself, whom the King, (having first taken order for all things, in his new State of Normandy) brought over with him into England, and committed him to the Castle of Cardyffe in Wales, where he remained a prisoner till he died, used for a time with reasonable liberty for Recreation, till attempting to make an escape, it was thought fit to put out his eyes; which though it increased his misery, yet it shortened not his life, for he lived many years after, in all, from the time of his first imprisonment, six and twenty. And thus this great Duke, who in his birth was the joy of Nature, in his life was the scorn of Fortune; and it is not unworthy the observing, that the English wonne Normandy, the very same day forty year, the Normans had won England. Such Revolutions of fortune there are in kingdoms, and so unstable is the state of all worldly Greatness. And now is King Henry as great as ever his Father was, and as Greatness draws envy, as much envied as ever his Father was; and as Envy makes Enemies, as much opposed as ever his Father was: for now Fulke Earl of Angio●, and Baldwyne Earl of Flanders, upon small occasions, and Lewis the gross King of France, upon none, but such as envy suggested, seeking to place William, Son to Duke Robert, in his Right to Normandy, assaulted the King's Dominions, perhaps to try whether Greatness had not made him unwieldy; but King Henry, to show that Greatness had made him more Active, went over into Normandy with a mighty Army, and at Nice encountered the French King, where a bloody Battle was fought, with exceeding valour on both sides, but at last King Henry repelled the French King, and recovered Nice, and after many other conflicts between them, with variety of Fortune, at l●st the King made peace with the Earl of Angiou; confirmed by a marriage of the Earl's Daughter with his Son William● and upon this also the two Kings grow to a peace, in which William, Son to King Henry, being about seventeen years of age, was invested into the Duchy of Normandy, doing homage for the same to the King of France: From whence it was afterward a Custom, that the King of England's eldest Son (as long as Normandy remained in their hands) was made always Duke of Normandy. After this, Charles' Earl of Flanders, being slain at Brussels by a conspiracy of his own people, and leaving no issue behind h●m, Lewis King of France invested William, Son to D●ke Robert, in the Earldom of Flanders, as descended from Ea●le Baldwyn, whose Daughter Maude was wife to King William the first, and Grandmother to this William: so as William now having gotten this step of advancement, seeks to go on, and to recover Normandy, and was thereof, by assistance of the King of France, in a fair possibility, when in a certain light conflict, receiving a wound in his hand, the thread of his fair possibility was upon a sudden cut off, and of that light wound, he shortly after died. King Henry now in perfect peace abroad, was not without some little disquietings at home, and marching thorough Powisland in South Wales, to repress some Insurrections of the Welsh, he came to certain straits, where his main Army could not pass, in which place the King was smitten with an Arrow full upon the breast, whereat he swore by our Lord's death (his usual Oath) that it was no Welsh arm, had shot that Arrow, yet in this distress, for a thousand head of cattle, he had the passage left open, and came safely off. And these were his troubles of Arms, both at home and abroad, during all his Reign. His Taxations and ways for raising of money. TOwards the marriage of his Daughter Maude with the Emperor, he obtained at his first Parliament at Salisbury, three shillings upon every Hide of Land, throughout the kingdom; which was afterward drawn to a custom, to receive aid from the Subjects, whensoever the King gave his eldest Daughter in marriage. Besides this he had no more in all his Reign, but only one supply for his Wars in France; but he kept Bishoprickes and Abbeys void in his hands, and that of Canterbury five years together. By an Act of Parliament, or rather by a Synod of Bishops holden at London, he was authorised to punish marriage, and incontinency of Priests; which the Bishops afterwards repent, for he suffered Priests to have Wives for Fines, or rather took Fines of them whether they had wives or no, b●cause they might have them if they would. Punishments which before his time were mutilation of Member, he made Pecuniary. And the Provisions of his house, which were used to be paid in kind, were in his time rated at certain prizes, and received in money. By this Chapter and the next before, it appears there were in this King's days, but few troubles at home, nor but few Taxations; whereo● the one may be thought to be cause of the other, the first perhaps of the second, but certainly the second of the first. Law's first instituted in his t●me. HE first instituted the form of the High Court of Parliament: for before his time, only certain of the Nobility, and Prelates of the Realm were called to consultation, about the most important affairs of State, but he caused the Commons also to be assembled, by Knights and Burgesses of their own appointment, and made the Court to consist of three parts, the Nobility, the Clergy, and the Common people, representing the whole body of the Realm, and appointed them to sit in several Chambers, the King, the Bishops, and Lords of the Realm in one Chamber, and the Commons in another, to confer together by themselves. Other Orders of that Court he Ordained, as they are in use at this day. The first Council of this sort was held at Salisbury, on the 19 day of April, in the 16. year of his Reign. He forbade the wearing of long hair; which at that time was frequent, after the manner of the French. He commanded Robbers upon the High way, to be hanged without redemption: of whom a famous one at that time was one Dunne, and of him, the place where he most used, by reason of the great Woods thereabouts, is to this day called Dunstable, where the King built the Borough as now it standeth. Counterfeiters of money he punished with pulling out their eyes, or cutting off their privy members, a punishment both less than death, and greater. Affairs of the Church in his time. AT his first coming to the Crown, he forbore his claim to the Investit●res of Bishops, but after he had been King some time, he claimed that both to invest Bishops, and to allow, or hinder appeals to Rome, belonged to him. In these, Anselm Archbishop of Canterbury opposed him, affirming that both of them belonged to the Pope. The contention at last was brought to the Pope, to whom King Henry sent William Warlewast, elect Bishop of Exeter, who saying to the Pope, that his Master would not, for the Crown of his Realm, lose the Authority of Investing his Prelates, the Pope started up and answered, Neither will I lose the disposing of Spiritual Promotions in England, for the King's head that weareth the Crown; before God (said he) I avow it. So the contention grew long and hot, and many messengers were sent to and fro about it, the conclusion was (which proved no conclusion) that the King should receive homage of Bishops elect; but should not Invest them by Staff and Ring: to which the King said nothing for the present, but forbore not to do it ever the less: for five years after the death of Anselm, Ralph Bishop of Rochester, was by the King made Archbishop of Canterbury, and notwithstanding all former Decrees, and threatenings of the Pope, he received his Investiture of the King. About this time a Canon was made against the Marriage of Priests, to which purpose johannes Cremensis, a Priest Car●dinall, by the King's licence came into England, and held a solemn Synod at London, where inveighing sharply against it, affirming it to be no better than professed Adultery, he was himself the night following, taken in bed with a common harlot. Even Anselm himself, the most earnest enforcer of single life, died not, it seems, a Virgin, for else he would never in his Writings make such lamentation for the loss thereof. Anselm about this time dying, Rodulph succeeded in the See of Canterbury, and Thomas dying, Thurstine succeeded in the Archbishopricke of York: between which two Prelates, there arose great contention; Rodulph would not consecrate Thurstine, unless he would profess obedience; Thurstine was content to embrace his benediction, but profess obedience he would not: In this contention the King takes part with Rodulph, the Pope with Thurstine: after many passages in the business, upon the Pope's threatening to Excommunicate the King, Thurstine entered upon his Bishopric, and the King connived. In the tenth year of his Reign, the Abbey of Ely was made a Bishops See, and Cambridgeshire was appointed for the Diocese thereof, which because it belonged before to the Jurisdiction of Lincoln, the King gave the Bishop of Lincoln, in recompense thereof, the Manor of Spalding. This King also created a Bishopric at Carlisle, and endowed it with many Honours. In his time, the Order of the Templars began, and in the 27. year of his Reign, the Grey Friars, by procurement of the King, came first into England, and had their first house builded at Canterbury. I may here have leave to tell two stories of Churchmen, for refreshing of the Reader: Guymond the King's Chaplain, observing that unworthy men for the most part were advanced to the best dignities of the Church, as he celebrated Divine Service before him, and was to read the●e words out of Saint james, [It reigned not upon the Earth, III years and VI month's] he read it thus; It reigned not upon the Earth, one, one, one years, and five one months. The King observed his reading, and afterwards blamed him for it, but Guymond answered, that he did it of purpose, for that such Readers were soon preferred by his Majesty. The King smiled, and in short time after, preferred him to the Government of Saint Frideswids in Oxford. The other is this, Thomas Archbishop of York falling sick, his Physicians told him, that nothing would do him good, but to company with a woman; to whom he answered that the Remedy was worse than the disease, and so died a Virgin. This King granted to the Church of Canterbury, and to William and his successors, the Custody, and Constable-ship of the Castle of Rochester for ever. Works of Piety done by this King, or by others in his time. THis King Founded and erected the Priory of Dunstable, the Abbey of Circester, the Abbey of Reading, and the Abbey of Shirborne. He also new builded the Castle of Windsor, with a College there: He made also the Navigable River, between Torkesay and Lincoln, a work of great charge, but greater use. His Wife Queen Maude, passing over the River of Lue, was somewhat endangered, whereupon she caused two stone-Bridges to be built, one at the head of the Town of Stratford, the other over another Stream there, called Channel-bridge, and paved the way between them with Gravel. She gave also certain Manors, and a Mill called Wyggon Mill, for repairing the same Bridges and Way. These were the first stone-Bridges that were made in England, and because they were Arched over like a bow, the Town of Stratford was afterward called Bow. This Queen also founded the Priory of the Holy Trinity, now called Christ's Church, within the East Gate of London called Aldgate; and an Hospital of Saint Giles in the Field, without the West part of the City. In this King's time jordan Brifet Baron, Founded the House of Saint john of Jerusalem, near to Smithfield, in London, and gave 14. Acres of ground, lying in the field next to Clerkenwell, to build thereupon a House of Nuns, wherein he with Myrioll his Wife were buried in the Chapter house. Robert Fitsham, who came out of Normandy with the Conqueror, Founded anew the Church of Teukesbury, and was there buried. Herbert Bishop of Norwich, Founded the Cathedral Church there. The Priory and Hospital of Saint Bartholomew in Smithfield, was Founded by a Minstrel of the Kings, named Reior who became first Prior there. Before this time Smithfield was a Laystall of all ordure and filth, and the place where Felons were put to Execution. Hugh Lacie Founded the Monastery of Saint john at Lanthony, near to Gloucester. juga Baynard, Lady of little Dunmow, Founded the Church there, and gave to maintain it, half a Hide of Land. This Lady juga was late Wife to Baynard, that first built Baynard's Castle in London. Eud● the King's Sewer, Founded the Monastery of Saint john at Colchester, of black Canons, and those were the first of that Order in England. Simon Earl of Northampton, and Manned his Wife, Founded the Monastery of Saint Andrew in Northhampton. In the seventh year of this King's Reign, the first Canons entered into the Church of our Lady in Southwark, called Saint Mary Overey; Founded by William Pountlarge knight, and William Dancyes, Normans. Robert the first Earl of Gloucester, the King's base Son, builded the Castles of Bristol and Cardyffe, with the Priory of Saint james in Bristol: And his Son Earl William began the Abbey of Kensham. Geoffrey Clinton, Treasurer, and Chamberlain to the King, Founded the Priory at Kenelworth, of Regular Canons. Henry Earl of Warwick, and Margaret his Wife, Founded the College of Saint Mar●, in the Town of Warwick; and Roger de Belemond his Son, and Ellyne his wife, translated the same College into the Castle of Warwick, in the year 1123. Roger Bishop of Salisbury built the Devises in Wiltshire; the Castles also of Mamesbury and Shirborne. He repaired the Castle of Salisbury, and environed it with a wall; he also built the stately Church of Salisbury: destined to a longer life than any of his other works. Ralph, Bishop of Durham, began to build the Castle of Norham, upon the bank of the River of Tweed. In the 32. year of this King's Reign, the Priory of Norton in Cheshire, was founded by one William, the son of Nychel, and the Abbey of Cumbermere in the same Shire. The College of Secular Canons also in the Castle of Leycester, and the Abbey without the North gate of the same Town, called Saint Mary de Prato. Also in this King's Reign, was Founded the Monastery of Plimpton in Devonshire, with the Cathedral Church of Exet●r; the Priory of Merton, the Hospital of Kepar, the Priory of Oseney near Oxford by Robert de Oily Knight: and the Hospital of Saint Cross near Winchester by Henry Blois Bishop there: also Robert Earl of Ferrer Founded the Abbey of Merivall: and indeed so many in his time were built, that one would think the Inhabitants of England to be all Carpenters and Masons, that were able to finish so many great buildings in so short a time as this King's Reign. ● Casualties happening in his time. IN this King's days all the four Elements were guilty of doing much mischief, but chiefly the water: For King Henry returning into England after his conquest of Normandy, left his son William with his sister Mary Countess of Perch; Richard his son by a Concubine; the Earl of Chester with his wife Lucy, the King's Niece by his sister Adela, and other Lords and Ladies, and passengers to the number of 180. to follow after him: who taking Shipping (and ●he best Ship the King had) whether by carelessness, or drunkenness of the sailors, were all drowned. The Prince indeed was got into the Shipboate, and out of danger; but hearing the lamentable cries of his sister, compassion wrought so in him, that he turned about his boat to take her in, which overcharged with the multitude, over-turned, and they all perished: none escaped but only one sailor, who had been a Butcher, who by swimming all night upon the Mast, came safe to Land. An accident not more grievous than exemplary; for amongst other conclusions, from hence we may gather, that no state is so uncertain as prosperity; no fall so sudden as into adversity; and that the rule [He that stands, let him take heed he fall not] cannot always be observed, because a man happens sometimes to fall before it is possible for him to take heed. Another great mischief was in this King's days wrought by the water; for by the breaking in of the Sea, a great part of Flanders was drowned: whereupon a great number of Flemings being Suitors to King Henry for some place to inhabit; he assigned them a part in Wal●● near the Sea, called Pembrokeshire, where they have inhabited to this day: the King by this one action, working two good effects, both showing compassion to distressed strangers, and putting a bridle upon unquiet Natives. But the water had another way to do mischief as much by defect, as this was by excess; for upon the tenth of October, the River of Medway many miles together did so fail of water, that in the midst of the Channel, the smallest vessels could not pass: and the same day also in the Thames, between the Tower of London and the Bridge, men waded over on foot for the space of two days: also at another time the River of Trent at Nottingham was dried up a whole day. Now for the Earth, though naturally it be without motion, yet it moves sometimes when it is to do mischief, specially being assisted by the Air; as in this King's days, it moved with so great a violence that many buildings were shaken down, and Malmesbery saith, that the house wherein he sat, was lifted up with a double remove, and at the third time settled again in the proper place. Also in divers places it yielded forth a hideous noise, and cast forth flames at certain rifts many days together, which neither by water, nor by any other means could be suppressed. But yet the active Element of Fire was busiest of all, for first Chichester with the principal Monastery was burnt down to the ground: From West-cheape in London to Aldgate, a long tract of buildings was consumed with fire: Worcester also and Rochester, even in the King's presence; then Winchester, bath, Gloucester, Lincoln, Peterborough, and other places, did also partake of this calamity, that there could be n● charging the fire with any partiality: and to speak of one foreign casualty, because a strange one. In Lombardy this year was an Earthquake that continued forty days, and removed a Town from the place where it stood, a great way off. Of his Wives and Children. AT his first coming to the Crown, he married Matild or Maude, sister to Edgar then King of Scotland, and daughter to Malcolm by Margaret the sister of Edgar Etheling. This Matild, if she were not a veiled Nun, she was at least brought up in a Nunnery, and thereby grown so averse from marriage, that when the motion was first made her to marry with King Henry, she utterly refused it, as resolved though perhaps not vowed, to die a Virgin; till at last importuned, and even forced by the authority of her brother, she rather yielded then consented; for she did it with so ill a will, that it is said she prayed, if ever she had issue by the marriage, that it might not prosper: and indeed it prospered but untowardly, as will be seen in the sequel. But though she made this imprecation before she knew what it was to be a Mother, yet when she came to be a Mother, she showed herself no less loving and tender of her children, then loyal and obsequious to her husband. And to make amends for this seeming impiety towards her children, there is a story related of her real piety towards the poor: for a brother of hers coming one morning to visit her in her chamber, found her sitting amongst a company of Lazar people, washing and dressing their ulcers and sores; and then kissing them afterward when she had done: who wondering at it, & saying to her, How could she think the King should like to kiss that mouth, which had kissed such filthy ulcerous people? she answered; she had a greater King to kiss, who she knew would like her never the worse for it. By this Queen Matild, King Henry, according to some Writers, had four children; but as the received opinion is, only two, a son named William, and a daughter called Mawde; of whom the son at fourteen years old had fealty sworn to him by the Nobility of Shrewsbury: at seventeen married the daughter of F●lke Earl of Anjou: and at eighteen was unfortunately drowned, as hath been showed. The daughter lived to be an Empress, and afterwards a Duchess; but could never come to be a Queen, though borne to a Kingdom; as shall be showed hereafter. She survived her second husband seventeen years, living a Widow, and at R●an in Normandy died, and was buried there in the Abbey of Bec; though there be ● Tradition that she was buried at Reading, in the Abbey there beside her Father: but ●t appears to have been a custom in those days, for great personages to have their Monuments erected in divers places. After the death of this Queen Matild, who died at Westminster, in the eighteenth year of his Reign, King Henry married Ade●za, the daughter of Godfrey Duke of Lorraine; who though she were a beautiful and accomplished Lady, yet had he never any issue by her. When she was to be Crowned, Ralph Archbishop of Canterbury, who was to do the office, came to King Henry, sitting Crowned in his chair of State, ask him who had set the Crown upon his head? the King answering, he had now forgotten, it was so long since. Well (said the Archbishop) whosoever did it, did me wrong, to whom it belonged; and as long as you hold it thus, I will do no office at this Coronation. Then (saith the King) do what you think good: whereupon the Archbishop took the Crown off from the King's head; and after, at the people's entreaty, set it on again, and then proceeded to Crown the Queen. By Concubine's King Henry had many children; it is said seven sons, and as many daughters: of whom, some perished in the great Shipwreck; of the rest, two of the sons, Reynold and Robert, were made Earls: Reynold of Cornwall, Robert of Gloucester, and was a great assister of his sister Mawde, in her troubles with King Stephen, who after many acts of valour performed by him, in the twelfth year of King Stephen, died, and was buried at Bristol. The daughters were all married to Princes and Noble men of England and France, from whom are descended many worthy Families: particularly one of those daughters by An●e C●●bet, was married to Fits-herbert, Lord Chamberlain to the King● from which Fits-●erbert, our Family (absit i●vidia verbo) is by Females descended; passing by the na●es of Cummin, Chenduit, Brimpton, Stokes, Foxcote, Dyneley, and so to B●ker. Of his Incontinency. OF this enough hath been said, in saying he had so many children basely● begotten: but if comparison be mad● between his brother ●ufus and him, it may be said, that howsoever they might be equal in looseness of life; yet in that looseness, William Rufus was the base, and King Henry the more Noble; for King Henry had certain selected Concubines, to whom he kept h●mselfe constant; where King William took only such as he found: constant to the pleasure, but not to the persons. His course for establishing the succession in Mawde and her issue. HE married his only daughter Mawde, being but six years old, to the Emperor Hen●y the fourth; but he leaving her a Widow without issue● he married her again to G●●ffrey Plantagenet, son to Fulke Duke of Anjo●: not the greatest Prince that was a Suitor for her; but the fittest Prince for King Henry's turn: for Anjou was neighbouring upon Normandy, a great security to it, if a friend; and as great a danger, if an enemy. And having thus placed her in marri●●●, h● now considers how to establish her succession in the Crown of England● whereupon he calls his Nobility together, and amongst them D●vid King o● Scots, and causeth them to give their Oaths of Allegiance to her and her issue: and a● thinking ●e could never ma●e her succession ●ure enough, he causeth his Lords the year ●●ter again to tak● the like Oath, and after that a third time also; as conceiving that being doubled and trebled, it would make the tye of Allegiance the stronger: wherein nothing pleased him so much, as that Stephen, Earl of ●loi●, was the first man that took the Oath, because he was known to be, at least known● he might be, a Pretender. But the King should have considered that N●ll● fides Reg●i● and therefore no Oath, though never so often iterated, sufficient to warrant loyalty in persons so deeply interessed, as Stephen was: yet providence could do no more, and the King was well satisfied with it; especially when he saw his daughter a mother of two sons: for this, though it gave him not assurance, yet it ga●e him assured hope to have the Crown perpetuated in his Posterity. Of Ireland in his time. THe King of England as yet had nothing to do with Ireland, the 〈◊〉 was governed by its own Kings: and the people of both Nations● 〈◊〉 they were neighbour's, yet divided by a rough Sea, but little ●●quai●ted; but now began intercourse to be more frequented: and Murc●●●d●●h, ch●●fe King of the Irish, bore such awful respect to King Henry, that he would do nothing but by his counsel, and with his good liking. Whom King Henry used as his Vicegerent in his absence. HE was absent sometimes in Normandy, three or four years together; during which times, he committed commonly the care of the Realm to Roger Bishop of salisbury, a politic Prelate; and one as fit to be the second in government, as King Henry to be the first. His personage a●d conditions. HE was a person tall and strong, ●●●ad breasted, his limbs well kni●, and fully furnished with ●lesh; his face well fashioned, his colour clear, his eyes large and fair, his eyebrows large and thick, his hair● black, and somewhat thin●● towards his forehead; his countenance pleasant, specially when h● was disposed to mirth. A private man, vilified, and thought to have but little in him: but come to the Crown, never any man showed more excellent abilities: so true is the saying, Magistratus indicat virum. His natural affection in a direct line was strong; in an oblique, but weak; for no man ever loved children more, no● a brother l●●●e. Though a King in act, yet he always ac●ed not a King; but in ba●●●ls sometimes the part of a common Soldier, though with more than common valour's at a bartell in France, where he so far hazarded himself, that though he lost not his life, yet he lost his blood. Of his death and burial. A Discontent of mind upon some differences between him and his son in law, the Earl of Anjo●, brought upon him a distemper, which increased by eating, against his Physiti●ns advise, of a Lamprey; a meat always pleasing 〈◊〉 him● but never agreeing with him; cast him into a ●●aver, which in few ●aye● put a p●●i●d to his life: So certain it is, that one intemperate action is enough to overthrow the temperance of a whole life; as of this King Henry it is said● th●● he seldom did ea● but when he was hungry, never did drink but when he was ●thirst● yet this but on●e yielding to his sensual appetite, made h●m forfe●● all benefit of his former abstinence: though some write he too●● his d●●th by the f●ll off his h●rs●. He died upon the first of D●●ember at night, in ●he year 1135. when he had Reigned five and thirty years, lived threescore and seven. His bowels, brains, and eyes, were bu●ied at Rouen in No●mandy where he died: the rest of ●i● body was stuffed with Salt, wrapped in Ox hides, and brought over in●● England, and with honourable Exequys, buried in the Monastery of ●e●ding● which himself had Founded. His Physiti●n that ●ooke out his brains, with the intolerable stinch shortly after died. In this King Henry ended the line of the N●rmans, as touching the Hei●es Males; and then c●me in the Fre●ch, by the title of Heirs general. Men of n●te in his time. MEn of learning in his time were many● first, Stephen Harding a Benedictine Monk, who was Founder of the Cistercian Orde●● Then Anselm, Archbishop of C●●terbury, who be●ides his activeness in matters of State, writ many great and learned books. Then Walt●r C●l●●●, archdeacon of Oxford, who delivered a History written in the British tongue, from Brute to Cadwallader, to Geoffry of Mon●●●●●h to translate, and added forty years of his own ●ime. Also 〈◊〉 a Mon● of W●●c●ster, who writ D● reb●s Gestis Anglorum. Also E●dm●r●s, a M●●k of C●●terbury, who ●●sides other w●●ks, writ the History of his own t●me, under the two Willi●●s and H●●●y the first. THE REIGN OF KING STEPHEN. AFter the decease of King Henry, presently steps upon the Stage of Royalty, Stephen Earl of Boleyne, Son to Stephen Earl of cloys, by Adela, Daughter of King William the Conq●●●our; and though there were two other before him, Ma●de the Empress, and Theobald his elder Brother, She in a substantial right, He in a colourable, yet taking advantage of being Pri●●● Occ●pans, the first Invader, (as being quickly here after King Henry's death, where the other stayed lingering about other Affairs) he solicits all the Orders o● the Realm, Bishops, and Lords, and People, to receive him for their Sovereign: wherein besides his own large promises, what great matters he would do for them all, he had the assistance also of Henry his Brother, Bishop of Winchest●r●nd ●nd the Pope's Legate, and of Roger, Bishop of Salisbury, his great friend: (〈◊〉 the most powerful men at that time in the State) who partly by force of Reasons, but more indeed by force then Reasons, procure the State to accept him for their King; and so upon Saint Steph●ns day, in Anno 1135. he was Crowned at Westminster, in presence of but three Bishops, few of the Nobility, and not one Abbot, by William Archbishop of Canterbury, with great solemnity. That which put ● scruple in men's minds, and made them averse at first, from consenting to Stephe●, was the Oath they had taken to receive King Henry's Daughter Maude to be their Queen, after his decease; but the weight of this scruple was something abated, when it was urged, that no Precedent could be showed, that ever the Crown had been set upon a Woman's head. And Roger, Bishop of Salisbury, brought another Reason, because they had taken that Oath but upon condition, that the King shoul● not marry he● out of the Realm without their consents, and the King having broken the condition, was just cause to nullify their Obligation: to which was added, th●● the Oath having been exacted by Authority, which is a ●ind of forcing, it might have the Plea of Per min●s, and therefore void. And yet more than all these, H●gh Big●t, sometime Steward to King Henry, immediately after his decease, came ove● into England, and took a voluntary Oath before divers Lords of the Land, that he was present a little before King Henry's death, when he adopted and chose his Nephew Stephen to be his Successor, because his Daughter M●●d● had grievously at that tim● displeased him. But howsoever their breach of Oath was thus palliated; it is certain that many of them, as well Bishops as other Lords, came afterward to an evil end at least ●o many calamities before their end. What course he took to establish himself in the Kingdom. IT is a true saying, 〈◊〉 reb●s opti●● servat●● Imperium, quibu● p●●atur; and this was Stephen's course, he got the kingdom by Promises, and he established it by Performances; he pleased the People with easing them of Taxes and Impositions; He pleased the Clergy with forbearing to keep Bishoprickes and Abbeys Vacant, and with exempting them from the Authority of the Temporal Magistrate; He pleased the Nobility with allowing them to build Castle● upon their own Lands; He pleased the Gen●●y with giving them liberty to hunt the King's Deer in their own Woods; and besides with advancing many of them in Honours: and for his Brother Theobald, who being the elder, was before him in pretence to the Crown, he pleased him with a grant to pay him two thousand Marks a year; and then to strengthen himself abroad no less than at home, he married his Son E●stace to Constance a Daughter of Lewis King of France, which alliance alone might be thought a sufficient security against all Opposition. And yet one thing more, which established him more than these, at least these the more for this, that he had seise● upon King henries tre●sure, which amounted to a hundred thousand pound, besides Plate and ●ewels of inestimable value, which he spe●t no● 〈◊〉 vain riot, but employed to his best advantage, both in procuring of Friends, and in levying of Soldiers out of Brittany and Flanders. Of his Troubles in his Reign. THere may well be made a Chapter of the troubles of his Reign, seeing his whole Reign was in a manner but one continued trouble, at lea●t no longer intermission, then as to give him breath against new encounters; till at last, when he grew towards his l●st, he rather left to be in trouble, than was at quiet, being forced to make his adversary his He●re; and to leave his Crown to him that had sought his life. For he was no sooner set in his Chair of State, but he was presently disquieted and made to rise, by the provocation of David King of Scots, who solicited by some Lords of England, but chiefly by Ma●de the Empress (whose Right he had sworn to defend) with a mighty Army entered N●rthumberland, took Carlisle, and Newcastle, and was proceeding further, till King Stephen with a greater Army coming against him, yet rather bought his Peace then won it; for to recover Newcastle out of his hands, he was fain to let King David hold Cumberland, and his Son Henry the Earldom of Huntingdon, as their Inheritance; for which, the Father would not for his, as being engaged, but the Son for his, as being free, did Homage to King Stephen. No sooner was this trouble over, but he was presently under another; for being fain somewhat ill at ease● it was bruited abroad that he was dead; which ●o distracted men's minds, that every one thought it wisdom to shift for himself; and the Great Lords made a contrary use of Castles, to that which King Stephen intended, when he gave liberty to build them; for the King intended them for his own defence against his Enemies, and they made use of them in their own defence against the King; for now Hugh Big●t Earl of Norfolk possesseth himself of N●rwich, Baldwyn Rivers of Oxford, and Robert Quesqu●rius of other Castles. In these difficulties King Stephen, though he could not in person be in all places at once, yet in care he was● and there most, where was most danger; employing others against the rest: Against Baldwyn he went himself, whom, driven before out of Oxford, and gotten to the Isle of Wight, the King followed and drove him also from thence, and at last into Exile. And now England afforded him once again to take a little breath, but then Normandy presently begins with him afresh: For now G●offrey Pl●●tagenet Duke of Anjou, in right of Maude his Wife, enters upon his Towns there, and ●ee●es to get possession of the Country; when King Stephen passeth over with an Army, and arrests his proceeding: and after some small defeats of his Enemies, brings the matter at last to a pecuniary Composition: He to pay the Duke five thousand Marks a year, and the Duke to relinquish his claim to Normandy. This done, he returns into England, where new Commotions are attending him● For the Lords in his absence, resenting his breach of Promises, upon which they had admitted him to the Crown, make use every one of their Castles, and stand upon their Guard: The Lord Talbot held Hereford; Earl Robert Ma●ds Brother, Bristol; William Lovel, the Castle of Cary; Paganell, the Castle of Ludl●w; William Moun●, the Castle of Dunster; Robert Nicholor of Lincoln, the Castle of Warham; Eustace the Son of john, the Castle of Melton; William the Son of Alan, the Castle of Shrewsbury; and withal David King of Scots, never regarding his former agreement, enters Northumberland with an Army, committing so great cruelty, in ravishing of Maids, murdering of Infants, slaughtering of Priests, even at the Altar, that never any barbarous Nation committed greater. Thus the kingdom from the one end to the other was in Combustion, that if the King had had as many hands as Briareus, there would have been work enough for them all. Yet all this dismayed not the King, but as having learned this Lesson, Tu ne cede malis, sed contra audentior ito, grows the more in confidence, the less he was in assurance; and as if danger were the fuel of Courage, the more erected in himself, the less he was upheld by others; and so, venturing what his Rebels at home would do in his absence, he passeth himself in person against David King of Scots; as being the most dangerous, and therefore the first to be repressed: but finding it hard to draw him to a Battle, and impossible without a battle to do any good upon him; he leaves the care of that quarrel to Thurstine Archbishop of York, and returns himself home, if it may be called home, where he scarce had a safe place to put his head in. But though many Lords were Rebellious against him, yet some there were stuck firmly to him, by whose Assistance and his own industry, partly by enticements, partly by enforcements, he reduced most of them to Obedience, and all of them to Submission; when in the mean time Thurstine Archbishop of York; and in his sickness, Ralph Bishop of Durham, assisted with William Earl of Aumerle, William Piperell of Nottingham, and Hubert de Lacie, fought a memorable Battle against David King of Scots; wherein though King David himself, and his Son Henry performed wonderful Acts of Prowess, yet the English got the Victory, with the slaughter of eleven thousand Scots in the Fight, besides many other slain in the flight; where of the English none of account were slain, but only a Brother of Hubert Lacies, and some small number of Common Soldiers. This Victory infinitely pleased and comforted King Stephen, who not long after to make an absolute suppression of the Scots, passeth again with an Army, and enforceth King David to demand a Peace, delivering his Son Henry into King Stephen's hands for a pledge; and coming homeward, by the way he besieged Ludlow, one of Rebels nests, where Prince Henry of Scotland had been taken Prisoner, if King Stephen in his own person had not rescued him. After this, once again the King got a little breathing time, but it was but to prepare him for greater Encounters: For now Maud the Empress herself in person comes into play; in whom the Oath before taken was to have its trial; for till now, though never so really intended, yet it could not actually be performed; for how could they receive her for Queen, who came not in place to be received? but now that she came in person, now was the time of trial, how the Oath would work; and work it did indeed with many, and that strongly; For Maude coming into England, with Robert Earl of Gloucester her Brother; was most joyfully received at Arundel Castle, by William de Aubigny, who had married Adeliza the Queen Dowager of the late King Henry, and had the said Castle and County assigned her for her Dower. King Stephen having intelligence hereof, cometh to Arundel Castell wi●h an Army, and besiegeth it; but either diverted by ill counsel, or else finding the Castle to be inexpugnable, he left the siege, and suffered the Empress to pass to Bristol. The King hearing, that Ra●ulph Earl of Chester, Son in law to Robert Earl of Gloucester, had possessed himself of the City of Lincoln, thither he goeth with an Army and besiegeth it: thither also came the said Earl of Chester, and Robert Earl of Gloucester to raise his siege; at which time, a most fierce battle was fought between them, upon Candlemas day; wherein it is memorable what wonders of valour King Stephen performed; For, when all his men about him were either fled or slain; yet he kept the field himself alone: no man daring to come near him: Horrentibus inimicis incomparabilem ictuum ejus immanitatem, saith Hoveden: yet overmastered at last by multitude, he was taken prisoner, and brought to Maude the Empress; who sent him to be kept in safe custody in the Castle of Bris●ow, where he remained till All-hollantide after. And now the Empress having gotten King Stephen into her hands, she takes her journey to London; received in all places, as she went, peaceably, and at London joyfully; where Queen Matild made humble suit un●o her, for the liberty of King Stephen her husband; and that he might but be allowed to live a private life: the Londoners also made suit to have the Laws of King Edward restored; but the Empress not only rejected both their suits, but returned them answers in harsh and insulting language; Indeed most unseasonably; and which gave a stop to the current of all her fortunes: for Queen Matild finding thereby, how high the Empress pulses did beat; sent presently to her Son Eustace, being then in Kent, to raise Forces with all speed, with whom, the Londoners, as much discontented as she, do afterwards join; and Hen●y Bishop of Winchester, as much discontented as either of them, fortifies his Castles at Waltham and Farnham; and specially Winchester, where he stays himselve, attending upon what Coast the next wind of the Empress would blow. Of all these things the Empress had intelligence, and thereupon secretly in the night she fled to Oxford, sending straight charge, to have King Stephen more narrowly watched, more hardly used; put (as some write) into fetters; and fed with very bare and poor Commons; withal she sends to her Uncle David Kings of Scots, to come unto her with all speed possible, who coming accordingly, they fall into consultation what is first to be done; the lot falls upon Winchester, as being their greatest adversary, now, no less in appearance then in power: so Winchester they besiege; which Queen Matild hearing, she with her Son Eustace and the Londoners, come presently to the succour, where a fierce battle being fought, the end was, that the party of Queen Matild prevailed, and the Empress to make her escape, was fain to be laid upon a Horse back in manner of a dead Corpse, and so conveyed to Gloucester; while Earl Robert her brother disdaining to fly, was taken Prisoner, whom Queen Matild caused to be used the more hardly, in retaliation of the hard usage which the Empress before had showed to King Stephen. Things standing in these terms, propositions were made by the Lords for pacification, but such were the high spirits of the Empress, and her brother Robert, that no conditions would please them, unless the Empress might enjoy the Crown. But after long debate, whether by agreement between themselves, or by connivance of the keepers, both King Stephen and Earl Robert got to be at liberty. When the first thing King Stephen did, was to look out the Empress, to requite the kindness she had showed him in prison; and hearing her to be at Oxford, he lays siege to the Town, and brings the Empress to such distress, that she had no way to free herself but by flight; and no way to flee but with manifest danger, yet she effected it by this devise: It was in the Winter season, when frost and snow covered all the ground over; she therefore clad herself, and her four servants that were with her in white clothes, which being of the colour of Snow, made her pass the Watches without being discerned, and by this means came safe to her friends at Wallingford. Yet Mamesbury who lived at that time, confesseth he could never learn certainly by what means she made her escape. But howsoever she escaped this present danger; yet it left such an impression of fear upon her, that she never after had any mind to appear upon this stage of War, but left the prosecution of it to her Son Henry, who was now about sixteen years of age, and being forward of his age, and able to bear Armest was by his great Uncle David King of Scots, Knighted, to make him more forward. It was now the ninth year of King Stephen's Reign, when Ralph Earl of Chester, keeping possession of the City of Lincoln, was in the night time assaulted by the King; but the Earl perceiving the King's Forces to be but small, suddenly issued forth, and repelled the King with the slaughter of fourscore of his men. Yet two years after this, the Earl was reconciled to the King, and came of his own accord to wait upon him, when perfidiously he was detained by the King; and not set at liberty, till he had surrendered into the King's hands all the Castles that were in his possession; which though it brought the King some present benefit, yet it wrought him a greater future loss; for it lost him his credit with all men, and no man afterward would trust his word. Now was Duke Henry come to the age of nineteen years, and was in possession of the Dukedom of Anjou, by the death of his Father Geoffrey Plantagenet; and not long after this, he married Eleanor the Daughter and Heir of William Duke of Guienne, by whom he had that Duchy, and also the Earldom of Poicton: Normandy he had by his Mother; but more by the people's inclination. So as being possessed now of four great Principalities, this greatness of Estate added to the greatness of his spirit, made him aspiring to recover his Right in England; and over he comes, bringing with him but small Forces, but promising himself great, from the people of this kingdom: and many indeed resorted to him; with whom he fell presently, and besieged Marleborough; but by the King's greater Forces was repelled. After this, their Armies continued in the field still; rather watching advantages to be doing, then doing any thing; sometimes advancing when no Enemy was near, and then retiring when the Enemy came; till at last it was like to come to a set Battle, when suddenly Eustace King Stephen's only Son unfortunately died: Unfortunately for himself, but fortunately for the kingdom; For now King Stephen being left destitute of issue to succeed, was the more easily drawn to conditions of Peace, as likewise the Empress Maude, having lately lost her Brother Robert Earl of Gloucester, and Miles Earl of Hereford, (her two best Champions) was no less willing of Peace than he; which being furthered by the Lords of both sides, was at last concluded upon these conditions, that Stephen should hold the kingdom of England during his life, and adopt Duke Henry as his Heir to succeed him. And this agreement thus made, and in a Parliament at Winchester confirmed, Duke Henry ever after accounted King Stephen no less than a Father, and King Stephen, Duke Henry no less than a Son: and well he might, if it be true which some write, that the Empress, when a Battle was to be fought between King Stephen and her Son, went privily to him, ask him how he could find in his heart to fight against him that was his own Son? could he forget the familiarity he had with her in her first Widowhood? But this was no matter for the Writers of that time to deliver: It touched too near the interest of Princes then in being: and Princes must not be touched while they live, nor when they are dead neither with uncertainties, as this could be no other: But howsoever it was, certain it is, that after this Agreement between King Stephen and Duke Henry, they continued in mutual love and concord, as long after as they lived. But what became of Maude the Empress at this time? For, that she was alive, and lived many years after this agreement between King Stephen and her Son Henry, all Writers agree; and to say that she consented to the Agreement, without any provision made for herself, is to make her too much a Woman; a very weak vessel: and to say there might be provision made, though it be not Recorded, is to make all Writers defective in a great excess. And besides, being so stirring a woman as she was, that upon a sudden she should be so quiet, as not to deserve to have one word spoken of her, in all the long time she lived after, (being no less than twelve or thirteen years) is as strange as the rest. And if she placed her contentment so wholly in her Son, that in regard of him, she regarded not herself at all; It deserves at least the Encomium of such a motherly love as is very unusual, and not always safe. Whatsoever it was, I must be fain to leave it as a Gordian knot, which no Writer helps me to untie. Of his Taxations, and ways for raising of money. OF Taxations in his time, there is no mention made; for Taxations indeed, are properly drawn from a body of State when it is entire, where the State all this King's time was altogether in Fractions. But what he wanted in Taxations, he supplied with Confiscations, which by reason of the many revoltings of men of all sorts, could not choose but fill his Coffers; every Rebellion being in nature of a Purchase to him, for whatsoever became of the Persons, their Lands and Goods were sure to be his. And if it happened at any time, that Confiscations came in but slowly, he had then devises to hasten their pace, for upon light suggestions (not so much oftentimes as just suspicions) he would call men into question, and seize upon their good, as in the case particularly of Ralph Bishop of Salisbury; and it may not be unpleasing to hear from what beginning this Bishop grew to such a height of greatness; which was thus; In the time of King William Rufus, he was a poor Priest, serving a Cure in a village near to Ca●n in Normandy, when the King's younger Brother Henry chanced to pass that way, and to make some stay in the said Village; who being desirous to hear a Mass, this Roger being Curate, was the man to say it; which he dispatched with such celerity, that the Soldiers (who commonly love not long Masses) commended him for it, telling their Lord, that there could not a fitter Priest be found for men of war than he. Whereupon Henry appointed him to follow him, and when he came to be King, preferred him to many great places, and at last to be Chancellor of England, and Bishop of Salisbury. You have heard his rising, now hear his fall; When King Stephen came to the Crown, he held this man in as great account as his Predecessor King Henry had done, and perhaps in greater; For being a great beggar of Suits, the King would say of him, If this man will never give over ask, neither shall I ever give over giving. Yet this great Prelate fell first through Pride into Envy, and then through Envy into Ruin. For King Stephen having given liberty to build Castles, this man did so f●rre exceed all others in magnificence (for he builded the Castles of Salisbury, the Vies, Sherburne, Mamesbury and Newarke, to which there were no Structures comparable in the kingdom) that the Lords out of envy put it into the King's head, that these Castles of his were built thus magnificently for entertainment of Ma●de the Empress: which so possessed the King, or he would be thought to be so possessed, that taking this for a just cause, he seized them all into his hands, and forty thousand Marks besides, which he had in money: and not contented with this, he took the like course also with Alexander Bishop of Lincoln, only because he was his Nephew and of his near kindred. Another way he had for gaining of money: For in the first year of his Reign, having given liberty to hunt in his Forests, be afterward at Oxford caused many to be impleaded for using that liberty; a trick which perhaps he learned from hunting, First to give men leave to do a thing, and then to Fine them for having done it. But this is the privilege of Princes, that their leave must be interpreted by him that gives it, and not by him that takes it. Laws and Ordinances in his time. HE gave licence to the City of Norwich to have Coroners and Bailiffs, before which time, they had only a Sergeant for the King to keep Courts; and after this, in the 37. year of King Henry the third, they had licence to enclose the Town with Ditches. Affairs of the Church in his time. Upon the Kings seizing into his hands, the Bishop of Salisburies' Castles, and Goods, complaint was made, and a Synod called by the Bishop of Winchester the Pope's Legate, to right the Bishop, where the King was cited to appear; who sending to know the cause, Answer was made, that it was to answer for his imprisoning of Bishops, and depriving them of their Goods, which being a Christian King he ought not to do. The King replies by his Lawyer, Alveric de Ver, that he had not arrested the Bishop of Salisbury as a Bishop, but as his Servant, that was to make him account of his employment. To this the Bishop answereth, that he was never Servant or Accountant to the King: and many Allegations and Probations were urged to and fro, but in conclusion the Synod broke up, and nothing was done. The Bishops durst not Excommunicate the King without the Pope's privity; so in the end they fell from Authority to Submission; and in the King's Chamber fell down at his Feet, beseeching him he would pity the Church; and not suffer dissension to be between the Kingdom and the Priesthood. And this was no small magnanimity in the King, that he was able to pull down the high stomaches of the Prelates in that time. In the eighth year of his Reign a Synod was held in London by Henry Bishop of Winchester, where it was decreed, that whosoever should lay violent hands upon any Clergy man, should not be absolved but by the Pope himself: and from this time forward, Clergy men were exempt from the secular power. In the tenth year of his Reign, by the soliciting of Saint Bernard, many took upon them the Cross, for a supply to the Holy Land; amongst whom, some English Lords also. Works of piety done by him, or by others in his time. HE Founded the Abbeys of Cogshall in Essex; of Furnace in Lancashire; of Hurguilers and Feversham in Kent; at Heigham in Kent, a House of black Nuns; also an house for Nuns at Carew: His Queen Matild builded the Hospital of Saint Katherine's by the Tower of London: A knight called Sir William of Mount Fitchet, Founded the Abbey of Stratford Langthorne, within four miles of London; William of Ypre Founded Boxeley Abbey in Kent; Robert Earl of Ferrer, Founded the Abbey of Merivall in Warwickshire; and in the same Shire, Robert Earl of Gloucester, the Abbey of Nun Eaten. Also by others were Founded the Abbeys of Tiltey; of Rievall; of Newborough and Beeland; of Garedon in L●ycestershire; of Kirkstead in Yorkshire: and divers others in other places, so that more Abbeys were erected in his days, than had been within the space of a hundred years before. Of his Wife and Children. HE married, by his Uncle King Henry's means, Matild, Daughter and Heir of Eustace Earl of Boleyne, a Woman made for the proportion of both Fortunes: In adversity not dejected; in prosperity not elated: while her Husband was at liberty, a Woman; during his durance, as it were a Man; Acting his part for him when he was restrained from acting it himself; not looking that Fortune should fall into her lap, but industrious to procure it. By this Queen, he had only one Son named Eustace, a Prince more than of hope, for he lived to the blossoming of much Valour, though it came not to maturity, as being cut off at eighteen years of age, some say, by drowning, and some by a stranger accident. But strange Relations must not always be rejected, for though many of them be forged, yet some no doubt are true; and who knows but it may be of this kind, which some Writers relate of the death of this Prince: that being at the Abbey of Bury in Norfolk, and denied some money he required to have had; he presently in a rage went forth, and set fire on the Cornefields belonging to the Abbey, but afterwards sitting down to dinner, at the first morsel of bread he put into his mouth, he fell into a fit of madness, and in that fit died? Certainly, the Persons of Princes are for more observation then ordinary people; and as they make Examples, so they are sometimes made Examples. This Prince Eustace was so beloved of his father, that he had a purpose to have joined him King with himself, but that the Pope upon the Bishops complaining to him of it, diverted him from it. Howsoever being dead, he was buried in Feversham Abbey, where his mother was buried a little before. Other legitimate issue King Stephen had none, but by a Concubine he had a son named William, whom he made Earl of Norfolk, which honour was confirmed upon him, by a special Article, in the agreement made between King Stephen and Duke Henry: Only a French Chronicle speaks of another son of his, named Gervase, made Abbot of Westminster, and that he died in the year 1160. and was there buried. Of his Personage and Conditions. HE was tall of stature, of great strength, and of an excellent good complexion. Concerning the qualities of his mind, there was apparent in him a just mixture of valour and prudence; for if he had not had both, he could never have held out with such weak friends as he did, against such potent adversaries as he had. And specially it must be confessed, he was of an excellent temper for a soldier, seeing he never killed any enemy in cold blood, as Anthony did Cicero; nor any friend in hot blood, as Alexander did Clitus. What he would have been in Peace, we are left to Judge by only a Pattern, the short time between his agreement with Duke He●ry and his death: which seeing he spent in travelling to all parts of the Realm, and seeking to sti●ch up the breaches which the violence of War had made; we may well think, that if his life had been continued, he would have given as good Proofs of his Justice in Peace, as he had done of his Valour in War. For of his extraordinary good nature we have a sufficient example in one Action of his, which was this: Duke Henry being on a time, in some straits for money, sent to his Mother Maude the Empress, desiring her to furnish him, but she answered, that she was in as great straits herself, and therefore could not do it; then he sent to his Uncle Earl Robert to furnish him, and he answered, he had little enough to serve his own turn, and therefore could not do it; at last he sent to King S●ephen, and he though an Adversary, and standing in terms of opposition, yet sent presently and supplied him with it. He was withal a great oppugner of Superstition, which made him on a time to ride into Lincoln with his Crown upon his head, only to break the people of a superstitious opinion they held, that no King could enter into that City in such manner, but that some great dysaster would fall upon him. One special Virtue may be noted in him, that he was not noted for any special vice, whereof if there had been any in him, Writers certainly would not have been silent. Of his death and burial. AS a Fish cannot live out of Water, no more was it in the Destiny of this King, to live out of trouble; as ●oone as he came to enjoy quietness, he left to enjoy life, no more time left him between his Agreement with Duke Henry and his Death, but only so much as might reasonably serve him to take his last leave of all his Friends; For it was but from january to October; and the last Friend he took leave of, was Theodoricke Earl of Flanders, whom he met at Dover, and as soon as he had dismissed him, he was suddenly taken with the Iliake Passion, and with an old disease of the Emeralds: and died in the Monastery there, the five and twentyeth of October, in the year 1154. when he had Reigned almost nineteen years, Lived nine and forty; and was Buried in the Abbey of Feversham, which he had Founded. Men of note in his time. OF Clergy men, there was Thurstine Archbishop of York, and Henry Bishop of Winchester the King's Brother, also William, another Archbishop of York, whom we may find in the Calendar of Saints, as likewise Saint Bernard who lived in this time, though not of this Country, and if we may reckon strangers, there lived at this time, Peter Lombard, Master of the Sentences; Peter Comester, writer of the Ecclesiastical Story; and Gratian, Compiler of the Canon Law, all three Brothers, and all three Bastards; also Avicen, Averro, Mesues, and Rabbi Solomon were in this time famous. Of military men, there was Ranulph Earl of Chester; Reynold Earl of Cornwall; Robert Earl of Leycester; Hugh Bigot, Earl of Norfolk, but specially Robert Earl of Gloucester, the King's base Son, whose praises, if any desire to hear sounded out to the full, let him read William of Malmesbury, who writ the History of those times, of purpose to be his Trumpet. Of the Writers of our Nation, there was this William of Malmesbury, Henry Huntingdon, Simon Dunelmensis, William Revellensis, and Geoffrey of Monmouth, Bishop of Saint Asaph in Wales. Also Hugo Carthusianus, a Burgundian, but made Bishop of Lincoln here in England. THE LIFE and REIGN OF KING HENRY THE SECOND. KING Stephen being dead, Henry Duke of Anjou, by his Father Geoffry Plantagenet, succeeded him in the Kingdom of England by agreement; whom he preceded by right, as being Son and Heir of Mawde, sole daughter and Heir of King Henry the first; and was crowned at Westminster, by The●bald Archbishop of Canterbury, on the seventeenth of December, in the year 1155. and was now a greater Prince than any of his Ancestors had been before: and indeed, the Kingdom of England, the Dukedom of Normandy, and the Dukedom of Anjou in his own right; and in the right of his wife Queen Eleanor, the Duchy of quyens, and the Earldom of Poictou b●ing all united in his person, made him a Dominion of a larger extent than any King Christian had at that time. He was borne at Ments in Normandy, in the year 1132. a great joy to his Father Geoffry, Duke of Anjou; a greater to his Mother Mawde the Empress; but so great to his Grandfather King Henry the first, that it seemed to make amends for his son William, whom unfortunately he had lost before by Shipwreck. The years of his childhood were spent at home under the care of his Parents: at nine years old or there abouts, he was brought by his Uncle Robert Earl of Gloucester into England, and placed at Bristol, where under the tuition of one Matthew his Schoolmaster, to instruct him in learning, he remained four years, after which time he was sent into Scotland, to his great Uncle David King of Scots, with whom he remained about two years, initiated by him in the Principles of State, but chiefly of his own estate: and being now about fifteen years of age, was by him Knighted, and though scarce yet ripe for Arms, yet as a fruit gathered before its time, was mellowed under the discipline of his Uncle Robert, one of the best Soldiers of that time. And now the Duke his Father not able any longer to endure his absence, sent with great instance to have him sent over to him; for satisfying of whose longing, Earl Robert provided him of passage, and conducted him himself to the Sea side, where he took his last farewell of him. Being come into Anjou, his Father, perhaps overjoyed with his presence, not long after died, leaving him in present possession of that Dukedom, being now about nineteen years of age: when shortly after he married Eleanor, late the wife of Lewis King of France, but now divorced. A year or two after he came again into England, where after some velitations with King Stephen, they were at last reconciled, and his succession to the Crown of England, ratified by Act of Parliament. Not long after he went again into France, and presently fell to besiege a Castle which was detained from him by the French King: in the time of which siege, news was brought him of King Stephen's death; which one would have thought should have made him hasten his journey into England; yet he resolved not to stir till he had won the Cast: which resolution of his being known to the Defendants, they surrendered the Castle; but yet no sooner, but that it was six weeks after before he came into England, when he was now about the age of three and twenty years. His first Acts after he came to the Crown. He began his Reign as Solomon would have begun it, if he had been in his place: for, first he made choice of wise and discreet men to be his Consellours: then he banished out of the Realm all strangers, and especially Flemings, with whom the Kingdom swarmed; as of whom King Stephen had made use in his wars, amongst whom was William of Ypres, lately before made Earl of Kent. Castles which by King Stephen's allowance had been built, he caused to be demolished, (of which there were said to be eleven hundred and fifteen) as being rather Nurseries of rebellion to the subject, then of any safety to the Prince. He appointed the most able men of that profession, to reform abuses of the Laws, which disorder of the wars had brought in: He banished many Lords, who against their Oath had assisted King Stephen against him; as thinking that men once perjured, would never be faithful: and to the end he might be the less pressing upon the people with Taxations, he resumed all such Lands belonging to the Crown, which had any way been aliened or usurped; as thinking it better to displease a few then many: and many other things he did, which in a disjointed State were no less profitable and expedient, then requisite and necessary. His Troubles during his Reign. HE had no Competitors, nor Pretenders with him for the Crown; and therefore his troubles at first were not in Capite, struck not at the root, as K. Stephens did: but were only some certain nibblings at inferior parts; till at last he brought them himself into his own bowels. For what was the trouble in his first year with the Welsh, but as an exercise rather to keep him in motion, then that it needed to disquiet his rest? for though they were mutinous for a time, while they looked upon their own Bucklers; their Woods and Mountainous passages: yet as soon as K. Henry did but show his sword amongst them, they were soon reduced to obedience for the present, and to a greater awfulness for the future. It is true, Henry Earl of Essex that bore the King's Standard, was so assaulted by the Welsh, that he let the Standard fall to the ground, which encouraged the Welsh, and put the English in some fear, as supposing the King had been slain; but this was soon frustrated to the Welsh, and punished afterward in the Ea●le, by condemning him to be shorn a Monk, and put into the Abbey of Reading, and had his lands seized into the King's hands. And what was his trouble with Malcolm King of Scots, but a work of his own beginning? for if he would have suffered him to enjoy that which was justly his own, Cumberland and Huntingtonshire, by the grant of King Stephen, and Northumberland, by the gift of his Mother Maude the Empress; he might have stayed quietly at home, and needed not at all to have stirred his foot; but he could not endure there should be such parings off from the body of his Kingdom: and therefore went with an Army into the North, where he won not, but took Northumberland from him, with the City of Carl●ill, and the Castles of Newcastle and Bamberg: and merely out of gratefulness, in remembrance of the many courtesies done him before, by David King of Scots; he left him the County of Hunting●on, but yet with condition to owe fealty, and to do homage to him for it. And what was his trouble with his brother Geoffrey, but a Bird of his own hatching? For his Father Geoffrey, Duke of Anjou, had three sons, Henry, Geoffrey, and William; and dying he left his Dukedom of Anjou to his eldest son Henry, but to hold no longer then till he should come to be King of England, and then to deliver it up to his second son Geoffrey: and he made his Lords to swear, not to suffer his body to be buried, until his son Henry had taken his Oath to do it; which Oath Henry afterward, in reverence to his Father's body, did take: but as he took it unwillingly, so he willingly broke it, and sent presently to Adrian the then Pope, for a Dispensation of his Oath: which granted, he enters Anjou with an Army, and takes from his brother Geoffrey, being little able to make resistance, not only the Dukedom of Anjou, but some other Cities also, which his Father had absolutely given him for his maintenance: yet out of brotherly kindness was content to allow him a Pension of a thousand pounds a year: which brotherly kindness was so unkindly taken by his brother Geoffrey, that it broke his heart; and within a short time after died. And thus these troubles begun by Henry himself, were soon ended; but now a trouble is coming on, begun by Lewis King of France, and this is like to stick longer by him. For King Lewis not having yet digested King Henry's marriage with his divorced wife Eleanor, seeks all opportunities to express his spleen, by doing him displeasure; and a fit opportunity was now offered: for there fell out a difference between Raymond Earl of Saint Giles, and Henry King of England, about the Earldom of Tholouse, which Raymond possessed, and Henry claimed: in this difference, King Lewis takes part with Raymond, as pretending it to be the juster side. Hereupon are great forces provided on both sides, and it was like to have come to a dangerous battle; but that by mediation of friends, a Peace was made; and to make the Peace the firmer, a marriage was concluded between Henry, King Henry's eldest son, scarce yet seven years of age; and Margaret, daughter of King Lewis, not past three: who was delivered to King Henry to bring up till fit years for consummation. This was then thought a strong link to hold them in friendship, but it proved afterward a cause to make the greater breach: and indeed when a son is once matched into a Family, the Father must never look from thence afterward to have a good wish; seeing the daughter thus matched can have no advancement, but by the advancement of her husband; and he none, at least, none so w●ll, as by the ruin of his Father: yet this broke not out till some years after. It was now about the eighteenth year of King Henry's Reign, and his son Henry grown to be seventeen years of age● when it came into the King's mind to have his son Henry crowned King, and Reign with himself in his own time; partly out of indulgence to his son, but chiefly, as having found by his own experience, that Oaths for succession are commonly eluded: but Oaths for present Allegiance, as being Verba de Praesenti, can have no evasion: and pleasing himself with this conceit, he acquaints his Lords with his purpose, and causeth his son Henry to be crowned King by the hands of Roger Archbishop of York; and all the Lords to swear Allegiance to him: at the Feast of which solemnity, King Henry to honour his son, would needs carry up the first dish to his Table; whereupon the Archbishop Roger standing by, and saying merrily to the new King: What an honour is this to you, to have such a waiter at your Table? Why (saith he) what great matter is it for him that was but the son of a Duke, to do service to me, that am the son of a King and Queen? Which the old King hearing, began to repent him, now it was too late of that he had done. For indeed the honour which by God's commandment, children are to do to their Parents; is by such making them their equals, in a manner abolished; at least it gives them stomaches to take more upon them than is fit. But King Henry passed it over, and meant to set the best side outward. And now King Lewis took displeasure that his daughter was not crowned as well as her husband, and therefore to satisfy him in that point, King Henry sendeth his son Henry and his wife Margaret into England● and causeth them both to be crowned by Walter Archbishop of Rouen: and shortly after, the young King Henry and his wife go back to King Lewis her Father, and by him with great joy, and variety of sports were entertained. In the time of their being there, King Lewis partly out of his old spleen to King Henry, and partly to make his son in law more absolure; falls oftentimes into conference with him, and finding his hot spirit to be fit tinder for such fire, tells him, it was a shame he should suffer himself to be made a stale; have the title of a King, and not the authority: and that as long as he stood in such terms, that which seemed an honour, was indeed a disgrace. With which words of King Lewis, the young King Henry was set afloat, and from that time forward, stuck not openly to oppose his Father: whereof his Father having intelligence, sent messengers to King Lewis, desiring him from the King their Master, to be a means to bring his son to more moderation. But King Lewis hearing the Ambassadors name their Master King, with an angry countenance said unto them; What mean you by this to call him King, who hath passed his Kingdom over to his son? and with this answer sent them away. To this evil, another worse was added: that Queen Eleanor his wife enraged with jealousy of her husband's Concubines, both incenseth her son Henry, and persuadeth also two other of her sons, Richard and Geoffrey, to join against their Father; telling them, it would be better for them that their brother should prevail, who could not choose but allow them better maintenance, than their Father did. With these persuasions they pass over into Normandy, and join with their brother Henry; who emboldened by their assistance, grows now more insolent than he was before; that when messengers were sent to him from his Father, requiring him to lay down his Arms, and to come lovingly to him: he proudly made answer, that his Father must not look he would lay down his Arms, unless himself first would lay down his authority, and resign the Kingdom. And now Lewis King of France, call together the great Lords of his Kingdom, and with them William King of Scots, Hugh Earl of Chester, Roger Mowbray, Hugh Pigot, and other of his son's party; they all take their Oaths to assist the young King Henry with all their power; and thereupon all in one day, the French invade Normandy, Aquitaine and Britain; the King of Scots Northumberland; and King Lewis the City of Vernoill, which he brought to that distress, that it was agreed by the Inhabitants, if it were not succoured within three days, then to surrender it. King Henry hearing of this agreement, promiseth to succour them by that day. But here King Lewis useth a trick, gets that by fraud, which he could not do by force; for he sends to King Henry, that if he were willing to have peace with his sons, he should meet him at a place appointed, at such a time, and he doubted not to effect it. King Henry glad of such an offer, and with that gladness perhaps blinded, and not suspecting any deceit, promiseth to meet; and coming to the place at the day, which was the day he should have succoured Vernoill, he stayed there all day looking for King Lewis coming; who instead of coming, sent word to Vernoill, that King Henry was defeated; and therefore their hope of succour was in vain: whereupon the Citizens thinking it to be so indeed, because he came not according to his promise, surrendered the Town: which King Lewis finding himself unable to hold, set it on fire, and so departed. But King Henry when he perceived the fraud, followed him with his Army, and took a bloody revenge of his fraud, with the slaughter of many of his men. At the same time also King Henry's forces encountered Hugh Earl of Chester, and Robert Fulger, who had taken Dole in Britain, took them prisoners, and brought them to King Henry: and about the same time likewise in England, Robert Earl of Leycester thinking to surprise Raynold Earl of Cornwall, and Richard Lacie, King Henry's Generals, at unawares, was himself by them overthrown, and the Town of Leycester taken; which only the site of the place defended from being battered to the ground. Robert Earl of Leycester being thus defeated● passeth over into France, and being supplied by King Lewis with greater forces than before, is together with Hugh Bigot sent back into England, to draw the Country to Henry the son's party; who at first assault take Norwich: and then setting down before Bury, they are in a great battle, by Richard Lacie, and other of King Henry's Captains, overthrown with the slaughter of ten thousand men, and as many taken prisoners; amongst whom Earl Robert himself. Yet were not Roger Mawbray and Hugh Bigot so daunted with this overthrow, but that together with David the King of Sco●s brother, they gather new forces, and invade Northumberland and Yorkshire, when Robert Scoccee, Ralph Granula, William Vesci, and Barnard Bayliol (of whom Baynard's Castle in London, first took the name) Knights of those parts, assemble together, and fight a great battle with them, overthrew them, and took the King of Sco●s prisoner, with many others. Yet is not Hugh Bigot daunted with this neither, but gathers new forces, and takes Norwich; and Robert Ferris, Nottingham: the news whereof, when King Henry the son heard, he recovered new spirits, and obtaining new assistance from King Lewis, prepares himself afresh for war: which King Henry the Father hearing, returns speedily into England; and to appease Saint Thomas Beckets Ghost, goes to visit his Tomb, and there asks him forgiveness. This done, he goes into Suffolk, and at Framingham Castle, which belonged to Hugh Bigot, stays with his Army, when suddenly moved, by what instinct, no man knows (unless the appeasing of Saint Thomas Ghost did work it) both Hugh Bigot delivers up his Castle into King Henry's hands, and likewise Roger Mawbray, Robert Ferris, and many others of that party, come voluntarily in, and submit themselves to the King's mercy. Hereupon King Henry returns to London, about which time he committed his wife Queen Eleanor to prison, for her practices against him. In the mean time, King Lewis understanding that Normandy was but weakly guarded, together with his son the young King Henry, and Philip Earl of Flaunders; he besiegeth Rouen, which the King's forces valiantly defended, till he came himself in person; and thereupon King Lewis despairing of any good to be do●e, sends messengers to King Henry for a truce, and appointed a day to meet at Gysors, where he doubted not to make a reconcilement between his sons and him; K. Henry agreed willingly, but of the meeting nothing was done: It seems it was but one of King Lewis his old tricks to come fairly off. After this truce made with King Lewis, King Henry hearing that his son Richard had in the mean time possessed himself of a great part of the Province of Poicto●; goes thither with an Army, where Richard at last, after some hesitation, as doubting his forces, submits himself to his Father, and asks his pardon; which his Father as freely grants, as if he had never committed any fault; and thereupon King Henry employs him to King Lewis and his brother Henry, to persuade them to peace: who wearied now with the wars, were easily drawn, and so reconciliation on all parts is made; and to confirm the reconciliation between the two Kings, Henry and Lewis, his daughter Adela is affianced to King Henry's son Richard, as Earl of Aquitaine, and because the Lady was but young, she was committed to the care of King Henry, till she should be fit for marriage. Upon this King Henry sets Robert Earl of Leycester, and Hugh Earl of Chester, giving hostages and oath for their Allegiance, at liberty; and William also King of Scots, paying a certain mulct; for which he delivered in pawn the strong Castles of Berwick, Roxborough, and Sterling to King Henry, and was fined also to lose the County of Huntingdon, and never to receive any Rebels into his protection. These things done, the King with his son's returns into England, where with all joyfulness they were received. It was now the year 1179. when King Lewis began again to grow discontented with King Henry, because his daughter was not yet married to his son Richard, as was agreed: but King Henry making him promise to have them married within a few days, gave him satisfaction; though indeed he meant nothing less, for it was thought he kept her for himself, as with whom he had before that time, had unlawful familiarity. The year after was memorable for nothing, or for nothing so much as the death of the young King Henry, who died then; whose Widow Margaret returning into France, was afterward married to Bela King of Hungary. Now King Henry's son Richard, no longer enduring to have his marriage delayed, which his Father often promised, but would never suffer to be performed; falls into his old fit of discontentment: wherein though he cannot perhaps be justified, yet he may justly be excused, for to be kept from a wife at that time of his age, for which a wife was most proper; and especially having been affianced so long before, which could not choose but make his appetite the sharper: must needs be, if not a just cause, at least a strong provocation to make him do as he did: Howsoever, from this fit of discontentment, he falls into a relapse of Rebellion, and infecting with it his brother john, and a great part of his Father's Adherents; they all take part with Philip (now after the decease of Lewis) King of France, who willing to make use of their assistance, before the stream of filial awfulness should return into the natural Channel, takes them along with him, and besiegeth the City of Ments, in which King Henry at that time was himself in person; who apprehending the danger, and then resenting the mischief of falling into his enemy's hands, gets him secretly out of the City, leaving it to defend itself, till he should return with greater forces: but hearing afterward that the Town was taken, he fell into so great a distraction of mind, that it made him break out into these blasphemous words; I shall never hereafter love God any more, that hath suffered a City so dear unto me, to be taken from me: but he quickly recollected himself, and repented him that he had spoken the words. Indeed Ments was the City in which he was borne, that to have this City taken from him, was as much as to have his Birthright taken from him; and to say the truth, after he had lost this City, he scarce seemed to be alive; not only because he shortly after died, but because the state of Majesty which had all his life accompanied him, after this forsook him: for now he was fain to beg peace of his enemies, who often before had begged it of him: now he was glad to yield to conditions, which no force before could have wrested from him. It is memorable and worth observing, that when these two Kings had meeting between Turwyn and Arras, for reconcilement of differences; there suddenly happened a Thunderbolt to light just between them, with so terrible a crack, that it forced them for that time to break off their conference: and afterward at another meeting, the like accident of Thunder happened again, which so amazed King Henry, that he had fallen off his horse, if he had not been supported by those about him; which could be nothing but drops let fall of the Divine anger, and manifest presages of his future dysasters. And thus this great Princes troubles, which began in little ones, and were continued in great ones, ended at last in so great a trouble, that it ended his life, and left him an example of desolation, notwithstanding all his greatness; forsaken of his friends, forsaken of his wife, forsaken of his children; and (if he were not himself when he blasphemed for the loss of Ments) forsaken of himself; which might be exemplar in this King, if it were not the common Epilogue of all greatness. Of his Acquest of Ireland. RObert Fits-stephen was the first of all Englishmen, after the Conquest, that entered Ireland, the first day of May, in the year 1170. with 390. men: and there took Werford, in the behalf of Deruntius, son of Marcherdach, called Mac Murg, King of Leymster. In September following, Richard Earl of Chepstow, surnamed Strongbow, sailed into Ireland with twelve hundred men, where he took Waterford and Dublin; and married Eeve, the daughter of Deruntius, as he was promised. From these beginnings, King Henry being then at rest from all Hostile Arms, both at home and abroad, takes into his consideration the Kingdom of Ireland, as a Kingdom which oftentimes afforded assistance to the French; and therefore purposing with himself by all means to subdue it: he provides a mighty Army, and in the Winter season saileth thither, taking Shipping at Pembroke, and landing near to Waterford: where entering into consultation what course was fittest to be taken in the enterprise, suddenly of their own accord, the Princes of the Country came in, and submitted themselves unto him, only R●d●rick King of Connacht stood out; who being the greatest, thought to make himself the only King of that Nation: but King Henry forbearing him for the present, who kept himself in his fastnesses of Bogges and Woods, and was not to be followed in the Winter season: takes his journey to Dublin, the chief City of the Country; and there calling the Princes and Bishops of the Nation together, requires their consent to have him and his heirs to be their King: which they affirming they could not do without the Pope's authority; to whom, at their first conversion to the Christian Religion, they had submitted themselves; the King sent presently to Adrian the then Pope an English man, requiring his assent; which upon divers good considerations he granted: and hereupon the King built him a stately Palace in the City of Dublin; and having thus without blood possessed himself of the Kingdom, the Spring following he returns joyfully into England. About four years after Rodorick also sends his Chancellor to King Henry, to offer his submission, with a tribute to be paid of every ten beasts, one sufficient. After this, in the one and thirtieth year of his Reign, he sent his son john to be the Governor there. His Taxations, and ways for raising of money. TAxations in his time, was chiefly once; when he took Escuage of Englishmen, towards his wars in France, which amounted to 12400. pounds: but confiscations were many, because many Rebellions, and every Rebellion was as good as a Mine. Also vacancies of Bishoprics and Abbeys, kept in his hands, sometimes many at once; no time without some. He resumed also all Lands which had either been sold or given from the Crown by his Predecessors: but a principal cause that made him plentiful in money, was his Parsimony; as when he was enjoined for a Penance, to build three Abbeys, he performed it, by changing Secular Priests into Regular Canons, only to spare cost. And it was not the least cause of alienating his sons from him; that he allowed them not maintenance answerable to their calling. And it could be nothing but Parsimony while he lived, which brought it to pass, that when he died, there were found in his Coffers, nine hundred thousand pounds besides Plate and Jewels. Laws and Ordinances in his time. IN the beginning of his Reign, he refined and reform the Laws of the Realm; making them more tolerable & more profitable to his people than they were before. In the one and twentieth year of his Reign, he divided his whole kingdom into six several Circuits; appointing in every Circuit three Judges, who twice every year should ride together, to hear and determine Causes between man and man: as it is at this day, though altered in the number of the Judges, and in the Shires of Circuit. In this King's days the number of Jews all England over was great: yet, wheresoever they dwelled, they might not bury any of their dead any where but in London; which being a great inconvenience to bring dead bodies oftentimes from far remote places, the King gave them liberty of burial in the several places where they lived. It was in this King's days also ordained that Clergymen offending in hunting the King's Deer, should be punishable by the Civil Magistrate, according to the Laws of the Land; which order was afterward taken with them for any offence whatsoever they committed. Though it be not a Law, yet it is an Ordinance which was first brought in by this King, that the Lions should be kept in the Tower of London. Affairs of the Church in his tim●. THis King's Reign is famous for the contention of a Subject with the Prince, and though it may be thought no equal match, yet in this Example we shall find it hard to judge which of them had the victory. But before we come to speak of the Contention, it is fit to say something of the Man, and of the Quarrel. The man was Thomas Becket, borne in London, his Father, one Gilbert Becket, his Mother an outlandish Woman, of the Country of Syria. His first rising was under Theobald Archbishop of Canterbury, who taking a liking to him, (as one saith, no man knew for what) made him first archdeacon of Canterbury, and then used means to have him be the Prince's Tutor, after that to be Chancellor of England, and after the decease of the said Theobald, was himself made Archbishop of Canterbury in his place. One memorable thing he did at his coming to be Archbishop, he surrendered his place of being Chancellor, as not thinking it fit to sit at the Helm of the Commonwealth, and of the Church, both at once. But now began the Contention between the King and him: the difference was, the King would have it ordained that Clergy men who were malefactors, should be tried before the Secular Magistrate as Lay men were: This Becket opposed, saying, it was against the liberty of the Church, and therefore against the honour of God. Many Bishops stood with the King, some few with Becket the Contention grew long, and with the length still hotter, till at last Becket was content to assent to the Ordinance with this clause, Salvo Ordine suo: the King liked not the Clause, as being a deluding of the Ordinance: He required an absolute assent, without any clause of Reservation. At last, after many debatings and demurs, the Archbishop yields to this also, and subscribes the Ordinance, and sets his hand unto it. But going homewards, it is said, his Crosse-bearer and some other about him, blamed him for that he had done, but whether moved with their words, or otherwise upon second thoughts, the next day when they met again, he openly repented his former deed, retracts his subscription, and sends to the Pope for absolution of his fault: which the Pope not only granted, but encouraged him to persist in the course he had begun. It may be thought a Fable, yet is related by divers good Authors, that one time during this Contention, certain fellows cut off the Archbishops horses tail; after which fact, all their Children were borne with tails like horses; and that this continued long in their Posterity, though now long since ceased, and perhaps their Families too. But King Henry finding there was no prevailing with Becket by fair means, begins to deal more roughly with him, and first makes use of Authority upon his Temporalties; and withal a censure was spoken of to be intended against his person; which Becket understanding, thought it his best course to flee the Realm, and thereupon passing under the name of Dereman, he passeth over Sea, and there, two years by the Pope, and five by the King of France, was maintained as it were of Alms: in which misery, nothing vexed him so much, as that King Henry sent all his kindred, Men and Women, old and young into Banishment after him. And now King Henry finding that Becket stood much upon his Legatine Power, sent messengers to the Pope, desiring him to take that power from him, and to confer it upon his Archbishop of York, but the Pope answered, he would not do so, but was content the King himself should be his Legate, and sent him Letters to that purpose, which King Henry took in such scorn, that he threw away the Letters, and sent them presently back to him again. In this mean time, the King of France prevailed with King Henry to afford Becket a conference, hoping to bring them to some Agreement, where being together, King Henry alleged before the King of France, that he required nothing of Becket, but his assent to an Ordinance, to which in his Grandfather King Henry's the first time, all the Bishops of the Realm, and the Archbishop of Canterbury that then was did give their Assent; yet this moved not Becket at all, but he continued his former Tenet, it was against the honour of God, and therefore desired to be excused. See now (saith King Henry) the perverseness of this man, all that agrees not with his own humour, is presently against the honour of God. While these things were thus a working, Becket had gotten him more friends at Rome, and by their means prevailed with the Pope, to give him power to interdict some Bishops in England that had done him wrong, and the Pope spared no● to threaten Excommunication to King Henry himself, if he restored not Becket to his Dignity. But whether awed with his threatening, or won by the King of Frances importunity, or else perhaps relenting in himself, he was contented at last that Becket should return home, and enjoy his Bishopric; who being come to Canterbury, the Bishops whom he had indicted, for Crowning the young King Henry, (which he said, was his right to have done) made humble suit unto him, to be released of the censure. Which, when the Archbishop would not grant, but with certain cautions and exceptions, the Bishop's discontented went over to the King, complaining of the hard measure that was offered them by the Archbishop: whereat the King being much moved, Shall I never (saith he) be at quiet for this Priest? If I had any about me that loved me, they would find some way or other to rid me of this trouble. Whereupon four knights standing by that heard the King make this complaint, namely Reynold Fits-urse, or Bereson, Hugh Morvyll, William Tracy, and Richard Britton, thinking they should do an acceptable service to the King, went shortly after into England, and going to Canterbury, found the Archbishop then at Church, when upon the steps there, they struck him upon the head with their swords and slew him the thirtieth day of December, in the year 1172. Afterward, with much ado, by King Henry's means they were pardoned by the Pope, only enjoined Penance, to go on Pilgrimage to jerusalem, as some write; but others more probably, that the King abhorred them ever after; and that within three years they all died miserably. You have heard his persecution, and (as some would have it called) his Martyrdom: now hear the honours that have been done him, and the visitations to his Tomb. And first King Henry himself coming to Canterbury, as soon as he came within sight of Beckets Church, lighting off his horse, and putting off his hose and shoes he went barefoot to his Tomb, and for a further penance suffered himself to be beaten with rods, by every Monk of the Cloister. A few years after, King Lewis of France comes into England of purpose to visit the Shrine of Saint Thomas, where having paid his Vows, he makes Oblations with many rich Presents. The like many Princes since that time have done; and many Miracles are reported to have been done at his Tomb, which yet may be unbelieved without unbelief, and with Faith enough. Another difference in this King's days, was between the two Archbishops of England, about the jurisdiction of Canterbury over York, which being referred to the Pope, he gave judgement on Canterbury's side. Also in this King's days there was a Schism in the Church of Rome, two Popes up at once, of whom Alexander the third was one; which Schism continued the space of almost twenty years. Also in this King's days, one Nicholas Breakespeare, borne at Saint Alban, or as others write, at Langley in Hartfordshire, being a bondman of that Abbey, and therefore not allowed to be a Monk there, went beyond Sea, where he so profited in Learning, that the Pope made him first Bishop of Alba, and afterward Cardinal, and sent Legate to the Norway's, where he reduced that nation from Paganism to Christianity, and returning back to Rome, was chosen Pope, by the Name of Adrian the fourth, and died being choked with a Fly in his drink. In his days also, Heraclius Patriarch of Jerusalem, came to King Henry, desiring aid for the Holy Land, but not so much of money as of men; and not so much of men neither, as of a good General, as himself was; to whom King Henry answered, that though he were willing to undertake it, yet his unquiet State at home would not suffer him; with which answer the Patriarch moved, said, Think not Great King, that Pretences will excuse you before God, but take this from me, that as you forsake God's cause now, so he hereafter will forsake you in your greatest need. But (saith the King) if I should be absent out of my kingdom, my own Sons would be ready to rise up against me in my absence; to which the Patriarch replied, No marvel, for from the Devil they came, and to the Devil they shall● and so departed. Also in this King's days there came into England, thirty Germans, Men and Women, calling themselves Publicans, who denied Matrimony, and the Sacraments of Baptism, and of the Lords Supper, with other Articles, who being obstinate, and not to be reclaimed, the King commanded they should be marked with a hot iron in the forehead, and be whipped, which punishment they took patiently, their Captain (called Gerard) going before them singing, Blessed are ye when men hate you. After they were whipped, they were thrust out of doors in the Winter, where they died with cold and hunger, no man da●ing to relieve them. This King after his conquest of Ireland, imposed the tribute of Peter pence upon that kingdom, namely, that every house in Ireland should yearly pay a penny to Saint Peter. Works of piety done by him, or by others in his time. THis King Founded the Church of Bristol, which King Henry the eighth afterward erected into a Cathedral: He also Founded the Priories of D●ver; of Stoneley; and of Basinwerke; and the Castle of Rudlan: and began the Stone Bridge over the Thames at London. He caused also the Castle of Warwick to be builded. Maude the Empress his Mother, Founded the Abbey of Bordesly. In his time also Hugh Mortimer Founded Wigmore Abbey, Richard Lucye the King's Chief Justice laid the Foundation of the Coventuall Church, in the honour of Saint Thomas, in a place which is called Westwood, otherwise Loesses, in the Territory of Rochester, in the new Parish of Southfleete. He also builded the Castle of Anger in Essex. Robert Harding a Burgess of Bristol, to whom King Henry gave the Barony of Barkeley; builded the Monastery of Saint Augustine's in Bristol. In the tenth year of his Reign, London Bridge was new made of Timber, by Peter of Colechurch a Priest. Robert de Boscue Earl of Leycester, Founded the monastery of Gerendon, of Monks; and of Leycester, called Saint Mary de Prate, of Canons Regular, and his Wife Amicia, Daughter of Ralph Montford, Founded Eton, of Nuns. In the two and twentyeth year of his Reign, after the Foundation of Saint Mary Overeyes' Church in Southwark, the Stone bridge over the Thames at London, began to be Founded, towards which a Cardinal, and the Archbishop of Canterbury gave a thousand Marks. Aldred Bishop of Worcester Founded a Monastery at Gloucester of Benedictine Monks. Casualties that happened in his time. IN the Eleventh year of this King's Reign, on the six and twentyeth day of january, was so great an Earthquake in Ely, Norfolk, and Suffolk, that it overthrew them that stood upon their feet, and made the Bells to ring in the Steeples. In the seventeenth year of his Reign, there was seen at Saint Osythes in Essex, a Dragon of marvellous bigness, which by moving, burned houses, and the whole City of Canterbury was the same year almost burnt. In the eighteenth year of his Reign, the Church of Norwich with the houses thereto belonging was burnt, and the Monks dispersed. At Andover, a Priest praying before the Altar, was slain with Thunder. Likewise one Clerk and his Brother was burnt to death with Lightning. In the three and twentyeth year, a shower of Blood Reigned in the Isle of Wight two hours together. In the four and twentyeth year, the City of York was burnt, and on Christmas day, in the Territory of Derlington, in the Bishopric of Durham the Earth lifted up itself in the manner of an high Tower, and so remained unmoveable from morning till evening, and then fell with so horrible a noise that it frighted the Inhabitants thereabouts, and the earth swallowing it up, made there a deep pit, which is seen at this day: for a Testimony whereof Leyland saith, he saw the Pits there, commonly called Hell-kettles. Also in the same year, on the tenth day of April, the Church of Saint Andrew's in Rochester was consumed with fire. In the eight and twentyeth year of his Reign, Barnewell, with the Priory, near unto Cambridge was burnt. In the thirtyeth year, the Abbey of Glastenbury was burnt with the Church of Saint julian. In the year 1180. a great Earthquake threw down many buildings, amongst which the Cathedral Church of Lincoln was rend in pieces the five and twentieth of April: And on the twentieth of October, the Cathedral Church of Chichester, and all the whole City was burnt. This year also, near unto Orford in Suffolk, certain Fishers took in their Nets a Fish, having the shape of a Man in all points, which Fish was kept by Bartholomew de Glanvile in the Castle of Orford six months and more; he spoke not a word; all manner of meats he did gladly eat, but most greedily raw Fish, when he had pressed out the juice; oftentimes he was brought to Church, but never showed any sign of adoration: at length, being not well looked to, he stole to the Sea, and never was seen after. In the year 1188. on the twentieth of September, the Town of Beverley with the Church of Saint john there was burnt. And in this King's time the bones of King Arthur, and his Wife Guynevour, were found in the Vale of Avalon, under an hollow Oak, fifteen foot under ground; the hair of the said Guynevour being then whole and of fresh colour; but as soon as it was touched, it fell to powder, as Fabian relateth. Of his Wife and Children. HE married Eleanor Daughter and heir of William Duke of Guien, late Wife of Lewis the seventh, King of France, but then divorced, but for what cause divorced is diversely related; some say King Lewis carried her with him into the Holy Land, where she carried herself not very holily, but led a licentious life, and which is the worst kind of licentiousness, in carnal familiarity with a Turk; which King Lewis though knowing, yet dissembled, till coming home, he then waived that cause, as which he could not bring without disgrace to himself, and made use of their nearness in blood, as being Cousins in the fourth degree, which was allowed by the Pope, as a cause sufficient to divorce them, though he had at that time two Daughters by her. Being thus divorced, Duke Henry marries her, with whom it was never known, but she led a modest and sober life, a sufficient proof, that the former Report was but a slander. By this Queen Eleanor he had five Sons, William, Henry, Richard, Geoffry, and john; and three Daughters, Maude, married to Henry Duke of Saxony; Eleanor, married to Alphonso the Eighth of that name, King of Castille; and jane or joan, married to William King of Sicily. Of his Sons, William died young. Henry borne the second year of his Reign, was Crowned King with his Father, in the eighteenth year, and died the nine and twentyeth year, and was buried at Rouen; married to Margaret, Daughter of Lewis King of France, but left no issue. Richard, borne at Oxford, in the fourth year of his Father's Reign, and succeeded him in the kingdom. Geoffrey, borne the fifth year of his Father's Reign, married Constance, Daughter and Heir of Conan, Earl of Little Britain, in the foureteenth year, and in the two and thirtieth year died; leaving by his Wife Constance, two Daughters, and a Posthumus Son named Arthur. john, his youngest, called john without Land, because he had no Land assigned him in his Father's time; borne the twelfth year of his Father's Reign, and succeeded his Brother Richard in the kingdom. And this may be reckoned a peculiar honour to this King, that of his five Sons, three of them lived to be Kings; and of his three Daughters, two of them to be Queens. Concubines he had many, but two more famous than the rest; and one of these two, more famous than the other: and this was Rosamond, Daughter of Walter Lord Clifford; whom he kept at Woodstock, in lodgings so cunningly contrived that no stranger could find the way in, yet Queen Eleanor did, being guided by a thread: so much is the eye of jealousy quicker in finding out, than the eye of care is in hiding. What the Queen did to Rosamond when she came in to her, is uncertain, but this is certain, that Rosamond lived but a short time after, and lies buried at the Nunnery of Godst●w near to Oxford. By this Rosamond King Henry had two Sons, William called Long-Sword; who was Earl of Salisbury in right of his Wife Ela, Daughter and Heir of William Earl of that Country, and had by her much issue, whose posterity continued a long time: And a second Son named Geoffrey, who was first Bishop of Lincoln, and afterward Archbishop of York, and after five years' banishment in his Brother King john's time, died in the year 1213. The other famous Concubine of this King Henry, was the Wife of Ralph Blewet a knight; by whom he had a Son named Morgan, who was Provost of Beverley, and being to be elected Bishop of Durham, went to Rome for a dispensation, because being a Bastard, he was else uncapable: But the Pope refu●ing to grant it, unless he would pass as the Son of Blewet, he absolutely answered, he would for no cause in the world deny his Father; and chose rather to lose the Dignity of the Place, then of his Blood, as being the Son, though but the base Son, of a King. Of his personage and conditions. HE was somewhat red of face, and broad breasted; short of body, and therewithal fat, which made him use much Exercise, and little Meat. He was commonly called Henry Shortmantell, because he was the first that brought the use of short Cloaks out of Anjou into England. Concerning endowments of mind, he was of a Spirit in the highest degree Generous; which made him often say, that all the World sufficed not to a Courageous heart. He had the Reputation of a wise Prince all the Christian World over; which made him often say, that all the World sufficed not to a Courageous heart. He had the Reputation of a wise Prince all the Christian World over; which made Alphonsus' King of Castille, and Garsyas King of Navarre, refer a difference that was between them, to his Arbitrament: who so judiciously determined the Cause, that he gave contentment to both Parties; a harder matter then to cut Cloth even by a thread. His Custom was to be always in Action; for which cause, if he had no Real Wars, he would have Feigned: and would transport Forces either into Normandy or Britain, and go with them himself, whereby he was always prepared of an Army: and made it a Schooling to his Soldiers, and to himself an Exercise. To his Children he was both indulgent and hard: for out of indulgence he caused his Son Henry to be Crowned King in his own time; and out of hardness he caused his younger Sons to Rebel against him. He was rather Superstitious, than not Religious; which he showed more by his carriage toward Becket being dead then while he lived. His Incontinency was not so much that he used other Women besides his Wife, but that he used the affianced Wife of his own Son: And it was commonly thought, he had a meaning to be divorced from his Wife Queen Eleanor, and to take the said Adela to be his Wife. Yet generally to speak of him, he was an excellent Prince; and if in some particulars he were defective, it must be considered he was a Man. Of his death and burial. HE was not well at ease before, but when the King of France sent him a List of those that had conspired against him, and that he found the first man in the List to be his Son john, he then fell suddenly into a fit of Fainting, which so increased upon him, that within four days after he ended his life: So strong a Corrosive is Grief of mind, when it meets with a Body weakened before with sickness. He died in Normandy, in the year 1189. when he had lived threescore and one years; Reigned near five and thirty: and was buried at Founteverard in France. the manner of whose burial was thus: He was Clothed in his Royal Robes, his Crown upon his head, white Gloves upon his hands, Boots of Gold upon his legs, Gilt Spurs at his heels, a great rich Ring upon his finger, his Sceptre in his hand, his Sword by his side, and his face uncovered and all bare. As he was carrying to be Buried, his Son Richard in great haste ran to see him, who no sooner was come near the Body, but suddenly at his Nostrils he fell a bleeding afresh; which though it were in Prince Richard no good sign of Innocency, yet his breaking presently into bitter tears upon the seeing it, was a good sign of Repentance. It may not be unseasonable to speak in this place of a thing which all Writers speak of, that in the Family of the Earls of Anjou, of whom this King Henry came, there was once a Princess a great Enchantress, who being on a time enforced to take the blessed Eucharist, she suddenly flew out at the Church window, and was never seen after: From this Woman these latter Earls of Anjou were descended, which perhaps made the Patriarch Heraclius say, of this King Henry's Children, that from the Devil they came, and to the Devil they would. But Writers perhaps had been more complete, if they had left this Story out of their Writings. Men of note in his time. OF Clergy men, there was Theobald Archbishop of Canterbury, Hugh Bishop of Lincoln; Richard Bishop of Winchester; Geoffrey of Ely; Robert of bath; Aldred of Worcester; all Learned Men, and of great integrity of life. Of Military Men, there was Robert Earl of Leycester; Reynold Earl of Cornwall; Hugh Bigot, Robert Ferrys, Richard Lacie, Roger Mowbray, Ralph Fulger, Ranulph Granula, William V●sei, ●nd Baynard Baylioll; Men of great achievements in War, and of no less abilities in Peace. THE LIFE and REIGN OF KING RICHARD THE FIRST. Of his coming to the Crown, and of his Coronation. KING Richard, the first of that name, after his Father's Funeral, went to Rouen, where he settled the state of that Province; and from thence came into England, where he was Crowned King at Westminster, by the hands of Baldwin Archbishop of Canterbury, the third day of September, in the year 1189. And herein this Prince is more beholding to Writers then any of his Predecessors: for in speaking of their Crowning, they content themselves with telling where, and by whom they were Crowned: but of this Prince, they deliver the manner of his Crowning, in the full amplitude of all circumstances; which perhaps is not unfit to do, for satisfaction of such as are never like to see a Coronation; and it was in this manner. First, the Archbishops of Canterbury, Rouen, Tryer, and Dublin, with all the other Bishops, Abbots, and Clergy, apparelled in rich Copes, and having the Cross, holy Water, and Censers carried before them; came to fetch him at the door of his Privie-Chamber; and there receiving him, they led him to the Church of Westminster, till they came before the high Altar, with a solemn Procession. In the middle of the Bishops and Clergy, went four Barons, bearing Candlesticks with Tapers; after whom came Geoffrey de Lucy, bearing the Cap of Maintenance, and john Martial next to him, bearing a massive pair of Spurs of Gold; then followed William Marshal Earl of Striguill, alias Pembroke, who bore the Royal Sceptre, in the top whereof was set a Cross of Gold; and William de Patrick Earl of Salisbury going next him, bore the Warder or Rodde, having on the top thereof a Dove. Then came three other Earls, David, brother to the King of Scots, the Earl of Huntingdon, john the King's brother, Earl of Mortaigne, and Robert Earl of Leycester, each of them bearing a Sword upright in his hand, with the scabbards rightly adorned with Gold. The Earl of Mortaigne went in the midst betwixt the other two; after them followed six Earls and Barons, bearing a Chequer Table, upon the which were set the King's Scotchens of Armest and then followed William Mandevill Earl of Albemarle, bearing a Crown of Gold a great height before the King, who followed having the Bishop of Durham on the right hand, and Reynold Bishop of bath on the left; over whom a Canopy was borne: and in this order he came into the Church at Westminster, where before the high Altar, in the presence of the Clergy and the people, laying his hand upon the holy Evangelists, and the relics of certain Saints, he took a solemn Oath that he should observe peace, honour and reverence to Almighty God, to his Church, and to his Ministers, all the days of his life: also that he should exercise upright justice to the people committed to his charge, and that he should abrogate and disannul all evil Laws and wrongful customs, if any were to be found in the precinct of his Realm; and maintain those that were good and laudable. This done, he put off all his garments from his middle upwards, but only his shirt, which was open on the shoulders, that he might be anointed. Then the Archbishop of Canterbury anointed him in three places; on the head, on the shoulders, and on the right arm; with Prayers in such case accustomed. After this, he covered his head with a linen clothe hallowed, and set his Cap thereon; and then after he had put on his Royal Garments, and his uppermost Robe, the Archbishop delivered him the Sword, with which he should beat down the enemies of the Church: which done, two Earls put his Shoes upon his feet, and having his Mantle put on him, the Archbishop forbade him on the behalf of Almighty God, not to presume to take upon him this Dignity, except he faithfully meant to perform those things which he had there sworn to perform; whereunto the King made answer, that by God's grace he would parforme them. Then the King took the Crown beside the Altar, and delivered it to the Archbishop, which he set upon the King's head, delivering to him the Sceptre to hold in his right hand, and the Rod Royal in his left hand: and thus being Crowned, he was brought back by the Bishops and Barons, with the Cross and Candlesticks, and three Swords, passing forth before him unto his Seat. When the Bishop that sang the Mass, came to the Offertory, the two Bishops that brought him to the Church, led him to the Altar, and brought him back again. The Mass ended, he was brought with solemn Procession into his Chamber: and this was the manner of this King's Coronation. But at this solemnity there fell out a very dysastrous accident: For this Prince not favouring the jews, as his Father had done; had given a strict charge, that no jew should be admitted to be a spectator of the solemnity: yet certain jews, as though it had been the Crowning of their King Herod, would needs be pressing in; and being put back by Officers set of purpose, it grew to a brabble, and from words to blows, so as many jews were hurt, and some slain: and thereupon a rumour was suddenly spread abroad, that the King had commanded to have all the jews destroyed. Whereupon it is incredible what rifling there was of Iewes houses, and what cutting of their throats: and though the King signified by public Declaration, that he was highly displeased with that which was done, yet there was no staying the fury of the multitude till the next day; so often it falls out, that great solemnities are waited on with great dysasters; or rather indeed, as being connatural, they can hardly be asunder. Of his first Acts after he was Crowned. HE began with his Mother Queen Eleanor, whom upon her Husband's displeasure, having been kept in Prison sixteen years; he not only set at liberty, but set in as great authority, as if she had been left the Regent of the kingdom. The next he gratifies, was his brother john; to whom he made appear, how much the bounty of a Brother was better than the handnesse of a Father. For he conferred upon him, in England, the Earldoms of Cornwall, Dorset, Somerset, Nottingham, Derby, and Leycester; and by the marriage of Isabel, daughter and heir to the Earl of Gloucester, he had that Earldom also; as likewise the Castles of Marleborough, and Lutgarsall, the Honours of Wallingford, Tichill, and Eye, to the value of 4000 Marks a year: an estate so great, as were able to put a very moderate mind into the humour of aspiring, of which Princes should have care. Concerning his affianced Lady Adela, it may be thought strange, that having desired her so infinitely when he could not have her, now that he might have her, he cared not for her: but the cause was known, and in every man's mouth; that she was now but his Father's leave: yet he would not send her home but very rich in Jewels, to make amends, if it might be, for the loss of her Virginity: though this was something hard on his part, when the Father had taken all the pleasure, that the son should afterward pay all the charges. But by this at least he made a quiet way for his marriage now concluded; and shortly after to be consummated in Sicily with Berengaria the daughter of Garsyas King of Navarre. And now his mind is wholly set upon his long intended voyage to the Holy Land, for which he thinks not the treasure left by his Father, to be sufficient, which yet amounted to nine hundred thousand pounds: but forecasting with himself the great charge it must needs be, to carry an Army so long a journey, he seeks to enlarge his provision of money by all the means he can devise. Not long before, Hugh Pudsey had been advanced to the Bishopric of Durham; and now for a great sum of money he sold him the Earldom: and then said merrily amongst his Lords, Do ye not think me a cunning man, that of an old Bishop can make a young Earl? From the Londoners also he drained great sums of money, and made them recompense in Franchises and Liberties, which they had not before. He made also greatsales: to the the King of Scots, he sold the Castles of Berwick and Roxborough, for ten thousand pounds: to Godfryde Lucy, Bishop of Winchester, the Manors of Weregrave and Ments: to the Abbot of Saint Edmundsbery, the Manor of Mildhall, for one thousand Marks of silver: to the Bishop of Durham, the Manor of Sadborough; and when it was marvelled that he would part with such things, he answered, that in this case he would sell his City of London, if he could find a Chapman. But the worst way of all was, that pretending to have lost his Signet, he made a new; and made Proclamation, that whosoever would safely enjoy what under the former Signet was granted, should come to have it confirmed by the new; whereby he raised great sums of money to himself, but greater of discontentment in his subjects. By these, and such like means he quickly furnished himself with money: and now it remained only to consider, to whose care he should commit the government of the Kingdom in his absence; and after deliberation, he made choice for the North parts, of Hugh Bishop of Durham; joining in Commission with him, Hugh Baldulph, and William Brunell: and for the South parts, he appoints William Longshampe Bishop of Ely, and Chancellor of England, and for his greater strength, causeth the Pope to make a Legate of all England and Scotland: and for Normandy, and Aquitaine, Robert Earl of Leycester; all men eminent for prudence and uprightness, and which is most of all, for loyalty: and indeed to make a man fit for such employment, all these virtues must concur. As for his brother john, he knew very well his aspiring mind, and therefore would have tied him to live in Normandy, and not to come into England till his return; but that their Mother Queen Eleanor interceded, and passed her word for him: and that nothing might be left unprovided for, he appointed his Nephew Arthur, the son of his brother Geoffrey Duke of Britain to be his Successor, if himself should fail. And now, Undique convenere, vocat jam carbasus auras: every man is ready to take Shipping, and no stay now but for a Wind; only some say that King Richard before his departing, calling his Lords and Knights unto him, and swearing them to be true; gave to overy of them a blue ribbon to be known by; from whence the first occasion of the Order of the Garter is thought to begin. Of his journey into the Holy Land. KING Richard having prepared an Army of thirty thousand foot, and five thousand horse, and having appointed to meet Philip King of France in Sicily, at the latter end of june, in the year 1190. sets forward himself by Land to Marseillis, and there stays till his Ships should come about; but his Navy being driven by tempest to other parts, and the King weary of long staying, after six weeks, he hireth shipping for himself and his company, and passeth forward to Messana in Sicily, where arrived also the King of France; and not long after, his own Navy. In this Island the King William now lately dead, had married jane, King Richard's sister; from whom Tancred the present King withheld her Dower: and therefore though he showed King Richard fair countenance, yet he dealt secretly with the Messanians to use all means to get him gone; whereupon the Messanians taking a small occasion, set suddenly upon the English, and thrust them out of their Town: with which King Richard justly offended, who had his Camp without the Town, prepares himself to revenge the affront; when Tancred sending to him, to signify that the affront was offered without his knowledge, and much against his liking, so pacified him, that for the present he remained satisfied; but understanding afterward, that the Messanians did but wait their opportunity till the Spring, when King Richard should be going: he resenting their intention, stays ●ot their leisure, but assaulting the Town with fire and sword, in one day's labour takes it, and had made great slaughter in it, if King Richard had not been moved to compassion with the Messanians tears, but chiefly with King Tancred's offers; both to pay his sister jane her Dower, and to marry his daughter to King Richard's Nephew Arthur, Duke of Britain, and to give a good part of the Portion in hand. But King Philip was not well pleased with these conditions, yet he breaks not out into open dissension, till more fuel was afterward cast upon the fire of his anger. In the Spring King Philip sails with his Army to Ptolemais otherwise called Acon) which the Christians had long besieged, and with them he joins: while King Richard taking his sister jane, and Berengaria the young daughter of the King of Navarre with him in 190. Ships, and 50. Galleys, puts to Sea for the Holy Land, but is by tempest cast upon the Coast of Cyprus; where the Islanders seeking to hinder his landing, he sets upon them with his forces; and invading the Island, easily subdues, and brings it under his subjection; and the King of the Cou●trey being taken prisoner, and entreating King Richard not to put him in bonds of Iron, King Richard gives him his word, and keeps it, but puts him in bonds of Silver. In this Island he solemnizeth his marriage with Berengaria, and then leaving Richard de Canvile, and Robert de Turnham, his Lieutenants in Cyprus; he passeth on to Ptolemais, which City was defended by Saladine, and had been besieged now two years: when the enemy seeing and fearing the increase of the Christian forces, propounds conditions, upon which accepted, they deliver it up in August, the year 1192. At the taking of this Town there fell out an accident, seeming an honour to King Richard for the present, but proving a disgrace, at least a great trouble and charge to him afterward. For Leopold Duke of Austria had first set up his Colours upon the wall, which King Richard caused to be thrown down, and his own to be set up; but this was no place to stand a quarrelling, it came not to the reckoning till some time after. When Ptolemais was taken, Saladine fearing the Christians further proceeding, dismantles all the best Towns that were near it: as Porphyria, Caesarea, Ascalon, Gaza; but of joppa King Richard takes a care, and placeth in it a Colony of Christians. For joppa is a City of Palestine, that was built before the Flood; and hath belonging to it a Haven of great convenience. And now the King of France, though valiant enough himself, yet thinking his own great acts to be obscured by greater of King Richards; he began, besides his old hating him, now to envy him. For indeed emulation when it is in Virtue, makes the stronger knot of love and affection: but when it is in Glory, it makes a separation, and turns into the passion of envy and malice; and so did it with King Philip, who pretending the air of the Country did not agree with his body; but was indeed because the air of King Richard's Glory did not agree with his mind; obtained King Richard's consent to return home, swearing first solemnly, not to molest his Territories in his absence. But this fell out for the present enterprise most unseasonably: For the departure of the King of France, though it diminished not much the strength; (for he left Od●, Duke of Burgundy in his place) yet it diminished much the show of assistance: and indeed Saladine, who was at this time in terms of surrendering jerusalem; when he saw the King of Franc● departed; as knowing there must needs be a conclusion, where there was a beginning, doubted not but the rest would follow soon after, and thereupon stayed his hands; and grew more confident than he was before. At this time Guy of Lu●ignan was possessed of the City of Tyre, and with it, of the right of the Kingdom of jerusalem: with him King Richard makes an exchange, that G●y should have the Island of Cyprus which King Richard had won, and King Richard should have the kingdom of jerusalem, to which Guy had a right: and upon this Title the Kings of England, were styled Kings of jerusalem a long time after: as likewise the posterity of the said Guy hath by this exchange held the kingdom of Cyprus to this day. Now was King Richard more hot upon taking jerusalem then ever before, and had cert●●nely taken it, but that by ill counsel diverted, because the Winter drew on: and indeed by the drawing back of Odo Duke of Burgundy, who envied that King Richard should have the honour of taking it, he removed for that season to Askalon; after which time, the Enemy growing stronger, and the Christians weaker; all opportunity of taking it was utterly lost, and they could never come to the like again. And shortly after King Richard was advertised of the King of France his invading Normandy, contrary to his oath at his departure; which forced King Richard, much to his grief, to conclude a peace with Saladine, and that upon conditions not very honourable for the Christians; and himself presently to return home: and so sending his wife Berengaria, and his sister jane, with a great part of his Army into Sicily, and from thence into England: he passeth himself with some few in his company, by the way of Thrace, and was by tempest brought into Dalma●iae; from whence being to pass through Germany, and particularly through Duke Leopolds Country of Austria: he remembering the old grudge, changed his apparel, and travelling sometimes afoot, and sometimes on horseback, he used all means possible to keep himself from being known: but destiny is not to be avoided, for as soon as he came to Vienna, partly by his tongue, and partly by his expenses, it was presently found he was an Englishman, and withal some great man; and by and by a rumour was spread, that it was Richard King of England: who finding himself to be discovered, and no means possible to escape, he puts off his disguise, putting on his Princely apparel, and avows himself: which Duke Leopold understanding, sent presently to have him apprehended; but King Richard refusing to yield himself to any, but to the Duke himself; the Duke himself came and led hi● to his own Palace honourably enough, but yet strongly guarded: whereof as soon as Henry the Emperor heard, he sent with great instance to Duke Leopold to send King Richard over to him, under pretence of safer custody, but with a purpose indeed to be a sharer in his Ransom. And the Duke though well knowing his meaning, yet knowing withal that it was not safe for him to deny the Emperor, he sent him over to him; who soon after put him into a prison he had, called Trivallis, into which no man was ever known to be put that escaped with life, though done perhaps to him, but in terrorem, to draw the better Ransom from him. That with which King Richard was charged, beside the wrong done to Leopold, in throwing down his Colours at Ptolemais, was the death of Conrade Duke of Tyre, whom they pretended King Richard had murdered; wherein though King Richard made his innocency appear by the testimony of Limbeldus, who confessed himself to have been the author of the Marquis' death; yet the pretence served to detain him in prison; and in prison indeed they kept him, till his Ransom was agreed upon and paid: which being a hundred thousand pounds, fourscore thousand was paid in hand: whereof two parts to the Emperor, a third part to Duke Leopold: and for the rest, hostages given to the number of fifty; of whom the Bishop of Rouen was one: though the hostages afterward were delivered without paying the rest: for Henry the Emperor dying shortly after, his Successor had the conscience not to take it, as knowing it had been unjustly exacted: and indeed the accidents that befell both the Emperor and the Duke Leop●ld, were evident demonstrations of the injustice they had done; for the Emperor shortly after died; and the Duke Leopold, in a Tilting for solemnity of his Birthday, fell off his horse, and so broke his leg, that to save his life, he was fain to have his leg cut off. And now after fifteen months' imprisonment, King Richard is released, and returns into England four years elder than he went out; and thus ended his journey to the Holy Land. Yet one memorable accident happening to him in the Holy Land, may not be omitted; that going one day a Hawking about joppa, finding himself weary, he laid him down upon the ground to sleep; when suddenly certain Turks came upon him to take him; but he awakened with their noise, rises up, gets a horseback, and drawing out his sword, assaults the Turks, who feigning to fly, drew the King into an Ambush where many Turks lay; who had certainly taken him if they had known his person: but one of the King's servan●, called William de Patrellis, crying out in the Saracene tongue, that he was the King; they presently lay hold upon him, and let the King escape. Troubles in his Dominions in his absence. KING Richard at his going out of England, had so well settled the Government of the Kingdom, that might well have kept it in good order during all the time of his absence; but disorders are weeds which no foresight can hinder from growing, having so many hands to water them: where occasions of distaste are no sooner offered, then taken; and oftentimes taken before they be offered, as was here to be seen. For King Richard had left in chief place of authority, William Longshampe, Bishop of Ely; a man who so carried himself, that although the things he did, were justifiable; yet the pride with which he did them was unsufferable: seldom riding abroad without five hundred, some say a thousand in his train; not for safety, but for state: and though there were other left in authority besides himself, yet his power was so predominant, that he made of them but cyphers, and ruled all as he list himself. This insolency of governing was soon distasted by many, and specially by john the King's brother, who counting the greatness of his Birth an equal match at least with any substitute greatness, affronted the Bishop in the managing of affairs, in such sort, that while some adhered to the one, and some to the other; the Kingdom in the mean time was in danger to be rend asunder, till at last the Bishop finding himself too weak, or at least fearing that he was so; but rather indeed deposed from his authority by the King's Letters, and the Archbishop of Rouen put in his place, thought it best for him to fly the Real●e: whereupon for his greater safety, disguising himself in woman's apparel, and carrying a Web of Cloth under his arm, he sought in this manner to take Shipping and pass the Sea. But being discovered and known, the women in revenge of the abuse done to their clothes, in making them his instruments of fraud; fell upon him, and so beat him, that it might have beaten humility into him for ever after. This disgrace made him glad to get him into Normandy, his native Country, where to little purpose he wooed King Richard and Queen Eleanor for reparation. But this was but a sport in comparison of the mischiefs done in Normandy by Philip King of France: for first he invades Normandy, where he takes many Towns, and amongst others Gysorts, and draws the King's brother john to combine with him, promising to assist him in winning the Kingdom of England, and to have his sister Adela, whom King Richard had repudiated to be his wife; with which promise Duke john had been ensnared, if his Mother Queen Eleanor had not dissuaded him. But in England Duke john took upon him as King, persuading the people that his brother King Richard was not living; and indeed it was easy to remove, the knowing him to be a prisoner, to the affirming him to be dead; but such was the faithfulness of the Archbishop of Rouen, and other the Princes of the Realm to King Richard, that they opposed Duke john, and frustrated all his practices: and the Bishop of Ely had told him plainly, that though King Richard were dead, yet the succession in the kingdom belonged not to him, but to Arthur Duke of Britain, son of Geoffrey his elder brother. And in these terms King Richard found his State when he returned from the Holy Land. His Acts and Troubles after his returning from the Holy Land. AT his coming home from the Holy Land, the first thing he did; was to give his Lords and people thanks for their faithfulness to him in his absence, and then for their readiness in supplying him for his Ransom. But as for his brother john in whom ungratefulness seemed to strive with ambition, which should be the greater in him; he depriveth him of all those great possessions he had given him: some ado he had to make sound certain pieces which he had corrupted, as the Castles of Marleborough, Lancaster, and a Fortress at Saint Michael's Mount in Cornwall; but chiefly the Castles of Nottingham and Tichill, which stood so firmly for Duke john, that they were not reduced to obedience without some blood, and much expense. But h●s greatest trouble was with Philip King of France, in whom was so ingraffed a spleen against King Richard, that he seemed to be never well but when he was working him some ill. Now therefore King Richard to make it appear he had not left the Holy War for nothing (having first obtained in Parliament a Subsidy towards his charges, & caused himself to be new Crowned at Winchester, lest the people through his long absence might have forgotten they had a King) he departs with a hundred Ships into Normandy; but it was withal, upon this occasion: sitting one day at dinner, in his little Hal (as it was called) news was brought him, that King Philip had besieged Vernoull, with which he was somoved, that he swore a great oath, he would not turn his face till he were revenged: whereupon he caused the wall right before him to be presently beaten down, that so he might pass forward without turning his face; and thus in haste he goes to Vernoull, whither he was no sooner come, but the King of France made as great haste to be gone, not without some loss, and more disgrace. Here his brother john submits himself to him, and with great show of penitence entreats his pardon, which he readily granted; saying only, I wish you may as well remember your fault, as I shall forget it. The King of France having left Vernoull, enters Turonia, and near to Vindocinum pitcheth his Tents; thither King Richard follows him, and with his coming so affrighted him, that leaving bag and baggage, Munition, Tents, and Treasure to a marvellous value, he gets him gone, and glad he was so rid of King Richard. After this a Truce was agreed upon for a year, which each of them longed till it were expired, as having no pleasure but in troubling one another. In this time there was a trouble at home, though not to the King, yet to the kingdom: for Robin Hood accompanied with one little john, and a hundred stout fellows more, molested all passengers upon the Highway; of whom it is said, that he was of Noble blood, at least made Noble, no less than an Earl, for some deserving services: but having wasted his estate in riotous courses, very penury forced him to take this course; in which yet it may be said he was honestly dishonest, for he seldom hurt any man, never any woman, spared the poor, and only made prey of the rich: till the King setting forth a Proclamation to have him apprehended, it happened he fell sick at a certain Nunnery in Yorkshire, called Birckleys; and desiring there to be let blood, was betrayed, and made bleed to death. Such another trouble, though not to the King, yet to the kingdom, fell out by reason of the Jews: and first at the Town of Linne in Norfolk, upon this occasion: A Jew being turned Christian, was persecuted by those of his Nation, and assaulted in the street; who thereupon flying to a Church hard by, was thither also followed, and the Church assaulted; which the people of the Town seeing, in succour of the new Christian they fell upon the Jews, of whom they slew a great number, and after pillaged their houses. By this example the like assaults were made upon the Jews at Stamford; and after that at Lincoln; and lastly at York, where infinite numbers of Jews were massacred; and some of them blocked up in the Castle, cut the throats of their wives and children, and cast them over the walls upon the Christians heads, and then burned both the Castle and themselves: neither could this sedition be stayed, till the King sent his Chancellor, the Bishop of Ely, with force of Arms, to punish the offenders. His last trouble was a punishment of covetousness, for one Guydomer having found a great treasure in the King's Dominions, and ●or fear of King Richard, flying to a Town of the King of France for his safeguard; was pursued by the King, but the Town denying him entrance, and he thereupon going about the walls to find the fittest place for assaulting it, one Bertram de Gurdon, or as others call him, Peter Basile, shot at him with a Crossbow, and hit him on the arm, of which wound he died within foore days after, and so ended all his troubles. Of his Taxations, and ways for raising of money. OF Taxations properly so called, there were never fewer in any King's Reign: but of ways to draw money from the subject, never more. It is true, the first money raised for his journey, was all out of his own estate, by selling or pawning of Lands; but when at his coming back, he resumed the Lands into his hands aga●ne, without paying back the money he had received; this if it may not have the name, yet certainly it had the venom of a bitter Taxation. Likewise the feigning to have lost his Seal, & then enjoining them to have their Grants confirmed by a new; though it went not in the number, yet it had the weight of a heavy Taxation where it lighted. Afterward, the money raised for his Ransom, was not so properly a Taxation, as a Contribution: or if a Taxation for him, yet not by him; which was done in his absence, by the subjects themselves: and indeed no Taxations are commonly so pinching, as those which are imposed upon the subject by the subject, and such was this; for to raise money for his Ransom, ther● was imposed upon every Knight's Fee, 20. s. of all laymen's Revenues, the fourth part; and the fourth part of all the Revenues of the Clergy, with a tenth of their goods. Also the Chalices and Treasure of all Churches were taken to make up the sum. Afterward, this only was a plain Taxation, and granted in Parliament; that of every Ploughland through England, he should have two shillings, and of the Monks Ci●teaux, all their Wool of that year: And one more greater than this; and was this year imposed towards his wars in Normandy; that every Hide of Land, as much as to say, every hundred Acres of Land, should pay five shillings; which computed without deductions, will rise to a sum that will seem incredible. Laws and Ordinances in his time. HIs Ordinances were chiefly for the Meridian of London: for where before his time the City was governed by Portgraves, this King granted them to be governed by two Sheriffs and a Major, as now it is; and to give the first of these Magistrates the honour to be remembered, the names of the Sheriffs were Henry Cornhill, and Richard Reyner; and the name of the first Lord Major, was Henry Fits-Allwyn, who continued Major during his life, which was four and twenty years. And now began the City first to receive the form and state of a Commonwealth, and to be divided into Fellowships and Corporations, as at this day they are: and this Franchise was granted in the year 1189. the first year of King Richard the first. Affairs of the Church in his time. THe Church within his own Dominions was quiet all his time, no contestation with the Pope, no alterations amongst the Bishops, no difference between the Clergy and the Laity, or the Clergy amongst themselves; they all seemed to lie asleep, till they were afterwards awakened, in the time of the succeeding King. But abroad, in his time, there was an addition of three Orders of Devotion; the Order of the Augustine Friars, called Friars Mendicants, begun by William of Paris; then the Order of Friar's Minors begun by Saint Francis; and lastly the Orders of Friar's Preachers begun by Saint Dominick, though not confirmed till the first year of Pope Honorius. Works of Piety in his time. Works of Piety are for the most part works of plenty; penury may inwardly have good wishes, but outwardly it can express but little: and indeed all parts of the kingdom, all sorts of people were drawn so dry; by the two great occasions of his Journey and his Ransom, and afterward by other Taxations, that the richest men had enough to do to maintain themselves, without being at the charge to make provision for others. All works of Piety were now for the service of the Holy Land, and therefore it may well pass, if not for a work of Devotion, at least worthy to be remembered; that William Bishop of Ely builded the outer wall of the Tower of London, and caused a deep ditch to be made about it, with an intention the River of Thames should have surrounded it, though it could not be effected. Only Hubert Walter, who at one time was Archbishop of Canterbury, the Pope's Legate, Lord Chancellor, Lord Chief Justice, and the immediate Governor under the King, both in Wales and England, Founded a Monastery at West Derham in Norfolk, where he was borne: begun another at Wolverhampton, and finished a Collegiate Church at Lambeth. Of his Wif● and Children. IN his Infancy he was contracted to a daughter of Raymond Earl of Barcelone, after that affianced to Adela, or Alice, daughter of Lewis King of France, yet married to neither of them; but he married Berengaria daughter of Garsias King of Navarre, whom his Mother Queen Eleanor brought unto him into Sicily, from whence passing into Cyprus, their marriage was there solemnised: afterward, going forward to the Holy Land, he carried her and his sister jane Queen of Sicily along with him, where they remained till his return home; and then sent them to pass to Sicily, and from thence into England: but that ever she came into England, no mention is made, neither what became of her after she parted from King Richard at the Holy Land. But children certainly he had none, either by his wife, or by any Concubine, unless we reckon as a Priest in Normandy did; who told King Richard, he had three daughters: and the King marveling who they should be, seeing he knew of none he had; yes (saith the Priest) you have three daughters, Pride, Covetousness, and Lechery; which the King taking merrily, called to the company about him, and said; I am told by a Priest here, that I have three daughters, and I desire you to be witnesses how I would have them bestowed: my daughter Pride, upon the Templars and Hospitallers: my daughter Covetousness, upon the Monks of the Cistercian Order: and my daughter Lechery, upon the Clergy. Casualties happening in his time. IN his time the Town of Mawling in Kent, with the Nunnery, was consumed with fire, and in his time the bones of Arthur the famous King of Britain were found at Glastenbury in an old Sepulchre, about which stood two Pillars, in which letters were written but could not be read; Upon the Sepulchre was a cross of Lead, whereon was written, Here ly●th the Noble King of Britain Arthur. Also in this King's days for three or four years together, there reigned so great a dearth, that a Quarter of Wheat was sold for 18. shillings 8. pence, and then followed so great a mortality of men, that scarce the living sufficed to bury the dead. Of his Personage and Conditions. HE was tall of stature, and well proportioned, fair and comely of face, of hair bright abourne, of long arms, and nimble in all his joints, his thighs and legs of due proportion, and answerable to the other parts of his body. To speak of his moral parts, his Vices for the most part, were but only upon suspicion: Incontinency in him much spoken of, nothing proved; but his Virtues were apparent, for in all his actions he showed himself Valiant, (from whence he had the appellation or surname of Cae●r de Lion) wise, liberal, merciful, just, and which is most of all, Religious; a Prince borne for the good of Christendom; if a Bar in his Nativity had not hindered it. The remorse for his undutifulneesse towards his Father, was living in him till he died: for at his death he remembered it with bewailing, and desired to be Buried as near him as might be, perhaps as thinking they should meet the sooner, that he might ask him forgiveness in another world. Of his Death and Burial. HE died of a wound with an Arrow in his Arm, which neglected at first, and suffered to wrankle, or as others say, ill handled by an unskilful Chirurgeon, in four days brought him to his End. But his Charity deserves to have it remembered, that finding himself past hope of Recovery, he caused the Party that had wounded him to be brought before him, who being asked what moved him to do this Fact? answered, that King Richard had killed his Father and two of his Brothers with his own hand, and therefore would do it, if it were to do again. Upon this Insolent answer, every one looked the King should have censured him to some terrible punishment, when contrary to all their expectations in a high degree of Charity, he not only freely forgave him, but gave a special charge he should be set at liberty, and that no man should dare to do him the least hurt: commanding besides to give him a hundred shillings for his pains. An Act that well showed he had been at the Holy Land, or rather indeed that he was going to it. He died the sixth day of April in the year 1199. when he had lived 44. years, Reigned nine, and about nine months, and had his Body Buried at Founteverard, by his Father; his heart at Rouen, in remembrance of the hearty love that City had always borne him; and his bowels at Chalons, for a disgrace of their unfaithfulness; others say at Carlisle in England. Of Men of Note in his time. IN his time were famous Baldwyn Archbishop of C●nterbury, who followed King Richard into the Holy Land, and died there; Hubert that succeeded him; Hugh Bishop of Lincoln; William Bishop of Ely, a man equally famous and infamous; also Baldwyn Archbishop of Canterbury, a learned Writer in Divinity; Daniel Morley a great Mathematician, john de Herham, and Richard de Herham, two notable Historians; Guilielmus Stephonides a Monk of Canterbury, who wrote much in the praise of Archbishop Becket; also one Richard Divisiensis, Nicholas Walkington, and Robert de Bello Foco, an excellent Philosopher. Of Martial men, Robert Earl of Leycester; Ranulph de Fulgers; two of the B●●dolphs, Hugh and Henry; three Williams, Martial, Brun●ll and Mandevill, with two Roberts, Rosse, and S●vevile. THE REIGN OF KING JOHN. KING Richard being dead, the right of Succession remained in Arthur, Son of Geoffrey Plantagen●t elder Brother to Earl john, but john as thinking the title of Arthur but a Criticism in State, and not for every ones capacity, at least in common sense not so plain as his own, who was the son of a King, and the Brother to a King, ascends into the Throne as confidently as if he had no competitor: Only Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury went before, and made an Oration in his behalf, wherein seeking to do him a courtesy, he did him indeed a wrong; for waving his Right of Succession, he insisted wholly upon their Right of Election; whereof would follow, that as they brought him in, so they might cast him out; of which error when he was told, he said, he did it of purpose to make King john the more careful of his Government, by making him sensible upon what an unsure ground his Regality stood: King john resented it, but seeing it to serve his turn for the present, he took it not ill, as knowing that his turn once served, he could afterward be his own carver of what title he pleased; and so upon Ascension day in the year 1199. he was Crowned King at Westminster, with more solemnity than joy; many presaging by their countenances, and more in their minds, that all would not long be well. It cannot be denied, but that in moral circumstances Earl john had the advantage of his Nephew Arthur; for he was a Man of years fit to Govern, Arthur but a Child, not above thirteen years old; he a Native, at least always bred up in the Kingdom, Arthur a Foreigner, and had never been here; He well known both to the Nobility and the People, Arthur a stranger to both, as one they had never ●eene; and besides to these moral advantages, he had now added one from the politics, that he had gotten Possession; (of more force in the practical part then all the former) and withal a greater than all these, if it be true which some write, that his Brother King Richard had assigned him his Successor after his decease. But yet knowing the Title at last would come to be tried in a Court, where the Sword must be Judge; he employeth all his endeavours to get this Judge to be his friend, and by all means possible to strengthen himself with Arms; and thereupon going to Chinon and Rouen, he seizeth upon the Treasure which his Brother had left in those parts, and with it, gets Friends and Soldiers, the Armour of Arms. And indeed all he could have done himself would have done him no good, if he had not had the help of able Assistants, who yet assisted him no less for their own ends then for his; and these were chiefly his Mother Queen Eleanor, who knew if her Grandsonne Arthur should be King, that then his Mother Constantia would rule all; at least during his Minority, and thereby herself put from the Stage of all Authority; and the Archbishop Hubert, who also knew that if Arthur should come to Reign, that then the Anjovyn and French should have all the best Offices, and the English wholly be neglected, as it was in the time of King William the Conqueror. And yet a greater Friend than both these, for coming to Rouen, he used means that Walter the Archbishop in the Cathedral Church with great pomp girt him with the ducal sword of Normandy, and Crowned him with a Coronet of Golden Roses, he taking his Oath for Faithful Administration in that Dukedom, and they their Oath for being his Loyal Subjects. Of his troubles in contestation with his Nephew Arthur. THough King john had entered upon Normandy, and made that Province sure unto him, yet the Province of Anjou stood firm for Arthur, in observance of their love to his Father their former Prince: which also King john soon after invading, reduceth by Force of Arms to his Obedience. And now Constantia the Mother of Prince Arthur, finding King john too powerful an adversary, and no likelihood for her party, to be able long to stand out against him without further assistance, conceives it her best way to have recourse to the King of France, and thereupon commits her Son Arthur to his Tuition: who seemed to receive him with the tenderness of a Father, and promiseth to assist him with his uttermost Forces, in the recovery of his Right both in France and England. Here we may observe upon what hinge the affection of the Kings of France was used to turn. For in King Henry the seconds time, King Lewis of France was so great a Friend to his Son Richard, that by all means he would help him to get the kingdom from his Father; Afterward when Richard was King, than Philip King of France, was so great a Friend to john, that by all means he would help him to get the kingdom from his Brother; and now that john is come to be King, he is presently grown so great a Friend of Arthur, that by all means he will help him to get the kingdom from his Uncle; and no doubt, if Arthur should ever have come to be King, he would have been as ready to help any other to get the kingdom from him: by which it appears, that it was not the Persons of the Men they either hated or loved, but that they were always jealous of their growing too great; and indeed this balancing of States keeps Princes affections always in suspense, and never suffers the Glass of their Love or Hate, to make a true Reflection. About this time William King of Scots came to London to visit King john, and there did homage to him for his kingdom of Scotland, though some say, but only for the Counties of Northumberland and Cumberland, but being required aid against the French, he excused himself, saying, he could not do it without consent of his kingdom, and so returned home. And now Philip King of France having undertaken the protection of the young Prince Arthur, with a mighty Army enters Normandy, takes many of the best Towns, and pursuing his Victories, enters the Province of Anjou also, and recovers it from King john, which he the year before had gotten from Prince Arthur. Upon this King john makes a Journey into Normandy, accusing King Philip for breaking the Truce, which formerly he had made with King Richard for five years; but when he should come to make his Accusation good by Arms, he falleth to Treaties, and obtaineth a new Truce for fifty days: with which new Truce, Baldwyn Earl of Flanders, who had professed himself of that side, was not well pleased; and thereupon cometh to King john to Rouen, and entering a new League with him, they there consult how to proceed, when the fifty days should be expired. This consultation the King of France understood; and thereupon both sides prepare for war, but at the end of the Truce, both sides seemed to relent, and divers meetings were had for Treaties of Peace, and in conclusion, King john more desirous of Peace than was for his Honour, agreed to these Conditions; that his Niece Blanch, Daughter of Alphonsus King of Castille by his Sister Eleanor, should marry with Lewis King Philip's Son, who should have with her in Dower, besides thirty thousand Marks in money, all those Cities, except only Angiers, which the French before that time had taken, which were many and very great: and his Peace thus made, he returns into England with great joy, but was not with like joy received of the English Lords, who counted themselves dishonoured, in the dishonourable Conditions he had made; and Baldwyn Earl of Flanders also, when he saw the poor spi●its of King john, to descend to such base Conditions; left his Party, and entering League with the King of France, disposed himself for the Holy War. But King john having now gotten a Vacation, and a time of ease, which agreed much better with his nature then War, sets his mind wholly upon pleasures; and for maintaining his pleasures, upon seeking after profit, which he pursues by all manner of injustice, under the name of Prerogative; and with such violence, that when his Brother Geoffrey Archbishop of York, in the dutifulness of a Counsellor, advised him not to take such unlawful courses, he most unworthily taken from him all he had, and it was a years work for all the Archbishops friends to pacify his anger. In the neck of this injustice, he commits another, he procures a divorce from his Wife Avis, the Daughter of Robert Earl of Gloucester, only for being of kin to him in the third degree, and by advice of the King of France, marries Isabella Daughter and Heir of the Earl of Angoulesme, Affianced before to Hugh le Brun Earl of March; and shortly after brings her with him into England, where he and she together, are both Crowned at Canterbury. And here the Earls and Barons of the Realm, being all summoned to attend the King into France at Whitsuntide following; they all by a general consent send him word, that unless he would restore them their Rights and Liberties, they would do him no service out of the kingdom. But what it was that made the Lords more violent in pressing their Demands at this time then before, no Writers of these times do sufficiently deliver: Only some of them speak scatteringly of certain oppressions (besides the general Grievance for Exactions) lately offered to some of the Lords, one to the Earl of Chester, whom he would have banished, only for advising him to leave his cruelty and incontinency: Another, a pursuit in Love to a Daughter of Robert Fitswater, called Maude the Fair, who not consenting to the King's lust, a messenger was sent to give her poison in a potched Egg, whereof she died: And a third, offered to William de Brawse and his Lady, for a rash word spoken; for when the King sent to have the Brawses Son delivered him for a pledge, the Lady answered, We shall do well indeed to commit our Son to his keeping, who kept so well his own Nephew Prince Arthur. This rash word cost the Brawse his Country, and his Lady and their Son their lives, both of them being famished to death in Prison. For, though these directly were but particular Grievances, yet reflectingly they were general, what one suffered all might; but whether any of these, or all of these together, were Ingredients to make a Compound of violence in the Lords at this time, or whatsoever was the true cause, this was plainly the effect, that unless the King would restore their liberties, they would not follow him out of the kingdom. But notwithstanding this refusal of his Lords, he passeth over with his Queen into Normandy, and from thence to Paris, where the King of France receives them with all compliments of Love and amity. But now Hugh Earl of March, resenting the injury done him by King john; in taking away his affianced Wife, joins with Prince Arthur, and the King of France also, for all his fair show of amity lately made, joins with them, as having sometime before married his youngest Daughter to Prince Arthur, and these with their Forces joined, invade first the Turones, and then the Anjovins: of which Province Queen Eleanor the King's Mother was left Regent, who thereupon betakes herself to Mirabell the strongest Town of those parts, and sends to her Son King john, acquainting him with the danger she was in, and requiring his speedy succour. When in the mean time Prince Arthur takes the City, and in it his Grandmother Queen Elea●or, whom he used with greater reverence and respect than she expected. But King john at the hearing hereof, was so moved, calling the French King ungrateful and perfidious for succouring Prince Arthur, contrary to his League, that studying presently the Art of Revenge, he fell upon a stratagem, of all other the most prudent against an Enemy: For a Surprise in War is like to an Apoplexy in the Body, which strikes without giving warning for defence: And this Stratagem at this time King john put in practice, for travelling night & day with indefatigable labour, he came upon his enemies before they were aware, and setting upon them unprovided, it was rather an execution than a battle; and they who remained unslain were taken prisoners, amongst whom Prince Arthur him●elfe, who committed presently to the custody of Robert de Veypont in Rouen, lived not long after whether it were that attempting to make escape, he fell down from the walls of his Prison, and was drowned in the River Seyne, as some say; or whether it were, that through anguish of mind he fell sick and died, as others say; or whether indeed he w●re made away by King john, as the common fame went; Certain it is, that he survived his imprisonment but a very few days. But though he were gone, yet his sister Eleanor, a preceding Competitor to King john, was still remaining: Her therefore, at this time also King john seizeth upon, and commits her in safe custody to Bristol Castle, where, after she had lived long, she died. Of his Troubles after the death of his Nephew Arthur. KIng john being now freed from his Competitor, one would think he should have ended all his troubles, but like a Hydra's head, they rather multiplied upon him: For they who had been so ready to assist Prince Arthur in his life, were now as ready to revenge his death. And first, Constance his Mother comes to King Philip, with open exclamations against King john, accusing him with the murder of her Son, and with all the instance of Tears and Entreaties, solicits him to revenge it. Hereupon King Philip summons King john to appear at a day, and because he appeared not according to the tenure of his Homage, it was decreed against him, that he had forfeited all the property of his Estate in France, and thereupon King Philip with mighty Forces invades his Territories, takes many Towns of principal consequence, while King john lived idle at R●an, no more regarding it then if it had not at all concerned him; and when some of his Lords seemed to marvel what he meant to suffer the French to rob him of such goodly Cities: You say true indeed, (saith he) for it is but Robbery, and within a few days you shall see, I will make him to restore them back with usury. In this slighting humour he returns into England, where he looks not after the levying of Soldiers, or the raising of an Army, as this case required, but continues his old course for raising of money, accusing sometimes one of his Lords, sometimes another, as 〈◊〉 it w●re their fault that he had lost these Towns in France● and upon 〈…〉 made many of them pay great sums of money, which brought 〈…〉 into hatred at home, but into contempt abroad; for the King of 〈◊〉 ●n●●●standing his unworthy courses, proceeds more violently in his Invasions 〈…〉, getting Falai●, Damfr●nt, and all the good Towns of Normandy, but only Rouen, and at last, though R●an was a Town strongly fortified with Walls, and more strongly with the faithful hearts of the Inhabitants, yet finding no hope of succour from King john, it was forced for want of Victuals to submit itself to the King of France, whose example all the other Cities followed; and so all Normandy returned to the subjection of the French, after three hundred and sixteen years that Roll● the Dane had first possessed it. It was now the year 1205. and the fourth of King john's Reign, about which time, the two props of his Estate, or rather indeed, the two Bridles of his intemperancy, died, his Mother Queen Eleanor, whose virtues had oftentimes qualifyed the vices of her Son; and Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury, who repented him at his death of nothing more, then that he had been an Instrument of bringing him to the Crown. And now King john being a Substantive of himself, hath a devise in his head to make his subjects as willing to give him money as he was to have it: for knowing the great discontentment they all had for his losses in France; he gives it out, that he would presently rais● an Army, for recovery of those losses, if he might have money to go about it: whereupon, never was money given with more alacrity; and as soon as he had it, he instantly went to Portesmouth, and there took Shipping before it was possible for his Lords and others to be in readiness to accompany him; and sailing forward some certain Leagues into the Sea, upon a sudden he returns back again, and then lays the fault upon his Lords, that had not followed him; and for this backwardness of theirs, imposed afterwards great Fines upon them; by which means he got money no less by pretence of his not going, than he had done before by pretence of his going. About this time died Geoffrey Fits-Peter Justitiar of England, who while he lived kept the King in some awe, in so much, as hearing he was dead, he swore by the feet of God, that now at length he was King of England; and with great rejoicing said to some Lords about him: Now when this man comes into Hell, let him salute the Archbishop Hubert, whom certainly he shall find there. But Philip, King of France, intending to leave the English nothing on that side the Sea, invadeth Chinon, and takes it; and in it the valiant Captain Roger Lacie, which had given a period to King Philip's victories, had not Guido the husband of Constantia Prince Arthur's Mother revolted to King john; who with his assistance once again levies an Army, besiegeth Mount Auban, a Castle thought impregnable, and within fifteen days takes it, which Charles the Great could not get with his seven years' siege: where so great a number of French Lords were taken prisoners, that King john sent a Catalogue of their names into England, for a memorial of so great a victory. After this, he taketh the strong Town of Angiers, and utterly defaceth it; for which afterward he was sorry, as being the Town where he was borne. But now when the two Kings were ready to meet, and to give battle, intercession was made by friends of both sides, and thereupon a Peace concluded for two years: and King john returned into England. King john being returned, performs no less worthy acts at home, than he had done in France: for first he invades the Borders of Scotland, and brings Alexander King of Scots to do him homage; and then understanding many of the Irish to be revolted, he passeth over to Dublin, and reduceth them to his obedience; and then placing john Bishop of Norwich Governor there, he returns into England; where passing through Wales, he subdueth certain Rebels there, and takes eight and twenty children of the best Families, for pledges of their future loyalty; but not long after, hearing they grew mutinous and rebelled again, he was so incensed, that he would not go to dinner till he had seen those twenty eight children to be all hanged before his face: so inconsiderate a thing is the desire of revenge, that it makes no difference between innocency and guiltiness; though indeed a thing oftentimes must be done for example, which considered in itself, would be forborn. And it was the year 1214. and the fourteenth of K. john's Reign, when he going to Angiers, strongly repairs it; and the Province of Poictou revolted to him; which Lewis King Philip's son understanding, comes upon them with a mighty Army, and using much severity upon the Authors of the revolt, takes prisoners, Reynold Earl of Boleigne, and William Earl of Salisbury, with many others of King john's Captains, and defeateth his whole Army: whereof when King john was certified, he grew in a manner desperate, and as a man dejected, makes a new Truce upon any conditions with the King of France, and returns into England; where he finds a worse business ready to entertain him: for the Lords of the Realm having often required their ancient Rights and Liberties; and finding nothing but delusions, endure no longer to be abused; but meeting at Saint Edmundsbery, they there confer how they may find a remedy to redress this evil; and at la●t concluded to go to the King themselves in person, and make their Demands; whereof a Charter was produced, that had been formerly granted in King Henry the firsts time: whereupon coming to the King after Christmas, lying then in the New Temple, and acquainting him with their Demands; he gives them this fair Answer, that within a few days he would give them satisfaction; and causeth the Bishops of Canterbury and Ely, with William Marshal, Earl of Gloucester, to pass their words for him, that it should be performed. But the King meaning nothing less than to do as he said, falls presently a levying of Soldiers; which the Lords understanding, they also do the like; and going to the Bishop of Canterbury, deliver him a Copy of their Demands, and require the King's Answer. But the Bishop showing it to the King, and humbly entreating him to give the Lords a satisfactory Answer: he swore a great Oath, they might as well demand the Kingdom, and that he would die before he would yield to any such demands. Whereupon the Lords (knowing now what they were to trust to) fall to besiege Northampton, and after that, Redford, which is yielded to them; and withal they are sent to by the Londoners, to signify their readiness to join with them. At this time the King was at Windsor providing an Army, but hearing the Londoners were joined with the Lords, he thought it no good way to proceed by force, but rather by fraud; and thereupon sends to the Lords, that if they would come to him to Windsor, he would grant their demands. The Lords coming thither, but in a Military manner, (for they durst not trust his word) the King saluted them all kindly, and promised to give them satisfaction in all they demanded; and so in a Meadow between Windsor and Stanes, called Running-meade, he freely consented to confirm their former Liberties; and was content some grave Personages should be chosen to see it performed. But the next day, when it should be done, he gets him gone to South-hampton, and from thence to the I'll of Wight; where advising with his Council, what in this case was fittest to be done: It was concluded he should send to the Pope, to acquaint him with this mutiny of the Lords, and to require his help: while the King in the mean time lived skulking up and down in corners, that no man might know where to find him; or which is worse (as some write) roving about and practising Piracy. And now the Lords begin to suspect fraud, when shortly after the King's Messengers, who were Walter and john, Bishops of Worcester and Norwich, return with the Pope's Decree; which was, that the Kings Grant to the Lords should be void: with this Decree, the King after three months that he had stayed in the I'll of Wight, coming back to Windsor, acquaints the Lords; but they accusing the Messengers for false informing the Pope, and the Pope also for making a Decree without hearing both sides, betake them to Arms, and swear by the holy Altar to be revenged for this judification and injurious dealing. The King finding the Lords nothing moved with the Pope's Decree, sends again unto him, to acquaint him with it: who mightily incensed to have his Decree so slighted, adjudgeth them all to be held as enemies of Religion; and gives power to Peter Bishop of Winchester, and to the Abbot of Reading to Excommunicate them. In the mean time the King had sent the Bishop of Worcester, Chancellor of England, and others with his Seal, to hire Soldiers from the parts beyond the Seas; who returned shortly after, bringing along with him out of Poicto● and Glasconie, Savery de Malcon, Geoffrey and Oliver B●t●vile, brothers; & under their conduct so great a rabble, that with these Forces, within half a year the King had gotten all the Castles of the Barons, to the borders of Scotland. And now he divides his Army, committing part of it to his brother William, Earl of Salisbury, and others, to set upon London; and with the other part he goes himself into Yorkshire, where most of the Lords had Possessions, which in most cruel manner he destroyeth with fire and sword. The Lords being thus on all sides distressed, resolve upon a course, neither honourable nor safe; yet such as necessity made seem both: they send to Philip King of France, requiring him to send over his son Lewis to their aid, and promising they would submit themselves to be governed by him, and take him for their Sovereign. To this motion of the Lords, King Philip was as forward as themselves; which King john understanding, sends again to the Pope, requiring him to use his authority to stay the King of France from coming. But King Philip, though much regarding the request of the Pope, yet nothing so much as the acquest of England; with all speed provides an Army, and with a fleet of six hundred sayle● sends over his son Lewis; who passing into England, landeth at Sandwich, whither many of the Lords and others resort unto him; and giving Oaths of Allegiance, join themselves with him. King john at this time was at Dover, but not daring to stay there for fear of the enemy, he commits the Castle to Hubert Burgh; and goeth himself to Canterbury, and from thence to Winchester in manner of a flight; which Prince Lewis understanding, goeth strait to London, and by a plausible Oration makes that City sure unto him: and thither come to him the King of Scots with an Army of choice Soldiers, as also the Earls, Warren, Arundel, Salisbury, with many others. And now Prince Lewis passeth all the Country over without resistance, but not without infinite outrages committed by his Soldiers, which it was not in him to hinder: and then coming to Norwich, he takes that City easily, but Dover cost him a longer siege, as being defended by the valiant and loyal Captain Hubert Burgh. In this mean while King john finding his enemies employed in these difficult sieges; sends about and gathers a rabble of all rascal people to him, and with them runneth over all the Country, spoiling and killing in most barbarous manner; and now was the kingdom made the Stage of all miseries of rapine and cruelty: two Armies in it on foot at once, each of them seeking to prey upon the other, and both of them upon the Country. But the King coming to Wallpoole in Norfolk, where the Washeses were to be passed over, he sendeth one to search where the Ford was passable, and there himself with some few passed over, but the multitude, with all the carriages, passing without order, they cared not where, were all drowned; with which dysaster, the King through anguish of mind fell into a Fever, whereof within a few days he died. And here was an end of all the troubles of this King: In whom it is observable, that loving his case● so well as he did, he should run voluntarily into such troubles, especially at home, upon so small occasions as he did; but it should seem there is no greater hindrance to men for accomplishing their will, than their own wilfulness. Of his Taxations. TO speak of his Taxations, it may not unproperly be said that it was but one continued Taxation all his Reign through; yet to divide it into parts: his first was the Taxation of three shillings upon every Ploughland through the kingdoms, to pay the thirty thousand Marks, for his Niece Blanches Portion; and to mend this Taxation, he seizeth upon all the Temporalties of his brother Geoffrey Archbishop of York, for opposing it; and for a continuation, he makes a progress shortly after into all the North parts, where he exacts great Fines of offenders in his Forests. Very shortly after solicited by the Pope's Legate, he grants a Subsidy of the fortieth part of all his subjects Revenues for one year, to succour the Holy Land. Shortly after this, he chargeth his Earls and Barons with the losses he sustained in France; & thereupon Fines them to pay the seventh part of all their goods: neither spared he the Church, or the Commons in this Imposition. Before this year is ended another Lea●y is made at a Parliament in Oxford, wherein is granted two Marks and a half of every knight's Fee, for Military aid; neither are the Clergy exempted from paying their part: and before another year is out, another Imposition is laid of the thirteenth part of all moveables and other goods, both of the Clergy and Laity. It may be reckoned amongst his Taxations, that when the Monks of Canterbury had displeased him about the election of their Archbishop, he seized upon all their goods, and converted them to his own use: and presently after this, upon the like displeasure, he deputes many Bishoprics, Abbeys, and Priories into the hands of Laymen, and confiscates all their Revenues. To these may be added that he took eleven thousand Marks of Silver of the King of Scots for granting him Peace. Add to these also great sums of money exacted and gathered from the jews, among whom there was one that would not be ransomed, till the King caused every day one of his great teeth to be pulled out by the space of seven days, and then he was content to give the King ten thousand Marks of Silver, that no more might be pulled out. Add to these, that at his return out of Ireland, he summoned all the Prelates of the kingdom to appear before him; of whom he extorted for their redemption, the sum of an hundred thousand pounds Sterling. Add lastly to these, that at his return out of Wales, he exacts of every knight that attended him not in that expedition, two Marks. Of his Laws and Ordinances. HE was the first that appointed the Forms of Civil Government in London and other Cities, endowing them also with their greatest Franchises. The first that caused Sterling money to be here Coined; The first that ordained the Honourable Ceremonies in Creation of Earls; The first that settled the Rates and Measures for Wine, Bread, Cloth, and such other necessaries of Commerced The first that planted English Laws and Officers in Ireland; The first that enlarged the Royal stile with Lord of Ireland, and both annexed that kingdom, and fastened Wales to the Crown of England. Affairs of the Church in his time. AFter the death of Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury, the Monks of th●● Covent secretly in the night Elected one Reginold their subprior to succeed him; and caused him to go to Rome for confirmation: but afterward doubting how the King would take it, being done without his knowledge, they crave leave of the King to choose a fit man, the King is content to allow them the Election, but requires himself to have the Nomination, and thereupon commends unto ●hem john Grey Bishop of Norwich, whom he specially favoured, and accordingly the Monks Elect him. But the matter being afterward referred to the Pope, which of these two Elections should stand good, after many Allegations of both sides, the Pope to show himself indifferent to both, disallows them both, and nominates a third man, one Stephen Lancthon, Cardinal of Saint Chrysogone, an Englishman borne, and a man of great learning. The Monks admit him, but the King opposeth it: and now, as it were, a Prize began to be played between the two Swords, the Spiritual and the Temporal: but he that used the Spiritual Sword, proved so much the better Fencer, that he disarmed the other, and took away his temporal Sword from him. It is true, in the first Venue, the King gave the Pope as good as he brought; for as the Pope threatened the King to excommunicate him, and to interdict the kingdom; So the King threatened the Pope to nullify his Authority, and to banish Clergy men out of the Realm. In the second Venue, as the Pope acted as much as he had threatened; (for he interdicted the kingdom) So the King performed as much as he had spoken; (for he drove the Monks ou● of their Cloister) yet at last when Pand●lphus the Pope's Legate came into England, and made appear to the King in what great dangers he stood; First● of the King of France, by Invasion; and then of his own Subjects, by Rebellion; for both which, there was no other help but Reconcilement with the Pope; he so touched him to the quick, that he made him leave his great words, and fall to ask forgiveness. So as taking off the Crown from his head, he laid it down at Pand●lphus fe●te, to be disposed of, as the Pope should please. And Pandulphus stuck not to ●●ke up his Crown, and to keep it three or four days in his hands before he restored it; and did not then neither, but upon condition that he ●nd his Successors should hold the kingdom of the See of Rome, at the annual tribute of ● thousand Marks. And all those three or four days, in which Pandulphus kept the Crown, it might be truly said, the kingdom was without a King. And upon this, no doubt it was that Peter an Hersute in a Prophetical Rapture had given out some time before, that by Asc●●sion day, there should be no King of England. Which though in some sort it was true, yet in some sort it was not true, and it was in the Prerogative of the King to make his own interpretation: And so it cost the poor Hermit and his Son their lives, and they remain as a pillar of Salt, to make men take heed of Ludere cum Sanctis; and of playing the Critics in matters of State. But by this means the kingdom was released of the Interdiction, which had continued six years, three months, and fourteen days: During all which time, there was no public Exercise of Religion; no Churches open; no Ecclesiastical Sacraments administred● but only to them that were in danger of death, and baptism to children; all that died were buried like dogs, in ditches and corners, but only such as had purchased or procured licence from the Pope. In this King's Reign, Saint Dominicke continued his Preaching ten years together, against the Albigenses. Also in his time Saint Francis renounced the world; and when a Priest to whom he offered it, would not take his money, he cast it aways and entered into a Vow of perpetual Poverty. Also in this King's time, was held the L●teran Council, under Pope Innocent the Third, in which was established the Pope's power over Princes, and in matters of Faith, Auricular confession, and Transubstantiation. Of his Irreligion. I Need not relate a Speech of his, though very unchristian, that having been a little before reconciled to the Pope, and then taking an overthrow in France, in great anger he cried out, that nothing had prospered with him since the time he was reconciled to God and the Pope. Nor another speech of his, which though spoken merrily, was in good earnest very irreligious, that being on a time a hunting at the opening of a fat Buck, he said: See how this Deer hath prospered, and how fat he is, and yet I dare swear he never heard Mass. It is sufficient to relate one act of his, (if it be true which some write) that being in some distress, he ●ent Thomas Hardington, and Ralph Fits Nichols, knights, in Embassage to Mir●●m●malim King of Africa and M●r●cco, with offer of his kingdom to him, upon condition he would come and aid him; and that if he prevailed, he would himself become a Mahometan● and renounce the Christian Faith. Though some there be that ●ay, All the●e were but false Criminations charged upon him by Monks that did not love him. But though we believe not these things of him; yet to suffer his kingdom to stand Interdicted so many years together, upon so small occasion as he did, was certainly no good sign of Religion in him. Yet one Act he did, wherein he showed a respect to Religion, by the honour he did to a Religious man: For Hugh Bishop of Lincoln lying very sick, he not only went to visit him, but being dead, was one of the three Kings, (the other two were, William King of Scotland● and the King of Southwales) that carried his Hearse upon their shoulders, till they delivered it to the Peers, and the Peers afterward to the Archbishops and Bishops to carry it in●o the Quire. Works of piety done by him, or by others in his time. YEt did this King leave more Works of Piety behind him, than all his Subjects that were in his time. For he Founded the Abbey of Bowley in the New Forest in Hampshire: also an Abbey of black Monks in the City of Winchester, and the Monastery of Farend●n, and the Monastery of Hales Owen in Shropshire: he re-edified ●odsto● and Wr●xell, and enlarged the Chapel of Knarisborough. Now for his Subjects, only Richard Prior of Ber●mon●sey builded an House against the wall of the said house of Ber●on●sey, called the Almary or Hospital of Converts and Children, in honour of Saint Thomas. In this King's time Saint Mary Overeyes in Southw●●ke was begun to be builded, and the Stone Bridge over the Thames, was by the Merchants of London finished. Also Hubert Archbishop of Canterbury, Founded a Monastery at West Derham in Norfolk, which upon the dissolution came to the family of the Derhams, who hold it to this day. Of his Laws and Ordinances. IN this King's time, five and thirty of the most substantial Citizens of London, were chosen out, and called the Counsel of the City, and the King gave the City liberty to alter their Major and Sheriffs every year, which before continued during life. He caused the Laws of England to be executed in Ireland, and money to be Coined there, according to the weight of English money. Of his Wives and Children. KING john lived to have three Wives: His first was Alice Daughter of Hubert Earl of Morton, who left him a Widower without issue. His second was Isabella Daughter and Heir of Robert Earl of Gl●c●ster, by whom no issue neither, divorced from her by reason of Consanguinity in the third degree. His third Wife was Isabel Daughter and Heir of Aymer Earl of Angoules●e, Affianced before to Hugh le Brun, Earl of March: By this Wife he had two Sons, Henry and Richard, and three Daughters, joan, Eleanor, and Isabella: Henry succeeded him in the kingdom; Richard was Earl of Cornwall, and Crowned King of the Romans, and had issue Henry and john, that died without issue: also Edward Earl of Cornwall, and others. joan his eldest Daughter married to Alexander the second King of Scots, died without issue: Eleanor the second Daughter (married to Simon Earl of Leycester) had issue Henry, Simon, Almaricke, Guy, Richard, and Eleanor. Henry slain without issue. Simon Earl of Bigorre, and ancestor to a Family of the Mountford's in France. Almaricke, first a Priest, after a knight. Guy Earl of Angleria in Italy, and Progenitor of the Mountford's in Thuscany, and of the Earls of the Campo Bacchi in the kingdom of Naples. Richard● remaining privily in England, and changing his name from Mountford to Wellesborne, was ancestor of the Wellesburnes in England. Eleanor borne in England, brought up in France, married into Wales, to Prince Lewin a● Griffith. Isabel his youngest Daughter, married to the Emperor Frederick the second, had issue, Henry appointed to be King of Sicily, and Margaret Wife of Albret Landgrave of Thurine. She died in Childbed, after she had been Empress six years. He had also two natural Sons, Geoffrey Fits Roy, and Richard, that married the Daughter and Heir of Fulbert de Dover, (who built Childham Castle) had issue by her, of whom some Families of good account are descended. Also one base Daughter named joan, married to Lewin Prince of Wales. Of his Personage and Conditions. HE was of Stature indifferent tall, and something fat, of a sour and angry countenance, and concerning his conditions, it may be said, that his Nature and his Fortune did not well agree: For naturally h● loved his e●se, yet his Fortune was to be ever in Action. He won more of his Enemies by surprises then by Battles, which shows he had more of Lightning in him then of Thunder. He was never so true of his word as when he threatened, because he meant always as cruelly as he spoke, not always as graciously; and he that would have known what it was he never meant to perform, must have looked upon his promises. He was neither fit for Prosperity nor Adversity: For Prosperity made him insolent, and Adversity dejected; a mean Fortune would have suited best with him. He was all that he was by Fits: Sometimes doing nothing without deliberation● and sometimes doing all upon a sudden; Sometimes very Religious, and sometimes scarce a Christian. His insatiableness of money was not so much as that no man knew what he did with it, gotten with much noise, but spent in silence. He was but intemperate in his best temper, but when distempered with sickness, most of all, as appeared at his last, when being in a Fever he would needs be eating of raw Peaches, and drinking of sweet Ale. If we look upon his works we must needs think him a worthy Prince, but if upon his Actions, nothing less: For his Works of Piety were very many, as hath been showed before, but as for his Actions, he neither came to the Crown by Justice, nor held it with Honour, nor left it in Peace. Yet having had many good parts in him, and especially having his Royal posterity continued to this day, we can do no less than honour his memory. Casualties that happened in his time. ONe Casualty we might count dysastrous, if it had not had relation to ourselves: for Hugh de Bones coming to aid King john with threescore thousand out of Brittany and Flanders, by misfortune at Sea were all Drowned, to whom the King had granted Norfolk and Suffolk for the people he brought with him to Inhabit. In this King's time were great thunders and lightnings, and showers with hailstones as big as Goose-Egges. Fishes of strange shape were taken in England, armed with helmets and shields, and were like unto armed knights, saving that they were far greater in proportion. About Maidestone in Kent a certain Monster was found strucken with the Lightning, which Monster had a head like an Ass, a belly like a man, and all other parts far differing from any other Creature. Of his death and burial. When Prince Lewis of France was come into England, and was received by the Lords and by the Londoners, King john with an Army went into the North parts, and coming to Wallpoole, where he was to pass over the Washeses, he sent one to search where the water was passable, and there himself with some few passeth over, but the multitude with all his Carriages and Treasure passing without Order, they cared not where, were all Drowned. With the grief of which dysaster, and perhaps distempered in his body before, he fell into a Fever and was let blood; but keeping an ill diet, (as indeed he never kept good) eating green Peaches, and drinking sweet Ale, he fell into a looseness, and grew presently so weak, that there was much ado to get him to Newarke● where soon after he died. Though indeed it be diversely related; Caxton saith, he was poisoned at Swi●●sheads Abbey by a Monk of that Covent; the manner and cause this: The King being there, and hearing it spoken how cheap Corn was, should say, he would ere long make it dearer, and make a penny loa●e be sold for a shilling. At this speech the Monk took such indignation, that he went and put the poison of a Toad into a cup of Wine, and brought it to the King, telling him there was such a cup of Wine as he had never drunk in all his life, and therewithal took the assay of it himself, which made the King to drink the more boldly of it; but finding himself presently very ill upon it, he asked for the Monk, and when it was told him that he was fall'n down dead; then (saith the King) God have mercy upon me, I doubted as much. Others say, the poison was given in a dish of Pears. But the Physician that dis-bowelled his body, found no sign of poison in it, and therefore not likely to be true; but howsoever the manner of his death be uncertain, yet this is certain, that at this time and place he died, on the 19 day of October, in the year 1216. when he had Reigned seventeen years and six months; Lived one and fifty: He was buried, his bowels at Croxton Abbey, his body at Worcester under the High Altar, wrapped in a Monks Cowle, which the superstition of that time accounted Sacred, and a defensative against all evil Spirits. Of the prizes of things in his time. Neither is this unfit to be recorded in Chronicles, to the end comparison may be made between the time past and the present: as in the time of King Henry the second, a Quarter of Whea●e was sold for twelve pence; a Quarter of Beanes or Oats for a groat. Neither is the price of Silver itself much less altered, for an ounce of Silver was then valued but at twenty pence; which is now valued at least at five shillings. Whereof Philosophers must tell the reason, for seeing scarcity makes things dear, why should not plenty make them cheap? Of Men of special Note in his time. IN Military matters there were many famous men in his time, as Robert Fits-Roger, and Richard Mount-Fitchet, with many others; but chiefly two, whose Acts make them specially memorable: the one was Hubert Burgh, whom K. john had left Governor of Dover Castle, of whom it is related, that when Prince Lewis of France came to take the Town, and found it difficult to be taken by force; he sent to Hubert, whose brother Thomas he had taken prisoner a little before; that unless he would surrender the Castle, he should presently see his brother Thomas be put to death with exquisite torments before his eyes: but this threatening moved not Hubert at all, who more regarded his own loyalty, than his brother's life: then Prince Lewis sent again, offering him a great sum of money; but neither did this move, but he kept his loyalty as inexpugnable as his Castle. The other was Robert Fitswater, of whom it is related, that King john being with an Army in France, one of his knights in a great bravery would needs make a challenge to any of the French Camp, that durst encounter him in a Combat, when presently comes forth this Robert Fitswater; and in the encounter, threw horse and man down to the ground: whereof when King john heard, By God's tooth (saith he) he were a King indeed that had such a Champion; whereupon some that stood by, saying to him, He is Sir, a servant of your own, it is Robert Fitswater, whom you have banished. Whereupon his sentence of banishment was presently reversed, and the King received him, as he well deserved, into special favour. In matter of Literature also there lived many famous men in the King's Reign; as Geoffrey Vinesaufe, Simon Fraxinus, alias Ash, Adam Dorensis, john de Oxford, Colman surnamed The wiser Richard Canonicus, William Peregrine, Alane Tewksbery, Gervasius Dorobernensis, john Hanwill, Nigell Worker, Gilbert Holland, Benet de Peterborough● William Parvus a Monk of Newburgh, Roger Hoveden, Hubert Walter, Archbishop of Canterbury, Alexander Theologus, Gervasius Tilberiensis, Gyraldus Cambrensis, johannes Devonius, Walter Mapis, Radulphus de Diceto, Gilbert Legley, Mauricius Morganius, john de Fordeham, William Leycester, joceline Brakeland, Roger of Crowland, Hugh White, alias Candidus, who wrote an History entitled Historia Petroburgensis; john the Saint Omer, Adam Barking, john Grace an Historigrapher, and Bishop of Norwich; Walter of Coventry, Radulphus Niger, and lastly, Simon Thurvay, who for his pride in Learning, but more for his blasphemies against Moses and Christ, became at last so utterly ignorant, that hardly he could read a letter of the book. THE LIFE and REIGN OF KING HENRY THE THIRD. Of his coming to the Crown, and of Acts done in his Minority. KING john being dead, his eldest soone Henry was next to succeed: who being but nine years old, though he were capable of having his Right, yet he was scarce c●pable of understanding his Right: especially there being another at that tim●, to whom a great part of the Kingdom had sworn Allegiance. But those Lords who had been constant to the Father, notwithstanding his faults, were more tender of the son, who was altogether innocent, and whose gracious aspect gave no small hope of a better disposition. Amongst all which Lords, there was none of eminent in worthiness, none so near him in Alliance, as William Martial Earl of Pembroke, who had married his Aunt; and he drawing the rest of the Lords together, with a solemn Oration in behalf of the young Prince, so confirmed them, and so ordered the matter, that on the twenty eight day of October, in the year 1216. he was Crowned at Gloucester, by Peter Bishop of Winchester, and joceline Bishop of bath, in the presence of Guallo the Pope's Legate, and many Lords and Bishops: and the said William Earl of Pembroke, by a general consent, assigned Protector of the Realm during the King's Minority. In which place, the first thing he did, was to give notice of the new King's Coronation to all the Countries round about; and proclaim pardon to all offenders, that within a time limited should come and submit themselves to him. In the mean time Prince Lewis of France, who at his first hearing of King john's death, thought himself then sure of enjoying the Kingdom quietly, and that he should need to fear no more opposition; now that he hears of the new Kings Crowning, and that so solemnly, and with so unanimous a consent, he begins to think himself in worse case than before; and to grow jealous of the English Lords that had adhered to him, what they would do in this new world. And indeed a conflict was already grown in their minds, which of the two Obligations should be the greater; either that of their Oath to Prince Lewis, or that of their Allegiance to King Henry. They could not but think it extreme ungratfulnes to forsake Prince Lewis, whom they had themselves invited to come: and they could not but think it extreme undutifulness to stand out in opposition against K. Henry, their natural Sovereign: and that which added no small weight to this scale, was a discovery lately made by the Viscount Melun a French Lord at the time of his death, who confessed as a matter of conscience, that Prince Lewis had 〈◊〉, if once he got th● kingdom, utterly to extirpate all the English Nobility and to admit 〈◊〉 but F●●nch to any place of dignity. But whether any of these reasons, or any other 〈◊〉 their motives; certain it is, that many of them, of who● were princip●●●, the Earls of Ar●nd●ll, Warren, Salisbury, and William, the eldest son of the Protector, shrunk from Prince Lewis, and went to King Henry, as thinking no Obligation so great as Allegiance: and many again continued constant to Prince Lewis, as thinking no Obligation so great as an Oath. And now Prince Lewis● to cast the Dice of Fortune, before his enemies, though they had gotte● them a Head, should gather to a head, and draw more for●●s together; staying himself a Londo●, 〈…〉 his Lieutenant's with an Army of twenty thousand, to take in as many Towns as they could; and many they took with small opposition: but coming to Lincoln, where though they had the Town itself, yet the Castle stood o●●● and ●ad been defended by a Noble Lady a whole year before; they found such resistance, that their proceeding was there arrested; for thither came presently Wi●●ia● the Protector with h●s sonn● William, the Bishops of Winchester, salisbury, and ●●ester; t●e ●arles of salisbury, Ferrer and Albemarle, William de Albinet, William de Cantilupe, Falcasius, Thomas Basset, Robert Vipon●, Bren● de Lis●e, Ge●●frey Lacie, and many other Barons, with all the power of the young King: who with wonderful violence assault the City; at which time it was propounded by the French, to sally forth, and give them battle; but conceiving their Army to be greater than indeed it was (for the English had set double Ensigns to every Company, which made a show of twice as many as they were) they forbore that course, and kept themselves within the Town; by which means being cooped up and straitened i● place, so as they cou●● 〈◊〉 make use of their Forces as otherwise they might; the● were in conclusion 〈…〉, and all the principal men of the English that had adhered to Prince 〈◊〉 ● were taken prisoners: as namely, Sa●● Earl o● Winchester, Henry de ●ohun 〈◊〉 of Hereford, Gilbert de Gant, lately made Earl of Lincoln by Prince Lewis; 〈◊〉 Fi●●●water, Richard Mount-fi●●het, William Mawbr●y, William Beauchamp, Willi●● Maude●, Oliver Harcourt, Roger de Cressy, William de Colvil●, William de Ro●, Robert de Rope●●●y, ralph Chendui● Barons; besides four hundred knights or men at Arms. Only the Earl of Perch their General, being compassed about, and willed to render himself, swore he would never become prisoner to any English: and thereupon was run thorough the sight of his Helmet into the brains, and instantly died. This was a main blow to Pr●nce L●●is, and th● last of his battles in England; and because the City was very rich in Merchandise, the English in derision called it Lewis Fair. But Prince Lewis was not yet discouraged, for he had sent to King Philip his Father, to send him new supplies out of France; and new supplies were indeed sent: but Hubert de Bu●gh, Governor of D●ver, being as vigilant as he was valiant, watched their coming, and in a Sea-fight defeated them all, of whom but few escaped: and now this blow at Sea was so much greater than that at Land; that where that made him only doubt, this made him despair, at leas● made him malleable, and fit to be wrought upon by composition; whereupon it was at last concluded, that Prince Lewis should have fifteen thousand Marks for the charges he had been at, and abjure his claim to any interest in the kingdom; and withal to work his Father for restitution of such Provinces in France as appertained to this Crown: and that when himself should be King, he should resign them in a peaceable manner. On the other part, King Henry takes his Oath; and for him the Legate Guallo and the Protector, to restore unto the Barons of the Realm, and other his subjects, all their Rights and Privileges; for which the discord began between the late King and his people. After this Prince Lewis is honourably attended to Dover, and departs out of England about Michaelmas, above two years after his first arrival. And now the kingdom is come to unity within itself, one King and one people; and for a year or two there was little to be done, only some few there were, whom the corruption of the times had engendered; and who being borne in a storm, could not live in a calm: of whom the principal were the Earl of Lisle● and Hugh de Bayli●l●; who bustling about, got possession of some Castles: with what intention, all men knew; but with what hope of effecting their intention, no man could imagine: for being but a handful of men to the body of the Realm; they were easily suppressed; and either brought to acknowledge their faults, or else punished for not acknowledging them. It was now the fourth year of King Henry's Reign, at which time William Earl of Pembroke, Protector of the Realm, died, and was buried in the new Temple at London: in whose place came the Bishop of Winchester; and now was the King the second time Crowned, and had granted him by Parliaments for Escuage, two Marks of silver of every knight's Fee, for the affairs of the kingdom, and recovery of his Transmarine Dominions, which is now designed: and Mall●on de Savery, the Poicto●in, with William Longsword Earl of Salisbury, sent over to try the affections of that people; whom they find for the most part inclinable to the obedience of this Crown: but the King of France being required peaceably to deliver them; made answer, that having gotten them by the sword, by the sword he would hold them. But now the King being come to some years of understanding, was in a Parliament holden at London, put in mind by the Archbishop of Canterbury, of the Oath he had taken for confirmation of the Liberties of the kingdom, which though oppugned by some (and sp●cially by William Brewer, and Hubert de Burgh, whom the King had now made his chief Justiciar) as having been an Act of constraint: yet the King then again ratified, and twelve knights or other Legate men of every Shire, by Writs were charged to examine what the Laws and Liberties were which the kingdom enjoyed under his Grandfather; and that they should return them by a certain day: and here the King by Parliament resumeth into his hands such Alienations as had been made by his Ancestors of any Crown Land. The next year after, another Parliament is held at Westminster, wherein is required the fiftieth part of all the movables, both of the Clergy and Laity, for the recovery of those parts in France, withheld from the Crown by Lewis now King, contrary to his Oath and promise made here in England at his departure; which, though it concerned the Honour and Dignity of the kingdom, and the estates of most of the Nobility; yet would it not be yielded to, but upon confirmation of their Liberties, which in the end was obtained, in the same words and form as King john had granted them in the two Charters before: and twelve knights are chosen in every Shire, to dispart the old Forests from the new, and the new to be laid open and ploughed, and improved● to the great comfort and benfit of the subject; and two years they were accordingly enjoyed. Of his Acts after he came to be of age. IT was now the tenth year of King Henry's Reign, and being about nineteen years of age, he claimed to take the government of the kingdom into his own hands, and no longer to be under a Protector; and now will presently appear the difference between a Prince that is ruled by good Counsel, and a Prince that will do all of himself, and take no advice. For the ten years he was ruled by a Protector, were all passed, as it were in a calm, without noise or clamour; but as soon as he took upon him the government himself, there grew presently storms and tumults; no quietness either to the subject or himself: nothing but grievances all the long time of his Reign. For at the Parliament now holden at Oxford, as soon as he was Crowned again, he presently cancels and annuls the Charter of the Forests, as granted in his Nonage; and therefore he not bound to observe it: and then not using any longer the Seal which the Protector had used, he makes a new; and causeth a Proclamation to be made, that whosoever would enjoy any benefit of Grants under his Seal, should come and have them signed by his new Seal; by which course he drew much money from many: and this was the first grievance. Shortly after, he commits the keeping of Barkehamstead Castle to one Walleran a Du●chman, which Castle belonged to his Brother Richard Earl of Cornwall: but when Earl Richard required to have the possession● as o● right he ought, it was then plotted by Hube●t Burgh Chief Justice, and the King's chief Counsellor, to commit him to prison, which the Earl understanding, o● at least suspecting, flies presently to M●rleborough, where he finds William Earl Martial his vowed friend, with whom he has●ens to Stamford, and there mee●es with the Earls of Chester, Gloucester, Warren, Hereford, Ferrer, Warwick, and diver● other Barons; who all confederate together, and send to the King ●hat unless he restore the Castle to his brother, and ●o them the Liberties of Forests which he had lately canceled at Oxford, they would seek to recover them by the sword. Here, upon King Henry to pacific his brother● not only renders the Castle to him● but gives him besides all that his Mother had in Dower and also great possessions which the Earl of Britain, and th● Earl of B●leigne lately deceased● had in England; but to the Petition of the Lords he makes a dilatory answers and this was another grievance. Not long after King Henry is persuaded by Hugh ●e Brun, Earl of March, who had married his Mother, to make a journey into France, for recovery of his right there● but the Earl persuaded it for ends of his own; which to have discovered, had been no way to com●●●●e them●●e must therefore ●ay some colours upon his work, and it was colour enough● that the action would be of great benefit to the King, if it might succeed● and the likelihood of succeeding was most apparent, by reason of the great inclination of the people to King Henry; and their great averseness from King Lewis. Upon these colours, King Henry undertaking the action, raiseth great sums of money from the Clergys' and from the Londoners for redemption of their Liberties● and takes the ●hird part of all the goods of the Iewes● but when he returned home a year after, without having done any thing but spent his treasure and his time● and that which was mo●e worth then both these, the lives of many Noble men and others: this was another grievance. And now King Henry bringing many P●●ct●●ins over with him, who had served him in his warrest he was to reward them ●ere; which he could not do, but by displacing and spoil of his Officers. First therefore he calleth Ralph Bretton Treasurer of his Chamber to account, and grievously F●nes him for defrauding him in his Office: Then likewise is Hubert de Burgh Chief Justiciar, and his Chief Counsellor called to account, for such Treasure as passed his Office, who being further charged with crimes of Treason, flies to the Church of Merton for sanctuary; from whence, when the King commanded him to be drawn out by violence, the Bishop of London hearing of it, commanded him to be returned back to sanctuary, upon pain of Excommunication: but the King commanding him to be kept from sustenance, hunger at last enforced him to render himself to the King's mercy: all his goods, which were very great, confiscate. Also Walter Bishop of Carlisle is thrust out of his Office of Treasure, and William Rodon knight, from his place of Marshal of the King's house, and all the chief Counselors, Bishops, Earls, and Barons of the kingdom are removed, as distrusted● and only strangers preferred to their rooms: of which course, Peter de Rupibus a Poictovin, Bishop of Winchester, and one Peter de Rivalis, the King's special Favourite, were said to be the Authors: and this was another grievance. The King was now about eight or nine and twenty years old, and a Consultation was had for a fit wife for him. There was propounded a sister of Alexander King of Scots, but it was not thought fit the King should marry the younger sister, when Hubert de Burgh had married the elder: he therefore takes one of his own choosing, and marries Eleanor, daughter to Raymond Earl of Province; by which match he neither had Portion by his Wife, nor strength of Alliance by friends; or if any were, it was all made vain by distance: only he had by her a number of poor kindred, who to his great cost, lay hanging upon him; yet was the marriage solemnised with as great charge as if he had been to have Mountains with her: and this was another grievance. And now is the score of these grievances called upon to be paid, for the Lords could no longer endure so many indignities, to see themselves fleighted, and only strangers advanced; as Foulke de Brent● who held the Earldoms of Nottingham, Oxford, Bedford, and B●ckingham, and others the like: and to see their persons exposed to danger, and their estates to ruin; for which no remedy could be but only the Kings confirming their Charter of Liberties: wherein it is strange to observe upon what different grounds the King and the Lords went: It seems the King thought, that to confirm that Charter, were to make himself to be less than a King; and the Lords thought, that as long as it was denied, they were no better than slaves● and as the King could endure no diminution, so the Lords could endure no slavery; but the King might keep his own with sitting still, the Lords could not recover their own but by motion: and seeing their strength must be in their number, by commotion; hereupon they confederate together, and of this confedencie, Richard now Earl Martial, upon the death of his brother William, is chief; who repair to the King, and boldly show him his error, and requires satisfaction. Hereupon the King sends presently over for whole Legions of Poict●uins, and withal summons a Parliament at Oxford, whither the Lords refuse to come after this a Parliament is called at Westminster, whither likewise they refuse to come, unless the King would remove the Bishop of Winch●ster, and the Poictovins from the Court; and more than this, they send him word, that unless he did this; they would expel both himself and his evil Counselors out of the Land, & create a new King. Upon this threatening, Pledges are required of the Nobility for securing of their Allegiance, and Writs a re●ent out to all who hold by knight's service, to repair to the King at Gloucester by a certain day; which the Earl Martial and his associates refusing, the King without the ●udgement of hi● Court and their P●●rs, causeth them to be Proclaimed Outlaws, seizeth upon all their Lands, which he gives to his Poictovins; and directs out Writs to attach their bodies wheresoever in the kingdom. But now of these confederate Lords, the Bishop of Winchester won the Earls of Chester and Lincoln with a thousand Marks; and the King had so pleased his brother the Earl of Cornwall, that he likewise left them: whereupon they withdrew them into Wales, and confederate with L●●ilin Prince of Wales● whither also came Hubert de Burgh, escaped out of prison, and joins with them; taking intermutuall Oaths, that no one without other should make their accord. Hereupon the King goeth himself in person into Wales, where not prevailing, he returns to Gloucester, employs new forces of strangers, but all without success. At last a Friar is employed to persuade the Earl Martial to submit himself to the King, but all in vain; till at length a train is laid to draw him over into Ireland, to defend his state there, being seized upon by the King; where by treachery circumvented he lost his life. Yet the King disavows the sending of any such Commission into Ireland, protesting he never knew thereof; and lays the fault upon his Officers: an easy way for Princes, never to be found in any fault. After two years' affliction, a Parliament is assembled at Westminster, wherein the Bishops admonish the King by his Father's example, to be at unity with his people, and to remove from him strangers, and to govern the kingdom by Natives of the Realm; and by the Laws: otherwise they would proceed by Ecclesiastical censure, both against his Counselors and himself. The King seeing no way to subsist but by temporizing, consents to call home those Lords out of Wales; restores them to their places and possessions; removes all strangers from about him, and calls his new officers to account. Hereupon the Bishop of Winchester, Peter de Rivalis, and Stephen Seagrave take sanctuary; but afterward by mediation they obtained with great Fines their Liberty, dearly paying for their two years' greatness. After this a Parliament is again called, which the King would have to be kept in the Tower, whither the Lords refusing to come, another place of more freedom is appointed; in which Parliament, order is taken for removing all Sheriffs from their places, upon complaint of corruption: and here the King displaceth his Steward, and offers to take from the Bishop of Chichester then Chancellor, the great Seal, which he refuseth to deliver, as having received it by the common council of the kingdom; and now Pe●●r de Rivali●, a●d St●phen Seagrave, are received again into grace: by which may appear the vicissitude of fortune in Princes favours. After this, in the one and tw●ntieth year● of ●is Reign, another Parliament is held at London; where the King requires the thirteenth part of all the moveables as well of the Clergy as Laity; which being directly opposed, the King promiseth by oath, never more to injure the Nobility, so they would but relieve him at that present: After four day's consultation, ●he King promising to use only the counsel of his natural Subjects, and protesting against the Revocation lately propounded● and freely granting the inviolable observation of their Liberties, under pain of Excommunication, a Subsidy is granted him; bu● so, that four knights be appointed in every Shi●e to receive and deliver the same, 〈◊〉 to some Abbey or Castle, where it may be safely kep●, that if the King ●aile in performance of his Grants, it may be restored to the Country from whence it was collected: And now the King, to make a show of true reconciliation for his part, suddenly causeth the Earls, Warren and 〈◊〉, with john Pits Geoffrey to be sw●rn his Counselors, yet was neither of the points either for removing of strangers, or for disposing the money observed afterward by the King● for the money he made bold to take at his pleasure; and for strangers, they were so far from removing, that they were drawn nearer to him: for now William Valentine; Uncle to the Queen, is grown the most inward man with him, and nothing done but by his counsel; also the Earl of Province, the young Queen's Father, a poor Prince, hath a good share of the money that was collected: and Simon de Montford, a French man borne, is entertained by the King, and preferred secretly in marriage to Eleanor the King's sister, Widow of William Earl of Pembroke, the great Marshal, and is made Earl of Leycester, by right of his Mother Avicen, daughter of Blanchman, Earl of Leycester: which courses so incense the Nobility, that it put them out into a new commotion; and Richard the King's brother becomes one of the party whom the other Lords make their spokesman to the King, to aggravate his breach of promise, and to acquaint him with all the disorders of the kingdom; with whose remonstrance the King is so moved, that after he had tried the Londoners, and found them also to partake with the Lords, he calls a Parliament a● London, whither the Lords come armed for their own safety: where after long debating, the King taking his Oath to refer the matter to certain grave men of the kingdom; Article● are drawn, sealed, and publicly set up to the view of all, with the seals of the Legate, and divers great men: but before it came to be effected, the Earl of Cornwall, by the working of Simon Montford, hath his edge rebated, and is brought to be unwilling to meddle in the matter any more; which the other Lords seeing, they also grow cold, and so for that time it rested, and no more was done in it. And now is the Kings turn to play his part, in using his authority, which he fails not to do to the uttermost: for upon a small-occasion he causeth the gates of Gilbert now Earl of Pembroke (the third son of William the great Marshal) to be shut against him at Winchester, whereupon the Earl retires into the North. Also Simon Norman, Master of the King's Seal, and his greatest Favourite, is thrown out with disgrace, and his brother Geoffrey a knight Templar, is put out of the Counsel; both of them for not yielding to pass a Grant from the King, made unto Thomas Earl of Flanders, the Queen's Uncle, of four pence upon every sack of Wool. And now that load enough is laid upon those of the Laity, comes a new load to be laid upon the Clergy; for the Pope nothing dainty to make use of the power he had in the King, sends over three hundred Romans, requi●ing to have the first Benefices that should be vacant, bestowed upon them: which seemed so unreasonable a request, and to the Clergy of England so damageable, that it made Edmund Archbishop of Canterbury to give over all, and betake himself to a voluntary Exile in the Abbey of Pontiniac in France; yet to show his respect to the Pope, gave him e●ght hundred Marks before his departure. And to lay more weight upon the Clergy, great sums are also required of them for maintenance of the Pope's war against the Emperor: which though the Clergy opposed, and showed many good reasons of their opposition both to the King and the Legate, yet by promises or threatenings, they were won or forced to yield unto it. And now comes the Earl of March, and once again solicits the King to make another journey into France, which being yielded to by the King, and assented to in Parliament, an aid presently was demanded towards it: but this demand was not only opposed, but all the King's Taxations and aides before granted, were now repeated; and thereupon an absolute denial to grant any more. Upon this, the King comes to the Parliament himself in person; earnestly, and indeed, humbly craving their aid for this once: but all prevailed not, they had made a vow to the contrary: and the King is driven to get what he could of particular men, of whom partly by gift, and partly by ●oane, he gets so much, that he carries over with him thirty Barrels of Sterling money. This expedition had no better success than the former, for after a whole years stay, the King was driven to make a dishonourable Truce with the King of France, and return home. At his return he puts the jews to another redemption, and the Londoners to another exaction; and to help on his charge, his wife's mother, the Countess of Provence comes now to visit him; who bringing her daughter Zanchia with her, a marriage is solemnised between her and Richard Earl of Cornwall, whose wife was lately dead, and he returned from the Holy wars. The old Countess at her return, is presented with many rich gifts, having besides received an Annual Pension of four thousand Marks out of England, for five years past; in consideration of a pact made, that King Henry after her decease should have the Earldom of Provence: but shortly after her return, she disappoints him of that, and bestows it upon her youngest daughter Beatrix, married to Charles the French Kings brother; who was after King of Naples and Sicilie● so as this Countess lived to see all her four daughter's Queens: Richard Earl of Cornwall coming after to be elected King of the Romans. Upon th●se profusions, a consultation is had for new supplies, and no way thought so fit as by Parliament; hereupon a Parliament is again assembled at Westminster, whither the King comes again himself in person, urging his necessities, yet nothing wou●d be granted without the assurance of reformation and due execution of the Laws. And here they desire to have it ordained that four of the most grave and discreet Peers should be chosen as conservators of the kingdom, and sworn of the King's Council, both to see Justice administered, and the treasure issued; and these, or two of them at least, should ever attend about the King. Also that the Lord Chief Justiciar, and the Lord Chancellor, should be chosen by the general voices of the States assembled, or else be one of the number of those four. Besides they propound, that there might be two Justices of the Benches, two Barons of the Exchequer, and o●e Justice for the jews, and those likewise to be chosen by Parliament. But while these things were in debating, comes one Martin, a new Legate from the Pope, with a larger Commission than ever any before, to exact upon the State; but at the same time, Letters coming from the Emperor Frederick, to entreat that the Pope might have no more supplies out of England; the Pope's Mandate is rejected, and his Agent Martin disgracefully sent home. This business took up so much time, that nothing else was done in this Parliament; but only an aid granted to the King for the marriage of his daughter to Alexander King of Scots, twenty shillings of every knight's Fee; and that with much ado, and repetition of his former aides. The Winter following he assembles another Parliament, wherein he moves for an aid upon a design he had upon Wales, and to pay his debts, which were urged to be so great that he could not appear out of his Chamber for the infinite clamour of such, to whom he owed for his Wine, Wax, and other necessaries of house: but they all to his face, refused to grant him any thing: whereupon other violent courses are taken, an ancient quarrel is found out against the City of London, for which they are commanded to pay fifteen thousand Marks, and Passeleve the Clerk is employed, with others, in a most peremptory commission, to inquire of all such Lands as had been inforested, and either to fine the occupiers thereof at their pleasure, or else to take it from them and sell the same to others; wherein such rigour was used, that multitudes of people were undone. But now to show the King the estate of his kingdom, and the oppressions of Popes, inquiry was made of the Revenues which the Romans and Italians had in England: which were found to be annually sixty thousand Marks; being more than the yearly Revenues of the Crown: which so moved the King that he caused the same to be notified, with all other Exactions, to the General Council now Assembled at Lions; and this (with the ill usage of his Agent Martin) so vexed the Pope, that he is said to have uttered these words: It is time to make an end with the Emperor, that we may crush these petty Kings, for the Dragon once appeased or destroyed, these lesser Snakes will soon be trodden down. But upon the Pope's rejecting the consideration of these grievances of England, and despi●ing the King's message (who he said, began to Frederize) it was absolutely here ordained, under great penalty, that no contribution of money should be given to the Pope by any Subject of England: and the King for a time assents unto it, but being of an irresolute and wavering nature, and afraid of threats, he soon gave over what he undertook, so as the Pope continued his former rapine; and though he had promised never to send any more Legates into England, ye● sent he other Ministers under the title of Clerks, that had as great power as Legates, and effected as much. And now, for the other part of the State, new occasions also of complaint were offered: Peter of Savoy Earl of Richmond, comes into England, bringing with him certain Maids to be married to young Noble men of this Country, the King's Wards, of whom Edmund Earl of Lincoln hath one, and Richard de Burgh another, and the same year three of the King's Brothers by the Mother, Guy de Lusignan, William de Valence, and Athelmar Clerk, are sent over to be provided of Estates in England: also Thomas of Savoy (sometimes Earl of Flanders by Right of his Wife) comes with his sister Beatrix, Countess of Provence the Queen's Mother, who are again Feasted and Gifted; for which the King is taxed the next Parliament in Candlemas Term, and besides sharply reprehended for his breach of Promise, having Vowed and Declared by his Charter never more to injure the State in that kind; also for his violent taking up of provision, of Wax, Silk, Robes, and specially of Wine, contrary to the will of the sellers, and many other grievances they complain of; all which the King patiently hears, in hope to obtain his desire, but yet nothing is effected, and the Parliament being Prorogued till Midsummer following, and the King growing more obdurate than before, it afterward broke up in discontent. But the Parliament not supplying him, he is advised to furnish his wants with sale of his Plate, and Jewels of the Crown, being told, that though they were sold, yet they would revert again unto him; and having with great loss received money for them, he asks who had bought them: Answer is made, the City of London. That City (said he) is an inexhaustible Gulf: If Octavius Treasure were to be sold, they surely would buy it. And now to vex them, he appoints a Fair to be kept at Westminster, forbidding under great penalty, all exercise of Merchandise within London, for fifteen days, and all other Fairs in England, and namely that of Ely: but this Novelty came to nothing; the Inconvenience of the place, as it was then, and the foulness of the weather, brought more affliction than benefit to the Traders. That Christmas also he requires Newyeares' gifts of the Londoners, and shortly after writes unto them his Letters imperiously deprecatory to aid him with money, and thereby gets of them twenty thousand pounds, for which the next year after he craves pardon of them. And notwithstanding his continual taking up all Provisions for his House, yet he lessens his House-keeping in no honourable manner. And then seeing he could get nothing of the States together, he calls unto him, or writes to every Nobleman apart, declaring his poverty; and how he was bound by Charter in a debt of thirty thousand pound to those of Bordeaux and his Gascoynes, (who otherwise would not have suffered him to depart home) at his last being in France: but fa●ling herein of Temporal Lords, he addresseth his Letters to the Prelates, of whom he finds as little relief; by much importunity and his own presence, he got of the Abbot of Ramsey a hundred pound, but the Abbot of Borough had the face to deny him, though the King told him, it was more Alms to give money to him, then to a Beggar that went from door to door. The Abbot of Saint Albon yet was more kind, and gave him threescore Marks. To such lowness did the necessity of this indigent King (through his profusion) bring him. The jews ever exposed to his will, feel the weight of these his wants; One Abraham, found a Delinquent, redeems himself for seven hundred Marks, and Aaron another jew protests, the King had since his last being in France taken from him at times thirty thousand Marks of Silver, besides 200. Marks of Gold given to the Queen. But now the Lords assemble again at London, and press him with his promise made unto them, that the Chief Justiciar, Chancellor and Treasurer, should be appointed by the General Council of the kingdom, but by the absence of Richard Earl of Cornwall, (which was thought to be done of purpose) they return frustrate of their desire. And now the Bishopric of Winchester falling void, the King sends presently to the Monks of the Cathedral Church; to Elect his Brother Athelmar; and because he would not be denied, he goes thither himself in person, and there enters the Chapter house as a Bishop or Prior, gets up into the Precedents Chair, begins a Sermon, and takes his Text, justice and Peace have kissed each other; and thereupon useth these words: To me and other Kings who are to govern the people, belongs the rigour of Judgement and Justice; to you who are men of quiet and Religion, Peace and Tranquillity; and this day I hear you have (for your own good) been favourable to my request; with many such like words: whereby the Monks finding the earnestness of his desire, held it in vain to deny him, and Athelmar is Elected; but with this reservation, if the Pope allow it. Shortly after follows the memorable Case of Sir Henry de bath, a Justiciar of the kingdom, and a special Counsellor to the King's who by corruption had attained to a mighty Estate, and is said, in one Circuit to have gotten two hundred pound land per annum; He is accused by Sir Philip D●rcy of falsehood in the King's Court; and the King is so incensed against him, that in the Parliament at this time holden in London, Proclamation is made, that whosoever had any Action or Complaint against Henry de bath should come and be heard. One of his fellow Justiciars accused him of acquitting a malefactor for a bribe. The King seeing Henry de Baths friends to be many and strong breaks out into rage, protesting, that whosoever would kill Henry de bath should be acquitted for the deed. But afterward by intercession of the Earl of Cornwall, and the Bishop of London; the King becomes pacified, and Sir Henry is released, paying two thousand Marks; and after is restored to his former place and favour. The King keeping his Christmas at York, the marriage is solemnised between Alexander King of Scots, and Margaret his Daughter: to the Feast of which solemnity it is said the Archbishop gave six hundred fat Oxen, which were all spent at one meal: and besides, the Feast cost him four thousand Marks. About this time, the Pope solicits King Henry to undertake the Cross, and so doth Alphonsus' King of Castille, offering to accompany him in person, to rescue the King of France, who was now held Prisoner by the Sultan. And because a ransom collected for him in France was by tempest cast away at Sea, the Captive King offers to restore Normandy to the King of England, so he would come to his rescue. Upon this solicitation of the Pope, and the grant of a tenth of the Clergy and Laity for three years to come; the King undertakes the Cross, rather, it seems, to get the money, then with any purpose to perform the Journey: which had it been collected (saith Paris) would have amounted to six hundred thousand pounds, to the utter impoverishing of the kingdom. And now the King by Proclamation calls the Londoners to Westminster, and there causeth the Bishops of Worcester and Chichester to declare his Intentions, and to exhort the people to undertake the Cross and attend him: but few are moved by their persuasions, only three knights of small note, whom thereupon the King in open view, embraceth, kisseth, and calls his Brethren; checking the Londoners as ignoble Mercenaries: and there himself takes his Oath for performing it, and to set forth upon Midsummer day next. In taking his Oath, he lays his right hand on his Breast, according to the manner of a Priest; and after on the Book, and kissed it as a Layman. About this Tenth (granted by the Pope, but not by the People) a Parliament is called at London, where the Bishops are first dealt withal, (as being a work of Piety) and they absolutely refuse it; then the Temporal Lords are set upon, and they answer as the Bishops: which put the King into so great a rage, that he drove out all that were in his Chamber, as he had been mad. Then he ●als to persuade them apart, sending first for the Bishop of Ely, and deals with him in all kind manner, recounting the many favours he had done him. The Bishop replies, Dissuading him from the Journey by the Example of the King of France; and to that purpose useth many good reasons; which the King hearing, in great passion commanded his servants to thrust him out of door, perceiving by this what was to be expected of the rest; and thereupon falls upon his former violent courses; and first the City of London is compelled to the Contribution of a thousand Marks: and the Gascoyners' being upon revolt, unless speedy succour be sent them; general Musters are made, and commandment given, that whosoever could dispend thirteen pounds per annum, should furnish out a Horseman. This occasions another Parliament, wherein it seems, the State began wisely to consider that all their oppositions did no good, the King's turn must be served one way or other; therefore they agreed to relieve him rather by the usual way, then force him to those extravagant courses which he took; but yet so, as the Reformation of the Government, and the ratification of their Laws and Liberties, might once again be solemnly confirmed. And after fifteen day's consultation, to satisfy the King's desire for his holy Expedition, a Tenth is granted by the Clergy, and Scutage, three Marks of every knight's Fee by the Laity; and thereupon those often confirmed Charters are again ratifyed, and that in the most solemn and Ceremonial manner, that State and Religion could possibly devise. The King with all the Great Nobility of England, all the Bishops in their reverend Ornaments with burning Candles in their hands, assemble to hear the terrible sentence of Excommunication against the infringers of the same. And at the lighting of those Candles the King having received one in his hand, gives it to a Prelate that stood by, saying: It becomes not me, being no Priest, to hold this Candle, my heart shall be a greater Testimony; and withal laid his hand spread upon his Breast all the time the sentence was read; which was thus Pronounced, Authoritate Dei Omnipotentis, etc. Which done, he caused the Charter of King john his Father, granted by his free consent, to be openly read. In the end, having thrown away their Candles, which lay smoking on the ground, they cried out, So let them who incur this sentence be extinct, and have no better savour than these snuffs: and the King with a loud voice said, As God help me, I will, as I am a Man, a Christian, a Knight, a King Crowned and anointed, inviolably observe all these things: and therewithal the Bells rung out, and the people shouted for Joy. Yet was not all so quieted by this Grant, but that there were grievances still, whereof the first falls upon his Brother Richard Earl of Cornwall: for the King having seven and twenty years before given him the Province of G●scogne, now that he had a Son of his own, he would take it from his Brother, and give it to his Son; and the Earl refusing to deliver his Charter, it is plotted to imprison him, but he escaping out of Bordeaux, comes over into England. The King to win the Nobility of Gascogne to turn to him, promiseth them thirty thousand Marks, which they accept, so as he bind himself by his Oath and Charter to perform it. This strictness of theirs the King takes in ill part, and thereupon sends Sim●● Montford Earl of Leycester, a stern man, to be their Governor, who with his insolent Government, so discontents them, that after three years' suffering, they send the Archbishop of Bordeaux, with other great men, to complain of his Insolences; whereupon Montford is sent for, and because the Lords took part with him, the King takes part with the Gascoyners; which Montford took so ill, that he upbraids the King with breaking his Promise: to whom the King in great rage replied, that no promise was to be kept with an unworthy Traitor: at which word Montford riseth up, protesting that he lied; and were he not Protected by his Royal Dignity, he would make him repent those words. The King commands his Servants to lay hold on him, but the Lords would not permit it. Yet after this great affront to the King, is Montford sent over again into Gascogne, though with a more limited Authority, and shortly after the King with a Fleet of three hundred Ships goes thither himself, and soon composeth all differences in the Country. But now the King of Spain pretends a title to Aquitaine, and to take him off, King Henry sends to treat of a marriage between Prince Edward and his Sister Eleanor, which being accepted by the King of Spain, the Marriage is solemnised at Burgos, where the King of Spain knights the Prince, and quits his claim to Aquitaine for him and his Successors for ever: and King Henry invests the Prince and his Wife in it, and gives unto him besides, Ireland, Wales, Bristol, Stamford, and Grantham; and from hence it came that ever after this, the King's eldest Son was immediately upon his Birth Prince of Wales, and Earl of Chester. After this King Henry prepares to return home, and well he might, having spent in this and his former Journeys into those parts, the sum of seven and twenty hundred thousand pounds: More than all the Lands if they had been sold were worth; which when the King was told, he desired there might be no words made of it for his credit. And now being to return, he is desirous with the King of Frances leave, to pass thorough France; and coming to Paris with a thousand Horse, where he stayed eight days, is there most Royally Feasted by the King of France; and he as royally Feasts the King of France again. But it is the Londoners and the jews that are like to pay for all. For coming home about Christmas, when the Londoners presented him with a hundred pounds in money, and afterwards with two hundred pounds in Plate: it was so slighted, and so ill taken, that a hole was presently found in their coat, for an escape of a Prisoner, which cost them three thousand Marks: Yet was not this enough, but he takes good Fleeces from the jews, and then lets them out to Farm to his Brother Richard, for a great sum of money, and he to make what more of them he could. Yet after all this he complains of his Debts, which he saith are at least three hundred thousand Marks, which must needs be the heavyer to him, because he had diminished his own● means, by the allowance of fifteen thousand Marks per annum to his Son the Prince. The only hope is in the Parliament, but a Parliament being called, they fall presently upon their old Grievances, complaining upon the King for breach of Charters, and renewing their Claim, to have the Chief Justiciar, the Chancellor and Treasurer, to be chosen by themselves: so nothing was done for the King at this time, and the Parliament being prorogued till Michaelmas after, as little then, by reason many of the Peers came not, as not being summoned according to the tenor of Magna Charta. And now while the King was using means to wind himself out of Debt, there happened occasions to put him further in; For now Thomas Earl of Savoy, the Queen's Brother, being at war with the City of Thuryn, must be supplied with money towards it by the King of England: Now the Elect Bishop of Toledo the King of Spain's Brother, comes into England, and must be sumptuously Feasted, and have great gifts presented him: Now Eleanor the Prince's Wife, arrives with a multitude of Spaniards, and must all be entertained at the King's charge, and have no small presents given them at their departure: Now comes Rustandus from the Pope, with power to Collect the Tenth of the Clergy, for the Pope's use and the Kings, and to absolve him from his Oath of the Holy war, so he would come to destroy Manfred Son to the Emperor Frederick, now in possession of the kingdom of Sicily, and Apulia. And this man likewise hath great gifts bestowed upon him, besides a rich Prebend in York. But the Pope by too much seeking his profit, loseth credit and all, for the Clergy sleights him, and will give him nothing: and when he would have borrowed of the Earl of Cornwall five hundred Marks, the Earl answered, he liked not to lend his money to one, upon whom he could not Distrain. But King Henry's greatest charge, was his purchasing a kingdom for his Son Edmund; for now comes the Bishop of B●nonia from the Pope, with a Ring of Investiture to Prince Edmund, in the kingdom of Sicily, which he pretends to be at his disposing; and King Henry takes it in so good earnest, that after this he calls his Son Edmund by no other name then King of Sicily. But all this was done by the Pope, but to angle away King Henry's money, as indeed upon this hope, he had drawn the King into the engagement of a hundred and fifty thousand Marks; for to draw the King on, it was given out that the Pope had dele●ted all Manfreds' Forces, and was thereby in possession of the kingdom, when the truth was, that Manfred had defeated the Pope's Forces, and was thereby himself established in the kingdom. The year 1275. the King keeps his Christmas at Winchester, where new Grievances arise. The Merchants of Gascogny, having their Wines taken from them by the King's Officers without satisfaction; complain to their Lord the Prince, he to his Father, and his Father having been informed beforehand by his Officers, that their clamour was unjust, as relying upon the Prince's favour; he falls into a great rage with the Prince, and breaks out into these words: See! now my Blood and my own Bowels impugn me: but afterwards pacified, he gives order the injuries should be redressed. And now the Prince's Followers themselves come to be a Grievance, who relying upon their Master commit many outrages, and spoil and wrong men at their pleasure, and the Prince himself is not altogether free, of whom it is said, that meeting a young man travailing by the way, he caused one of his ears to be cut off, and one of his eyes to be put out: and many such pranks played by him and his Followers in Wales, made the Welsh break out into open Rebellion, which the Prince would fain have suppressed, but there was no money to be had towards the doing it. And now the King falls to shifts, he comes into the Chequer himself, and there lays penalties upon Sheriffs, that return not their moneys in due time; then he falls upon measures of Wine and Ale, upon Bushels and Weights, and something he gets; but London is his best Chequer, and every year commonly he hath one quarrel or other to the Londoners, and they are sure to pay. And now falls out an accident, seeming of great honour, but certainly of no profit to the kingdom. Richard Earl of Cornwall the King's Brother is Elected King of the Romans, for although Alphonsus' King of Spain the great Mathematician were his Competitour, yet Earl Richard's money wrought more than his Learning, and the Archbishop of C●llen comes over to fetch him, and Crowned he is at Aquisgrane. This Earl of Cornwall is reported able to dispend a hundred Marks a day, ●or ten years, besides his Revenues in England. But now, as a man that pays dear for an Office, looks that his Office should pay him again: So Earl Richard having given infinitely to compass this Advancement, looked to help himself again by the Place; and this, and the desire he had to revenge himself upon those tha● had opposed his Election● made him take such violent courses that he came soon to be dispossessed, forsaken, and forced to return into England a poorer King, than he went out an Earl. Acts done in the contention between the King and his Barons. NOw King Henry very proud to have his younger son a King as well as his brother, calls a Parliament, wherein he brings forth his son Edmund, clad in Sicilian habit, and ●els the Parliament, that for advancing this son of his to the kingdom of Sicily, he had bound himself under covenant of losing his kingdom in the sum of an hundred and forty thousand Marks, and hoped they would not think much to aid him with money for so great an advancement: but the Parliament stood firm to their usual condition of Margna Charta; so as that might be confirmed, they were content to give two and fifty thousand Marks, but this gave the King no satisfaction. The year after, another Parliament is holden at London, wherein upon the Kings pressing them again for means to pay his debts to the Pope; the Lords tell him plainly, they will not yield to give him any thing for any such purpose; and give their reasons, and withal repeat their own grievances, his breach of promise, the insolency of his brothers, and specially William de Valence, who had given the lie to the Earl of Leycester, and no right done him in it; and many such things, which the King hearing, and not able to deny, humbles himself, and tells them how he had often by ill counsel been seduced; but promiseth by his Oath which he took on the Tomb of Saint Edward, to reform all those errors. But the Lords not well knowing how to deal in this business, as being divided between a desire to satisfy the King, and a desire to be satisfied themselves; and knowing withal the variableness of the King's nature, they get the Parliament to be adjourned to Saint Barnabies day, and then to assemble at Oxford. In which mean time, the Earls Gloucester, Leycester, Hereford, the Earl Martial Bigod, Spenser, and other great men confederate, and provide by Arms to effect their desire: and here is the foundation laid of those bloody wars that ensued between King Henry and his Barons. And now the King being put to his shifts for money, gets the Abbot of Westminster to put his Seal and that of his Covent to a Deed Obligatory, as a surety for two hundred Marks; making account, that by his example, others would be drawn to do the like: but his trusty servant Simon Passeleve being employed to other Monasteries, and telling them amongst other reasons to persuade them, that the King was Lord of all they had, they only answered; they acknowledged indeed the King to be Lord of all they had, but yet so, as to defend, not to destroy the same: and this was all he could get of them. The Prince also in no less want than his Father, is driven to mortgage his Town of Stamford, Brahan, and many other things, to William de Valence, a Poictovin, whereby appeared the disorder of the time, when the Prince was in want, and strangers had such plenty. And now is the Parliament assembled at Oxford, whither the Lords come attended with large trains: and here they begin with the expostulation of the former Liberties, requiring that the Chief Justiciar, the Chancellor and Treasurer may be ordained by public choice; and that the twenty four Conservators of the kingdom may be confirmed, twelve by the election of the Lords, and twelve by the King, with whatsoever else made for their imagined security. The King seeing their strength, and in what manner they required these things; swears solemnly again to the confirmation of them, and causeth the Prince to take the same Oath. But the Lords left not here, the King's brethren, the Poictovins, and other strangers must presently be removed; and this also, though with some little opposition, was at last concluded: and thereupon the King's brethren and their followers are despoiled of all their fortunes, and exiled by proscription under the Kings own hand, directed to the Earls of Hereford and Surrey. But now sickness and mortality happening to many great ones, it is imputed to poisons, supposed to have been prepared by those strangers proscribed; the Earl of Gloucester in a sickness, suddenly lost his hair, his teeth, his nails; and his brother hardly escaped death: which made many to suspect their nearest servants, and their Cooks: Walter Scoynie the Earl Steward, is strictly examined, committed to prison, and afterward without confession, is upon presumptions only executed at Winchester: Elias a converted jew, is said to have confessed, that in his house the poison was confected; but it was when he was a jew, and not a Christian. Every man that had received any wrong by those strangers, now put up their complaints, and are heard. Guydo de ●●chfort a Poictovin, to whom the King had given the Castle of Rochester, is banished, and all his goods confiscate. William Bussey, Steward to William de Valence, is committed to the Tower of London, and most reproachfully used. Richard Grace, whom the Lords had made Captain of Dover Castle, is set to intercept whatsoever the Poictovins conveyed that way out of England; and much treasure of theirs, and of the elect of Winchester is by him taken, besides great sums committed to the new Temple are found out, and seized for the King. And now the new Chief Justiciar Hugh Bigod, brother to the Earl Martial, (chosen this last Parliament by public voice) procures that four knights in every Shire should inquire of the oppressions of the poor, done by great men; and certify the same, that redress might be made. Also order was taken against corrupting of justice; when yet notwithstanding this pretended care of the public, it is noted by the Writers and Records of that time, how the Lords were themselves but as ●otidem tyranni, enforcing the services of the King's tenants that dwelled near them. But to make their cause the more popular, it was rumoured that the King stood upon it, that his necessity must be supplied out of the estates of his people, whether they would or no: which the King hearing, sends forth Proclamation, declaring how certain malicious persons had falsely and seditiously reported, that he meant unlawfully to charge his subjects, and subvert the Laws and Liberties of the kingdom; and by these false suggestions, averted the hearts of his people from him: and therefore desires them not to give credit to such per●urbers: for that he was ready to defend all Rights and Customs due unto them: and that they might rest of this secured, he caused his Letters to be made Patents. But now Montford Gloucester, and Spenser, enforce the King to call a Parliament at London, where they get the authority of the twenty four to be estated wholly upon themselves, and they alone to dispose of the custody of the Castles, and other businesses of the kingdom: and here they bind the King to lose to them their Legal obedience whensoever he infringed his Charter. At this time intelligence was given to the Lords, that Richard King of the Romans had a purpose to come into England; and the Lords suspecting he would come with power to aid the King his brother, take order for guarding the Ports, with intent to hinder his landing: but finding his train to be but small, accompanied only with his Queen, two Germane Earls, and eight knights: upon his promise to take their propounded Oath, they admit him to land; but would neither permit the King (who came thither to mee●e him) nor himself to enter into Dover Castle. At Canterbury they bring him into the Chapter house, where the Earl of Gloucester standing forth in the midst, calls out the Earl, not by the name of King, but Richard Earl of Cornwall; who in reverend manner coming forth, taketh his Oath in these words. Hear all men, that I Richard Earl of Cornwall, do here swear upon the holy Evangelists, that I shall be faithful and diligent to reform with you the Kingdom of England, and ●e an effectual Coadjutor to expel all Rebels and disturbers of the same; and this Oath will inviolably observe, under pain of losing all the Land I have in England: so help me God. But though this Earl came home but weak and poor, yet upon his return the King takes heart, and seeks all means to vindicate his power: and first sends messengers secretly to Rome, to be Absolved from his enforced Oath; and to have the more assurance from the King of France, he makes an absolute resignation of all his Right to the Duchy of Normandy, and the Earldoms of Anjou, Poictou, Tourene, and Maine: in regard whereof, the King of France gives him three hundred thousand pounds (some say Crowns) o● Anjovin money; and gran●s him to enjoy all Guienne, beyond the River Garo●ne, all the Country of Xan●oigne to the River of Charente, the Country of Limousin and Quercy, for him and his successors, doing their homage to the Crown of France, as Duke of Aquit●i●e. And now was the King of France made Arbiter of the difference between King Henry and his Barons, who gives sentence against the Barons concerning the Provisions at Oxford; but of their side concerning King john's Charter: by which nice distinction, though he did but leave the matter as he found it: (for those Provisions, as the Lords pretended, were grounded upon that Charter) yet did his sentence draw many away from the party of the Barons, amongst whom was Henry son to the Earl of Cornwall, Roger Clifford, Roger de Leisbourne, Haimo Lestrange, and many others. But the Earl of Leycester, notwithstanding this revolt, recovers the Town and Castle of Gloucester; constrains the Citizens to pay a thousand pounds for their redemption; goes with an Army to Worcester, possesseth him of the Castle, thence to Shrewsbery, and so comes about to the I'll of Ely, subdues the same, and grows exceeding powerful. The King doubting his approach to London, falls to treat of a Peace, and a Peace is concluded upon these conditions; that all the Castles of the King should be delivered to the keeping of the Barons; the Provisions of Oxford should inviolably be kept; all strangers by a certain time should avoid the kingdom, except only such as were licenced to stay. The Prince had fortified Windsor Castle; but Leycester coming to besiege it, he treats with him for Peace, which is refused, and the Castle is rendered to him. The King at this time, to win time, convokes another Parliament at London, wherein he won many Lords to take his part; as namely the Prince Richard his brother, Henry his son, William Valence, with the rest of his brothers lately returned, and with them the King marcheth to Oxford, whither divers Lords of Scotland repair to him; as john Commin, john Baylioll, Lords of Galloway, Robert Bruce, and others: also many Barons of the North; Glifford, Percy, Basset, and others. From Oxford he goes to Northampton, where he took prisoners, Simon Montford the younger, with fourteen other principal men; thence to Nottingham, making spoils of such possessions as pertained to the Barons in those parts. And now the King's side grows strong, which the Earls of Leycester and Gloucester seeing, they write to the King, protesting their loyalty, and how they opposed only such as were enemies to him and the kingdom, and had belied them. The King returns answer, that themselves were the perturbers of him and his State, and sought his and the kingdom's destruction; and therefore defies them. The Prince likewise and the Earl of Cornwall send letters of defiance to them. Yet the Barons continue to mediate a Peace, and send the Bishops of London and Worcester, with offer of thirty thousand Marks to the King, for the damages done in these wars, so as the Statutes of Oxford may be observed; but this offer is not accepted. The Earl seeing no remedy, but it must be put to a day; takes his time to be earlier ready than was expected, and supplies his want of strength with policy, placing on the one side of a hill near Lewis, where the battle was fought, certain Ensigns without men, in such sort, as they might seem a far off, to be Squadrons of succours to second those he brought to the encounter, whom he caused all to wear white Crosses, both for their own notice, and the signification of his cause, which he would have to be thought for justice. Here the fortune of the day was his, the King, the Prince, the Earl of Cornwall, and his son Henry, the Earls of Arundel and Hereford, with all the Scottish Lords, are taken prisoners; the Eale Warren, William de Valence, Guy de Lusignan, the King's brothers, with Hugh Bigod Earl Martial, save themselves by flight: five thousand (some say twenty thousand) others are slain in the battle. A year and a half is Simon Montford in possession of his prisoners, carrying the King about with him to countenance his actions, till he had gotten all the strongest Castles in the kingdom. And now comes Erinnys and sets debabte between the two great Earls of Leycester and Gloucester, about their Dividend: Leycester is taxed to do more for his own particular than the common good; his sons also presuming upon his greatness, grew insolent: whereupon Gloucester discontented, forsakes that side, and betakes him to the Prince; who lately escaping out of the Castle of Hereford, had gotten a power about him to try the fortune of another battle. The revolt of this Earl being great in itself, was greater by its example; for now many others revolted likewise: and the Earl of Leycester seeing the improvement of the Prince's forces, who was now with his Army about Worcester, though he ●aw his own disadvantage, yet imbattels in a Plain near Ev●sham to encounter him, and noting the manner of the approach of the Prince's Army, said ●o those about him; These men come bravely on, they learn it not of themselves, but of me; and seeing himself likely to be be●et, and overlaid with multitude, he advised his friends, Hugh Spenser, Ralph Basset, and others, to shift for themselves; which when they refused to do, than (saith he) let us commend our souls to God, for our bodies are theirs: and so undertaking the main weight of the battle, perished under it● and with him are slain, his son Henry, eleven Barons, with many thousands of common Soldiers. And thus ended Montford the great Earl of Leycester, highly honoured in his life, and more highly should have been after his death, if the people might have had their will, who talked of Miracles enough to have made him a Saint. And now is King Henry by this victory of his son, at liberty; who together repair to Winchester, where a Parliament is convoked, and all who adhered to the Earl Montford are disinherited, and their estates conferred on others, at the King's pleasure; the Londoners also have their Liberties taken from them. But though the death of Montford gave a great wound to the party of the Barons, yet it was not mortal, at least not mortal presently, for there remained relics that kept it alive a good while after. Simon and Guy de Montford, sons of the Earl of Leycester, and other of the Barons, take and defend the I'll of Ely: the Castle of Killingworth held out half a year, till their victuals failed; and then yielded upon conditions to have their lives and goods saved: and many others there were, resolute and desperate persons, strongly knit and fastened together, though now shortly upon dissolving. For after the Parliament at Westminster, the King with an Army going against them, and being at Northampton, Simon and Guy de Montford submit themselves to him: but when the Earl of Gloucester opposed the restoring them to their estates, they were fain to fly the kingdom, and make their fortunes in other Countries, as indeed they did; the younger in Italy, the elder in France, where they were Propatours of two great Families. Their mother was banished shortly after the battle of Evesham, a Lady of eminent note, as being the daughter and sister of a King; and yet of more note for her patient bearing of adversity, or rather for her making a benefit of adversity; for by this means she betook herself to the veil of piety, and died a Nun at Montarges in France. Three years after this, the disinherited Barons held out, till at length, conditions of render are propounded; but here the Council are divided in opinion: Mortimer and others stated in the possessions of the disinherited, are against restoration; alleging, it were injustice to take from them the rewards of their service. Gloucester, and the twelve ordained to deal for the peace of the State, are earnest for restoration; alleging, it were hard measure to grant them their lives, & not their livelihoods: but not prevailing, in great discontentment Gloucester retires from Court, sends messengers to warn the King to remove strangers from his counsel; and observe the Provisions at Oxford, as he promised at Evesham: otherwise that he should not marvel if himself did what he thought fit. Hereupon john de Warren, Earl of Surrey, and William de Valentia are sent to the Earl of Gloucester: who though they could not persuade him to submit to the King; yet thus much they got of him under his hand and seal, that he would never bear Arms against the King or his son Edward, but only defend himself, and pursue Roger Mortimer and his other enemies. And now a Parliament is convoked at Bury, wherein many demands are made by the King and the Legate, and all for money from the Clergy; but all denied, that nothing but denials are done in this Parliament. After this, the Legate employs Solicitours to persuade the disinherited Lords which held the I'll of Ely, to return to the faith and unity of the Church, and to the peace of the King, according to the form propounded at Coventry: to which the Lords make answer, that they never opposed the unity of the Church● but the avarice of Churchmen that were put in authority; and that they never opposed the King, but for the good of the kingdom: and then required that the Provisions of Oxford might be observed, and pledges be given them for their security. Hereupon the year after, the King prepares a mighty Army, and Prince Edward with bridges entering the I'll of Ely, shuts them up so, that he constrains them at last to yield; also the Earl of Gloucester coming to London with an Army, is by the Legate once again persuaded to render himself to the King, and upon forfeiture of twelve thousand Marks if ever he should raise any commotion again, is reconciled. Now remains Lewilin and the Welsh, to be chastened for aiding of Simon Montford; but the King going against them with an Army, they give him two and thirty thousand pounds Sterling, and so make their peace. And here was an end of the first wars between the Kings of England and their Barons. The next year after the Pope's Legate Ottobon signs with the Croysado both the King's sons, Edward and Edmund, the Earl of Gloucester, and divers Noble men induced to undertake the Holy war, by the solicitation of him and the King of France: who notwithstanding his former calamities endured in that action, would once again adventure it: and because Prince Edward wanted means to furnish himself out, the King of France lends him thirty thousand Marks upon a mortgage of Gascoigne. And now whilst this preparation is in hand, King Henry labours to establish the peace of the kingdom, and to reform the excesses which the war had bred; and the same year assembles his last Parliament at Marleborough, where the Statutes of that title were enacted. Near two years it seems to have been after the undertaking the Cross before Prince Edward set forth; but then taking his wife Eleanor with him, though young with child, he set forward; and in the voyage, when many of his people seemed desirous to leave him● and return home, he is said to have strucken his breast, and sworn; that if all his followers forsook him, he would yet enter Acon, or Ptolemais; though but only with his horsekeeper Fowin. Shortly after Richard King of the Romans died, and the year following King Henry. Of his Taxations, and ways for raising of money. NEver son was more like a Father in any thing, than King Henry was like his Father King john, in this point, for raising of money; for he trod directly in all his steps, if he added not something of his own. King john had great Subsidies granted him by Parliament, for any great action he undertook, so had King Henry. King john resumed the lands aliened from the Crown, so did King Henry. King john made benefit of the vacancy of Bishoprics and Abbeys, so did King Henry. K. john took great Fines of many for crimes not proved, but only supposed, so did King Henry. King john made benefit of a new Seal, so did King Henry. King john extorted great sums from the jews, so did King Henry. And one way more he had to get money, which perhaps his Father had not, and that was by begging, as he told the Abbot of Borough; It was more Alms to give money to him, then to the Beggar that went from door to door. Indeed Taxations in this King's Reign may be reckoned amongst his Annual Revenues, for scarce any year passed without a Parliament, and seldom any Parliament without a Tax; or if any sometimes without, it was then cause of the greater Taxation some other way; as when he took of the Londoners for having aided the Barons, twenty thousand Marks. Of his Laws and Ordinances. IN this King's Reign were ratified and confirmed the two great Charters of Magna Char●a, and Charta de Foresta: also in his time were enacted the Statutes called of Merton, of Oxford, and of Marleborough. Also stealing of cattle, which before was but Pecuniary, he made capital: and the first that suffered for the same, was one of Dunstable; who having stolen twelve Oxen from the Inhabitants of Colne, and being pursued to Redburne, was by a Bailiff of Saint Albon, according to the King's Proclamation, condemned and beheaded. And it may seem strange that in these times so much blood should be shed in the field, and none upon the scaffold; for till the twenty sixth year of this King, that one William Marisc, the son of Geoffrey Marisc, a Noble man of Ireland, being condemned for piracy and Treason, was hanged, beheaded, and quartered; there is no example of that kind of punishment to be found in our Histories. Particularly in this King's Reign was made that Statute, by which the Ward and marriage of the heirs of Barons within age, is given to the King. Also in this Kings Reign the Pleas of the Crown were pleaded in the Tower of London. All Wears in the Thames are in this King's time ordained to be plucked up and destroyed. Also the Citizens of London are allowed by Charter, to pass Toll-free through all England, and to have free Warren about London, also to have and use a common Seal. Also it was ordained that no Sheriff of London should continue in his office longer than one year, which they did before for many. In the five and twentieth year of this King were Aldermen first chosen within the City of London, which then had the rule of the City, and of the Wards of the same, and were then yearly changed, as now the Sheriffs are. It was in this King's time allowed to the City of London, to present their Major to the Barons of the Exchequer to be sworn, which before was to be presented to the King, wheresoever he were. In his time the clause No● obstante (brought in first by the Pope) was taken up by the King in his grants and writings. Also in this King's time, William Bishop of Salisbury, first caused that custom to be received for a Law, whereby the Tenants of every Lordship are bound to owe their suit to the Lords Court, of whom they hold their Tenements. Affairs of the Church in his time. Affairs of the Church for matter of Doctrine, were never more quiet than in this King's Reign; for now all Heresies accounted of the time, especially the Albigenses were in a manner suppressed by the Arms of the King of France, not without the Vote of the King of England, who forbore to make war upon him in tenderness to this service; but for matter of manners, they were never more turbulent: for now Abbeys were fleeced, Sanctuaries violated, Clergymen outraged, Bishops themselves not spared; and all for greediness of money, or for revenge. Ottobone the Pope's Legate here in England, lying at the Abbey of Oseney, there happened a difference between his servants and the Scholars of Oxford; in which contention, a brother of his was slain, and the● Legat himself fain to fly into the Steeple for safeguard of his life: whereupon afterward being gotten from thence by the King's safe conduct, he thundered out curses against the Scholars, and interdicted the University, so as the Colleges grew desolate, and the Students were dispersed abroad into other places, for the space of half a year: till the Monks of Oseney, and the Regent Masters of Oxford were fain to go barefoot and barehead through London, as far as Durham house, where the Legate lay; and there upon their humble submission, and great men's intercession, they were absolved, and the University restored to its former estate. But of this Ottobone, it may not be impertinent to relate a little further; that going afterward out of England, he came by degrees, after the death of Innocent the fifth, to be Pope of Rome himself, by the name of Adrian the fifth, and died within fifty days after his election. Amongst affairs of the Church, may be reckoned the Ulcers of any member of the Church: such a one as in this King's time broke out most loathsome; for one procuring five wounds to be made in his body, in resemblance to the five wounds in Christ's body, took upon him to be Christ, and had gotten a Woman, that took upon her to be the Virgin Mary; who continuing obstinate in their madness, were adjudged to be immured and shut up between two walls, to the end (no doubt) the contagion of their filthiness should spread no further. In this King's time, a little novelty was first brought in by Pope Innocent the fourth, who ordained that Cardinals should wear red Hats: something perhaps for mystery, and something for distictnion. Works of piety done by him, or by others in his time. THis King caused a chest of Gold to be made for laying up the Relics of King Edward the Confessor, in the Church of Westminster. He builded a Church for converted jews in London: also an Hospital at Oxford, for passengers and diseased persons: also the new Coventuall Church and the Chapel of our Lady at Westminster, whereof he laid himself the first stone: also the hou●e of Blackfriars in Canterbury. In his time, Ela Countess of Salisbury, founded the Abbey of Lacok in Wiltshire; Richard Earl of Cornwall, founded Hails a Monastery of Cistersian Monks near to Winchcomb in Glocestershire: Reginold de Moun, Earl of Somerset, and Lord of Dunster, founded the Abbey of Newham in Devonshire: Ranulph the third Earl of Chester, and Lord of little Britain, builded the Castles of Chartley, Bestone, and the Abbey of Dela Cress: Sir john Mansell the King's Chaplain, founded a house of Regular Canons near to Rumney in Kent: William de Albineto Earl of Arundel, founded the Priory of Wimondham: William Brunc, a Citizen of London, and Rosia his wife, founded the Hospital of our Lady without Bishopsgate in London: And Isabel Countess of Arundel, founded the Nunnery of Marran near to Linne. Friar's Minors first arrived at Dover, nine in number, whereof five remained at Canterbury, and there builded the first Covent of Friar's Minors that ever was in England: the other four came to London, who increasing in number, had a place assigned them in Saint Nicholas Shambles; which john Iwyn, Mercer of London, appropriated to the use of the said Friars, and became himself a Lay brother. Also in this King's time the new work of Saint Paul's Church in London was begun. If it were piety in the jew, who falling into a Privy upon a Saturday, would not be taken out that day, because it was the jews Sabbath: It was as much piety in the Earl of Gloucester, that would not suffer him to be taken out the next day, because it was the Christian Sabbath; and when the third day he was taken out dead, whose piety was the greater? A strange accident upon an act of piety, is related in this King's time; which if true, is a Miracle, if not true, is yet a Legend, and not unworthy to be read: that in a time of dearth, one man in a certain Parish, who allowed poor people to relieve themselves with taking Corn upon his ground, had at Harvest a plentiful crop; where others that denied them, had their Corn all blasted, and nothing worth. In this King's time also, Hugh Balsamus, Bishop of Ely, founded Saint Peter's College in Cambridge. Hubert de Burgh Earl of Kent, was buried in the Church of the Friar's Preachers in London, to which Church he gave his Palace at Westminster, which afterward the Archbishop of York bought, and made it his Inn; since commonly called York place, now White-Hall. Casualties happening in his time. AT one time there fell no Rain in England, from the first of March to the Assumption of our Lady; and at another time there fell so much Rain, that Holland and holderness in Lincolnshire were over-flowed and drowned. In the seventeenth year of his Reign, were seen five Suns at one time together; after which followed so great a Dearth, that people were constrained to eat horse flesh, and barks of Trees: and in London twenty thousand were starved for want of food. Also in his time the Church of Saint Mildred in Canterbury, and a great part of the City was burnt. Also the Town of Newcastle upon Tine was burnt, Bridge and all. And though it may seem no fit place to tell it, yet here or no where it must be told; that in this King's time there was sent by the King of France, the first Elephant that ever was seen in England. Of his Wife and Children. HE married Eleanor, the second of the five Daughters of Raymond Earl of Provence, who lived his Wife thirty seven years, his Widow nineteen, died a Nun at Aimesbury, and was buried in her Monastery. By her, he had six Sons, and three Daughters: of his Sons, the four youngest died young, and were buried, three of them at Westminster, and the fourth in the New Temple by Fleetstreet. His eldest Son Edward, surnamed Longshank, of his tall and slender body, succeeded him in the kingdom. His second Son Edmund, surnamed Crouchbacke, of bowing in his back, (as some say) but more likely of wearing the sign of the Cross, (anciently called a Crouch) upon his back, which was usually worn of such as had vowed voyages to Jerusalem, as he had done. He was invested Titular King of Sicily and Apulia, and created Earl of Lancaster; on whose person originally the great contention of Lancaster and York was Founded. He had two Wives, the first was Avelin. Daughter and Heir of William Earl of Albemarle, by whom he left no issue. The second was Queen Blanch, Daughter of Robert Earl of Artois, (Brother of Saint Lewis King of France) Widow of Henry of Champagne King of Navarre: by her he had issue three Sons, and one Daughter. His eldest Son Thomas, who after his Father was Earl of Lancaster, and having married Alice, Daughter and Heir of Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln, was beheaded at Pomfret without issue. His second son Henry Lord of Monmouth, who after his Brother's death was Earl of Lancaster, and Father of Henry the first Duke of Lancaster: his third Son john; who died unmarried. His Daughter Mary married to Henry Lord Percy, Mother of Henry the first Earl of Northumberland. This Edmund died at Bay in Gascoigne, in the year 1296. when he had lived fifty years, whose body half a year after his death was brought over into England and entombed at Westminster. Of King Henry's three Daughter, the eldest Margaret was married to Alexander the third, King of Scotland, by whom she had issue, two Sons, Alexander and David; who died both before their Father, without issue, and one Daughter Margar●t Queen of Norway, Wife of King Erike, and Mother of Margaret the Heir of Scotland and Norway, that died unmarried. The second Daughter of King Henry was Beatrice, borne at Bordeaux, married to john the first Duke of Britain, and had issue by him, Arthur Duke of Britain, john Earl of Richmont, Peter; and Blanch married to Philip Son of Robert Earl of Artois, Eleanor a Nun at Aimesbury, and Mary married to Guy Earl of S. Paul● she deceased in Britain, and was buried at London, in the Choir of the Grey Friars within Newgate. The third Daughter of King Henry, named Katherine, died young, and lies buried at Westminster, in the space between the Chapels of King Edward and Saint Benet. Of his Personage and Conditions. HE was of stature but mean, yet of a well compacted body, and very strong: one of his eyelids hanging down, and almost covering the black of his Eye: For his inward endowments, it may be said, he was wiser for a man, then for a Prince; for he knew better how to govern his life then his Subjects. He was rather Pious then Devout, as taking more pleasure in hearing Masses than Sermons, as he said to the King of France, He had rather see his Friend once, then hear from him often. His mind seemed not to stand firm upon its Basis, for every sudden accident put him into passion. He was neither constant in his love, nor in his hate; for he never had so great a Favourite whom he cast not into disgrace, nor so great an Enemy whom he received not into favour. An example of both which qualities was seen in his carriage towards Hubert de Burgh, who was for a time his greatest Favourite, yet cast out afterward in miserable disgrace, and then no man held in greater ha●red, yet received afterward into grace again. And it is memorable to hear with what crimes this Hubert was charged at his Arraignment; and specially one: That to dissuade a great Lady from marriage with the King, he had said, the King was a squint-eyed Fool, and a kind of Leper, deceitful, perjured, more faint-hearted than a Woman, and utterly unfit for any Noble Lady's company. For which, and other crimes laid to his charge in the King's Bench, where the King himself was present; he was adjudged to have his Lands confiscate, and to be deprived of his title of Earl; yet after all this, was restored to his estate again, and suffered to live in quiet. He was more desirous of money then of honour, for else he would never have sold his Right to the two great Dukedoms of Normandy and Anjou to the King of France for a Sum of money. Yet he was more desirous of honour then of quietness, for else he would never have contended so long with his Barons about their Charter of Liberty, which was upon the matter, but a point of Honour. His most eminent virtue, and that which made him the more eminent, as being rare in Princes, was his Continency; for there is nothing read, either of any ba●e children he had, or of any Concubine he kept. Of his Death and Burial. THough he had lived a troublesome life, yet he died a quiet death; for he had ●etled Peace in his kingdom, and in his Conscience. For being at Saint Edmundsbury, and finding himself not well at ease, he made the more haste to London; where calling before him his Lords, and specially Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester; he exhorted them to be true and faithful to his Son Prince Edward, who was at that time far from home, and therefore had the more need of their care, which consisted chiefly in their agreement one with another. And then, his sickness increasing, he yielded up his Soul to God, on the sixteenth day of November, in the year 1272. when he had lived threescore and five years, Reigned five and fifty, and was buried at Westminster, which he had newly Builded. Of Men of note in his time. OF Martial men famous in his time there were many, but three specially who obscured the rest: The first was William Marshal Earl of Pembroke, memorable for the great care he had of King Henry in his minority, and more memorable for the little care, that Destiny had of his Posterity; for leaving five Sons behind him, they all lived to be Earls successively, yet all died without issue: So as the great name and numerous Family of the Marshals came wholly to be extinct in that Generation. The second was Richard de Clare Earl of Gloucester, who in a Battle against Baldwyn de Gisnes, a valiant Fleming, employed by King Henry, himself alone encountered twelve of his Enemies, and having his Horse slain under him, he pitched one of them by the leg out of the saddle, and leapt into it himself, and continued the fight without giving ground, till his Army came to rescue him. An Act that may seem fitter to be placed amongst the Fictions of knights Errand, then in a true Narration. The third was Simon Montford, a man of so audacious a spirit, that he gave King Henry the lie to his face, and that in presence of all his Lords; and of whom it seems, the King stood in no small fear: for passing one time upon the Thames, and suddenly taken with a terrible storm of Thunder and Lightning, he commanded to be set ashore at the next Stairs, which happened to be at Durham House, where Montford then lay, who coming down to meet the King, and perceiving him somewhat frighted with the Thunder, said unto him, Your Majesty need not fear the Thunder, the danger is now past: No Montford (said the King) I fear not the Thunder so much as I do thee. Of men famous for Sanctity of life, there were likewise many in his time, but three more eminent than the rest, Edmund Archbishop of Canterbury, Richard Bishop of Chichester, and Thomas archdeacon of Hereford; All three either Canonised, or at least thought worthy to be Canonised for Saints. To these may be added Robert Grosshead Bishop of Lincoln, who Translated the Testaments of the twelve Patriarches, out of Greek into Latin; which through envy of the Jews never came to the knowledge of Saint Hierome, wherein are many Prophecies of our Saviour Christ. Of men famous for learning there were likewise many in his time; of whom, some left works behind them for testimonies of their knowledge in divers kinds, as Alexander Hales a Friar Minor, who wrote many Treatises in Divinity; Ralp● Coggeshall, who wrote the Appendix to the Chronicle of Ralph Niger; Randulph Earl of Chester, the third and last of that name, who compiled a Book of the Laws of England; Henry Bracton, who wrote the Book commonly called by his name, De Consuetudinibus Anglicanis: and besides these, Hugh Kirkestead, Richard of Ely, Peter Henham, john Gyles, and Nicholas Fernham, excellent Physicians; Richard surnamed Theologus, and Robert Bacon, two notable Divines; Stephen Langthon, Richard Fisaker, Simon Stokes, john of Kent, William Shirwood, Michael Blaunpaine, john Goddard, Vincent of Coventry, Albericke Veer, Richard Which, john Basin, Roger Waltham, William Seningham, and others. THE LIFE and REIGN OF KING EDWARD THE FIRST. Surnamed of WINCHESTER. Of his coming to the Crown, AS soon as King Henry was dead and buried, the great Lords of the Land caused his eldest Son Prince Edward to be proclaimed King: and assembling at the New Temple in London, they there took order for the quiet Governing of the kingdom, till he should come home. For at this time he was absent in the Holy Land; and had been there above a year when his Father died. But we cannot bring him home without telling what he did, and what he suffered in all that time, and in his return; for at his first coming thither, he rescued the great City of Acon, from being surrendered to the Sultan; after which, out of envy to his Valour, one Anzazim a desperate Saracen, who had often been employed to him from their General, being one time, upon pretence of some secret message, admitted alone into his Chamber, with a poisoned knife gave him three wounds in the Body, two in the Arm, and one near the arme-pit, which were thought to be mortal, and had perhaps been mortal, if out of unspeakable love, the Lady Eleanor his Wife had not sucked out the poison of his wounds with her mouth, and thereby effected a cure, which otherwise had been incurable: and it is no wonder, that love should do wonders, which is itself a wonder. And now being disappointed of Aides that were promised to be sent him, and leaving Garrisons in fit places for defence of the Country, he with his Wife Eleanor takes his journey homewards, and first passing by Sicily, was there most kindly received by Charles King of that Island, where he first heard of his Father's death; which he took more heavily far, than he had taken the death of his young Son Henry, whereof he had heard a little before; at which when King Charles marvailed, he answered, that other Sons might be had, but ●nother Father could never be had. From hence he passeth through Italy, where much honour is done him both by the Pope and other Princes; and then descends into Burgoigne, where by the Earl of Chalboun, a stout man at Arms, he is challenged at a Turneament, with a pretence to solemnize his presence, but with a purpose indeed to disgrace his person; and though Prince Edward in many respects might justly have refused it, yet the nobleness of his mind would not suffer him to pass by any occasion of showing his valour and in this 〈…〉 as he made it appear, that ●ame had been no 〈…〉 the report it ma●e of hi●. And here a great part of his English Nobility met 〈◊〉; from whence he passeth into France, where the King Philip his ●eare Cou●● (as being Sister Sons) entertains him with great solemnity: and graceth his solemnity with so much courtesy, that it won Prince Edward voluntarily to do him homage for the Territories he held in France; & this voluntariness in Prince Edward, won the King of France again to grant quietly unto him, all the Lands in France that belonged to him; and so these two great Kings by reciprocal courtesy effected that, which thei● Predecessors by force could never effect. From her 〈◊〉, passeth through A●uitaine, and having there taken homage of his Subjects, and set all things in order, he set Saile and arrived in England, above a year after the death of his Father: a long time for plotting of mischief, and a strong temptation to plotters of mischief; if all the causes of quietness had not concurred: but such was the worthiness of Prince Edward's person, and such the undoubtednesse of his Title, that as there could be no Competitour, so there would be no Oppugner● And indeed the Divine Providence had showed a special care over him from his Childhood! whereof one or two Examples will not be unfit to be related. One was this, that being yet but young, and playing one time at Chess with a Friend, in the midst of his game, without any apparent occasion, he removed himself from the place where he sat, when suddenly there fell from the roof of the house a great stone, which if he had stayed in the place but never so little had beaten out his brains. Another Example of the Divine Providence over him, (though it happened afterwards) was this: Having prepared a great Fleet of Ships for a journey into Flanders, and being at Winchelsey, where the Ships were to meet; it happened that riding about the Harbour, his Horse frighted with the noise of a Windmill, which the wind drove violently about, skrambled up and leapt over the Mudwall of the Town, so as neither the King nor the Horse was to be seen, but every one judged the King could not choose but be thrown and killed; yet such was the Divine Providence over him, that the Horse lighted upon his feet, and the King keeping the Saddle returned safe. And under the wing of this Divine Providence, he had now passed all the dangers of his tedious Journey; and being safely come to London, was on the fifteenth day of August in the year 1274. Crowned at Westminster, together with his Wife Queen Eleanor, by Robert Kilwarby Archbishop of Canterbury: where five hundred great Horses were let loose, for any that could take them; and yet the outward solemnity was not more great, than the inward joy was universal, every man rejoicing, not only at a change, which of itself is pleasing, but at a change so much for the better, as this was like to be. Of his Acts done after he was Crowned. THe Acts of this King after he was Crowned, may not unfitly be divided into five parts: His Acts with his Temporal Lords; His Acts with his Clergy; Then with Wales; Then his Acts with Scotland; And lastly with France. And first, concerning his Lords, he gave them good contentment in the beginning of his Reign, by enlarging their liberties, and granting them easier Laws, for which purpose he called a Parliament, wherein were made the Statutes called of Westminster the first, so as he had no difference with them, till toward the end of his Reign, as shall be showed hereafter. In the next place, concerning his Acts with his Clergy, he began with them betimes; for having lived to be of good age, three or four and thirty years old, in his Father's Reign, he observed in that time, that their power was too predominant, and therefore thought fit to clip their wings; at least to keep them from farther growing: which he did by these means: First, in the sixth year of his Reign, he deprived many chief Monasteries of their Liberties, and took from the Abbot and Covent of Westminster, the Return of Writs granted them by the Charter of his Father, King Henry the third. The next year after he got to be enacted the Statute of Mortmain, to hinder the increase of their Temporal Possessions. In the second Statute of Westminster, he defalked the Jurisdiction of Ecclesiastical Judges; and growing more upon them, he required the moiety of all their Goods, as well Temporal as Spiritual, for one year. Then calls he a Parliament of his Nobles at Salisbury, without admission of any Churchmen in it: And it is worth the noting, that Marchian his Treasurer, acquainting him that in Churches and Religious houses, there was much treasure to be had, if it might be taken; he made no scruple of it, but caused it to be taken and brought into his Exchequer. But finding his Prelates not well contented with it, to please them again, he bids them ask something of him, wherein they should see how much he favoured them. And they ask of him to repeal the Statute of Mortmain, that had been made so much to their hindrance; He answered, that this was a Statute made by the whole body of the Realm, and therefore was not in his power, who was but one Member of that Body, to undo that which all the Members together had done; and perhaps whatsoever they should have asked else, he would have had an answer to redeem his Offer. And thus much concerning his Clergy. In the next place are the Welsh, who had themselves begun with the King: For their Prince Leolyn being summoned to attend at his Coronation, refused to come; and afterward at more leisure, being required to come and do his Homage, he stood upon terms of safe conduct, pretending doubt to be used, as his Father Gryffin had been; who upon hard usage in the Tower, seeking to make escape, fell from the Walls and broke his neck. But indeed it was always a Custom with this Nation, at every change of Princes in England, to try conclusions, hoping at one time or other to have a day of it, and to change their yoke of bondage into liberty; for which they were never better Provided then now; especially (which is the greatest matter in War) having a Valiant Prince to be their Leader. But there happened an accident which took off their edge at this time: For the Lady Eleanor, a Daughter of the late Earl Simon Montford, whom Prince Leolyn extremely loved, being passing out of France into Wales, was by the way upon the Sea taken by English ships, and brought to King Edward, and for the love of her, Prince Leolyn was content to submit himself to any conditions: which besides subjection of his State, was to pay fifty thousand pounds Sterling, and a thousand pounds per annum during his life; and upon these conditions the marriage with his beloved Lady was granted him, and was solemnised here in England, whereat the King and Queen were themselves present. Three years Leolyn continued loyal, and within bounds of obedience, in which time David, one of his Brothers, staying here in England, and found by the King to be of a stirring Spirit, was much honoured by him; Knighted, and matched to a rich Widow, Daughter of the Earl of Derby, and had given him by the King besides, the Castle of Denbigh, with a thousand pounds per annum: though (as it was afterwards found) he lived here but in the nature of a spy: For when Prince Leolyns Lady was afterward dead, and that he (contrary to his Conditions formerly made) broke out into rebellion, then goes his Brother David to him, notwithstanding all these Favours of the King: and they together enter the English Borders: Surprise the Castles of Flynt and Rutland, with the person of the Lord Clifford, sent Justiciar into those parts: and in a great Battle overthrew the Earls of Northumberland and Surrey, with the slaughter of Sir William Lyndsey, Sir Richard Tanny, and many others. King Edward advertised of this Revolt and overthrow, being then at the Vyzes in Wiltshire, prepares an Army to repress it; but before his setting forth, goes privately to his Mother Queen Eleanor, lying at the Nunnery of Aimesbury, with whom whilst he conferred, there was one brought into the Chamber, who feigned himself (being blind) to have received his sight at the Tomb of King Henry the third: Assoon as the King saw the man, he remembered he had seen him before, and knew him to be a most notorious lying Villain, and wished his Mother in no case to believe him: but his mother, who much rejoiced to hear of this Miracle, for the glory of her husband, finding her son unwilling that his Father should be a Saint, grew suddenly into such a rage against him, that she commanded him to avoid her Chamber: which the King obeys; and going forth, meets with a Clergy man, to whom he tells the story of this Impostor, and merrily said; He knew the justice of his Father to be such, that he would rather pull out the eyes (being whole) of such a wicked wretch, then restore them to their sight. In this mean time the Archbishop of Canterbury had gone of himself to Prince Leolin, and had laboured to bring him and his brother David to a re-submission, but could effect nothing; for besides other reasons that swayed Prince Leolin, the conceit of a Prophecy of Merlin, that he should shortly be Crowned with the Diadem of Brute, so overweighed him, that he had no care for peace, and shortly after no head: for after the Earl of Pembroke had taken Bear Castle, which was the seat of Prince Leolin, he was himself slain in battle; and his head cut off by a common Soldier, was sent to King Edw. who caused the same to be Crowned with Ivy, and to be set upon the Tower of London; And this was the end of Leolin, the last of the Welsh Princes, betrayed (as some write) by the men of Buelth. Not long after his brother David also is taken in Wales, and judged in England to an ignominious death: First, drawn at a horse tail about the City of Shrewsbury, then beheaded, the trunk of his body divided, his heart and bowels burnt, his head sent to accompany his brothers on the Tower of London, his four quarters to four Cities, Bristol, North●●pton, York, and Winchester: A manifold execution, and the first showed in that kind to this kingdom, in the person of the son of a Prince, or any other Noble man that we read of in our History. It is perhaps something which some here observe, that at the sealing of this conquest, King Edward lost his eldest son Alphonsus, of the age of twelve years, (a Prince of great hope) and had only left to succeed him, his son Edward lately borne at Carnarvan, and the first of the English, entitled Prince of Wales, but no Prince worthy of either Wales or England. And thus came Wales to be united to the Crown of England, in the eleventh year of this King Edward's Reign; who thereupon established the government thereof, according to the Laws of England, as may be seen by the Statute of Rutland, in the twelfth year of his Reign. The work of Wales being settled, King Edward passeth over into France, upon notice of the death of Philip the Hardy, to renew and confirm such conditions as his state in those parts required, with the new King Philip the fourth, entitled the Fair; to whom he doth homage for Aquitaine, having before quitted his claim to Normandy for ever. After three years and a half being away in France, he returns into England; and now in the next place comes the business with Scotland, and will hold him wo●ke at times as long as he lives, and his son after him. Alexander the third, King of Scots, as he was running his horse, fell horse and man to the ground, and broke his neck, and died immediately● by reason whereof (he leaving no issue, but only a daughter of his daughter Margaret, who died also soon after) there fell out presently great contention about succession. Ten Competitors pretend title, namely, Erick King of Norway, Florence Earl of Holland, Robert Bruce Earl of Anandale, john de Baylioll Lord of Galloway, john de Hastings Lord of Abergeveny, john Cummin Lord of Badenaw, Patrick de Dunbarre Earl of March, john de Vescie, Nicholas de Sul●s, William de Rosse; all or most of them descending from David Earl of Huntingdon, younger brother to William King of Scots, and great Uncle to the late King Alexander. This title King Edward takes upon him to decide, pretending a Right of Superiority from his Ancestors over that kingdom and proving it by authority of old Chronicles, as Marianus Scotus, William of Malmsbury, Roger de Hoveden, Henry of Huntingdon, Ralph de Luceto, and others; which though the Scottish Lords who swayed the Interregnum opposed, yet are they constrained for avoiding of further inconveniences, to make him Arbiter thereof, and the ten Competitors bound to stand to his award. Two are especially found, between whom the ●ight lay, john de Baylioll Lord of Galloway, and Robert Br●ce; the one descending from an elder daughter, the other from a son of a younger daughter of Alan, who had married the eldest daughter of this David brother to King William. The controversy held long, twelve of either kingdom learned in the Laws, are elected to debate the same at Berwick; all the best Civilians in the Universities of France are solicited to give their opinions; all which brought forth rather doubts then resolutions: whereupon King Edward the better to sway this business by his presence, takes a journey Northward; where being come as far as Lincolnshire, he lost his beloved wife Queen Eleanor: and thereupon going back to see her Funeral performed at Westminster: that done, he returns presently to his Scottish business. And now six years were passed since the death of King Alexander, and yet nothing concluded in this controversy; whereupon King Edward deals privately with Bruce, (who had the weaker Title, but the more friends) and promiseth him, if he would swear fealty and homage to the Crown of England, he would Invest him in that of Scotland. But Bruce answers, he was not so desirous to rule, as thereby to infringe the liberties of his Country. Whereupon with the like offer he sets upon Baylioll, who having better right, but less love of the people, and more greedy of a kingdom then honour, accepts the condition; and thereupon is Crowned King at Scone, hath fealty done him by all the chief Nobility, except Bruce: comes to Newcastle upon Tyne, where King Edward then lay; and there, with many of his Nobles, swears fealty, and doth homage to him, as his Sovereign Lord. Which act done to secure him, overthrew him: for being little beloved before, hereby he became less: such as stood for Bruce, and others of the Nobility (tender of the preservation of their Country's liberty) took stomach against him; and not only for this, but shortly after for his injustice in the case of the Earl of Fife, one of the six Governors in the time on the Interregnum, who had been slain by the Family of Alberneth; the brother of which Earl prosecuting Law before King Baylioll, in his high Court of Parliament, and having no right done him (King Baylioll giving judgement of the side of the Alberneths) he appeals to the Court of the King of England: whereupon King Baylioll is summoned, appears, sits with King Edward in his Parliament till his cause was to be heard, and then is cited by an Officer to arise, and to stand in the place appointed for pleading; then he craves to answer by a procurator, but is denied, and thereupon descends to the ordinary place, and defends his cause himself: which indignity (as he took it) so incenseth him, that he returns home with a breastfull charged with indignation; meditates revenge, renews the ancient league with France, confirms it with marriage of his son Edward, to a daughter of Charles brother to King Philip, glad in regard of late offences taken against the King of England, to embrace the same; which done, Baylioll defies King Edward, renounceth his Allegiance, as unlawfully done, being not in his power, without consent of the State, to do any such Act. Hereupon broke out that mortal dissension between the two Nations, which consumed more Christian blood, and continued longer than ever quarrel we read of did, between any two people in the world. For he that began it, could not end it, but it lasted almost three hundred years, and was never throughly abolished, till the late blessed union wrought by him in whom Wisdom and Virtue, Right and Power concurred all to make it firm. And now the fatal Chair in which the Kings of Scotland used to be Inaugurated, seems to recover its secret operation, according to ancient Prophecy: that whither soever that Chair should be removed, the kingdom should be removed with it; and this Chair King Edward caused to be brought out of Scotland to Westminster, and to be placed there amongst the Monuments, where it still continues. But now King Baylioll being summoned to appear at Newcastle, and refusing to come; King Edward enters Scotland with an Army, consisting of four thousand horse, and thirty thousand foot, besides five hundred horse, and one thousand foot of the Bishop of Durham. Berwicke is first won, with the slaughter of fifteen thousand Scots; (our Writers say more) and after that, the Castles of Dunbarre, Roxborough, Edinbough, Sterli●g, and Saint john's Town; and now King Balliol sues for Peace, submits himself, takes again his Oath of Fealty to King Edward, as his Sovereign Lord: which done, a Parliament for Scotland is held at Berwicke, where the Nobility likewise did Homage to him, confirming the same by their Charter, under their hands and seals: only William Douglas refuseth; content rather to endure the misery of a Prison, then yield to the subjection of the King of England. But King Baylioll, notwithstanding his submission, is sent prisoner into England after his four years' Reign in Scotland; and King Edward returns home, leaving john Warren Earl of Sussex and Surrey, Warden of all Scotland; Hugh Cressingham Treasurer, and Ormesloy Chief Justice, with Commission to take in his name, the Homages and Fealties of all such as held Lands of that Crown. But this continued not long, for King Edward being absent in France, the Scots fell upon the Officers he had left; slew Sir Hugh Cressingham with six thousand English, recovered many Castles, and regained the town of Berwick, and all by the animation and conduct of one William waleys, a poor private Gentleman, (though Nobly descended) who seeing his Country without a Head, and thereby without a Heart (all the great men, either in captivity or subjections assembles certain of as poor and desperate estate as himself, and leads them to attempt upon whatsoever advantages they could find to annoy the English, and having therein good success, it so increased both his courage and company, that he afterward came to be the general Guardian of the whole kingdom; and was in possibility to have absolutely redeemed his Country from the subjection of the English, if the speedy coming of King Edward had not prevented him. For now King Edward, to bring his work near together, removeth his Exchequer and Courts of Justice to York, where they continued above six years; and thither he calls a Parliament, requiring all his subjects that held of him by knight's service, to be ready at Roxborough by a peremptory day: where there assemble three thousand men at Arms on barded horses, and four thousand other armed men on horse without bards, with an Army of foot answerable, consisting most of Welsh and Irish, besides five hundred men at Arms out of Gascoigne; and with this power he makes his second expedition into Scotland: the Earls of Hereford and Norfolk, with the Earl of Lincoln, led his Vanguard at the famous battle of Fonkirke, where the shouts of the Scots were so great, that King Edward's horse frighted withal, cast him off, and broke two of his ribs; which notwithstanding he gets up again, goes on, and gets the victory; wherein are reported to be slain two hundred knights, and forty thousand foot of the Scots: but William waleys with some few, escaped to make more work. And here again that kingdom might seem as if quite overthrown. Most of the estates of the Earls and Barons of Scotland (with their titles) that had stood out, were bestowed on the English; and a Parliament is called at Saint Andrew's, where all the great men of that kingdom, except only waleys, once again swear Fealty to the King of England. It seems swearing of Fealty was with the Scots but a Ceremony without substance, as good as nothing: for this is now the third time they swore Fealty to King Edward; yet all did not serve to make them loyal: for not long after, comes the news of a new King made and Crowned in Scotland: Robert Bruce Earl of Carrick, son to that Bruce who was competitour with Baylioll, escaping out of England, becomes Head to the confused Body of that kingdom: and perceiving john Cummyn (who had a title himself) to go about to bewray his intentions to King Edward; he finding him at Dunfrayes, sets upon him, and murders him in the Church. Whereof as soon as King Edward heard, he sends Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke, and the Lords Clifford and Percy, with a strong power to revenge the death of Cummyn, and to relieve his Wardens of Scotland; who upon Bruces revolt, were all retired to Berwicke, whilst himself prepares an Army to follow: wherein to be the more nobly attended, he caused Proclamation to be made, that whosoever ought by their Paternal succession, or otherwise had means of their own for service, should repair to Westminster, at the Feast of Pentecost, to receive the Order of knighthood, and a Military Ornament out of the King's Wardrobe. Hereupon three hundred young Gentlemen, all the sons of Earls, Barons, and knights, assemble at the day appointed, and receive Purples, silks, Sindons, Scarves, wrought with Gold or Silver, according to every man's Estate. For which train (because the King's House was too little, by reason a part of it had been lately burnt) room is made, and the Appletrees cut down at the new Temple for their Tents, where they attire themselves, and keep their vigil. The Prince (whom the King then likewise knighted, and gave him the Duchy of Aquitaine, kept his vigil with his Train at Westminster, and the next day girds these three hundred knights, with the Military Belt, in such manner as he himself had received it. Which done, the King before them all makes a Vow, that alive or dead, he would revenge the death of Cummyn upon Bruce, and the perjured Scots: Adjuring his Son and all the Nobles about him, upon their Fealty, that if he died in this Journey, they should carry his Corpse with them about Scotland, and not suffer it to be interred, till they had vanquished the Usurper, and absolutely brought the Country to Subjection. The Prince and all the Nobles promise upon their Faith, to employ their uttermost power to perform his Vow: and herewithal he sets forth with a potent Army, presently after Whitsuntide, and makes his last Expedition into Scotland, in the four and thirtieth year of his Reign. The Earl of Pembroke, with that power sent before, and aid of the Scottish party, had before the King arrived in Scotland, defeated in a battle near Saint john's Town, the whole Army of the new King, and narrowly miss the taking of his Person, but he escaping in disguise, and sheltering himself in obscure places, was reserved for greater Battles, his Brothers Nigell, Bruce, and shortly after, Thomas and Alexander a Priest, were taken and Executed after the manner of Traitors at Berwicke. And now King Edward had done for Fight, all was now for Executions, and indeed his desire of Revenge made him inexorable, and vow to spare none of what degree soever. The Earl of Athol, (though of Royal blood, and allied unto him) was sent to London, where all his preferment was, to have a higher pair of Gallows than the rest. The Wife of Robert Bruce, taken by the Lord Rosse, is sent Prisoner to London, and his Daughter to a Monastery in Lindsey. The Countess of Boughan, who had been aiding at Bruces Coronation, is put into a wooden Cage, and hung out upon the walls of Berwicke for people to gaze on. But though Bruces party was thus dejected, and himself at this time appeared not, but shifted privily from place to place, in a distressed manner, (attended only with two Noble Gentlemen, who nearer forsook him in his misfortunes, the Earl of Lenox and Gilbert Hay) yet gives he not over, but gathers new Forces, with which he suddenly assails the Earl of Pembroke at unawares, gives him a great defeat, and within three days after chaseth the Earl of Gloucester into the Castle of Air, where he besieged him, till by the King's Forces he was driven again to his former retire. Whereupon King Edward, who had spent his Winter at Carlisle, in july following with a fresh Army enters Scotland himself, but falling into a Dysentery or Bloody-flix, at Borough upon the Sands he ended his life: and thus ended King Edward's troubles with Scotland, but not England's troubles, which are more to come, than yet are past. But though this business of Scotland never left King Edward till his dying day, yet it had been upon him but as an Ague, sometimes putting him into violent heats, and sometimes leaving him in a quiet temper, with such a vicissitude, that when he had quietness with Scotland, he had troubles with France, whereof the time is now to speak. It is well known, that Philip King of France, Father of the present King, and Edward King of England were near Cousins, the Sons of two Sisters; and it hath been showed before at King Edward's returning from the Holy Land, and passing through France, what extraordinary kindness and mutual courtesy passed between them, that one would have thought neither they no● theirs should ever have fall'n out: and perhaps never should, if they had been private men, and not Princes. For private men may easily continue Friends, as having none to consider but themselves; but Princes hardly, as having besides themselves, their Subjects to consider. And though they be the Subjects oftentimes that make the Quarrel, yet they are the Princes that must maintain it. And besides, between Princes there can never be but jealousies, and where jealousies are, every trifle makes a quarrel. And this was the case of these two Kings, certain of the King of England's Subjects, had upon the Coast of Normandy done spoil to some Subjects of the King of France: and this difference of the Subjects made a difference between the Kings, while each of them standing in defence of his own, fall out themselves; and for a beginning the King of France summons King Edward, as owing homage to that Crown, to appear and answer it in his Court. And King Edward, though voluntarily before he had done it in a way of Courtesy, yet being now impetiously commanded, he refuseth it: upon which refusal, all his Territories in France are condemned to be forfeited, and an Army is presently sent to seize upon the same, led by Charles de Valois, and Arnold de Needle, Constable of France. Bordeaux; with divers other Pieces of importance, are taken from him. And now King Edward well knowing what danger it was to have so powerful an Adversary; endeavours first to strengthen himself with Friends abroad, seeks to match his Son Edward with a Daughter of Guy Earl of Flanders: Marries one of his Daughters to the D●ke of Barr●, who pretended Title to Champagne; another to john Duke of Bra●ant; sends fifteen thousand pounds Sterling to Adolph de Nassaw the Emperor, for recovery of certain Lands which he claimed in France; and with all these and many other confining Princes, he sets upon the King of France, and then sends over his Brother Edmund Earl of Lancaster, the Earls of Lincoln and Richmond, with eight and twenty Banners, seven hundred men at Arms, and a Navy of three hundred and sixty Sail. In the mean time the King of France, having had intelligence of the intended alliance between King Edward, and Guy Earl of Flanders, sends for the said Earl (as if knowing nothing thereof) to come with his Wi●e and Daughter to make merry with him at Paris: where instead of Feasting him, he makes him Prisoner, and takes from him his Daughter, in regard he sought (being his Vassal) to match her with his capital Enemy. The Earl excuseth it the best he could, and by much mediation is released himself, but not his Daughter; whereupon the Earl, presuming upon aid from King Edward, taketh Arms, and defies the King of France; who thereupon comes with an Army of sixty thousand against him: which caused King Edward, with all speed possible to relieve this distressed Earl; and so leaving the Government of the kingdom in his absence, to the Bishop of London, the Earl of Warwick, and the Lords Reynold, Grey, and Clifford; with five hundred Sail, and eighteen thousand men at Arms, he passeth over into France, but finding the Country distracted into many popular Factions, and the King of France daily getting upon them, (having already won Lisle, Douai, Courtray, Burges and Dametas) and the Emperor Adolph failing to send him aid as he had promised, he fell into great perplexity: and having stayed the whole Winter at Gaunt, where by reason of many outrages committed by his Soldiers, he was so affronted by the Gauntois, that his own person was not without some danger; He thereupon in the Spring of the year, concludes a Truce with the King of France for two years, takes his sister Margaret to Wife, and affianceth the Daughter of the same King to his Son Prince Edward, and so returns into England: And these were all the troubles King Edward had with France. But now must something be spoken of troubles with his Lords at home, whereof this was the beginning: In a Parliament at Salisbury, the five and twentieth year of his Reign, the King requires certain of his Lords to go to the Wars in Gascoigne; which needed a present supply by reason of the death of his Brother Edmund: but the Lords make all their excuses, every man for himself: Whereupon the King in great rage threatened, they should either go, or he would give their Lands to others that should. Upon this Humfrey Bohun Earl of Hereford, High Constable, and Roger Bigod Earl of Norfolk, Martial of England, make their Declaration, that if the King went in Per●on they would attend him; otherwise not. Which answer offended the King more, and being urged again, the Earl Martial protested he would willingly go thither with the King, and march before him in the Vanguard, as by right of inheritance he ought to do; But the King told him plainly, he should go with any other, though he we●● not himself in Person● I am not so bound (saith the Earl) neither will I take t●●t journey without you. The King swore by God, Sir Earl, you shall either go or h●●●● And I swear by the same Oath (said the Earl) I will neither go no● hang● and so without leave departs. Shortly after the two Earls assemble many Noble men, and other their Friends, to the number of thirty Bannere●s, so as they were fifteen hundred men at Arms, well appointed, and stood upon their Gu●●d● The King like a prudent Prince, who knew his times, prosecutes them not as then, b●● lets the matter pass, in regard that his business called him presently into Flanders; when being ready to take ship, the Archbishops, Bishops, Earls, Barons, and the Commons send him a Roll of the Grievances of his Subjects, concerning his Taxes, Subsidies, and other Impositions, with his seeking to force their services by unlawful courses: to which the King sends answer, that he could not a●t●r any thing without the advice of his Council, who were not now about him, and therefore required them, seeing they would not attend him in his Journey, (which they absolutely refused to do, though he went in Person, unless he had gone into France or Scotland) that they would yet do nothing in his absence, prejudicial to the peace of the kingdom; and that at his return, he would set all things in good order to their contentment. But having taken his Journey, and being held there with long delays, to his exceeding great expenses, he was forced to send over for more supply of Treasure; and thereupon gave order for a Parliament to be held at York by the Prince, and (because of his Minority, for he was then but sixteen years of age) by such as had the manage of the kingdom in his absence: and to the end he would not be disappointed of aid, he condescends to all such Articles as were demanded, concerning the great Charter: Promising from thenceforth never to charge his Subjects otherwise then by their consents in Parliament, and to pardon all such as had denied to attend him in this Journey. After this, in the 27. year of his Reign, a Parliament is called at Westminster, wherein the promised Confirmation of the two Charters, and the allowance of what disafforestation had heretofore been made, was earnestly urged, and in the end with much ado Granted; and that with omission of the Clause, Salva jure Coronae nostr●: which the King laboured to have inserted, but the people by no means would agree, and the perambulation of the Forests of England was then committed to three Bishops, three Earls, and three Barons. But some years after, in the two and thirtieth year of his Reign, King Edward begun to show his resentment of the stubborn behaviour of his Nobles towards him in times past; and so terrifies Roger Bigod, Earl Martial, that to recover his favour the Earl made him his Heirs in Possession; (though he had a Brother of his own living) reserving only to himself a thousand pounds per annum, during his life. Of others likewise he go● great sums for the same offence; The Earl of Hereford escaped his fine by death. But the Archbishop of Canterbury, (whom he accused to have disturbed his Peace in his absence) he sends over to Pope Clement the fifth, (who succeeded Bonifac●) that he might be crushed with a double power. This Pope was Native of Bordeaux, and ●o the more regardful of the King's desire; and the King● the more confident of his favour; which to entertain and increase, King Edward sends him a whole furnish of all vessels for his Chamber of clean Gold: which great gift so wrought with the Pope, that he untied the King from the Covenant made with his Subjects concerning their Charters, confirmed unto them by his last three Acts of Parliament, and absolved him from his Oath: A safe time for Princes, when they mighttye themselves in any obligation to their Subjects, and afterward for a bribe to the Pope be untied again. His Taxations, and ways for raising of money. IF Taxations may suffer degrees of comparison, it may not unfitly be said of these three last Kings, that King john was in the Positive; his Son Henry the third in the Comparative: and this King Edward in the Superlative. For not only he far escape th● two former, but he hath left a spell to all that come after, for ever coming near him: but then under the name of Taxations, we must include the ways he took for raising of profit. But first in the way of Parliament. In the first year of his Reign, was granted him a tenth of the Clergy for two years, besides a fifteenth of them and the Temporalty. In his fifth year, a twentieth of their goods towards the Welsh wars. In his seventh, the old money was called in, and new coined, in regard it had been much defaced by the jews; for which 297. were at one time executed in London: and this brought in profit of no small value. In his eleventh year, he had a thirtieth of the Temporalty, and a twentieth of the Clergy, for his wars in Wales. In the thirteenth, Escuage, forty shillings of every knights Fee. In his foureteenth year, he had a thousand Marks of certain Merchants Fined for false weights. In his nineteenth, the eleventh part of all movables of the Clergy, and shortly after a tenth for six years. In his twentieth, William Marchyan then Lord Treasurer of England, perceiving great riches to be in Churches and religious houses, put it so into the King's head, that they were all brought into the King's Treasury. In the eighth year of his Reign, he sent ou● his Writ Quo Warrant●, to examine by what title men held their lands; which brought him in much money, till john Earl of Warren, being called to show his title, drew out an old rusty Sword, and then said, He held his land by that, and by that would hold it to death; which though it made the King desist from his Project, yet he obtained at that time a fifteenth part of the Clergy. In his seventeenth year he Fined all his Judges for corruption: Sir Ralph Higham Chief Justice of the higher Bench, in seven thousand Marks: Sir john Loveton Justice of the lower Bench, in three thousand Marks: Sir William Brompton, in six thousand Marks: Sir S●l●mon Rochester, in four thousand Marks: Sir Richard Boyland, in four thousand: Sir Walter Hopton, in two thousand: Sir William Saham, in three thousand: Robert Lithbury Master of the Rolls, in one thousand: Roger Leycester, in one thousand: He●●y Bray Escheatour, and Judge for the jews, in one thousand: but Sir Adam Stratt●● chief Baron of the Exchequer, in four and thirty thousand: and Thomas Wayland (found the greatest Delinquent, and of the greatest substance) had all his goods, and whole estate confiscated to the King; and himself banished out of the kingdom. In his eighteenth year he banished the jews; of whom there was at that time above fifteen thousand in the kingdom, who had but all their goods confiscated leaving them only means to bear their charges in going away. In his four and twentieth year, he commanded a new Subsidy to be levied upon all sarplers of Wool going out of England: as likewise with Fels and Hides. In his five and twentieth year, he calls a Parliament at Saint Edmundsbery, where is granted the eighth part of the goods of good Towns, and of other people the twelfth. As for the Clergy, they desire to be excused, and refuse to contribute, in regard of their many late payments; as in the two and twentieth year of his Reign, they paid the mo●ty of their goods: and in his three and twentieth year, he seized into his hands, all Priories aliens and their goods: besides he had a loan of the Clergy, which amounted to an hundred thousand pounds: but notwithstanding upon this refusal of the Clergy, the King puts all Clergy men out of his protection, whereby they were to have no Justice in any of his Courts; (a strain of State beyond any of his Predecessors) which so amazed them, that in the end, the Archbishop of York, with the Bishops of Durham, Ely, Salisbury, and Lincoln, yielded to lay down in their Churches, the fifth part of all their goods towards the maintenance of the King's wars; whereby they appeased his wrath, and wer● received into grace. But the Archbishop of Canterbury, by whose animation the rest stood out, had all his goods seized on, and all the Monasteries within his Diocese, taken into the King's hands, and Wardens appointed to minister only necessaries to the Monks, conve●ting the rest to the King's use: at length by much suit, and Abbots and Priests, giving the fourth part of their goods, redeem themselves, and the King's favour. In the six and twentieth year of his Reign, at a Parliament holden at York, is granted him the ninth penny of the goods of the Temporalty: the tenth penny of the Clergy of the Diocese of Canterbury, and of York the fifth: and in this year also he raised the Imposition upon every sack of Wool, from a noble to forty shillings. In his two and thirtieth year he sends out a new Writ of Inquisition, called Traile-baston, for intruders on other men's lands; who to oppress the right owner, would make over their land to great men; for Batterers hired to beat men, for breakers of Peace, for Ravishers, Incendiaries, Murderers, Fighters, false Assisours, and other such Malefactors: which Inquisition was so strictly executed, and such Fines taken, that it brought in exceeding much treasure to the King. As likewise did another Commission at the same time, sent forth to examine the behaviour of Officers, and Ministers of Justice; wherein many were found Delinquents, and paid dearly for it. At this time also he called his Lords to account for their stubbornness some years before, in denying to attend him into Flanders; which brought him in profit answerable to their greatness that were called. After all this, in his four and thirtieth year, there is granted him the thirtieth penny of both Clergy and Laity, and the twentieth of all Merchants towards his journey into Scotland. And this may be sufficient to show his Taxations to have been in the Superlative degree. And yet besides these, he had no small benefit by Silver Mines, which in his time were found in Devonshire. Of his Laws and Ordinances. IN the first year of his Rain were made the Statutes called of Westminster the first. In his twelfth year were made the Statutes of Acton Burnell. In the foureteenth year of his Reign were made the Statutes called Additamenta Glocestriae. He ordained such men to be Sheriffs in every County, as were of the same County where they were to be Sheriffs. He ordained that jews should wear a Cognisance upon their upper Garment whereby to be known, and restrained their excessive taking of Usury. In his time was also Enacted the Statute of Mortmain. In his twelfth year, in the Quindenes of Saint Michael, the Justice's Itinerants began to go their general Circuits. In his time new pieces of money were coined, and half pence of Silver came to be in use, which were before of base metal. In his time, three men for rescuing a prisoner, arrested by an Officer, had their right hands cut off by the wrists. In his time all jews were banished out of the Realm. This King by Proclamation prohibited the burning of Sea-coal in London and the Suburbs, for avoiding the noisome smoke. In his eleventh year the Bakers of London were first drawn upon Hurdles, by Henry Waleys Major; and Corn was then first sold by weight. In this King's time the title of Baron which had before been promiscuous to men of estate, was first confined to such only as by the King were called to have voice in Parliament. Affairs of the Church in his time. IN his time, at a Synod holden at Reading by the Archbishop of C●nterbury, it was ordained according to the Constitutions of the General Council, that no Ecclesiastical person should have more than one Benefice, to which belonged the Cure of souls: and that every person promoted to any Ecclesiastical Living, should take the Order of Priesthood within one year after. In his time lived and died Pope Boniface the 8. of whom his Predecessor had Prophesied: ascends ut Vulpes, Regnabis ut Leo, Morieris ut Canis. Works of Piety done by him, or by others in his time. THis King Founded the Abbey of the Vale Royal in Cheshire, of the Cisteaux Order. In his time john Baylioll King of Scots, builded Baylioll College in Oxford: also in his time, Walter Marton Lord Chancellor of England, and after Bishop of Rochester, Founded Marton College in Oxford, who was drowned passing over the water at Rochester, being at that time no Bridge there, as now there is. In his time was finished the new work of the Church of Westminster, which had b●ene threescore and six years in building. In his time was laid the Foundation of the Blackfriars besides Ludgate, and of Baynard's Castle: also in his time, his second wife Queen Margaret began to build the Choir of the Gray-Friers in London. In his time was begun to be made the great Conduit in London, standing against the Church called Acres in Cheap. In his time Henry waleys, Major of London, caused the Ton upon Cornhill, to be a Prison for nightwalkers: and also builded a house called the Stocks, for a Market of fish and flesh, in the midst of the City. In this King's time, Edmund Earl of Leycester, the King's brother, Founded the Minories, a Nunnery without Aldgate. This King builded the Castle of Flint in Wales, and the Castle of Beaumaris in the I'll of Anglesey, and the Castle of Carnarvan by Snowdon. Also in this King's time, john Peckham Archbishop of Canterbury, Founded a College of Canons at Wingham in Kent. Casualties happening in his time. IN the second year of this King's Reign, there happened the greatest rot of Sheep in England that ever was known, which continued five and twenty years; and came (as was thought) by one infected Sheep of incredible greatness, brought out of Spain by a French Merchant into Northumberland. In the fifteenth year of this King's Reign, Wheat was sold for ten Groats a Quarter; where the next year after there was so great a Dearth, that it was sold for eighteen pence the Bushel. In the seventeenth year of his Reign, there fell so much rain, that Wheat was raised from three pence the Bushel, to sixteen pence; and so increased yearly, till at last it was sold for twenty shillings the Quarter. And this year the City of Carlisle, and the Abbey with all the houses belonging to the Friar's Minors, was consumed with fire. In his one and twentieth year, a great part of the Town of Cambridge, with the Church of our Lady, was also burnt. In the seven and twentieth year of his Reign, his Palace at Westminster, and the Monastery adjoining, were consumed with fire. The Monastery of Gloucester also was burnt to the ground. In this year also, an Act of Common Counsel, by consent of the King, was made concerning victuals; a fat Cock to be sold for three half pence, two Pullet's for three half pence, a fat Capon for two pence half penny, a Goose four pence, a Mallard three half pence, a Partridge three half pence, a Pheasant four pence, a Hearon six pence, a Plover one penny, a Swan three shillings, ● Crane twelve pence, two-Woodcocks three half pence, a fat Lamb from Christmas to Shrovetide, sixteen pence; and all the year after for four pence. Of his Wives and Children. HE had two Wives, his first was Eleanor, daughter to Ferdinand the third King of Spain; and was married to him at B●res in Spain: who having lived with him six and thirty years, in a journey with him towards Scotland, at Herdeby in Lincolnshire she died; in whose memory, and as Monuments of her virtue, and his affection, King Edward caused Crosses with her Statue to be erected in all chief places, where her Corpse in carrying to Westminster, rested: as at Stamford, Dunstable, Saint Albon, Waltham, Cheapside; and lastly, at the place called Charing Cross: she was buried in Westminster, at the feet of King Henry the third, under a fair Marble Tomb, adorned with her Portraiture of Copper guilt. By this wife, King Edward had four sons and nine daughters; his eldest son, john; his second, Henry; his third, Alphonsus; died all young in their Father's time: his fourth son, Edward, called of Carnarva●, because borne there, succeeded him in the kingdom. Of his daughters, the eldest named Eleanor, was first married by Proxy to Alphonsus, King of Arragon; but he dying before the marriage solemni●ed, she was afterward married at Bristol, to Henry Earl of Barry in France; by whom she had issue, sons and daughters. joan the second daughter of King Edward and Queen Eleanor, borne at Acon in the Holy Land, was married to Gylbert Clare called the Red Earl of Gloucester and Hereford; by whom she had issue, sons and daughters. She survived her husband, and was remarried to the Lord Ralph Monthermere, Father to Margaret the mother of Thomas Montacute, Earl of Salisbury; from whom the now Viscount Montacu●e is descended. Margaret the third daughter of King Edward and Queen Eleanor, was married to john Duke of Brabant. Berenger and Alice, their fourth and fifth daughters, dying young and unmarried. Marry their sixth daughter, at ten years of her age, was made a Nun in the Monastery of A●mesbury in Wiltshire, at the instance of Queen Eleanor her Grandmother, who lived there. Elizabeth their seventh daughter, was first married to john Earl of Holland, Zealand, and Lord of Freezeland; he dying within two years, she was afterward married to Humphrey Bohun Earl of Hereford and Essex, Lord of Breknok, and High Constable of England; by whom she had issue, sons and daughters. Beatrice and Blanch, their eighth and ninth daughters, died young and unmarried. King Edward's second Wife was Margaret, eldest daughter of Philip King of France, called the Hardy, and sister to Philip called the Fair; at eighteen years old she was married to King Edward, being above threescore; yet at the unequal years she had issue by him, two sons and a daughter: their eldest son was borne at a little Village in Yorkshire called Brotherton, and was thereof called Thomas of Brotherton: he was created Earl of Norfolk, and Earl Martial of England, after Roger Bigod, who died without issue. Their second son Edmund, was borne at Woodstock in Oxfordshire, and of the place was so called: he was created Earl of Kent, and married Margaret daughter of john, and sister of sole Heir of Thomas Lord Wakes of Lydell in the County of Northampton; by whom he had issue two sons and one daughter: his sons Edmund and john, died without issue; his daughter joan, for her beauty called the Fair maid of Kent, was married first to William Montacute Earl of Salisbury, and from him divorced; was remarried to Sir Thomas Holland, in her Right Earl of Kent, and by her, Father of Thomas and john Holland, Duke of Surrey, and Earl of Huntingdon: and lastly, she was the Wife of Edward of Woodstock, the black Prince of Wales; and by him Mother of King Richard the second. This Earl Edmund was beheaded at Winchester, in the fourth year of King Edward his Nephew. Eleanor, the daughter of King Edward by his second Wife Margaret, died in her childhood. Of his personage and conditions. HE was tall of stature, higher than ordinary men by head and shoulders, and thereof called Longshank; of a swarthy complexion, strong of body, but lean; of a comely favour; his eyes in his anger, sparkling like fire; the hair of his head black and curled. Concerning his conditions, as he was in war peaceful; so in Peace he was warlike, delighting specially in that kind of hunting, which is to kill Stags or other wild beasts with Spears. In continency of life, he was equal to his Father; in acts of valour, far beyond him. He had in him the two wisdoms, not often found in any, single; both together, seldom or never: An ability of judgement in himself, and a readiness to hear the judgement of others. He seemed to be a great observer of opportunity (a great point of wisdom in any, in Prince's greatest) and that he could bear an injury long, without seeking to revenge it; as appeared by his carriage towards the Earl Roger Bigod, whom when he saw his time, he called to account for an affront he had offered him di●ers years before. He was not easily provoked into passion, but once in passion, not easily appeased, as was seen by his dealing with the Scots; towards whom he showed at first patience, and at last severity. If he be censured for his many Taxations, he may be justified by his well bestowing them; for never Prince laid out his money to more honour of himself, or good of his kingdom. His greatest unfortunateness was in his greatest blessing; for of four sons which he had by his Wife Queen Eleanor, three of them died in his own life time, who were worthy to have outlived him; and the fourth outlived him, who was worthy never to have been borne. Of his death and burial. IN his last expedition into Scotland, being at Carlisle, he fell sick; and lying in his deathbed, he sent for his son Edward: to whom, besides many admonitions to Piety; he commanded three things specially: that he should carry his bones about with him through Scotland till he had subdued it: that he should send his heart into the Holy Land, with sevenscore knights to that war, and the two and thirty thousand pounds he had provided for that purpose; and that he should never recall Gaveston from banishment: and soon after of a dysentery or Bloudy-Flix, he died at Borough upon the Sands, the seventh of july, in the year 1307. when he had Reigned four and thirty years and seven months, lived threescore and eight years: Being dead, his Corpse was brought to Waltham Abbey, and there kept the space of sixteen weeks, and after, on Simon and judes' day buried at Westminster. Men of Note in his time. OF Martial men there were many, these specially: john Earl of Warren, who opposed the King's Inquisition by Quo Warranto: and Roger Bigod, who gave the King an affront to his face. Of learned men also many, specially these; john Breton bishop of Hereford, who compiled a book of the Laws of England, called l● Breton: Thomas Spot a Chronographer: john Eversden a writer of Annals, and of this King's Reign: Gregory Cairugent a Monk of Gloucester, and a writer also of Annals. john Peckham a Franciscan Friar, made Archbishop of Canterbury, who writ many excellent works: john Read an Historiographer: Thomas Bungey a Friar Minor, an excellent Mathematician: Roger Bacon a Franciscan Friar, an excellent Philosopher and Mathematician: Robert Kilwarby Archbishop of Canterbury, and after made a Cardinal: also Ralph Baldock Bishop of London, who writ a Chronicle of England in the Latin tongue: but above them all, though of another Country, Thomas Aquinas, borne of a Noble Family, whose works are too famous to be spoken of; who going to the Council holden at Lions by Pope Gregory the tenth, died by the way. THE LIFE and REIGN OF KING EDWARD THE SECOND. Of his Acts before, and at his Coronation. EDward of Carnarvan, eldest Son of King Edward the first, succeeded him in the kingdom; and never did Prince come to a Crown with more applause of Nobility and People; and there was good cause for it: For he had been trained up in all good courses for Piety and Learning; he had seen the Government of his Father, from whose Example he could not but have learned many good Lessons; he had been initiated in the ways of State, having been left Governor of the Realm, and presiding in Parliament in his Father's absence; and he was now three and twenty years old, a fit age for bearing the weight of a Sceptre; and yet for all these advantages, there wanted not fears of him in the minds of many, who could not but remember what pranks he had played not long before; how he had broken the Bishop of Chester's Park, and in most disorderly manner had killed his Deer, for which both himself had been committed to Prison, and his Friend Pierce Gaveston banished the Realm: and if he did such things being but Prince, what might not be feared of him coming to be King? For seldom doth advancement in honour alter men to the better; to the worse often, and commonly then, when it is joined with an Authority that sets them above controlment. Neither yet was their fear more out of what they had seen, then out of what they saw; for where he should have endeavoured to accomplish the charge his Father had given him in his deathbed, he seemed to intend nothing less: nothing more than wholly to break it; for he presently called home Pierce Gaveston from banishment; and the two and thirty thousand pounds, which his Father had specially appointed for the Holy War; either all or the most of it he bestowed upon Gaveston: and for carrying his Father's bones with him about Scotland; it had been well if he had suffered them quietly to be laid at rest in England; for after the Corpse had been kept above ground, sixteen weeks in the Abbey of Waltham, and that the Bishop of Chester, Walter Langton, the then Lord Treasurer, and Executor of his Father's Will, was busy in preparing for his Funerals; he sent the Constable of the Tower to arrest him, and imprison him at Wallingford, seizing upon all his Goods, and giving them to Gaveston; and all for old grudges. And (that which seemed a high strain of incongruity) before he had seen performed his Father's Funerals, which was not till the 27. of October following; he entered into Treaty of his own Nuptials, foregoing over to Boleigne, on the two and twentieth of january, he married Isabella, the Daughter of Philip the Fair, King of France: which Marriage was honoured with the presence of four Kings, the King of France himself, the King of Nav●rre his Son, the King of the Romans, and the King of Sicily: and three Queens besides the Bride, Mary Queen of France, Margaret the Dowager Queen of England, and the Queen of Navarre: and yet did Gavest●n exceed them all in bravery. This was observed by the Lords of England: and thereupon when his Queen and he came afterward to be Crowned, they went unto him, signifying what a heinous transgression of his Fathers will it was to call home G●veston; and seeing the charge was no less given to them then to him, if he did not perform it they would; and therefore unless he would remove Gaveston from the Court and kingdom, they would hinder his Coronation from proceeding: which struck such a damp to Prince Edward's spirits, to think what a disgrace it would be to him; if so many of his great Friends being present, Charles of Valois, the King of Frances Brother, the Dukes of Britain and Brabant, the Count of Luxenburg, who was afterward Emperor, the Duke of Savoy, the two Duchess' of Brabant & Artois, with many other Princes and great Ladies, if now his Coronation should be called in question, that he solemnly swore he would do what they desired in the next Parliament, so they would be quiet now; and thereupon, on the 24. day of February, in the year 1307. his Queen and he were both Crowned at Westminster, by the hands of Henry Bishop of Winchester, by Commission from Robert Archbishop of Canterbury, being then in Exile, and out of the kingdom: At which solemnity there was so great a press of People, that Sir john Blackwell knight was crowded to death. And now in the very Act of his Coronation, there was given another provocation to the Lords against Gaveston: for the King had appointed him to carry the Crown of Saint Edward before him, (the greatest honour could be done to a Subject) which added to the other honours the King had done him, (for he had made him Earl of Cornwall, Lord of Man, and Lord Chamberlain) so incensed the Lords, that they entered into consultation, how to suppress this violence of the King's affection; which shortly after they put in execution. Portion in money King Edward had none with his Wife: but the King of France gave him the Duchy of Guyenne, which he had seized upon before, as confiscate to him: and thereupon King Edward did him Homage for that Duchy, and for the County of Ponthieu. Of his difference with his Lords about Gaveston. WE shall have here no Quinquennium Neronis, no such five years, as Nero afforded in the beginning of his Reign; but this King at his first entrance will show what he is, and what he will continue to be as long as he lives; for though he took some great and grave men to be of his Council, yet (as appeared afterward) he did it rather to the end they should be pliant to him, then that he had any meaning to apply himself to them; For let them say what they would, Gaveston must be the Oracle; all the King's actions were but Gavestons' impressions: And now Gaveston presently after the Coronation, to let the world be a witness of his worthiness, and that the King had not bestowed his Favours upon him without cause; caused to be published a Turneament at Wallingford: whither came all the great Lords of the kingdom, as Thomas Earl of Lancaster, Humphrey Earl of Hereford, Aymer Earl of Pembroke, and john Earl of Warren, with many others, all Valiant men at Arms; yet none had the honour of the day like to Gaveston. And thus far he did well, if he could have stayed here, if having gotten true glory, he had not fall'n into vainglory: For the Lords envied him not so much for his advancement in Honours, as they hated him for his insolency in Manners: for in a scornful pride he would be casting scoffs upon them all, call Thomas Earl of Lancaster the Stage Player, the Earl of Lincoln Burstenbelly; ●imer de Valence Earl of Pembroke, joseph the jew; and Guy Earl of Warwick, the black Dog of Arderne; which scoffs together with his other insolences, drew such a party upon him, that in the next Parliament, the whole assembly obtains of the King to draw Articles of their grievances: of which the chief were, that the great Charter of Magna Charta should be observed● that all strangers should be banished the Court and kingdom; that the business of the State should be treated of by the Counsel of the Clergy and the Nobles; and that the King should not begin any war, nor go out of the kingdom without consent of Parliament. Which Articles, though seeming harsh to the King, yet for avoiding of further inconvenience, he yields unto them; and specially to the banishment of his Minion Gaveston, as hoping that would excuse him for all the rest; and Robert of Winchelsey, Archbishop of Canterbury, lately called home from Exile, pronounceth Excommunication against all such as should oppose the Articles. Hereupon Gaveston is sent away into Ireland, where he lived awhile, not as a banished man, but as Lieutenant rather of the Country, and indeed not unworthily; for in the time of his being there, he is said to have made a Journey into the Mountains of Dublin, and to have broken and subdued the Rebels there; built New Castle in the Kerns Country, repaired the Castle of Kevyn, and passed up to Munster, and Thoumond: performing every where much service with great valour and worthiness, that if he had stayed there but a while longer, he might perhaps by his desorts in Ireland, have redeemed his defects in England: but the King impatient of his absence, and ask advice what means might be used to recall him; It was told him, that if he could but match him with the Earl of Glocesters' sister, a man of such greatness, and so greatly beloved of the people, for his sake certainly no man would grudge at his coming home. Hereupon the King sends for Gaveston, and makes up the match between them, and married they were at Barkamstead; but this did no good. For Gaveston still working upon the King in such manner, that he scarce left him means to sustain himself, and as little to maintain the Queen; nothing being done but as Gaveston would have it; put the Lords into a new discontentment; who thereupon went again to the King, and told him plainly, that unless he would put Gaveston out of the Court and kingdom, they would rise up in Arms against him as a perjured King. This put the King into a great strait: Loath he was to leave Gaveston, and fearful he was to provoke the Lords; in the end, his fear prevailing over his love, he was content he should be Banished, and in such sort Banished, that if ever he returned, or were found in the kingdom, he should be held, and proceeded against as an Enemy of the State. So once again is Gaveston sent packing out of the kingdom, and goes into France, but found no safe Harbouring there: For the King of France hearing of it, gave straight charge, if he were found in his Dominions to apprehend him: Then he passeth into Flanders, but is there no sa●er then in France: After waving about, and finding no place to rest in safety, he returns secretly into England, relying upon the King's Love, and the Duke of Glocesters' Favour. The King receives him as an Angel sent from Heaven, and to be out of the Lords Eye, goes a Journey to York, taking Gaveston along with him, and there thinks to be in quiet; but the Lords hearing of it follow him thither, choosing for their General, Thomas Earl of Lancaster, a man possessed of five Earldoms, Lancaster, Leycester, Ferrer, Lincoln, and Salisbury, besides the Liberty of Pickering, and the Honour of Cokermore, and other Lands in Wales; and there was not a man of the whole Nobility that was not of the Party, but only Gilbert Earl of Gloucester, the King's Sisters Son; These Lords sent to the King, either to deliver Gaveston into their hands, or at least to send him peremptorily out of the kingdom. But the King led by ill Counsel, and little regarding the Lords Message, takes Gaveston with him to Newcastle upon Tine, thence to Tynmouth, where the Queen then lay, who (though great with Child, and entreating the King with tears to stay with her) yet such was his desire to see Gaveston put into some place of security, that hearing of the Lords approaching, he took a Ship, and passed with Gaveston to Scarborough, and leaving him there in a strong Castle, not easy to be won, he went himself into Warwickshire; perhaps that the Lords might see he had not Gaveston with him. But the Lords hearing where Gaveston was, assaulted the Castle with such violence, that Gaveston seeing no means to escape, was content to render himself; requesting only, that he might but once be allowed to see the King's face; and the King hearing he was taken, desired as much: to which the Earl of Pembroke consented; and taking Gaveston into his custody, promised upon Forteiture of all he had, to have him forthcoming: but desiring to be with his Wife that night, who lay not far off, at Dedington h● delivers him to his Servants to carry to Wallingford; From whom, as they passed by Warwick, the Earl of that place hearing of it, took him forcibly from his keepers, and brought him to his own Castle. Where after long deliberation, whether it were wisdom to suffer Gaveston to speak with the King or no; It was at last concluded to take of● his head; which at a place thereby, called Blacklow, was presently put in execution. His Corpse was carried to Oxford, and kept there two years, till the King caused it to be brought to Longley, and there builded a Monastery of purpose, where his Soul should be prayed for. This Gaveston was the Son of a Gentleman of France, who had done good service for King Edward the first, in France; and for his sake this Son of his was taken and brought up with the Prince: a man of excellent parts of body, and of no less Endowments of mind; Valiant and Witty; to which if we might add Virtuous, he had been complete; Though the Lords (whether they had heard so, or whether they said it to wean the King from him) told the King that his Father was a Traitor to the King of France, and for the same was executed; and that his Mother was burnt for a Witch; and that this Gaveston was banished out of France for consenting to his Mother's Witchcraft; and that he had now bewitched the King himself. But why should the Lords be so violent against Gaveston? might not the King place his Affection where he pleased? Might he not make his own choice of what companion he liked? No doubt he might; and fit he should: but yet in this case, the Lords had great cause to do as they did; both in regard of the King, of themselves, and of the Commonwealth. It is true, if the Valour of Gaveston could as well have made the King Valiant, as his riot made him riotous; there might some good have come of their extraordinary conjunction: but seeing Virtues are but personal, Vices only are communicative; it now made the King not only more Vicious than otherwise he would have been, but Vicious, where otherwise he would not have been; and therefore great cause in regard of the King, to remove Gaveston from his company; and no less in regard of the Lords themselves; For Gavestons advancing was their debasing; his greatness with the King made them but Ciphers: but in regard of the Commonwealth, most cause of all; For while the King was altogether ruled by Gaveston, and Gaveston himself was altogether irregular; the Commonwealth could have but little hope of Justice, but was sure to suffer as long as Gaveston was suffered. And this may be sufficient to justify the Lords, that it be not interpreted to be Rebellion, which was indeed but Providence. Of his Troubles with Scotland. ANd now we have seen two of the charges of his Fathers Will broken by the King, and punished in him; the two and thirty thousand pounds appointed for the Holy War, bestowed upon Gaveston, and the King for it punished himself with want; Gaveston called home from banishment, and the King for it punished with the loss of his Subjects love. It remains to see how well he performed the third charge of his Father's Will, for subduing of Scotland. It was now the sixth year after the death of his Father King Edward, and Robert Bruce now gotten to be King of Scotland, had stayed all this while to see how this new King Edward would prove: and when he found by the courses he held, that he was like to prove a good easy Enemy; he thereupon took heart, and began to stir, and in a very short time had brought almost all Scotland under his obedience; and finding no opposition he entered the English Borders, took and burnt Towns; that now King Edward, unless he would sit still, and suffer Bruce to come and pull his Crown from his head, he could not choose but do something to stop his proceeding. Hereupon he prepares an Army, but like himself, fitter for a Court then for a Camp: Many men, and great Bravery; but readie● to take spoils, then to make spoil: and accordingly they sped; For going to raise the siege at Str●veling, defended for King Edward, by the valiant knight Philip Mowbray; the King's Army consisting of a hundred thousand, was defeated and overthrown by the Scots Army, consisting of scarce thirty thousand: So true is that saying of an ancient Soldier; There is more hope of an Army where the General is a Lion, though the Soldiers be but Sheep; then of an Army where the General is a Sheep, though the Soldiers be Lions. But indeed the Scots, besides Valour, used Policy: For having in their own Army none but Foot, no Horse at all, they had made Trenches in the Ground three foot deep, covering them with Twigs and Hurdles, where the English Horsemen were to pass, who Floundring in those Trenches, were killed no less by their own Fellows then by the Enemy. In this Battle, called of Bannocks borough, were slain the Lord Mawle, the Lord Clifford, the Lord Tiptoft, the Lord William Martial, Sir Giles, Doctor Argenton, and seven hundred Knights and Squires, specially Gylbert Earl of Gloucester, who had showed much Valour that day; and whom the Scots would willingly have kept for ransom; if they had known him; but he had forgotten to put on his Coat of Arms, whereby to be known. The slaughter of common Soldiers was certainly great, though perhaps not so great as Hector Boetius speaks of, who saith they were fifty thousand. There were taken Prisoners, Humphrey de Bohun Earl of Hereford, john Seagrave, john Claveringham, William Latimer, and Sir Roger Northbrooke, bearer of the King's shield; the King himself with the Bishops, the Earls of Hartford and Pembroke, and Hugh Spenser, saved themselves by flight; Humfrey de Bohun Earl of Hereford, was afterward released in exchange for Bruces Wife, who had been long kept a Prisoner in England. After this, many English fell away to the Scots, and all the North parts from Carlisle to York, came under their Subjection; and the English grew so faint-hearted, and into such contempt, that three Scots durst venture upon a hundred English, when a hundred English durst scarce encounter with three Scots. And what can be thought the cause of this great dysaster to this King, but the want of his Father's blessing for not performing the charge he gave him dying, which is commonly accompanied with the want of a higher blessing, without which a Vacat is set upon the labours of men, that makes them all frustrate? But Bruce, not satisfied with his Acquests in England, sends his Brother Edward into Ireland also; who so far prevailed, that many Irish came in unto him, and in the end Crowned him King of a great part of that Island, and so continued the space of three years; till the Primate of Armagh, and the Lord Brinningham, Justiciar of Ireland, gathering Forces together opposed him, and in a Battle taking him Prisoner, at Dundalke cut off his head, with the slaughter of many thousands of the Scots besides. With which the Scots are so incensed, that they invade again the English Borders, foraging as far as York; whereupon a Parliament is assembled at London, wherein an aid is granted of Armed men to go against them; London sets forth two hundred, Canterbury forty, Saint Albon ten, and so proportionably for all Cities and Boroughs, whereby a great Army was levied; which coming to York, through mutiny, emulation, and other impediments, was soon dissolved, and returned back without effecting any thing. Not long after the Town of Berwicke was betrayed to the Scots, through the treason of Peter Spalding the Governor, and other Englishmen; whom the King of Scots to make them an Example, caused to be hanged for being Traitors to their Country. King Edward hearing of the surrendering of Berwicke, raiseth an Army, and beleaguers it; but the Scots to divert his Forces, enter upon England by other ways, and were like to have surprised the person of the Queen, lying then near ●orke. The siege of B●rwicke is notwithstanding eagerly continued, and the King in great possibility to have regained the Town, had not the Earl of Lancaster with his follower's withdrawn himself upon discontent, hearing the King say he would give the keeping thereof to Hugh Spen●●r the younger, who was now grown a special favourite of the Kings, and therefore not to be endured by the Earl. In the mean 〈◊〉 the Scots won the Castles of 〈…〉, and Mid●ord; so as they possessed the greater part of all North●mberland, burning all before them, 〈◊〉 they came to ●●●pon, which Town they spoyled● and carrying there three days, they received ● thousand Marks to save the Town from burning, as they had done the Towns of Nor●hallerton, Bor●ugh-bridg● and others. In their returning back, they 〈◊〉 Knaresborough, and Shipton in C●●ven; and all other afore them, carrying into ●●land a marvellous number of cattle, besides prisoners, men and women's The● ●●●●shire men thus grievously endamaged, gather together to the number of ten thousand: and at the Town of Mitton, ten miles from York, encounter the Sco●● where they lost three thousand of their men, and were defeated● which b●ttell, because of the many Spiritual men that were in it, was called the white battle. Whereof when the King heard● he left the siege of Be●wicke, to follow the Scots, but they returned another way. The year following, King Edward once again with a great Army entered Scotland; but the Scots having destroyed all afore, the King oppressed with famine was forced to re●urne● whom the Scots followed, and in a place of the Forest of Blackmore, se● upon him that he hardly escaped; where were taken john Earl of Britain, and the Lord of Sil●ac●, the French Kings Ambassador, and many others. After this, King Edward finding the Scots either too strong, or too wily for him, made a Truce with them for two years, some say for thirteen. And this was the success of this unfortunate King in his wars with Scotland. Of his tr●●bles at home. BUt his troubles abroad were not so grievous as those at home; or rather, they were those at home that made his troubles abroad so grievous; for though the Lords having made an end of Gaveston, and cut off his head, thought they had made an end of their need to bear Arms, and had cut off the head of all their discontents; yet as if Gaveston had been a Phoenix, as it were out of his ashes another Phoenix riseth presently up, and puts the Lords to as much trouble as ever Gaveston did. For now the younger Spenser upon a sudden grows as great a Favourite of the Kings as ever Gaveston was: and indeed in all points just such another, equal to him in goodliness of personage, in favour of the King, and in abusing the Lords, for though they were the Lords themselves that brought him at first in to be the King's Chamberlain, the rather (as was thought) because he was one whom the King did not love: yet being once in the place, he so won upon the King by diligent service, and by complying with the King's humour; that he brought the King at last to comply with his humour, and nothing must be done but as Spenser would have it. It seems it was the King's nature, that he could not be without a bosom friend; one or other to be an Alter idem: and to seek to remove such a one from him, was to seek to remove him from he as impossible a thing as to alter nature; yet the Lords being more sensible of their own grievance, to be insulted on by a Favourite, then of the King's grievance to be affronted by his subjects, are more intentive to work their own ends then the Kings: and therefore to remove Spenser and his Father from the King, which they knew was a work not to be done but by strong hand; they continue their Arms, and confederating together, they send to the King, peremptorily requiring the confirmation and execution of the Articles formerly granted; threatening withal, that unless he presently perform the same, they would constrain him to it by force of Arms: and thereupon assemble strong forces about Dunstable, where the King ●hen lay. The great Prelates of the kingdom, with the Earl of Gloucester, labour to appease them, and with two Cardinals sent lately by the Pope to reform these disorders: they repair to Saint Alb●ns, and desire conference with the Lords, who receive them very peaceably; but the Letters which the Pope had written to them, they refuse to receive, saying, they were men of the Sword, and cared not for reading of Letters; that there were many worthy and learned men in the kingdom, whose counsel they would use, and not strangers, who knew not the cause of their commotion: so the Cardinals with this answer returned to London. But the Prelates of England●o ●o labour the business, that the Lords were content to yield up to the King such horses, treasure, and jewels, as they had taken of Pierce Gaveston at Newcastle, so as the King would grant their Petitions; and thereupon john Sandall Treasurer of the kingdom, and Ingelard Warle keeper of the Wardrobe, are sent to Saint Albon to receive those things at their hands. Shortly after a Parliament is called at London, wherein the King complains of the great contempt was had of him by the Barons, their rising in Arms, their taking and murdering Pierce Gaveston, and such other affronts. Whereunto with one accord they answer, that they had not offended therein, but rather merited his love and favour; having taken Arms, not for any contempt of his royal person, but to destroy the public enemy of the kingdom, which otherwise would never have been done. Which stout resolution of theirs, the Queen with the Prelates and the Earl of Gloucester seeing, they seek by all means to qualify their heat; and at length so prevailed with them, that they humble themselves to the King, and crave pardon for that they had done, which they obtained; and the King receives them into grace, as his loyal subjects: grants them their Articles● and particular pardons by his Charter, for their Indemnity concerning the death of Gaveston: and for the greater show of true reconcilement, Guy de Beauchamp Earl of Warwick, is made of the King's Counsel, though shortly after he ended his life, not without suspicion of poison; as being a man much envied by such as possessed the King. The King kept his Christmas at Clipston, and his Easter at Clarendon: and they seemed to be all good friends, but this reconcilement of the King with his Barons, was but as the covering of fire with ashes, every little wind that blew, made it break out into flames afresh; & the time being so unsettled as it was, it was impossible but such winds would continually be blowing. It was such a wind blue, when the great Earl of Lancaster had his wife (a Lady who had lived with him always in good fame) taken out of his house at Canford in Dorsetshire● by one Richard Saint Martin● a deformed lame Dwarf, who challenged her to be his wife, and that he had lain with her before the Earl married her● and this wind was made to blow the stronger, by the Ladies own confession; for upon examination, she voluntarily averred, it was all true: and thereupon the owgly fellow in her right claimed the two Earldoms of Lincoln and S●lisbury, which he durst not have done● if he had not been backed with great Abettors: and it was not without aspersion upon the King himself. It was another such wind blew, when at the Feast of Pentecost, at dinner in the open Hall at Westminster; a woman fantastically disguised, entered on horseback, and riding about the Table, delivered the King a Letter, wherein was signified the great neglect he showed of such as had done him and his Father noble services, taxing him for advancing men of unworthy parts, and such other complaints; which Letter read, and the woman departed, put the King into a great rage; they who guarded the door being sharply reprehended for suffering her to enter in such manner, answered, It was the fashion of the King's house in times of Festivals, to keep out none that came as this woman did, to make sport. Search being made for the woman, she is found and examined who set her on; she confessed a knight gave her money to do it; the knight is found, and upon examination, boldly answered, he did it for the King's honour, and to no other end; and thereupon escaped without further trouble. It was such another wind blue, when a knight was taken passing by Pomfret, with Letters sealed with the King's Seal, directed to the King of Scots, about murdering the Earl of Lancaster; which messenger is executed, his head set upon the top of the Castle, and the Letters reserved to witness the intended plot. Which whether it were feigned, or true, the report thereof reflected upon the King, and made many to take the Earl's part. It was such another wind blue, when a fanatic fellow, one john P●●dras, a Tanner's son of Exeter, gave forth, that himself was th' tr●e Edward, eldest son of the late King Edward the first, and by a false Nurse was changed in his Cradle, and that the now King Edward was a Carters son, and laid in his place: but this wind was soon blown over, when at his death, being drawn and hanged, he confessed he had a Familiar Spirit in his house in the likeness of a Cat, that assured him he should be King of England, and that he had served the said Spirit three years before to bring his purpose about. But most of all, it was such a wind blue, when a Baron named William Brews, having wasted his estate, offers to sell unto divers men, a part of his inheritance called Powis. Humphrey 〈◊〉 Earl of Hereford, obtains leave of the King to buy it, & bargains for it. The two Roger M●rtimers, Uncle and Nephew, great men likewise in those parts, not understanding, it seems, any thing of the former bargain, contract also for the same Land with the said Sir William Brews. Hugh Spenser the younger, hearing of this sale, and the land adjoining to part of his, obtains a more special leave of the King, being now his Chamberlain, and buys it out of their hands. The Earl of Her●ford complains hereof to the Earl of Lancaster: who thereupon at Sherbourne enters into a new confederation with divers Barons there assembled, taking their Oaths intermutually, to live and die together in maintaining the right of the kingdom; and to procure the banishment of the two Spens●r●, father and son, whom they now held to be the great seducers of the King, and oppressors of the State, disposing of all things in Court at their pleasure, and suffering nothing to be obtained but by their means: and under this pretence they take Arms, and coming armed to Saint Albon, they send to the King, being then at London, the Bishops of London, Salisbury, Hereford, and Chichester, (who were there assembled to consul● for peace) requiring him as he tendered the quiet of the Realm, to rid his Court of those Traitors, the Spensers, condemned in many Articles of high treason by the communality of th● Land; and withal to grant his Letters Patents of pardon and indemnity both to them and all such as took part with them. The King returns answer, that Hugh Spenser the father was now beyond the Seas, employed in his business, and his son was guarding the Cinque-ports according to his office; and that it was against Law of Custom they should be banished without being heard: and withal swore, he would never violate the Oath made at his Coronation, by granting Letters of pardon to such notorious offenders, who contemned his person, disturbed the kingdom, and violated the royal Majesty. Which answer so exasperated the Lords, that presently they approached to London, and lodged in the Suburbs, till they had leave of the King to enter into the City, where they peremptorily urge their demands: to which at length by mediation of the Queen, and the chief Prelates, the King is wrought to condescend, ●nd by his Edict, published in Westminster Hall, by the Earl of Hereford, the Spensers are banished the kingdom. Hugh the father hearing it, keeps beyond the Seas, but the son secretly hides himself in England, expecting the turn of a better season. And indeed shortly after, the Archbishop of Canterbury in a Council holden at London, pronounceth the banishment of the Spensers to have been erroneous; and thereupon the Edict is revoked, and the Spensers are called home, and se● in as great authority as they were before. But the Lords having thus obtained their desire, with the King's Letters of indemnity return home, but yet not with such security as to give over the provision for their own defence. Not long after there fell ou● an unexpected accident, that suddenly wrought the Lords confusion. The Queen making her progress towards Canterbury, intended to lodge in the Castle of Leedes, belonging to the Lord Badlesmer, (who had been long the King's Steward, but now took part with the Lords) and sending her Marshal to make ready for her and her train; they who kept the Castle told him plainly, that neither the Queen, nor any else should enter there without Letters from their Lord. The Queen herself goes to the Castle, and receives the like answer; whereupon she is driven to take such lodging otherwhere as could be provided. Of which indignity she complains to the King; who took it so to heart, that presently with a power of armed men out of London, he lays siege to the Castle, takes it, hangs the keeper Thomas C●●epepper, sends the wife and children of the Lord Badlesmer to the Tower, and seizeth upon all his goods and treasure. And having this power about him, and warmed with success and the instigation of the Queen, suddenly directs his course to Chi●hester, where he keeps his Christmas, and there provides for an Army against the Barons: whereof many (seeing the King's power increasing) lef● their Associates, and yield themselves to his mercy: amongst whom were the two Roger Mor●i●●rs, men of great might and means; the Lord Hugh Audely, the Lord M●●rice Barkely, and others: who notwithstanding, contrary to their expectation, were sent to divers Prisons. The Earls of Lancaster and Hereford seeing this sudden change, withdrew themselves and their companies from about Gloucester, towards the North-parts: whom the King follows with his Army; wherein were the Earls of Ath●ll & Angus; and at Burton upon Trent, where they had made a head, discomfited their forces, and put them to flight. In the mean time the Earl of Lancaster had sent into Lancashire a knight of his, named Robert Holland, (one whom he had brought up of naught) to raise more forces amongst his Tenants; but he hearing of this flight of his Lords, goes with his forces to take the King's part; which so dismays the Earl, that he began now to think of suing to the King for grace; but being in the way, at a Town called Borough-bridge, was there set upon by Sir Simon Warde Sheriff of York, and Sir Andrew Harkeley Constable of Carlisle, who utterly defeat his forces: In which fight was slain the Earl of Hereford, (who fight valiantly upon a Bridge, was by a Varlet skulking under the Bridge, thrust with a Spear into the fundament) Sir Roger Benefield, Sir William Sulland and others; there was taken the Earl of Lancaster, Sir Roger Clifford, Sir john M●wbray, Sir Roger Tuckets, Sir William Fits-Williams, with divers other, and were led to York. This field was fought the fifteenth day of March, in the year 1320. It was not long ●fter that Sir Hugh Daniel, Sir Bartholomew de Baddelsmer were taken. Three days after the Earl of Lancaster is brought to Pomfret, where the King sitting himself in judgement with Edmund Earl of Kent his brother, the Earl of Pem●●●ke, the Earl Warren, Hugh Spencer, lately created Earl of Winchester, and others; sentence of death is given against him, to be drawn, hanged, and beheaded as a Traitor. The two first punishments are pardoned, in regard he was of Royal blood: only beheaded he was the same day without the Town of Pomfret, before his own Castle. To speak of the Miracles said to be done by him after his death, might be fit for a Legend, but not for a Chronicle, and therefore I omit them. By the like judgement were condemned, the Lord Roger Clifford● the Lord Warren Lisle, the Lord William Tuchet, Thomas Maudit, Henry Bradburne, Willi●m Fits-Williams, William Lord Cheyney, Thomas Lord M●wbray, joceline Lord Danill, all which were executed at York. Shortly after, the Lord Henry Teyes is taken, drawn, hanged, and quartered at London; the Lord Aldenham at Windsor; the Lords Baddlesmere and Ashburton at Canterbury: at Cardiff in Wales, Sir William Fleming; at Bristol, Si● Henry Womington; and Sir Henry Montford Bannerets; at Gloucester, the Lord Clifford● and Sir William Elminbridge, principal men in principal places, to spread the more ●e●rour over the kingdom: all their estates and inheritances are confiscated, and ●●ny new men advanced by the same. And this is the first blood of Nobility that ever was shed in this manner in England since William the Conqueror. But not long after, the King in a calmer humour, began to have a sense o● the Earl of Lancaster's execution, which he discovered upon this occasion: some ●bou● him making earnest suit for a Pardon to one of the Earls followers; and pre●●●ng the King hard to it, he fell into a great passion, exclaiming ●g●inst them as unjust and wicked Counselors, who would urge him to save the life of a notorious V●●let, and would not speak one word for his near kinsman, the Earl of Lancaste●: who (said he had) he lived, might have been useful to me, and the whole kingdom; but this fellow the longer he lives, the more mischief he will do, and therefore by the soul of God, he should die the death he had deserved. Sir Andrew Harkeley, who was the man that took the Earl of Lancaster prisoner, being advanced for his service to the Earldom of Carlisle, enjoyed his honour but a while; for the next year after, either thrust out into discontent by the Spensers, envying his high preferment, or combining with the Scots, upon hope of a great match, (as he was accused) he is degraded of all his honours; drawn, hanged, and quartered at Lond●n for Treason. But now the King of France summons King Edward to come and do his homage for Gascoigne; and he not coming, all his Territories in France are adjudged to be forfeited, and many places of importance are seized on by the French. Hereupon a Parliament is called, and it is by common consent of all agreed, that the King should not go in person himself, in regard of the distraction of the times, but should send some special man to excuse his appearance; whereupon Edmund Earl of Kent the King's brother is sent, but to little effect. Then it is thought fit the Queen should go, and indeed the Queen went; but what was the cause of her going, there is amongst Writers great variance: some say she was sent by the King to accommodate this business, which she negotiated so well, as that all quarrels were ended, upon condition the King should give to his son Edward, the Duchy of Aquitaine, with the Earldom of Ponthieu, and send him over to do his homage for them; which after many consultations● the King is wrought to yield unto; and the Prince is sent with the Bishop of Exeter and others to the Court of France accordingly: but others say● she went out of discontent, to complain to her brother the King of France, for wrongs offered her by the Spensers, who had so alienated the King's mind from her, that he would scarce come where she was, nor allow her fit maintenance for her calling. But whatsoever was the cause of her going there appeared no cause of her staying, but that she had gotten into her company, Roger Mortimer Lord of Wigm●re, a gallant young Gentleman● whom she specially favoured, lately escaped out of the Tower of London, by giving his keepers (as was said) a sleeping drink. And withal, the Bishop of Exeter perceiving some plots to be in hand, and their close consultations made without him, withdraws himself secretly, and discovers to the King what he observed in their courses. Whereupon the King sends presently for the Qu● and Prince, and solicits the King of France to hasten their return; which when he saw was neglected and delayed, he caused them openly to be proclaimed enemies to the kingdom, banished them and all their adherents out of the Land: and withal causeth all the Ports to be strongly kept; and sends three Admirals to attend in several Coasts to hinder their landing. It was not without suspicion, that as the King for love of the Spensers, had his mind alienated from loving the Queen; so the Queen for love of M●rtimer, had her mind alienated from loving the King, and therefore having him with her, c●red not how long she stayed. However it was, when the Queen heard of the King's Proclamation, she knew there was no returning for her into England without some good assistance: whereupon soliciting her brother the King of France, he aided her with men and money (say some: but others, that he refusing to aid her, as being wrought under hand by the Spensers against her; she left the French Court, and went into Heynault, to the Earl of that Country, who upon a contract between her son Prince Edward and Philippe the Earls daughter●●ided her with a competent Army, under the conduct of his brothe● john: and with them and her beloved Mortimer, she took shipping and landed at Orwell, a Port near unto Harwich in Suffolk: where presently came to her the Earl Martial, Henry Earl of Leycester, and Henry Earl of Lancaster with the wry neck, called T●rtc●ll, with many other Lords and Bishops. The King at this time being at London, and hearing of the Queen's landing with such forces, and chiefly how all the Realm ran flocking to her, was suddenly strucken into a great amazement; and though he had his great Counselors the Spensers about him, yet now he found what little good th●ir counsel could do him: and indeed in this case, what should he, or what could he do? To stay in London was apparent danger, for he plainly saw the Londoners to be more inclining to take the Queen's part then his; and to go from London to any other place was as unsafe, all places being possessed either with certain Enemies or uncertain Friends● at last the Isle of Lundy is thought of, a place plentiful of provisions abounding with Coneys, Fish and Fowl, and the Island of hard access, as having but one place in it where it could be entered, and that so narrow, that a few might easily keep out many; upon this place he resolvest and taking with him the Earl of Gloucester, the Spensers, and Robert baldock, with some fe● others, he ●akes shipping, but by contrary winds is driven back, and rain through Tempests to land in Wales, and there in the Abbey of Neth in 〈◊〉 kept himself close. In the mean time the Queen was come to Oxford where Ad●m Bishop of Hereford Preaching taken for his Text, Caput meum dol●●, and thereupon inferred, that the kingdom being now deadly sick of its head, it was fit to remove that head, and put a sounder in the place. At this time also, th● L●●d●ners to show their love to the Queen, seized upon Walter Staplet●n the good Bishop of Exeter and Lord Treasurer of England, left Governor the●● by the King, and with great despite beheaded him, as also divers others, only because they favoured the King. In the mean time, the Queen went from Oxford to Gloucester, and from thence to Bristol, where Hugh Sp●ncer the Father was, a man of fou●escore and ten years old, who is there taken, and without examination or Judgement, in most cruel manner Executed, having his heart pulled out of his body being yet alive, and his body left hanging upon the Gallows. After this the Queen stayed at H●reford the space of a moneth● and then dividing her Army, she sends one part of it, under the Conduct of Henry Earl of Lancaster, and Ryce a powel a Clerk, ●o find out the King: and this Rice being a Welshmen, and knowing th● Country well, brought the Earl to the Monastery of N●th● where the King was, whom they there take together with Spenser the Son, Rober● Bald●cke, and Simon of Reading. The King is by the Bishop of Hereford committed to the custody of the Earl of Leycester: where all that Winter he was used no worse than was fit for a captive King. But Edmund Earl of Arundel, john Daniel, and Th●m●● Micheldens, at the instance of Mortimer, are all three beheaded. Presently after is Hugh Spenser the younger, who was now Earl of Gloucester, drawn, hanged and quar●e●ed, his head sent up to be set upon London Bridge, and his four quarters bestowed in several Cities. The like is done with Simon of Reading, but Robert Baldock is committed to Newgate, against whom, when no just cause of death could be found, there was used so much cruelty in his imprisonment, that he shortly after died. Presently after Christmas a Parliament is called, wherein it is agreed to depose the King, and set up his Son; which he hearing refused it, unless his Father would freely resign; whereupon are appointed three Bishops, two Earls, two Abbots, four Barons, and of every City a Burgess, to go to the King; (in custody then at Kenelworth) The Bishops were, john of S●ratford Bishop of Winchester, Adam Torleton Bishop of Hereford, and Henry Bishop of Lincoln. But the Bishops of Winchester and Lincoln, getting to the King before the rest came, persuade the King to resign his Crown to his eldest Son; craftily promising him he should have as good maintenance afterward, as ever he had when he was King. And contrarily threatening him, that if he did it not, the people would exclude both him and his Son too, and m●ke a King of another Race. By these promises and threatenings, the meek King is drawn to yield to the Bishop's mo●●on; but when afterward the Bishop of Hereford, and the other Commissioners came, and were sat in a place appointed to take his Resignation, the King coming forth amongst them in mourning Robes, upon a sudden fell down in a 'swounds in whom the Earl of Leycester, and the Bishop of Winchester, had much ado● to recover life; but then the Bishop of Hereford rising up, delivered the cause of their coming, as the other Bishops before had done. To which ●he King answered, that as he much grieved his People should be so hardened against him as utterly to reject him; so it was some comfort unto him, that they would yet receive his Son to be their Sovereign. After this, Thomas Blunt knight, Steward of the King's house, broke the Staff of his Office; and William Tr●ssell Speaker of the Parliament, in name of the whole kingdom, pronounced a Form of Renouncing all Allegiance to Edward of Carnarvan. Here Caxton writes, that from the time of this Kings Deposing, which was in December, to the time of his Sons Crowning, which was not till Candlemas following, all Pleas of the King's Bench were stayed, and all Prisoners, arrested by Sheriffs, commanded to be set at liberty; which seems to have little probability, seeing his Son Edward presently upon his Deposing was received for King: But howsoever so great a Dowry was then assigned to Queen Isabel, that scarce a third part of the Revenues of the Crown is le●t for the new King and his Wife: And to the late King is allowed a hundred Marks ● month for his maintenance; with which he lived with his Cousin the Earl of Leycester, in good plenty and contentment for a time; only this grieved h●m most of all (he said) that the Queen his Wife would never be gotten to come to see him: For he swore most devoutly that from the time he first saw her face, he could never like of any other Woman. By which it may appear, that neither Gaveston no● the Spensers had so debauched him, as to make him false to his bed, or to be disloyal to his Queen. But the Queen being hardened against him, and conceiving he had too great Liberty under the Earl of Leycester, by advice of her pestilent Counsellor, Adam Torleton Bishop of Hereford, appoints Thomas Go●rney, and Io●● Matrevers knights, to take him from the Earl into their own Custody, and to carry him whither they thought good; who thereupon take him from Kenelw●rth, and carry him first to Corfe Castle, and from thence to Bristol, where they shut him in the Castle; till upon knowledge of a Plot laid to get him out, and send him beyond Sea, they took him in the night and carried him to B●rkeley Castle, where by the way they abused him most inhumanely, as Sir Thomas de la More a knight of Glocestershire in his Life relateth: For to the end he should not be known, they shaved his Head and Beard, and that in most beastly manner; for they took him from his Horse and set him upon a Hillock, and then taking puddle water out of a Ditch thereby, they went to wash him, his Barber telling him that cold water must serve for this time: whereat the miserable King looking sternly upon him, said, That whether they would or no, he would have warm water to wash him: and therewithal to make good his word, he presently shed forth a shower of tears. Never was King turned ou● of a kingdom in such a manner; Many kingdoms have been lost by the chance of War, but this kingdom was lost before any Dice were cast; no blow struck, no Battle fought; done forcibly, and yet without force; violently, and yet with consent; both parties agreed, yet neither pleased; for the King was not pleased to leave his kingdom, and the Queen was not pleased to leave him his life; it was not safe to leave him a part, by which he might afterward recover the whole; and therefore this was the mark now aimed at, having taken away his kingdom openly, how they might take away his life secretly; be the Authors of it, and not be seen in it; but this must be the Contents of a Chapter hereafter. Of his Taxations. BY this King it appears, there is something else besides the grievance of Taxations, that alienates the minds of English Subjects from their King; for never were fewer Taxations then in this King's time, yet never were the Subject's minds more alienated from their King, than they were from him. Before his Coronation, in a Parliament holde● at Westminster, ●●ere was granted him a fifteenth of the Clergy, and a twentieth of the Temporalty. In his fifth year in a Parliament at L●●don, was granted him a fifteenth of the Temporalty. In his fifteenth year was granted the sixth pen●y of temporal men's Goods, through England, Ireland, and Wales, towards his Warre● with Scotland. And more than these we read not of: but then at the defeat of the Earl of Lancaster, there were Confiscations that supplied the place of Taxations, by which (as one saith) he became the richest King that had been since the Conquest. Of his Laws and Ordinances. HE Ordained that the monies of his Father, though counted base by the People, should be currant. In the eight year of his Reign, by reason of a dear●h which raised the price of all Victuals, it was Ordained by Parliament, that an Ox fatted with grass, should be sold for fifteen shillings; fatted with Corn, for twenty; the best Cow for twelve shillings; a fat Hog of two years old, three shillings four pence; a fat Sheep shorn, fourteen pence, with the Fleece, twenty pence; a fat Goose for two pence halfpenny; a fat Capon two pence; a fat Hen a penny; four Pigeons a penny; whosoever sold for more, should forfeit their Ware to the King. But after these Rates imposed, all kind of Victuals grew so scarce, that provision could hardly be made for the King's house; whereupon shortly after, the Order was revoked, and Market Folkes permitted to make the best of their Wares. In this King's time an Ordinance was made against knights Templars, accused of Heresy and other crimes, and they were all apprehended, and committed to divers Prisons. The like was done by all the Kings of Christendom, at one instant, being condemned in a General Counsel at Vienna. In the 14. year of his Reign, on the 15. of October, the Clerks of the Exchequer went towards York with the Book called Domus Dei, and other Records and Provision that laded one and twenty Carts, but within half a year they were brought back again. Affairs of the Church in his time. IN the 17. year of his Reign the Bishop of Hereford was arrested● accused of High Treason, for aiding the King's enemies in their late rebellion; but he refu●ed to answer, (being a consecrated Bishop) without leave of the Archbishop of Canterbury, whose Suffragan he was, (and who he said was his direct Judge, next the Pope) or without the consent of his fellow Bishops: who than all arose, and humbly craved the King's Clemency in his behalf; but finding the King implacable, they took him away from the Bar, and delivered him to the custody o● the Archbishop of Canterbury: shortly after, he was again taken and convented as before, which the Clergy understanding, the Archbishops, Canterbury, York, and Dublin, with ten other Bishops, all with their Crosses erected, went to the place of Judgement, and again took him away with them; charging all men, upon pain of Excommunication, to forbear to lay violent hands upon him; with which audacious Act, the King was so much displeased, that he presently commanded inquiry to be made ex Officio judicis, concerning those Objections against the Bishop; wherein he was found guilty, though absent, and had all his Goods and Possessions seized into the King's hands. In this King's time the Crowchet Friars came first into England. In his time, Pope john the two and twentieth, first Instituted the Feast of Corpus Christi; begun before by Urban the fourth. Works of piety done by him, or by others in his time. THis King founded Oriall College, and Saint Mary Hall in Oxford: He builded ● Church of Friars at his Manor of Langley, where the soul of Gaveston, should b● prayed for. In this King's twentieth year, Richard Rothing Sheriff of London built the Parish Church of Garlickhithe in London. Ralph Baldock Bishop of London gave two thousand Marks to the building of the new Work of the Chapel, on the South side of Paul's Church: And left much more by his Testament. Casualties. IN the eighth year of this King's Reign, was so great a dear●h, that Horses and Dogs were eaten, and Thiefs in prison plucked in pieces those that were newly brought in amongst them, and eat them half alive; which continuing three years, brought in the end such a pestilence, that the living scarce sufficed to bury the dead. In the fourth year of his Reign, the Church of Middleton in Dorsetshire, with all the Monuments, was consumed with Lightning, the Monks being at Matins. In this King's time, digging the Foundation of a work about Paul's, were found more than a hundred heads of Oxen and kine, which confirmed the opinion, that of old time it had been the Temple of jupiter, and that there was the Sacrifice of Beasts. Of his Wife and Children. HE married Isabel Daughter of Philip the Fair, King of France, she being but twelve years of age; who lived his Wife twenty years, his Widow thirty, and dying at threescore and three years old, at Rising near London, was buried in the midst of the Grey Friar's Choir in London. By her he had issue two Sons and two Daughters: his eldest Son named Edward of Windsor, because borne there, succeeded him in the kingdom. His second Son named john of Eltham, because borne there, was at twelve years old created Earl of Cornwall: he died in Scotland, in the flower of his Youth, unmarried. His eldest Daughter joan, being a child, was married in the fourth year of King Edward her Brother, to D●vid Prince of Scotland, Son to King Robert Bruce, at seven years old, who coming afterward into England to visit her Brother, died here, and was buried at the Grey Friars in London. His second Daughter Eleanor, was married to Reginold the second Earl of Gelder, with a portion of fifteen thousand pounds, and had issue by him two Sons, who were Earls successively. Of his Personage and Conditions. HE was fair of body, and of great strength, but given much to drink, which made him oftentimes bewray his own Secrets; For his other conditions, his greatest fault was, that he loved but one, for if his love had been divided, it could not have been so violent. He was extreme in nothing but in loving; and though love moderated, be the best of affections, yet the extremity of it is the worst of passions. He was rather unfortunate then unhappy; seeing unfortunateness is in the Event, unhappiness in the Cause; and if his fortune had been to love good men, his own goodness would have made him happy. Two Virtues were eminent in him above all his Predecessors, Continence, and Abstinence: So continent that he left no base issue behind him; So abstinent, that he took no base courses for raising of money. They who despised him being alive, so much honoured him being dead, that they could have found in their hearts to make him a Saint. Of his Death and Burial. MAny ways were attempted to take away his life: First, they vexed him in his diet, allowing him nothing he could well endure to eat, but this succeeded not. Then they lodged him in a chamber over carrion and dead carcases, enough to have poisoned him; and indeed he told a workman at his window, he never endured so great a misery in all his life, but neither did this succeed: Then they attempted it by Poisons, but whether by the strength of his constitution, or by the Divine Providence, neither did this succeed. At last the pestilent Achit●phel, the Bishop of Hereford, devised a Letter to his keepers, blaming them for giving him too much liberty, and for not doing the service which was expected from them: and in the end of his Letter wrote this line, Edwardum Octidere ●●lite timere bonum est: Craftily contriving it in this doubtful sense, that both the keepers might find sufficient warrant, and himself might find sufficient excuse. The keepers guessing at his meaning, took it in the worst sense, and accordingly put it in execution; they took him in his bed, and casting heavy bolsters upon him, and pressing them hard down, stifled him; and not content with that, they heated an iron red hot, and through a pipe thrust it up into his Fondament, that no marks of violence might be seen; but though none were seen, yet some were heard; For when the Fact was in doing, he was heard to roar and cry all the Castle over. Gourney and Matrevers, his murderers, looking for reward, had the reward of murderers: For the Queen and Bishop Torleton disavowing the command, threatened to question them for the King's death: whereupon they fled beyond Sea; and Gourney after three years being taken in France, and sent into England, was in the way upon the Sea beheaded. Matrevers flying into Germany, had the grace to repent, but lived ever after miserably. Thus died this King in the year 1327. more than half a year after his deposing; when he had Reigned almost 19 years, lived 43. His body was c●rryed to Gloucester, and there without any Funeral Pomp buried in the Monastery of Saint Peter, by the Benedictine Friars. Of Men of note in his time. IN this King's time, of Martial men were many, whose Acts have been spoken of in the late King's life. Of Learned men, also many, as john Duns the great Logician, called Doctor Subtilis, borne in Northumberland, at Emildune a Village three miles distant from Al●wi●ke; though both the Scots and the Irish challenge him for thei●s. Robert Walsingham a Carmelite Friar, who wrote divers Treatises. Robert Baston borne in Nottinghamshire, a Carmelite Friar of Scarborough, whom King Edward took with him into Scotland, to write some Remembrances of his victories; but being taken by the Scots was constrained by Robert Bruce to write Remembrances of his overthrows. William Rishanger, a Monk of Saint Alban, an Historiographer; Ralph Baldock Bishop of London, who wrote a History entitled Historia Anglica; john Walsingham, a Carmelite Friar, who wrote divers Treatises; Nicholas de Lyra a Jew by birth, who wrote many excellent Treatises in Divinity; William Ockam a Friar Minor, who wrote divers Treatises, and namely against john Duns, and also against Pope john the 23. in favour of the Emperor Lewis of Bavaria; Thomas Haselwood, a Canon of Leedes in Kent, who wrote a Chronicle, called Chronicon compendiarium; Robert Perscrutator, borne in Yorkshire, a black Friar and a Philosopher, or rather a Magician; and lastly, though not least worthy to be remembered, john Mandevile, the great Traveller, a Doctor of Physic, and a Knight. THE LIFE and REIGN OF KING EDWARD THE THIRD. Of his coming to the Crown, and Acts done in his minority. EDward of Windsor, eldest son of King Edward the second, by Order of Parliament, upon his Father's Resignation, was proclaimed King of England, on the five and twentieth day of january, in the year 1327. and because he had not yet received the Order of knighthood, he was by Henry Earl of Lancaster gi●t solemnly with the Sword; and on the first day of February following, was Crowned at Westminster by Walter Reginolds Archbishop of Canterbury: and thereupon a general Pardon is Proclaimed, which hath since been used as a Custom with all the succeeding Kings: that at their first coming to the Crown, a General Pardon is always granted. And because the King was under age, scarce fifteen years old (though Froyssard saith he was then Eighteen) there were twelve appointed Governors of him and the kingdomed namely the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, the Bishops of Winchester, Hereford, and Worcester; Thomas of Brotherton, Earl Martial, Edmund Earl of Kent, the King's Uncles; john Earl Warren, Thomas Lord Wake, Henry Lord Percy, Oliver Lord Ingham, and john Lord Rosse: but though these were appointed and bore the name, yet the Queen and Roger Mortimer took all the authority to themselves. The first action that was undertaken, was an expedition against the Scots; for Robert Bruce, though now old and sickly, and (as was said) Leprous: yet considering the youth of the new King, and the distractions of the kingdom, thought it now a ●it time to do some good upon England: and entering the English borders with an Army, sent defiance to King Edward: whereupon an Army is raised, and the Heyna●lders (whom the Queen had brought over) are joined with the English; but a variance falling out between the two Nations, made the action not successful. For the King's Army encountering the Scots at Stanhope Park in Weridall in the Bishopric of Durham, though three times as many as the Scots, as being thirty thousand; yet through this variance, but more through treason of some great men, suffered them all to escape their hands, and the Scots returned home in safety, the English with dishonour: and after this, the English seeing the Heynaulders could do them no good, sent them away to their own Country. In King Edward's second year, his marriage with Philippe of Heynault is solemnised, (a dispensation being first gotten, because of their nearness in blood) and a Parliament is holden at Northampton, where the King made three Earls: john of Eltham his brother, Earl of Cornwall; Roger Mortimer, Earl of March, and james Butler of Ireland, Earl of Ormond: and in this Parliament a dishonourable peace is concluded with the Scots, and confirmed by a match between David Bruce Prince of Scotland, being but seven years old, and joan sister to King Edward, not so old; at which time, by the secret working of Queen Isabella, Roger Mortimer and Sir james Douglas; the King surrenders by his Charter, all his title of Sovereignty to the Kingdom of Scotland, restores divers Deeds and Instruments of their former Homages and Fealties, with the famous Evidence called Ragmans' Roll, and many ancient Jewels and Monuments, amongst which was the black Cross of Scotland; and besides, any English man is prohibited to hold lands in Scotland, unless he were a dweller there. In consideration whereof King Bruce was to pay thirty thousand Marks, and to renounce his claim to the Counties of Cumberland and Northumberland, and any other place possessed by him in England. This was no good beginning, and yet worse followed after. For another Parliament being holden at Winchester, Edmund Earl of Kent, the King's Uncle, is there accused, and condemned upon his confession, for intending to restore his brother, the late King Edward; an intention only without any fact; yet condemned he was, and brought to the Scaffold, but generally, so beloved of the people, that he stood on the Scaffold from one a clock till five, before any executioner could be found that would do the office, till at last a silly wretch of the marshalsea was gotten to cut off his head. But the Authors of his death escaped not long themselves, for in the third year of the King's Reign, another Parliament is holden at Nottingham, wherein the Queen hath all her great Jointure taken from her, and is put to her Pension of a thousand pounds a year, and herself confined to a Castle, where she remained the rest of her days, no fewer than thirty years, a time long enough to find that her being the daughter of a King, the sister of a King, the wife of a King, and the mother of a King, were glorious titles, but all not worth the liberty of a mean estate; and as for Mortimer, (lying then in the Castle of Nottingham) and lately created Earl of the Marches of Wales) he was seized on in this manner; the King taking with him William Montacute, Robert Holland, and others, go secretly one night by Torchlight, through a privy way under ground, till they came to the Queen's Chamber, where leaving the King without, they entered, and found the Queen with Mortimer, ready to go to bed: then laying hands on him, they led him forth, after whom the Queen followed, crying, Bel fits, ●el fits, ayes pity du gentle Mortimer; good son good son, take pity upon the gentle Mortimer, suspecting that her son had been amongst them: this course was taken to apprehend him for avoiding of tumult, he having no fewer than ninescore knights and Gentlemen, besides other meaner servants continually about him. But thus seized on, he is committed presently to the Tower, accused of divers great crimes, whereof these were chief; that he had procured the late King's death; that he had been the author of the Scots safe escaping at Stanhope Park, corrupted with the gift of thirty thousand pounds; that he had procured the late marriage and Peace with Scotland, so dishonourable to the King and kingdom; that he had been too familiar with the Queen, as by whom she was thought to be with child: of which Articles he is found guilty, and condemned; and thereupon is drawn and hanged on the common Gallows at the Elms, now called Tyburn, where his body remained two days as an opprobrious spectacle for all beholders. After these businesses in England, there comes a new business upon him from the King in France: for about this time Philippe le Bel, King of France, the Queen's brother dying without issue, the right of succession to the Crown is devolved upon the Heir to Charles a former King, wherein are competitors Philip Duke de Valois, and Edward King of England; Edward is the nearer in blood, bu● draws his Pedigree by a Female: Philippe, the further off, but descending by all Males; and because the Law Salic excluding Females, was conceived as well to exclude all descendants by Females, therefore is Philip's title preferred before King Edward's, and Philip is received and crowned King of France: to which preferment of his, Robert d' Arthois a Peer of great power, gave no small furtherance. And now as soon as Philip was Invested in the Crown, he summons King Edward to come and do his Homage for the Duchy of Guyenne, and his other lands in France, held of that Crown, according to the custom; which though it were some prejudice to King Edward's claim afterward, yet in regard his kingdom of England was scarce well settled, and himself but young, he was contented to do; and thereupon the sixth of june, in the year 1329. King Edward in a Crimson Velvet gown embroidered with Leopards, with his Crown on his head, his Sword by his side, and golden Spurs on his heels; presents himself in the body of the Cathedral Church of Amiens before King Philip, sitting in his Chair of Estate, in a Velvet Gown of a Violet colour embroidered with Flowers the lys of Gold, his Crown on his head, and his Sceptre in his hand, with all his Princes and Peers about him. The Viscount Melun Chamberlain of France, first commands King Edward to pu● off his Crown, his Sword, and his Spurs, and to kneel down, which he did, on a Crimson Velvet Cushion before King Philip; and then the Viscount putting both his hands together between the hands of the King of France, pronounced the words of the Homage, which were these: You become Liegeman to my Master here present, as Duke of Aquitaine and Peer of France, and you promise to bear faith and loyalty unto him; Say yea: and King Edward said yea, and kissed the King of France in the mouth, as Lord of the Fee. The like Homage also he did for the Earldom of Ponthieu. But this act of submission left a rancour in King Edward's heart, which afterwards broke so out, that it had been good for France 〈◊〉 had never been exacted. This done, King Edward returns home, and there finds a new business with Scotland, upon this occasion. Edward Baylioll, son to john Baylioll (sometimes King of Scotland) two and thirty years after his father's deposition, began now to show himself, attempting the recovery of that Crown; and coming out of Fra●ce, where he had all that while remained; and getting aid underhand in Engla●d, with them he suddenly assails those who had the government of Scotland, during the Nonage of the young King David, (being at that time with the King of Fra●ce) and in a battle overcame them, with the slaugher of many Noble men, and thousands of the common people; and thereupon was immediately Crowned King of Scotland at Scone. But notwithstanding this great defeat, King Baylioll was forced to retire him into England to get more aid of King Edward: who now shows himself in the action, joins with Baylioll against his brother in Law, King David; goes in person with a strong Army to recover Berwicke, which after three month's siege, being valiantly defended by the Lord Seton, was taken in; and the Army of the Scots which came to the rescue thereof, at Hallidowne-hill, utterly defeated: where were slain seven Earls, ninety knights and Bannerets, four hundred Esquires, and about two and thirty thousand common Soldiers, as our Writers report; as theirs, but fourteen thousand: and with this effusion of blood is Baylioll returned to his miserable kingdom, and to hold good correspondence with the King of England hereafter, doth him Homage for his Realm of Scotland, and the Lands adjacent. But though he had a kingdom, yet he had not quietness, for many of the Scots aided by the French, made war upon him divers years after; during all which time, King David with his wife remained in France. If any man marvel why King Edward would aid Bailioll against King David, who had married his sister; he may consider that Alliances, how near soever, weigh but light in the Scales of State. About this time the I'll of Man is conquered by William Montacute, Earl of S●lisbury; for which service King Edward gave him the Title of King of Man. Of his Acts after he came of age. ANd now Robert of Arthois banished out of France, comes into England, whom King Edward makes Earl of Richmond, and of his Counsel. This Robert persuades King Edward to make war upon France, to which Crown (he said) he had more right than he that held it; with whose persuasions, King Edward is at last resolved to undertake the enterprise: and to furnish himself of Noble Chieftains, he at one time in a Parliament at Westminster, the eighth year of his Reign, creates six Earls, Henry of Lancaster he made Earl D●rby, William Montacute he made Earl of Salisbury, Hugh Audeley Earl of Gloucester, William Clinton Earl of Huntingdon, and Robert Clifford or Ufford Earl of Suffolk; also twenty knights, of whom Thomas de la Moor, who writ the life of the King's Father, was one: withal he enters League of amity with many Princes abroad, with the Dukes and Earls of Gelder's, julyers, Cleves, Heynault, and Brabant, and with the Archbishop of Colen, and Valeran his brother: as on the other side, the King of France got to take his part the Bishop of Liege, john King of Bohemia, Earl of Luxemburg, Henry Count Palatine, Aubert Bishop of Mets, Otho Duke of Austria, Am Earl of Geneva, with many other Princes and Captains out of Germany, Spain, and other Countries. King Edward thus resolved in himself, and furnished with friends abroad, goes over into Flanders with his Queen and children, makes his residence at Antwerp, where by persuasion of the Flemings he takes upon him the Style, Title, and Arms of the King of France; for by this they accounted themselves disobliged of the Bond of twenty hundred thousand crowns, which they had entered into, never to bear Arms against the King of France; and hereupon the League was established between them and King Edward. And now King Edward for a beginning to put his claim in execution, sets upon Cambray, and enters France by the way of Vermandois and Thierach; on the other side King Philip seizeth on the Duchy of Guienne, and sends thither the Conte d' Eu, Constable of France, with the Earls of Foix and Armigniack. At last both Armies came so near together, that a fight was appointed the Friday after; but upon better consideration, the English thought it no discretion to give battle to an Army so much greater than their own, if they could avoid it; and the French thought it as little discretion for them to hazard the person of their Prince within his own kingdom; and perhaps were not a little moved with the warning given them by Robert King of Sicily, a great Astronomer, that he foresaw by the Stars, some great misfortune to threaten the French, if they should that day fight with the English, King Edward being present: and thus both Armies having their several reasons to decline the battle, they parted without doing any thing; only an accident happened scarce worth remembering, yet must be remembered. A Hare starting out before the head of the French Army, caused a great shout to be made; whereupon, they who saw not the Hare, but only heard the shout, supposing it to be the onset to the battle, disposed themselves to fight, and fourteen Gentlemen for encouragements sake, as the custom is, were knighted; called afterward in merriment, knights of the Hare. But now King Edward must a little look home, and therefore leaving the Queen in Brabant, he passeth himself into England about Candlemas, having been in Brabant about a year; and landing at the Tower about midnight, and finding ●t unguarded, was so much displeased, that he presently sends for the Major of ●ondon, commanding him to bring before him the Chancellor and Treasurer, with Sir john Saint Paul, Michael Watch, Philp Thorpe, Henry Stratford, Clergy men, (who it seems were Officers for his Receipts) and john Sconer Justice of the Bench; all which, except the Chancellor, were apprehended and committed to prison; as were afterward in like manner divers Officers of Justice, and Accomptants, upon inquiry made of their unjust proceeding. During the King's abode in England, William Montacute Earl of Salisbury, and Robert Ufford Earl of Suffolk, le●t in Flanders to oppose the French, having performed divers great exploits, were a● last in an encounter about Lis●e, so overlaid by multitude, as they were both taken, and sent prisoners to Paris. Besides, about this time two accidents happened that were thought would be great rubs in King Edward's proceeding; one, that his Wife's Father, William Earl of Hayn●ult, dying, and leaving his son to succeed, this son left his brother King Edward, and fell to take part with the King of France: the other, that the Duke of Normandy, thinking himself as strong as ever William Du●● of Normandy was that conquered England, he saw no reason but he might conquer it as well as that William; and thereupon makes preparation by Sea and Land to attempt the enterprise: but these were but vapours that never came to be winds, at least brought no storms: for john Earl of Haynault had quickly enough of the King of France, and was soon after reconciled to his brother King Edward; and the Duke of Normandy went no further than preparations: for indeed King Edw●●d prosecuted his courses against France with such heat, that all the neighbouring Princes seeing a fire kindled so near their own borders, were glad to look ●o themselves at home. But now to impeach the King of England's return into Fra●ce● King Philip had provided a mighty Navy in the Haven of Sluice, consisting of tw● hundred sail of Ships (besides many Galleys) and two thousand armed men in th● Port ready to encounter him upon his landing: whereof King Edward being advertised, prepares the like number of Ships, and sets out to Sea upon Midsummer Eve; is m● the morrow after with a Navy likewise from the North parts, conducted by Sir ●●bert Morley; and encounters his enemy who lay to intercept him with such force and courage, and such advantage of Wind and Sun, that he utterly defeated their whole Navy, took and sunk all their Ships, slew thirty thousand men, and landed with as great glory, as such a victory (the greatest that ever before was gotten by the English at Sea) could yield, though King Edward himself was there wounded with an Arrow in the thigh. Most of the French, rather than to endure the Arrows of the English, or be taken, desperately leapt into the Sea; whereupon the French Kings Jester, set on to give him notice of this overthrow, (which being so ill news, no●● else would willingly impart unto him) said, and oftentimes repeated it in the Kings hearing; Cowardly English men, Dastardly English men, faint-hearted English men● the King at length asked him why● for that (said he) they durst not leap out of their Ships into the Sea, as our brave French men did. By which speech the King apprehend a notion of this overthrow: which the French attribute to Nichol●●●●chet, one of their chief Commanders, who had armed his Ships with men of base condition (content with small pay) and refused Gentlemen and sufficient Soldiers, in regard they required greater wages: And indeed it often happens that the avarice of Commanders is the occasion of great defeats. By this victory King Edward gained a free entrance into Flanders, and presently went and besieged Tourney with an Army of five and fifty thousand, but was so valiantly encountered by the Duke of Burgundy and the Earl of Armigniack, that they routed his Army, and slew four thousand upon the place; which so enraged King Edward, that two days after he sent a Challenge to King Philip to meet him in ● single combat, or with an hundred against as many, before the walls of Tourn●●. King Philip answers, that his Challenge being made to Philip de Valois, without mention of King, he took it not to be to him, who was truly King of France● but he wished him to remember the Homage he had done him at Amiens, and the wrong he did to the Christian world● by his troublesome courses to hinder him from his voyage intended to the Holy Land. Besides this answer in writing he sends to him by word of mouth; that by his Challenge he hazarded nothing of his own, but exposed only the Dominion of another, which was against all reason: but if he would set his kingdom of England, though much meaner, against his of France, he would then accept the Challenge, and meet him in the field 〈◊〉 single combat. But this King Edward would not hearken to for as he was valiant to make the Challenge, so he was circumspect to look to the conditions. But here upon he continues his siege of T●●rnay; to the relief whereof King Philip sends all the forces he could possibly make by himself o● his friends; and after the siege had continued three months, partly by mediation of Robert King of Sicily, but chiefly by the Lady jane of Valois, sister to King Philip, and mother of King Edward's wife (who had vowed herself a Nun; but to do this good office, traveled from one to another) a Truce was concluded for a year, and both their Armies are dissolved. After this, K. Edward returning into England, was advertised how the Scots after many other places gained, had besieged the Castle of Striveling; for relief whereof, the King makes all the haste he can; and yet before he could come, it was by force of battery, compelled to render itself upon conditions. Then King Edward being at Berwicke, passeth to Newcastle upon Tyne, where he stays a month waiting for his provision that was to come by Sea; but that being driven into other parts by tempest, he makes a Truce with the Scots for three or four months, and then returns home. In the time of this Truce; the Scots send to King David, to come and govern the kingdom in his own person; who thereupon taking his leave of the King of France, with whom he had remained seven years, he with his wife joan, King Edward's sister, returns into Scotland; where after he had been most honourably received by the Prince of Or●nay, and the other Lords and Barons of the Kingdom, as soon as the Truce was ended, with a strong Army enters Northumberland, passing on to Newcastle upon Tyne, where he plants his Campe. Of this Castle, john Nevile was left governor by King Edward, who sending out certain companies, took the Earl Murray prisoner, and with the slaughter of divers of his men, and rich booties, returned back to his Castle; which so incensed King David, that he assaulted the Castle as a man enraged, but finding it too strong for his taking, he then passed into the Province of Durham, where he used all kinds of cruelty, first upon the Country, and then upon the City, killing men, women and children, Clergy, and others; burning and destroying houses and Churches, and utterly defacing it. From thence he passeth on to the Castle of Salisbury, which Castle belonged to William Montacute Earl of Salisbury in right of his wife; but himself being then prisoner in France, only his Countess, and one William Montacute a Cousin of his, was in the Castle. This William perceiving the Scottish horse to be so overcharged with pillage, that they were scarce able to go; issues out of the Castle with forty horse, sets upon them, kills two hundred, and takes six score, whom he brings with their rich pillage, into the Castle. King David soon after with his whole Army arrived, but hearing of King Edward's coming (who certified of these things, made all the haste he could) he retires himself from thence; and King Edward finding him gone before he came, yet would needs go in and visit the Countess: of whom, as soon as he saw her, he was so enamoured, that he laid more battery to her chastity, than King David had done to her Castle; but finding it inexpugnable, after a day and a night he left it, and followed after the Scots, with whom for three days together he had many skirmishes, till at last a Truce was concluded for two years; and amongst other conditions, William Earl of Salisbury, prisoner with the King of France, was set at liberty in exchange for the Earl Murray, prisoner with the King of England. About this time another difference fell out between the Kings of France and England. john Earl of Montford laid claim to the Duchy of Britain, but in the quarrel was taken prisoner by the King of France: his Lady sends to King Edward for succour; which King Edward grants upon condition that a marriage be made between his daughter Mary and the Earl of Montfords' son; which being agreed on, he sends over to her aid, first, Walter de Manny a valiant knight, and afterward Robert d' Arthois: but whilst his Army was preparing, King Edward was informed by Edward Baylioll, the pretended King of Scotland, and Governor of Berwicke, that the Scots had not kept the conditions of the Truce; whereupon King Edward draws a great Army to Berwicke, with a purpose to do great matters, but nothing was done, for a new Truce was again concluded for two years. By this time Robert d' Arthois had made ready his Army, and taking with him the Countess of Montford, the Earls of Pembroke, Salisbury, and Suffolk, and many other Barons; after great tempests and encounters at Sea lands safely at last near to Vannes, which was held by the French, and laying ●●ege to the City, with the assistance of Walter de Manny, who came unto him, after many assaults, at last he took it, to the great joy of the Countess of Montford, though she held it not long; for certain resolute French knights assaulted it soon after, and recovered it from the English. In which action many Lords were slain or wounded, and particularly Robert de Ar●hois himself; who passing over into England, for the better curing of his wounds, soon after died, and was buried in Paul's Church in L●ndon. And now King Edward himself with a strong Army passeth over into Britain, and plants his Camp before the City of Vannes, where was like to have been a cruel battle; but in the instant, there came from Pope Cl●ment the sixth, two Cardinals, the Bishops of Preneste and Thusculum; who upon certain conditions concluded a Peace; amongst other conditions, this was one; that the City of Vannes should be delivered to ●ing Philip, and thereupon john Earl of Montford should be set at liberty, but yet with this charge, not to go into Britain: which promise notwithstanding, he kept not, but went presently and besieged a Tow●e in Britain, though he were forced to retire, and died shortly after. But the Truce cracked ●hus, as it were, by Montford, was afterward absolutely broken by King Edward though he charged the breach of it upon K. Philip, and King Philip upon him. But howsoever broken it was; and Henry of Lancaster Earl of Derby, with divers other Earls and Barons, is sent into France, who won many Towns in Gascoyne● and in the Counties of Perigort and Tholo●se, and then went to winter at Bordeaux. And afterward, in May following, pursuing his victories, he won many mor● Towns; and amongst others, the great Town of Reoll. After this again, he took Montpesat, Maurore, Villefranche, and many other Towns; and at last the great City of Ango●lesme, and then came to winter again at Bordeaux. Of his Acts together with the Prince. KING Philip informed of so many great losses, assembles a mighty Army, no less than a hundred thousand men, with which he recovers Miremont, and Villefranche, and then proceeded to besiege Angoulesme, whom the Earl of Derby having not forces sufficient to encounter, King Edward (leaving for Wardens of England in his absence, the Lords Percy and Nevil) goeth himself in person with an Army (as Froyssard saith) of fourscore thousand men at Arms, and ten thousand Archers, besides those out of Wales and Ireland; taking with him his son, the Prince of Wales, and Duke of Guyenne, being then but of the age of fifteen years. It may be thought preposterous in King Edward, to put his son to be a Soldier before he was come to be a man; but it seems he had a longing to try his son's valour in the bud, and perhaps was loath to omit any thing that might give any countenance to this battle, in which the two kingdoms were laid as it were at stake; but howsoever, taking him along with him, and almost all the Lords of his kingdom, he takes Shipping, and lands at Normandy, where at the first setting his foot on ground, he took such a fall, that the blood gushed out at his nose; which the Barons took for an ill sign, but the King took it for a good: saying, it was a sign that the Land desired to have him: and in deed he presently took the Towns of Harsteur, Moulbourg, Carenton, and Saint Lo, and afterward the City of Ca●n itself; and from thence passed to the County of Eureux, saccaged and pillaged it, as also the City of guysor's, Vernon, Meulan, and Boulebourse to the City of Poyssy. King Philip all this while stayed about Paris, as looking for King Edward to give him battle there; and for that purpose had planted his Camp near to Saint Germans; but King Edward deceived him: for going from Poyssy, he passed into Picardy and Ponthie●, where he took and burned many Towns and Castles: and then passed the River of 〈◊〉, though not without danger: for King Philip had sent thither Gundemar de Fay with a thousand horse, and six thousand foot, to stop his passage: King Edward notwithstanding resolves to pass, or perish, and plungeth forem●●● into the River; crying out, They who love me, will follow me at which voice, 〈◊〉 man strove who should be foremost, and so the shore was presently gained by the English. Gun●emar astonished with this bold adventure, astonisheth his peo●●● with his fearful countenance: so that the English encountering the French all in 〈◊〉, put them to flight. King Philip enraged with this dishonour, resolves to 〈◊〉 it; and presently provokes King Edward to a battle. King Edward had 〈◊〉 ●●camped in a Village called Cressy, his Army consisted of thirty thousand 〈◊〉 ●hich he divided into three battalions: the first was led by the young Prince 〈…〉, with whom were joined the Earl of Warwick, Geoffrey of Harecourt, 〈◊〉 Holla●d, Ric●ard Stafford, john Chandoes, Robert Nevile, and many other 〈◊〉 and Gentlemen, to the number of eight hundred men at Arms, two thou 〈…〉, and a thousand Welsh. In the second were the Earls of Northam●●●●●nd ●nd of 〈◊〉, the Lords Rosse, Basset, and others, to the number of eight hun〈…〉 Arms, and twelve hundred Archers. In the third the King was him●●●●● h●ving about him seven hundred men at Arms, and three thousand Archers. 〈◊〉 battles thus ordered, mounted on a white Hobby, he road from rank to rank 〈◊〉 ●●em; encouraging every man that day to have regard to his right and ho 〈…〉 The French Kings Army was far greater, consisting of above sixty thou 〈…〉 well armed; whereof the chief were Charles Duke of Alencon 〈…〉 john of Luxembourg King of Bohemia, Charles de Blois the King's 〈…〉 Duke of Lorraine, the Earls of Flanders, Nevers, Sancerre; of Ba 〈…〉 and Gentlemen, about three thousand. The Vanguard he commits to his ●rother the Count de Alencon, the Rear to the Earl of Savoy, the main battle ●e lead● himself; his heat out of confidence of victory was so great, that 〈…〉 permitted time for a little counsel what was fit to be done. The old King 〈…〉 advised that the Army should take some repast, and that the Infantry c●●●isting of Ge●oueses (which were above fifteen thousand Crossbows, and 〈◊〉 men● should make the first Front, and the Cavalry to follow; which was agreed on. But the Count of Alencon, contrary to this order, took it ill that the 〈◊〉 were in the first rank, and in fury caused them to change place; which 〈…〉 discontentment, that it irritated them more against the Leader, than the 〈◊〉; besides there fell at the instant, such a shower of rain, as dissolved their 〈◊〉, and made their Bows of little use; and at the breaking up of the shower, the 〈…〉 full in the face of the French (dazzling their sight) and on the back of the 〈◊〉, as if all made for them. K. Edward who had gotten to a Windmill, beholding 〈◊〉 a Sentinel, the countenance of the Enemy, and discovering the disturbance 〈◊〉 by the change of place; instantly sends to charge that part, without giving 〈…〉 to re-accommodate themselves; whereupon the discontented Gen●●ese 〈◊〉 which the Co●nt de Alencon perceiving, he comes on with the horse, and 〈…〉 ●age cries out, On, on, Let us make way upon the bellies of these Genoveses, 〈…〉 but hinder us: and instantly pricks on with a full career through the midst 〈…〉, followed by the Earls of Lorraine and Savoy, and never stays till he came 〈◊〉 the English battle, where the Prince was; the fight grew hot and doubtful, 〈…〉 as the Commanders about the Prince send to King Edward to come up with his power to aid him. The King asks the messengers whether his son were 〈…〉 hurt: who answering, no; but that he was like to be over-laid: Well then (〈◊〉 ●he King) return, and tell them who sent you, that so long as my son is a 〈…〉 they send no more to me what ever happen; for I will that the honour of this 〈…〉 his. And so being left to try for themselves, they wrought it out with the 〈◊〉 ● the rather by reason the French King having his horse slain under him, and 〈◊〉 danger to be trodden to death, had he not been recovered by the Lord Beau 〈…〉 ●●●s to the great discouragement of his people, withdrawn out of the field: 〈◊〉 no●●ce being once taken by the English, the day was soon after theirs, and 〈…〉 victory they ever had yet against the French, and so bloody, as there is 〈…〉 made of any one prisoner taken in the battle, but all ●laine outright; only ●ome few troops that held together, saved themselves by retiring to places near adjoining. The French King himself with ● small company, got to Bray in the night, and approaching the walls, and the Gu●rd ask him who goes there? he answered, the Fortune of Fr●●c●. By ●i● voice ●e was known, and thereupon received into the Town, with the tears and lamentations of his people. The number of the slain are certified to be thirty thousand: the chief whereof, were Charles de Al●ns●n, john Duke of 〈◊〉, ralph Earl of Lorraine, L●wis Earl of Fl●●●ers, Jaques Dauphin de 〈◊〉, So●●e to I●b●rt, (who after gave Dauphin to the Crown of France) the Earl●● of S●●c●rre, H●r●court, and many other Earls, Barons, and Gentlemen, to the number of fiftee●● hundred. This memorable Victory happened upon the S●turday after Bart●●l●●●● day, in the year 1346. The next day, early in the morning, being Sunday, he s●n● out 300. Lances, and 2000 Archers● to discover what was become of t●● 〈◊〉 who found great Troops coming from Abbe●●l●, Saint 〈…〉, a●d B●●uvoyes, (ignorant of what had happened 〈◊〉 by the Archbishop of R●●●, and the Prior of France: whom they likewise defeated, and slew s●ven thousand. But this was not all th● Victories that fell to King Edward that year, there was another of no less importance gotten in Engl●●d, by the Queen and hi● people at home against the Scots; who being set on by the French, to divert the wa●●● there● entered upon this kingdom wit●●hreesco●e thousand men, (as our Writers report) assuring himself of success, in regard (as he supposed) ● the ma●●e strength thereof was now gone into France; but ●e found it otherwise● For the Lords of the North, as Gylbert de Umfrevile, the Earl● of Ang●●●, Henry Perc●, Ralph Nevile, William D●y●co●●t, with the Archbishop of York, the Bishop of Dur●am, and others of the Clergy, gathered so great Forces, and so well ordered them, by the animation of the Queen, (who was there in person) as fight a great Battle at Nevil's Cross in the Bishopric of Durha●, they utterly defeated this great Army, took David their King Prisoner, with the Earls of Fif●, Menteth, Murry, Sutherland, the Lord Dowglas, the Archbishop of Saint Andrew's, and others; and put to the sword fifteen thousand Scots. This Victory also fell upon a Saturday, six weeks after that of Cressy. He that took King David Prisoner, wa● one john C●pl●nd, an Esquire of Northumberland, whom King Edward rewarded with five hundred pounds' land a year, and made him a Banneret. And as if all concurred to make this year Triumphant, the Aides sent to the Countess of Montford in Britain, led by Thomas Dagworth a Valiant knight, overthrew and took Prisoner, Charles de Blois, Pretender to that Duchy, and with him Mounsi●ur la Vall, the Lords Rochfort, Bea●●anoyre, Loi●c●ue; with many other Barons, Knights, and Esquires: Where were slain the Lord De la Vall, Father to him that was taken, Viscount Rohan, Mounsieur de Chastea● Bryan, de ●alestroit, de Quintin, de Dyrev●ll, besides many other knights and Esquires, to the number of seven hundred. And now King Edward without meddling with the great Cities of Amiens and Abbevile, marcheth on directly, and sits down before Calais, a Town of more importance for England, and the Gate to all the rest: Wherein john d● Vienne Martial of France, and the Lord de Andregh●n, (a great man in his time) commanded. All that Winter King Edward lay without any molestation by the French King, who was busied at home in his own State about raising of money; wherewith supplied at last, he raiseth an Army and approacheth Calais, but finds no way open to come to relieve it. The King of England was both Master of the Haven, and possessed all other ways that were passable; and the Flemings his friends had besieged Air; to oppose whom, john Duke of Normandy is sent for out of Guyenne: who departing leaves Henry of Lancaster Earl of Derby, Master of the Field, and ●e having an Army consisting of twelve hundred men at Arms, two thousand Archers, and three thousand other Foot, takes in most of the Towns of Xaintoigne, and Poict●●, and in the end besieged and sacked P●ityer●, and then returns to B●rdea●x, with more ●illage than his people could well bear: Thus the 〈◊〉 prosper every ●●here, and the French suffer. During this siege of Calli●e, (●n 〈◊〉 some t●in●● King Edw●●● first used Guns) the Flemings send to King 〈◊〉 to make a marriage between his Daughter Isabella and their Lord the 〈…〉; to which the King consented, but the Duke of Br●●●nt gets 〈…〉 of 〈◊〉, ●o make the match for a Daughter of his● The Flemings press 〈◊〉 Lord with t●e match of England; but he absolutely refuse●h it, sayings h● 〈◊〉 never marry a Daughter of him, that had killed his Father, though he would 〈…〉 ●●lf● his kingdom. This answer so incensed the Flemings, that they 〈…〉 Lord in Prison, till with long durance he at last consented; and there 〈…〉 E●ward and his Queen, with their Daughter Is●●●ll, come over to 〈…〉 there the young Earl is affianced to her; but returning afterwards 〈…〉 as ●e found opportunity, he went to King Philip, and ●eft 〈…〉; and married afterwards a Daughter of the 〈…〉 this whi●●●he siege of Calais was continued; and King Philip 〈…〉 come to relieve it; solicits King Edward to appoint some● place 〈…〉 would mee●e him. But King Edward returns answer, that if he 〈…〉 own way to come thither to him, there he should find him, but 〈…〉 be would not pa●●● having lain there so long to his great l●●our and 〈…〉 b●ing now so near the point of gaining the place● Two●●a●●●nals 〈…〉 the Pope, to mediate a Peace, but could effect nothing, so as the 〈…〉 w●s forced to break up his Army and retire to Paris, leaving Cullis 〈…〉 the Besieger: which when the Town understood, they sent to de 〈…〉 granted, and therein received this final answer, that ●ixe of the chief Burgesses should be sent to the King, bareheaded, barefooted, in their shirts, 〈…〉 their neckes● the keys of the Town and Castle in their hands, 〈…〉 themselves to the Kings will; the rest he was content to take to mercy. 〈…〉 condition, and much difficulty who should be those six: but 〈◊〉 up, and out of love to his Country offering himself to be one, the six 〈…〉 made ●p; for now by his example every one strove to be of the 〈◊〉 who presenting themselves before the King, he commanded them instantly 〈…〉 to death. Great supplication was made by his Lords for their lives, but 〈…〉 would not be drawn to alter his sentence, till the Queen, great with 〈…〉 on her knees, and with tears obtained pardon for them; which done, 〈…〉 them to be clothed, and besides a good repast, gives to every one of them 〈◊〉 Nobles a p●ece. But though the King in this sentence showed severity, 〈…〉 Act before he had showed mercy; For when Victuals began to fail in 〈…〉, and all unuseful persons, as old men, women, and children, were put 〈…〉 Gates; he forced them not back again as he might have done, there●● 〈◊〉 sooner to consume their store; but suffered them to pass through his Ar●y● 〈◊〉 them to eat, and two pence a piece to all of them. And thus was that strong 〈◊〉 of Calais gotten, the third day of August, in the year 1347. after eleven 〈…〉 siege, and continued afterward in possession of the English two hundred 〈…〉. All the Inhabitants are turned out, but only one Priest, and two 〈…〉 to inform of the Orders of the Town: and a Colony of English, amongst which seven and thirty good Families out of London is sent to inhabit it● 〈…〉 and Queen enter the Town triumphantly, and make their abode there, 〈◊〉 Queen was brought a bed of her Daughter Margaret. The King made 〈◊〉 of the Town Ayme●y of Pavia a Lombard, whom he had brought up from 〈…〉, and then with his Queen returns into England; at which time the 〈◊〉 Electours send to signifie● that they had chosen him King of the Romans, but 〈…〉 refuseth to accept it, as being an honour out of his way, and scarce come 〈…〉 his State at home. ●fter this Tr●●●s were made by mediation, from one time to another, for the 〈…〉 too years, in which time, Geoffrey de Charmy Captain of Saint Omer, 〈…〉 Aymery of P●via, whom King Edward had left Governor of Calais, to 〈…〉 for twenty thousand Crowns: which King Edward hearing of, sent to A●mery, and charged him with this perfidiousness; whereupon Ay●●●y comes to the King, and humbly desiring pardon, promiseth to h●ndl● the 〈◊〉 so as shall be ●o the King's advantage, and thereupon i● sen● back to Calais. The King, the ●ight before the time of agreement arrives with three ●und●ed men at 〈◊〉, and 〈◊〉 hundred Archers: 〈◊〉 de Charmy 〈…〉 likewise the 〈◊〉 ●●ght from Saint Omers with his Forces, and sent a hundred m●n before with the Crowns to 〈◊〉: the men are let in at a Postern Gate● the crowns received, ●nd assured to be all weight: which done, the Gates of the Town are opened, and out marches the King before day, to encounter 〈◊〉 de Charmy; who perceiving himself betrayed, defended ●imselfe● the best he could, and put King Edward to a hard bickering, who for that ●e would not b● 〈…〉 person, put hi●self● and the Prince under the Colours of the Lord 〈…〉 bea●en ●●wne on ●is knees by 〈…〉 ●hom he fought hand to hand) and ye● recovered, and 〈…〉 prisoner. Charmy was likewise taken, and all his Fo●●●● defeated. King ●dward the night after (which was the first of the New-yeare) feasted with the Prisoners, and gave ●ibo●●●nt in honour of his valour, 〈…〉 Chaplet of Pearl, which himself wore on his head, (for a New-year's gift) forgave him his ransom, and set him at liberty. But the English not long after, in the like practice, had better success, and got the Castle of Guysnes, (a piece of great importance ne●r● Calais,) for a sum of money, given to one Beaconr●y a French ●●n. Of which C●s●le, when the French King demanded restitution in regard of the Truc●, King Edwar● returns answer, that for things bought and sold between their people, there was no exception, and so held it. About this time Philip King of France died, leaving his Son john to succeed him; in the beginning of whose Reign, Humber● Prince of Dauphin, dying without issue, made him his Heir, and thereupon Charles King Ioh●● Son, was created the first Dauphin of France: from whence it grew to be a Custom, that the King of France his Heir should always be called Dauphin of France. About this time also the Duke of Lancaster was to perform a combat, upon a challenge, with a Prince of B●h●mia, but when they were entered the Lists, and had taken their Oaths, King john interposed, and made them Friends. And now when after many means of mediation, no Peace could be concluded between the two Kings; the Prince of Wales being now grown a man, is appointed by Parliament, to go into Gascoigne with a thousand men at Arms, two thousand Archers, and a great number of Welshmen; and in june following he sets forth with three hundred Sail, attended with the Earls of Warwick●, Suffolk, Salisbury, and Oxford, the Lord Chand●s, the Lord james A●deley, Sir ●obert Knolles, Sir Francis Hall, with many others. About Michaelma● following the King himself passeth over to Calais, with another Army, taking with him two of his Sons, Li●n●ll of Antwerp, now Earl of Ulster i● Right of his Wife, and john of Gant, Earl of Richmond. There met him at Calais of mercenaries out of Germany, Flanders and Brabant, a thousand men at Arms, so that his Army consisted of three thousand men at Arms, and two thousand Archers on horseback, besides Archers on foot. The City of London sent three hundred men at Arms, and five hundred Archers, all in one livery, at their own charge; but all this great Army effected nothing at that time, by reason the King of France would not be drawn to any Encounter, and had so disfurnished the Country of all provisions, that the King of England was forced to return. King Edward solicited by the King of Navarre to aid him against the King of France, sends over the Du●e of Lancaster with four thousand men at Arms, who wins many Townes● and the Prince enters G●yenne, passeth over Langn●d●c to Tholouse, Narbonne, Burges, without any Encounter, sacks, spoils and destroys where he goes, and loaden with booties returns to Bordeaux. The French King thus assaulted on all ●ides, gathers all the power he possibly could, and first makes against his Enemy's in N●●●●●dy, recovers many of his lost Towns, and was likely to have there prevaile●, but that he was drawn of force to oppose 〈◊〉 fresh Invader, the Prince of Wales, who was come up into Tourayne, against 〈◊〉 he brings his whole Army, consisting of above threescore thousand: where●●●● the Prince, whose Forces were not likely to be able to encounter him (being 〈◊〉 for one) was advised to retire again to Bordeaux. But the French King, to preve●● this course, follows; and within two leagues of Poitiers, hath him at a 〈◊〉 advantage: at which instant, two Cardinals came from the Pope to mediate ● Pe●ce. But the French King supposing he had his enemy now in his mercy, would accept of no other conditions, but that the Prince should deliver him four Hostage●, ●nd ●s vanquished, render himself and his Army to his discretion. The Prince wa● content to restore unto him what he had gained upon him, but without pr●ju●●●● of his honour, wherein he said he stood accountable to his Father, and to his C●u●tr●y. But the French King would abate nothing of his demands, as making himself sure of victory; and thereupon was instantly ready to set upon the Prince: 〈◊〉 seeing himself reduced to this strait, takes what advantage he could of th● 〈◊〉, and providently got the benefit of Vines, Shrubs, and Bushes, on that part 〈…〉 like to be assailed, to impester and entangle the French horse, which he saw 〈◊〉 ●ome furiously upon him. The success answered his expectation, for the 〈◊〉 of his enemies upon their first assault were so wrapped and encumbered 〈◊〉 ●he Vines, that his Archers galled and annoyed them at their pleasure. For 〈◊〉 Fre●●h King, to give the honour of the day to his Cavalry, employed them only without his Infantry; so as they being disordered and put to rout, his whol● Army came utterly to be defeated. In this battle were taken prisoners, King john himself, with his youngest son Philip, by Dennis de Morbecque a knight of Ar●h●is; jaques de Bourbon, Conte de Ponthieu; the Archbishop of Sens; john de Arth●is; Conte de En; Charles' de Arthois; his brother Count de Longueville; john de 〈◊〉, Count de Tankarvile; the Counts of Vendosme, Va●demont, Estampes, Salbourg, 〈◊〉 and La Roche; also john de Ceintre, accounted (as Froissard saith) the 〈◊〉 ●night of France, with many other Lords, besides two thousand Knights and Gentlemen; in so much, as the Conquerors holding it not safe to retain so many, le●●●ny of them go. The French, who can give best account of their own losses, ●●por● there died in the battle, a thousand seven hundred Gentlemen, amongst which were fifty two Bannerets: the most eminent, Peter de Bourbon, the Duke of Ath●●s Constable of France, jehan de Clermont Marshal; Geoffrey de Charmy, High Chamberlains; the Bishop of Chalons, the Lords of Landas, of Pons, and of Cham●●y. There escaped from this battle, three of the French Kings sons, (for he brought them all thither) Charles Prince Dauphin; Lovys after Duke of Anjou; and john Duke of B●●ry● all great actors in the time following. The special great men of the English i● th●● fight, were the Earls of Warwick, Suffolk, Salisbury, Oxford, Stafford; the Lord●● Cobham, Spenser, Barkeley, Basset: of Gascoynes, Le Capital de Beuff; the Lords, Pumyer, Chaumont, and others. The Lord james Andeley won honour both by his valour, and his bounty; for having vowed to be foremost in this fight, he performed his word, and sealed it with many wounds: for which the Prince having rewarded him with the gift of five hundred Marks Fee-simple in England, he presently gave it to four of his Esquires; whereupon the Prince demanding whether he accepted not his gift? he answered, that these men had deserved the same as well ●s himself, and had more need of it; with which reply the Prince was so well pleased, that he gave him five hundred Marks more in the same kind. A rare example, where desert in the Subject, and reward in the Prince, strive which should be the greater. And now, though King john had the misfortune to fall into the hands of his enemy, yet he had the happiness to fall into the hands of a Noble enemy; for Prince Edw. used him with such respect and observance, that he could not find much d●●ference between his captivity and liberty. After the battle, which was fought the ●in●●●enth day of September, in the year 1357. Prince Edward leads King john and the captive Lords to Burde●ux, where he retains them till the spring following; but 〈◊〉 present news of his victory to his Father: who thereupon causeth a general Thanksgiving all England over eight days together: and in May following; King john rather coming over with the Prince, then brought over by him, is lodged at the Savo●; a Palace belonging to Henry Duke of Lancaster, and the fairest at that time about London. And King Edward, as though he thought it honour enough to have one King his prisoner at once, at the suit of his sister Queen I●ane, he sets her Husband David King of Scots at liberty, after he had been prisoner in England eleven years, but not without paying a Ransom, which was a hun-thousand Marks, to be paid in ten years. After this, by mediation of Cardinals sent by the Pope, a Truce for two years is concluded between the two kingdoms of France and England, and in the time of this Truce, Articles of Peace between the two Kings are propounded● King Edward requires the Dutchies of Norm●●●● and G●yenn●, the Counties of Poicto●, T●uraine, maine, and Anjo●● with all their ●ppur●e●ances as large as King Richard the first held them, and many other Provinces besides, and to hold them all without Homage or any other service; to which Articles, King john (weary of imprisonment) assents and seals, but the 〈◊〉 ●nd Council of France utterly reject it: whereupon King Edward in great displeasure resolves to make an end of this work with the sword, and to take possession of the kingdom of France; and leaving his younger son Thomas Governor of his kingdom at home, with a Fleet of ●leven hundred sail, and taking all the great Lords of the Realm with him, he passeth over to Calais, dividing his Army into three battles, whereof one he commits to the Prince of Wales, another to the Duke of Lancaster, and the ●hird he leads himselfe● and first marching through 〈◊〉 where he takes in many Towns, he plants his si●ge afterward before 〈◊〉; but having spent there six or seven weeks without effecting any thing, he passes thence, and takes in the Cities of Sens & Nevers; the Duchy of, B●rgoyne redeems itself from spoil with paying two hundred thousand Florins of gold: then he marcheth up to ●aris, and plants his Camp within two small Leagues of the Tow●●, where ●e honoured 400. Esquires and Gentlemen with the Order of knighthood: but when Sir Walter de Manny had made a Bravado before the Gates of the City, and the King saw that the Dauphin would by no provocations be drawn out to battle; he raiseth his siege, and returns into Bri●aine to refresh his Army; from thence he marcheth towards Charters with a purpose to besiege that City, and though great offers were made him by the French, and Commissioners from the Pope solicited him with all earnestness to accept them, yet neither they, nor the Duke of Lancaster's persuasions could prevail with him, till a terrible storm of hail with thunder and lightning fell upon his Army, which so terrified him, being a warning as it were from Heaven, that he presently vowed to make Peace with the French King upon any reasonable conditions, as shortly after he did at a Treaty of Britigny near to Chartres, upon these Articles: that the Fiefs of Thovars and Belleville, the Duchy of Guyenne, comprising Gascoigne, Poictou, San●ogne, Limousin, Perigort, Quercie, Rhodes, Angoulesme, and Rochel, together with the Counties of Guysnes and Calais, and some other places, with the Homages of the Lords within those Territories should be to the King of England, who besides was to have three Millions of crowns of gold● whereof six hundred thousand in hand, four hundred thousand the yea●e following, and the rest in two years after: and for this the King of England, and his son the Prince of Wales, for them and their successors for ever, should renounce all their right pretended to the Clown of France; the Duchy of Normandy, the Countries of Touraine, Anjou, maine, the Homage and Sovereignty of Britain, and the Earldom of Flanders; and within three week's King john to be rendered at Calais at the charge of the King of England, except the expenses of his house. For assurance of which accord, should be given into his hand five and twenty of the greatest Dukes and Lords of France for Hostages. The Scots not to be aided by the French King, nor the Flemings by the English. This accord and final Peace signed by both Kings, was ratified by their two eldest sons, Edward and Charles, and sworn unto by the Nobility of both kingdoms. The Hostages are delivered to King Edward, who brought them into England; and thereupon King john is honourably conducted to Calais, after he had remained prisoner in England near about five years: but being come to Calais, he was detained there above three months, till the money which he was to pay in hand, could be provided; and for providing the rest he was put to hard shifts; being fain to give the jews leave to dwell in France for twenty years, paying twelve Florins a man at the entry, and six every year after. At this time the Prince by dispensation marries the Countess of Kent, daughter to Edmund, brother to Edward the second, and his Father investing him with the Duchy of Aquitaine, he was now Prince of Wales, Duke of Aquitaine, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl of Chester and Kent: and not long after, with the Princess his wife, he passeth over into France, and keeps his Court at Bordeaux. This was now the year 1362. and the fiftieth year of King Edward's age, wherein for a jubilee, he shows himself extraordinarily gracious to his people, freely pardoning many offences, relesing prisoners, revoking exiles; with many other expressions of his love and bounty. The year following was famous for three Kings coming into England: john King of France, Peter King of Cyprus, and D●vid King of Scots. The King of Cyprus came to solicit King Edward to join with other Princes in the Holy War, but receives only royal entertainment and excuses. The King of Scots came for business and visitation, but why the King of France came, is not so certain, whether it were about taking order for his Hostages, or to satisfy King Edward for breach of some Articles, or else for love to the Countess of Salisbury; or perhaps out of a desire to let England see his Majesty, being at liberty, which had been darkened before by the cloud of captivity; but whatsoever the cause of his coming was, the cause of his staying (at least, of longer staying than he meant) was a mortal sickness, whereof (having lain all the Winter at the Savoy) in March or April following, he died; and his body conveyed over into France, was buried at Saint Donis with his Ancestors. The Prince of Wales was now grown famous all the Christian world over, and the man to whom all wronged Princes seemed to appeal, and to fly for succour: for which end there came at this time to his Court, james King of Majorque, and happened to come at a time when the Princess lay in; and thereupon he and Richard King of Navarre were taken to be Godfathers to his son Richard. For the like assistance also, there came at the same time to him, Peter King of Castille, driven out of his kingdom by the French, in favour to Peter King of Arragon: and Prince Edward, partly out of charity, to succour a distressed Prince, and partly out of policy, to keep his Soldiers in exercise; undertakes the enterprise, and was so prosperous in it, that with one battle, (having but thirty thousand against a hundred thousand) he put King Peter in possession of his kingdom, though he was ill rewarded for his labour: for the ungrateful King would not so much as pay his Soldiers. An unfortunate journey for the Prince, for though he came back with victory, yet he brought back with him such an indisposition of body, that he was never throughly well after: not perhaps by poison, nor given him by his brother the Duke of Lancaster, though both were suspected; but there were causes of distempering him enough besides, the Country, the season, the action itself; and it may be more marvelled that his Soldiers came home so well, then that he came so ill; but howsoever, being now returned, there was presently to his indisposition of body, added discontentment of mind: for not having means to pay his Soldiers, which forced him to wink at that which he could not choose but see, and seeing, grieve at, how they preyed upon the Country, and thereupon how the Country murmured against him: and now to stop this murmuring, his Chancellor, the Bishop of Rhodes, devised a new Imposition, of levying a Frank for every Chimney, and this to continue for five years, to pay the Prince's debts: but this Imposition made the murmuring the more; for though some part of his Dominions, as the Poict●●ins, Xaingtonois, and Lymo●sins in a sort consented to it, yet the Count of Armigni●ck, the Count of Comminges, the Viscount of Carmayn, and many others so much distasted it, that they complained thereof to the King of France, as to their Supreme Lord; who upon examination finding their complaint to be just, he thereupon, by advice of his Council, Summons Prince Edward to appear in person, to answer the complaint: whereunto Prince Edw. made answer, that if he must needs appear, he would bring threescore thousand men in Arms to appear with him; and had certainly brought his Army that Summer against Paris, if he had not fallen into Symptoms of a Dropsy, which (Walsingham saith) was wrought by Enchantments. But upon this answer of the Prince, King Charles' sends defiance to King Edward; who thereupon prepares Arms both by Sea and Land to oppose him. The French enter upon the Territories of the Prince, and defeat divers of his Troops; in revenge whereof, john Chandos the Prince's Lieutenant, assaults Terrieres in the Province of Tholouse, and takes it. The Count of Perigourd assaults Royanville, in Querry, and puts all the English to the sword; in revenge whereof, james Audeley Seneschal of Poicton, assaults the City of Brosse, and takes it. In the mean time Robert Knols, by some called Robin, and by others, Arnould, or Reynold Knoll, had drawn Perducas de Albert to the party of the English; and thereupon wen● and encamped before the Fort of Darc●ell in Quercy, which john Chandos understanding, went also and joined with him in the Siege; but finding they could do no good there, they removed, and Besieged the City of Dam: and when they could do no good there neither, they marched forward, took the Fort of Froyus, Rochevaudour, and Villefranche; and that done, returned to the Prince at Angoulesme. At the same time, the Earls of Cambridge, and Pembroke, having spent nine weeks at the Siege of Bordeille, at last took it; but other Captains of the English did yet more, for they scaled Belleperche in the Province of Bourbon, where the Mother of the Duke of Bourbon, and of the Queen of France was, and take her prisoner. About this time, Philippe Queen of England, King Edward's Wife died, and was buried at Westminster; but this hindered not the proceeding of the English in France; the Earl of Pembroke enters Anjou, where he takes many Towns: the Duke of Lancaster doth the like about Calais, and marching forward, plants his Camp before Harfleur, with a purpose to burn the King of France his Navy, but being watched by the Count Saint Poll, was forced to forbear that design; and so passing other ways, and spoiling all the places where he passed, he returned to Calais. Winter now was drawing on, and john Chandos, desiring to recover the Abbey of Saint Silvin in Poictou, which not long before had been betrayed to the French; was in the enterprise discovered, and being assaulted by greater forces, was slain in the place, to the great grief of the Prince of Wales, and of the English Lords: but dying without issue, his estate, which amounted to four hundred thousand Franks, came to the Prince. At this time, the Dukes of Anjou and Berry, with two great Armies enter upon the Territories of the Prince of Wales; whereof the Prince advertised, assembles Forces to oppose them: but when the news was brought him of the taking of Limouges, he was so much troubled at it, by reason of the Bishop of that place was his Gossip, and one in whom he specially had affiance; that he resolved to recover it at any price, and not to spare a man that had any hand in the rendering it up: and thereupon taking it by force, he commanded to sack and pillage it, and would not be stayed by the cries of the people, casting themselves down at his feet; till passing through the Town, he perceived three French Captains, who themselves alone had withstood the assault of his victorious Army, and moved with the consideration of their valour, he then abated his anger; and for their sakes, granted mercy to all the Inhabitants. So much is virtue even in an enemy, respected by generous minds. In the mean time, David King of Scots died without issue; and Robert Stuart his Nephew succeeded him in the kingdom, and was Crowned at Scone. At this time Robert Knolls with a great Army is sent into France, where making many attempts, with valour enough, but with little success; he was coming home, though with no gain, yet with no loss: till Bertrand de Gueschlyn assaulting him, slew the most part of his men; and so this great Army on a sudden came to nothing. It seems Knolls his action was the less successfully, by reason some young Lords that wen● with him, scorning to ●e 〈◊〉 his command, as being but a new man, and risen fro● a low estate; were refractory to hi● directions: And indeed what can a General do, if he have not as well reputation of person, as of place? And now the Prince of Wales, his eldest son Edward dying 〈◊〉 Bu●de●●●, the 〈◊〉 with his wife, and his other son Richard, come over into England, at whi●● time the vallant knight Walter de M●●ny died at Lond●n, and was buried in the Monastery of the Chartreux which he had builded; leaving one only daughter; married to john Earl of Pembroke. This Earl of Pembroke was soon after sent Go●ernour into Aquita●ne, but set upon by the way by Spaniards in favour of the Fr●●ch; was by them taken prisoner, and carried with other into Spain●● who being chained together, as the manner is; one Evans a Welsh Fugitives who gave ●●●selfe out for the right Heir of Wales; cam● unto him foolishly playing upon him with scornful language, as though to insult over another man's misery, could s●●le for a cordial to mitigate his own. And now upon the taking of this Earl, the Prince's Dominions in France are either taken away, or ●all away faster than they ●ere gotten; Gueschly● enters Poictou, and takes Montm●rillon, Chauvigny, Luss●●, and Mo●t●onti●r: strait after follows the Country of Aulnys, of Xaintoigne, and the rest of Poic●ou; then Saint Maxen●, Needle, Auln●y; then Benaon, Marant, Surg●rs, 〈◊〉; and at last they came to Thovars, where the most part of the Lords of Poic●o●, that held with the Prince, were assembled; at which time King Edward with the Pr●●ce, the Duke of Lancaster, and all the great Lords of England, set forward to their succour, but being driven back● by tempest, never came to give them assistance, so as Thovars yielded upon composition. Yet did this preparation of the King stand him in nine thousand Marks; that it may be truly said, it cost him more now to lose Towns, than it had cost him before to win them so great odds there is between the Spring and Fall of Fortune. After this, the Duke of Lancaster is sent over with another great Army, who passed up into many parts of the Country, but King Charles resolved to hazard no battle; saying, They were but clouds, and would soon pass away; yet so watched him, that what with light skirmishes, and what with skarcity of victuals, his forces were so diminished, that of thirty thousand which went out of Calais, there scarce retunred six thousand home: which made King Edward say of this King Charles, that he did him more mischief sitting still, than his Predecessors had done with all their stirring. And now by this time all Poictou is lost, and all Aquitaine also, but only Bordeaux and Bayon: when the Archbishop of Rouen and others, are sent from Pope Gregory the eleventh, to mediate a Peace between the two Kings; but each of them standing upon high terms of conditions, nothing could be effected but Truce upon Truce, for two or three years together. In which time Edward Prince of Wales died, and with him we may say, the Fortune of England; being a Prince so full of virtues, that he left no place for any vice; and if he had lived in the Heroic times, might well have been numbered amongst the nine Worthies. His body was buried at Canterbury, where his Monument standeth. King Edward in his seven and fortieth year calleth a Parliament at W●stminster, which lasted but eight days; and to which were Summoned by Writ, of Clergy men only four Bishops, and five Abbots. Of King Edward's Acts after the death of the Prince. IN the time of the Prince's sickness, King Edw●rd calls a Parliament at Westminster; in which, when demands were made for supply of the King, demands were presently made for redress of grievances for the subjects. It was required that the Duke of Lancaster, the Lord Latymer then Lord Chamberlain, Dame Alice Pierce the King's Concubine, and one Sir Richard Sturry might be removed from Court. And this was so vehemently urged by their Speaker, Sir Peter la Moor, that the King, rather than not to be supplied, gave way unto it; and thereupon all these persons are presently put from Court: but the Prince soon after dying, they are all recalled to Court again, and restored to their former places. About this time ex●mplary justice was done upon Sir john Minsterworth knight, who was drawn, hanged, and quartered at Tyburn, for Treason, by him committed, in defrauding Soldiers of their wages. Thi● was now the f●ftieth year of King Edw●●ds Reign, and he for another jubilee, gra●●s another general pardon to his subjects' only William Wic●ham Bishop of Winchester is excepted, being lately, by procurement of the Duke of Lancaster, fallen into the King's displeasure● and forbidd●● to come to the Parliament. This Parliament was called the good Parliament●●●ough it wrought ill effects; for Sir. Peter de la Mare, at the suit of Alice Pierce, is committed to perpetual imprisonment at Not●ingham, though within two years after, by importunate suit of friends; he regained his liberty. This Alice Pierce presuming upon the King's favour, grew so insolent, that she intermeddled with Courts of Justice, and other Offices, where ●he herself would fit, to countenance her Causes. And now the Duke of Lancast●● is come to have the Regency, and to manage all the affairs of the kingdom; but King Edward to prevent the mischiefs, when by disordering the succession might grow in the kingdom, providently settled the same in Parliament upon Richard of Bordeaux; ●reating him first Earl of Chester and Cornwall, and then Prince of Wales, and caused all the Lords of the Realm to tal●e an Oath, to accept him for their King, as his lawful Heir, when himself should be dead. In this mean time a Treaty was had about a marriage between this Prince Richard, and Marry a daughter of Charles King of France: and an offer was made to King Edward, to leave him fourteen hundred Towns, and three thousand fortresses in Aq●itaine, upon condition he would render Calais and all that he held in Picardy; but before any thing could be concluded, King Edward died. Of his Taxations. IN the eighth year of his Reign, in a Parliament holden at London, there was granted him a fifteenth of the Temporalty, a twentieth of the Cities and Boroughs, and a tenth of the Clergy. In his tenth year, in a Parliament at Northampton, is granted a tenth penny of Cities and Boroughs, a fifteenth of others, and a tenth of the Clergy. Also all such treasure as was committed to Churches through England for the Holy War, is taken out for the King's use, towards his wars with France. The next year after, all the goods of three orders of Monks, Lom●ards, Cluniakes, and Cistercians; are likewise seized into the King's hands: and the like Subsidy as before granted at Nottingham. In his twelfth year (and as some write, in absence of the King) in a Parliament at Northampton, is granted by the Laity, one half of their Wool, but of the Clergy the whole. The next year after a fifteenth was likewise paid in Wool by the Commonalty. In his foureteenth year, in a Parliament at London, is granted him for Customs of every sack of Wool forty shillings, for every three hundred Wool Fells forty shil● for every Last of Leather forty shillings; and of other Merchandises according to the rate: the same to endure from that Easter to the Whitsuntide twelve month after. Besides, there was granted of Citizens and Burgesses, a ninth part of goods; of foreign Merchants and others, a fifteenth; of Husbandmen, the ninth Sheafe, the ninth Fleece, the ninth Lamb for two years; also another tenth of the Clergy: and for his present supply, he had Loans of divers persons; and the City of London lent tw●nty thousand Marks. For the grant of which mighty Subsidy, the King (besides his Pardon to divers kinds of offenders) remits all Amerciaments for transgressions in his Forests, Reliefs and Scurage, to the first time of his going into Flanders, besides all aides for the marriage of his sons and daughters during his Reign; pardoning and remitting all ancient debts and arrearages, both of his Fermors and others, till the tenth year of his Reign; and likewise confirms the great Charter of Magna Chartae: In his eighteenth year, in a Parliament at London, a tenth was granted by the Clergy, and a fifteenth by the Laity● Besides a Commission is sent into every Shire to inquire of men's abilities, and all of five pounds to ten of Lay Fee, were appointed to find an Archer on horseback; of twenty five, a Demi-lance; and so ratably above. There had formerly been made a certain coin of Gold called the Floren, of base alloy, for the King's benefit, towards his wars in France, but this was now called in● and Nobles of finer metal coined, to the great contentment of the people. In his nine and twentieth year, he hath by Parliament granted unto him fifty shillings upon every sack of Wool, for six years' next ensuing; by which Imposition, it was thought, the King might dispend a thous●●d Marks Sterling a day, the vent of Wool was so great in that time. But that which exceeded all his Taxations, was the Ransom he had in his four and thirtieth year, of the King of France, three millions of crowns of Gold. In his twelveth year, he had taken from the Prior's Aliens, their houses, lands, and tenements, for the maintenance of his French wars, which he kept twenty years in his 〈◊〉 and then restored them again. In his six and thirtieth year was greater twenty six shillings eight pence, for transportation of every sack of Wool for three yeare●. In the five and fortieth year of his Reign, in a Parliament at Westminster, the clergy granted him fifty thousand pounds to be paid the same year, and the Lai●y as much; which was lev●ed by setting a certain rate of five pounds fifteen shillings upon every Parish, which were found in the 37● Shires to be eight thousand and six hundred; and so came in the whole to fifty thousand one hundred eighty one pounds and eight pence: but the 181. li. was abated to the Shires of Suffolk● and Devonshire, in regard of their poverty. In his eight and fortieth year, in a Parliament, is granted him a tenth of the Clergy, & a fifteenth of the Laity. In his fifti●h year, a Subsidy of a new nature was demanded by the young Prince Richard, whom (being bu● eleven years of age) the Duke of Lancaster had brought into the Parliament of purpose to make the demand; to have two tenths to be paid in one year, or twelve pence in the pound of all Merchandises sold, for one year; and one pound of silver for every knight's Fee, and of every Fire-house, one penny: but instead of this Subsidy, after much altercation, there was granted another of as new a nature as this; that every person, man and woman, within the kingdom, above the age of fourteen years, should pay four pence, (those who lived of Alms only excepted) the Clergy to pay twelve pence of every Parson Beneficed, and of all other religious persons four pence; a mighty aid, and such as was never granted to any King of England before. Of his Laws and Ordinances. HE instituted the Order of the Garter, upon what cause is not certain; the common opinion is, that a Garter of his own queen, or (as some say) of the Lady joan Countess of Salisbury, slipping off in a Dance, King Edward stooped and took it up; whereat some of his Lords that were present, smiling, as at an amorous action; he seriously said, it should not be long ere Sovereign honour should be done to that Garter; whereupon he afterward added the French Morto, Honi soit qui maly pense; therein checking his Lords sinister suspicion. Some conjecture that he instituted the Order of the Garter, for that in a battle wherein he was victorious, he had given the word Garter, for the word or sign: and some again are of opinion, that the institution of this Order is more ancient, and begun by King Richard the first, but that this King Edward adorned it, and brought it into splendour. The number of the knights of this Order is twenty six, whereof the King himself is always one, and precedent; and their Feast yearly celebrated at Windsor on Saint George's day, the Tutelar Saint of that Order. The laws of the Order are many, whereof there is a book of purpose. In the five and thirtieth year of his Reign, he was earnestly Petitioned by a Parliament than holen, that the great Charter of Liberties, and the Charter of Forests might be duly observed; and that the great Officers of the kingdom should (as in former times) be elected by Parliament: to which Petition, though the King at first stood stiff upon his own Election and Prerogative; yet at last (in regard to have his present turn served, (as himself after confessed) he yielded, that such Officers should receive an Oath in Parliament, to do justice to all men in their Offices: and thereupon a Statute was made and confirmed with the King's Seal, both for that and many other Grants of his to his Subjects which notwithstanding were for the most part shortly after revoked. This King also causeth all Pleas, 〈◊〉 were before in French, to be made in English, that the Subject might understand the course of the Law. Also in his time an Act was passed for Purveyors, that nothing should be taken up but for ready money, upon strict punishment. In the next Parliament holden the seven and thirtieth year of his Reign, certain Sumptuary Laws were ordained, both for apparel and diet; appointing every degree of men, the stuff and habits they should wear, prohibiting the wea●ing of gold and silver, silks and rich furs to all, bu● eminent persons. The labourer and husbandman 〈◊〉 appointed but one 〈◊〉 day● and what meats he should 〈◊〉. Also in his time, at the instance of the Lo●●oners● an Act was made that no common Whore should wea●e any Hood, except striped with divers colours; nor Furs, but Garments reversed the wrong side outward. This King also was the first that created Dukes● of whom Henry of B●llingbr●oke, 〈◊〉 of Lancaster, created Duke of Lancaster, in the seven and twentieth year of his Raigne● was the first. But afterward he erected Cornwall also into a Duchy, and conferred it upon the Prince: after which time, the King's eldest son used always to be Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl of Chester. This King altered moneys, and abated them in weight, & yet made them to pass according to the former value. Before his time, there were no other pieces but Nobles and half Nobles, with the small pieces of Silver, called Starlings; but ●●w Groats of four pence, and half Groats of two pence, equivalent to the Sterling money, are coined; which enhanced the prizes of things, that rise or f●ll, according to the plenty or scarcity of coin; which made Servants and Labourers to r●ise their wages accordingly. Whereupon a Statute was made in the Parliament now held at Westminster, to reduce the same to the former rate. Also an Act was made in this King's time, that all Wears, Mils, and other stoppages of Rivers, hindering the passage of Boats, Lighters, and other Vessels, should be removed; which though it were most commodious to the kingdom, yet it took little effect, by reason of bribing and corrupting Lords and great men, who regarded more their own private, than the public benefit. In a Parliament holden the tenth year of his Reign, it was enacted that no Wool growing within the Realm should be transported, but that it should be made in Cloth in Peterpences are forbidden by the King, to be paid any more to Rome. The c●stome of washing poor men's feet on Maundy-Thursday, thought to have been first brought in by this King. Affairs of the Church in his time. KING Edward upon some displeasure had imprisoned divers Clergy men; whereupon john Stratford Archbishop of Canterbury writes him a Letter, charging him with violation of the Rights of the Church, and with the breach of Magna Charta; and after much good counsel given him, threatens, that if he amend not these disorders, he must and will exercise his Ecclesiastical authority, and proceed to Excommunication of his Officers, though not of himself, Queen, or children. The King answers, and sends his Letter to the Bishop of London; charging the Archbishop to be the c●●se of all this disturbance, having been the man that first set him upon the war with France; assuring him he should want no money, and now had been the hindrance, that moneys given him by Parliament, were not duly levied: and after many remonstrances to such purpose, concludes, that if he desisted not from his rebellion's obstinacy, he would use his Temporal authority, and proceed 〈…〉 as against a Rebel. But this difference between them was not long after, upon the Archbishops submission, reconciled. And indeed the great account which this King made of Clergy men, may appear by his employing almost none but Clergy men in all his Offices of accounts Simon ●●●gham Archbishop of Canterbury, was Chancellor of England; William Wickam archdeacon of Lincoln, keeper of the Privy Seal; David Willer Parson of Somer●●●●, Master of the Rolls; ten Beneficed Priests, Civilians, Masters of the Chancery; William Mulse Deane of Saint martin's le Grand, chief Chamberlain of the 〈◊〉, Receiver and keeper of the King's Treasure and Jewels● Will●am A●●●y archdeacon of Northampton, Chancellor of the Exchequers William Di●ht●● 〈◊〉 of Saint Mar●ins, Clerk of the Privy Seale● Richard Chesterfield Prebend 〈…〉 Stephens● Treasurer of the King's house; Henry Snatch Parson of 〈…〉 of the King's Wardrobe; john N●w●ham Parson of Fen●y-sta●●on, one of the 〈◊〉 of the Exchequer; john ●ouseby Parson of 〈◊〉, Surveyor and 〈◊〉 of the King's works; Thomas Brittingham Parson of Asby, Treasurer 〈…〉 King, for the parts of Guisnes, and the Marches of Calais, john Troy's a Priest, 〈◊〉 of Ireland. 〈◊〉 the seventeenth year of his Reign, in a Parliament holden at West●inster, 〈◊〉 is made of the great inconvenience that came by the Pope's Collation of Benefices in England, conferring them upon Strangers who understood not the 〈◊〉; and therefore not fit to be Pastors over a Flock they could not feed: and hereupon Sir john Shoreditch is sent to Pope Clement the sixth, to require him to fo●●eare such Collations, and to signify his consent therein: but this Message was 〈…〉 welcome to the Pope, that the Messenger came back, unheard, at least unanswered● and the King taking his silence for consent or perhaps not much caring whether he consented or no; proceeded to a Prohibition of all such Collations within his Realm, on pain of Imprisonment, or death, to whomsoever should in time to come, present or admit any such person, who by the Pope were so preferred to the prejudice of the King's Prerogative. These were disturbances in matter of Discipline; but towards the end of his Reign, there fell a disturbance in matter of Doctrine, for a certain Divine, named john Wickliff, inveighed in his 〈◊〉 and other Acts in the Schools, against the abuses of Churchmen, Monks, and other religious Orders; and had by his Doctrine won many Disciples unto him, (who after were called Lollards) professing poverty, going barefoot, and poorly clad in Ru●●et; amongst other his Doctrines, he taught that neither King ●●r other secular Lord, could give any thing ●n perpetuity unto Churchmen; and th●● Temporal Lords, if they needed, might lawfully take the Goods of Religious Persons to relieve them in their necessities, by the example of William Rufus, and others. This man, the Duke of Lancaster, and Sir Henry Percy Martial, much favour and cherish, extolling him for his learning and integrity of life; which made him so far to presume, that daily in one Church or other, he published his Opinions; whereupon at length he is cited to answer before the Archbishop, the Bishop of London and others in ●auls. At the day appointed, the Duke of Lancaster and the Lord Martial go to conduct him; when they were come to our Lady's Chapel, the Duke and Barons with the Bishops sitting down, john Wickliff was by the Lord Martial willed to sit down, in regard (he said) the man had much to answer, and needed a convenient seat. The Bishop of London told him; It was against all Law and Reason, that he who was there ●ited before his 〈◊〉 should sit. Hereupon contumelious words arose between the Lord M●●●hall and the Bishop; the Duke takes the Marshal's part, and sharply reprehended the Bishop; the Bishop returns the like to the Duke; who in a gre●● rage 〈◊〉 he would pull down the pride of him, and of all the Bishops of E●gland● and whispering in his ear, told him he had rather pull him out of the Church by 〈…〉 of the head, then to suffer such indignities; which words, the Londoners overhearing, swore with a loud voice, they would rather lose their lives the●● suffer ●●eir Bishop to be thus injuriously used. Their fu●y was the more against the Duke, for that the day before in the Parliament (whereof he was Precedent) it was 〈◊〉 in the King's name, that from thenceforth ●h●re should be no more a Major of London, but a Captain appointed for the Government of the City, and that the Lord Martial of England should arrest Offenders within the Liberties, as in other places. The morrow after the Citizens assembling to consult of this business, it happened the Lord Fitswater, and Guid● Bryan, came into the City; which the People seeing, furiously ran upon them, and were like to beat them down for coming at that time. The Lord Fitswater protested, he came to no other end, but to offer his service to the City, being by inheritance their Standard bearer, and was to take injuries offered to them, as to himself; and therefore willed them to look to their defence. Whereupon they presently take Arms, assail the Marshal's Inn, bre●ke open the Ga●es, brought fo●th a Prisoner in his Gives, and set him at liberty, but found 〈◊〉 the Lord 〈…〉 with th● Duke, was that day to dine with one john de 〈◊〉. T●●n this furious multitude ran to assail the Sav●y; which a knight of the Duk●●●●●ing, ha●tes to the plac● where his Lord dined, and acquaints him with this 〈◊〉 in the C●●y. The Duke upon hearing it, leaps from the Table so hastily, that he hurt bot● his shins on the fowrme; and with Sir Henry ●ercy alone takes boat, and goes to, Kennington near Lambe●h, where the Princess with the young Prince lay: to whom he complains of this Riot, and the violence offered him. In the me●ne time the multitude coming to the Savoy, a Priest inquisitive to know the business, was answered, they went to take the Duke, and the Lord Martial, and compel them to deliver Sir Peter de la Mar●, unjustly kept in Prison. The Priest replied, th●t Sir Peter was a Traitor to the King, and worthy to be h●nged. At which words they all cried out, This is Percy, This is the Traitor of England, his speech betrays him, though his App●rell be disguised, and presently they r●n upon him, and wounded him to death. The Bishop of London hearing of this outrage, leaves his dinner, hastes to the Sav●y, admonisheth them of the holy time being Lent; assuring them all should be fairly ended for the good of the City with whose persuasions they were somewhat pacified; but yet they took the Duke's Arms, and hung ●hem up reversed, in sign of Treason, in all the principal streets of the City. Upo● the Princess' advice, the chief Citizens send to the sick● King, to excuse this tumult; saying, it was not in their power to suppress it, the Commonalty being in commotion, upon an information that their Liberties should be taken from them by Parliament. The King told them, it never was in his thought to infringe their liberties, but he rather desired to enlarge them. But this affr●nt of the Citizens would not down with the Duke, till he had pulled down som● of the Principal of them; for he caused the Major and Aldermen to ●e displaced, and other put in their rooms: a revenge he had better been without, for he never had the love of the City after: and to want their love is a kind of banishment. Wickliff himself, censured by the Bishops to abjure his Opinions, chose rather to leave his Country then his Doctrine, and going over into Bohemia, was there much honoured while he lived, and hath been more since he died; at least, a great part of his Doctrine continues in veneration amongst that people to this day. Works of piety done by him, or by others in his time. HIs works of Piety were great and many, as the Founding of East Minster, an Abbey (of the Cistea●● Order) near the Tower. An Abbey for Nuns at D●rtford in Kent. The King's Hall in Cambridge for poor Scholars. An Hospital for the poor at Calais. He conferred upon the University of Oxford, where he had himself been trained up, under the learned Walter Burley, the chief rule of the City, subordinating the Major and Citizens to the Chancellor of the University. He Built Saint Stephen's Chapel at Westminster, with the endowment of 300. pound per annum. He augmented the Chapel at Windsor, and made provisions there for Churchmen, and four and twenty poor knights. These were his public works; But besides these, his private Buildings were, the Castle of Windsor, which he re-edified and enlarged, the Castle at Quinborough, Fortifications at 〈◊〉 and other places. His Queen Philippe founded Queen's College in Oxford: 〈…〉 Countess of Pembroke, the College called Pembroke Hall in Cambridge. In this King's t●me Sir john Poultney Major of London, built the College in London cal●●d 〈◊〉 L●wrence Poult●●y, and little Alhollo●es, a Parish Church in Thames street, ●●d also the Carmelite Friars Church in C●ventry. Henry Earl of Lancaster and 〈◊〉, ●ounded the new Hospital by the Castle of Leycester, wherein a hundred 〈◊〉 impotent people were provided for with all things necessary. William Elsing Merc●● of London, made a new Hospital of an old house of Nuns by Crippleg●●●, and placing Canons Regular there, he became the first Prior thereof. Walter 〈◊〉 Bishop of Exeter, Founded Exeter College, and Hart Hall in Oxford. William B●●eman Bishop of Norwich, builded Trinity Hall in Cambridge. Simon 〈◊〉 Archbishop of Canterbury, Founded Canterbury College in Oxford. William 〈◊〉 Treasurer of England, Founded the Monastery of Edendon; the religious brethren whereof were called B●nhommes. Sir Walter de Manny, borne in Cambray, purchased a piece of ground called spital Croft, containing thir●eene Acres, without the bars of West Smithfield, and caused the same to be enclosed, where he built a Chapel, and after Founded the same to be a house of Charter-house Monks. Humphrey Bohun Earl of Hereford and Essex, re-edified the Augustine Friars Church in London, and was buried in the Choir there● In the two and thirtieth year of this King's Reign, john Stody Major of London, gave unto the Vintners of London all the Quadrant where the Vintner's Hall now standeth, with the Tenements round abou●, from the lane to this day called Studis lane● where are Founded thir●eene houses for thirteen poor people, which are there kept of charity. Also in this King's time Sir john Cobham Founded the College of Cobham in Kent. I●hn L●vekin four times Major of London, builded at Kingston upon Thames, where he was borne, a Chapel called magdalen's, to the which he joined an Hospital, wherein was a Master, two Priests, and certain poor men: and for that the Parish Church of Saint Michael by Crooked-lane, where he dwelled, was a very homely thing, and the ground thereabout a filthy plot, by reason of the Burchers in Eastcheap, who made the same their lay-stall; he on the same ground builded the fair new Parish Church of Saint Michael now standing, and was buried there in the middle of the Choir, under a fair Tomb of stone. He also Founded a College to the same Church, near thereunto adjoining. john Barnes Major of London, gave a Chest with three locks, and a thousand Marks to be lent to young men, upon security, so that it passed not one hundred Marks; and for the occupying thereof, if he were learned, to say at his pleasure, De Profundis, for the soul of john Barnes; if he were not learned, to say Pater Noster: but howsoever the money is lent, the Chest at this day standeth in the Chamber of London, without money or pledges. Thomas of Woodstock, the youngest son of King Edward, Founded a College at Playsi● in Essex, where in his life he had provided a sumptuous Tomb, where he was first laid, but translated afterward to Westminster. Casualties happening in his time. IN the the two and twentieth year of his Reign, a contagious Pestilence arose in the East and South parts of the world, and spread itself over all Christendom; and coming at last into England, it so wasted the people, that scarce the tenth person of all sorts was left alive. There died in London (some say in N●rwich) between the first of january, and the first of july, 57374. persons. In Yarmouth, in o●e year, 7052. men and women: before which time, the Parsonage there was worth 700. Marks a year, and afterwards was scarce worth forty pounds a year. This Plague began in London about Alhollan●ide, in the year 1348. and continued till the year 1357. ●here it was observed, that those who were borne after the beginning of this mortality, had but twenty eight teeth, where before ●hey had two and thirty. In the twelveth year of his Reign, a sudden ●●undation of water, at Newcastle upon Tyne, bore down a pi●ce of the Town w●ll, and six pearches in length, near to a place called Walkenew; where a hundred and twenty men and women were drowned. In the five and thi●●ieth year of his Reign, another Pestilence happened in England, which was called the second Pestilence, in which died Henry Duke of La●caster, also Regin●ld Lord C●●ha●●, and Walter Fits-warren, two famous men; and five Bishops, of Worcester, of London, of Ely, of Lincoln, and of Chich●ster. In this King's time, a Frost lasted from the midst of September, to the month of April. In the fourth year of his Reign, a solemn just or Tournament was holden at London in Ch●●pside, betwixt the great Cross and the great Conduit, 〈◊〉 S●per-la●●● which lasted three days; where the Queen Philippe, with many Ladies, fell from a Stage, set up for them to behold the just; and though they were not hurt at all, yet the King threatened to punish the Carpenters for their negligence, till the Quern in●●●ated pardon for them upon her knees: as indeed she was always ready to do all good offices of mercy to all people. In the eleventh year of his Reign was so great plenty, that a quarter of Wheat was sold at London for two shillings, a fat Ox for a Noble, a fat Sheep for six pence, and six Pigeons for a penny, a fa● Goose for two pence, and a Pig for a penny, and other things after that rate. Of his Wife and Children. HE married Philippe, the daughter of William Earl of Haynault at York; a match made up in haste by Queen Isabella his mother, for her own ends, although a better could never have been made upon deliberation for King Edward's ends: for though her Parentage were not great, and her portion less●; yet she made amends for both, in virtue; for never King had a better Wife. By her King Edward had seven sons and five daughters: his eldest son Edward Prince of Wales, and commonly called the Black Prince, (but why so called uncertain for to say, of his dreadful acts, as Spe●de saith, hath little probability) was borne at Woodstock, in the third year of his Father's Reign; he married joan, the daughter of Edmund Earl of Kent, brother by the Father's side to King Edward the second. She had been twice married before; first to the valiant Earl of Salisbury, from whom she was divorced: next to the Lord Thomas Holland; after whose decease, this Prince passionately loving her, married her: by her he had issue two sons, Edward the eldest, borne at Angoulesme, who died at seven years of age; and Richard borne at Bordeaux, who after his Father, was Prince of Wales, and after his Grandfather King of England. This Prince had also natural issue, Sir john Sounder, and Roger Clarendon Knights; the latter being attainted in the Raign● of King Henry the fourth, is thought to have ●eene Ancestor to the house of Smiths in Essex. He died at Canterbury, in the six and fortieth year of his age; and of his Fathe●● Reign, the nine and fortieth, and was buried at Christ's Church there. His second son William was borne at Hatfield, in Hertfordshire, who deceased in his childhood, and was buried at York. His third son Lionel was borne at Antwerp, in the twelveth year of his Father's Reign; he married first Elizabeth, the daughter and Heir of William Burgh, Earl of Ulster in Ireland; in who●e Right he was first created Earl of Ulster: and because he had with her the honour of Clare, in the County of To●mond; he was in a Parliament, created Duke of Clarence, as it were of the Country about the Town and Honour of Clare; from which Duchy, the name of Clarentieux (being the title of the King of Arms, for the South parts of England) is derived. This Duke had issue by her one only daughter, named Philippe afterward wife of Edmund Mortimer, Earl of March; mother of Earl Roger, Father of Anne Countess of Cambridge, the mother of Richard Duke of York, Father of King Edward the fourth. The second marriage of this Duke was at Milan in Lombardy, with the Lady Vi●lanta, daughter of G●leac●● the second Duke thereof; but through intemperance he lived not long ●fter. King Edward's fourth son named john, was borne at Ga●●t, in the foureteenth year of his Father's Reign; he had three wives, the first was ●l●nch, daughter and Coheir, and in the end the sole Heir of Henry Duke of Lancaster, son of Edmund, surnamed Crouch back; by whom he had issue, Henry of Bullingbrooke Earl of Derby, after Duke of Hereford, and lastly King of England, named Henry the fourth, who first placed the Crown in the house of Lancaster. By her also john of Gaunt had two daughters, Philip wife of john the first, King of Portugal; and Elizabeth married first to john Holland, Earl of Huntingdon, and after him, to Sir john Cornwall, Baron of Fanhope. john of Gaunts second wife was Constance, the eldest daughter of Peter King of Castille and Leon, in whose Right, for the time he entitled himself King of both those Realms: by her he had issue one only daughter named Katherine, married to Henry the third, son of King john, in possession before, and in her Right after King of both the said Realms. john of Gaunts third wife was Katherine, the Widow of Sir Hugh Swinford, a knight of Lincolnshire, eldest daughter and Coheir of pain Roet, a Gascoigne, called G●●en King of Arms for that Country; his younger daughter being married to Sir Geoffrey Chawcer, our Laureate Poet. By her he had issue born before matrimony, and made legitimate afterward by Parliament, in the twentieth year of King Richard the second; john Earl of Somerset, Thomas Duke of Exeter, Henry Bishop of Winchester, and Cardinal, and joan (who was first married to Robert Ferrer Baron of Wemme, and Ou●sley, in the Counties of Salop and Warwick) and secondly, to Ralph Nevil, the first Earl of Westmoreland. She and all her brethren were surnamed Beaufort, of a Castle which the Duke had in France, where they were all borne; and in regard thereof, bore the Portcullis of a Castle for the Cognisance of their Family. This Duke in the thirteenth year of his Nephew King Richard was created Duke of Aquitaine, but in his sixteenth year he was called home, and this title re-called; and the third year after, in the sixtieth of his age, he died at Ely house in Holborn, and lieth honourably Entombed in the Choir of Saint Paul. King Edward's fifth son Edmund, surnamed of Langley, was first in the year 1362. created Earl of Cambridge, and afterward in the year 1386. made Duke of York; he married Isabella, daughter and Coheir to Peter, King of Castille and Leon: his son Richard Plantagenet Duke of York, took to wife Anne Mortimer, Heir of the foresaid Lionel, elder brother to Edmund of Langley. King Edward's sixth son William, surnamed of Windsor, where he was borne, died young, and is buried at Westminster. King Edward's youngest son Thomas, surnamed of Woodstock, where he was borne, was first Earl of Buckingham, and after made Duke of Gloucester by his Nephew King Richard the second. He was a man of valour and wisdom, but the King surmizing him to be a too severe observer of his doings; consulted with Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, how to make him away: whom Mowbray unawares surprising, conveyed secretly to Calais, where he was strangled the twentieth year of King Richard's Reign. He had issue one son, Humphrey Earl of Buckingham, who died at Chester of the Pestilence, in the year 1400. and two daughters, Anne married first to Edmund Earl of Stafford, by whom she had Humphrey Duke of Buckingham; secondly to William Bourchier Earl of Ewe, by whom she had Henry Earl of Essex, and joan married to Gylbert Lord Talbot, and h●d issue by him a daughter, who died young. Of King Edward's daughters, the eldest named Isabella, was married at Windsor to Ingelram of Guysnes, Lord of Co●cy, Earl of Soysons, and after Archduke of Austria; created also by King Edward, Earl of Bedford: by whom she was mother of two daughters; Mary married to Henry Duke of Bar, and Philip married to Robert de Vere Earl of Oxford, Duke of Ireland, and marquis of Dublyn. This Robert in the height of his fortunes forsook his Lady Philip, and married one Lancerona a Joiner's daughter (as was said) which came with King Richard the seconds wife ou● of Bohemia; and being for abusing the King's ear, driven out of the Land by the Lords, he died at London in extreme poverty in the year 1392. Isabella his wife's mother, was buried in the Church of Friar's Minorites near Aldgate in London. King Edward's second daughter joan was married by Proxy to Alphonsus, King of Castille and Leon● but passing into Spain, died by the way; and King Alphonsus met her, instead of consummating his Espousal, to solemnise her Funeral. His third daughter Blanch died young. His fourth named Mary, was married to john Montford Duke of Britain. His youngest named Margaret, borne in Calais, was the first wife of john de Hastings, Earl of Pembroke, but died without issue. Of his Personage and Conditions. HE was of stature indifferent tall, of sparkling eyes, of a comely and manly countenance, in his later time something bald; and concerning his conditions, no man was more gentle, where there was submission; where opposition, no man more stern. He was a Prince no less of his passions, then of his people; for he was never so loving, as to be fond; nor ever so angry, as to be inexorable: but this must be understood of the time while he was a man, for in his old age, when he came to be a child again, he was Prince of neither. He was no less fortunate than valiant; and his fortunatenes was the greater by a kind of Antiperistatis, as coming between two unfortunate Princes; Successor to one, and Predecessor to another. He was of so warlike a disposition, that his very sports were warlike; for no delights were so frequent with him as Justs and Tournaments. To show his devotion, one example may be sufficient, for when neither Cardinals nor Counselors could move him to make peace with France, a tempest from Heaven did it; to which may be added, that he never won great battle, of which he won many, but he presently gave the glory of it to God by public Thanksgiving. He outlived the best wife, and the best son that ever King had; and to say the truth, he outlived the best of himself, for his later years were not answerable to his former. Of his Death and Burial. KING Edward besides his being old, and worn with the labours of war, had other causes that hastened his end: his grief for the loss of so worthy a son, dead but ten months before; his grief for the loss of all benefit of his conquests in France, of all which he had little now left, but only Calais: and oppressed thus in body and mind, he was drawing his last breath, when his Concubine Alice Pierce packing away what she could catch, even to the Rings of his fingers, left him; and by her example, other of his attendants, sea●sing on what they could come by, shift away; and all his Counselors and others forsook him, when he most needed them, leaving his Chamber quite empty; which a poor Priest in the house seeing, he approaches to the King's Bedside, and finding him yet breathing, calls upon him to remember his Saviour, and to ask mercy for his offences, which none about him before would do: but now moved by the voice of this Priest, he shows all signs of contrition, and at his last breath expresses the name of Jesus. Thus died this victorious King at his Manor at Sheen, (now Richmond) the one and twentieth day of june, in the year 1377. in the sixty fourth year of his age, having Reigned fifty years, four months, and odd days. His body was conveyed from Sheen by his four sons and other Lords, and solemnly interred within Westminster Church, where he hath his Monument, and whereit is said, the sword he used in battle, is yet to be seen, being eight pound in weight, and seven foot in length. Of Men of Note in his time. Martial men were never more plentiful then in this King's Reign: whet●●r it were that the Stars have an influence to produce such men at one time more than another: or whether it were that Regis ad exempl●●, the King's example made his subjects like himself: or lastly, that his continual exercise of Arms put them as it were into a mould of fortitude. The first of this kind, is worthily Edward the Black Prince, and so worthily the first, that Long erit ● primo quisque secundus erit. Next him is Henry Earl of Lancaster, the Prince's right hand, in all his great achievements: then William the valiant Earl of Salisbury, than john Ewer, Ancestor to 〈◊〉 Lord Eures that now liveth; then follow the Lord john Chandos, Sir james Aude●●, Sir Walter de Manny, Sir Robert Knolls, than Sir john Hawkewood born in Essex; who ●●ough not much honoured at home, having been a Tailor, yet in foreign parts, and specially in Italy so famous, that his Statue was erected in public, for a Monument 〈◊〉 testify his valour to posterity. And here must not be forgotten, Venile●night ●night, a Norfolk man; who when the Scots and English were ready to give battle, ● certain stout Champion of great stature, commonly called Tournboll, coming 〈◊〉 of the Scots Army, and challenging any English man to meet him in a single combat; this Robert Venile accepteth the challenge, and marching towards the Champion, and meeting by the way a certain black Mastiff Dog which wai●ed on the Champion, he suddenly with his sword cut him off at the loins, and afterwards did more to the Champion himself, cutting his head from off his shoulders. And as there was this great plenty of Martial men, so there was no less plenty of learned men; john Baconthorpe borne in Norfolk, a Carmelite Friar, who wrote divers excellent Treatises in Divinity; Nicholas Trivet born also in Norfolk: a black Friar, who wrote two Histories, and a book of Annals: Richard Stradley, born in the Marches of Wales, a Monk and a Divine, who wrote divers excellent Treatises of the Scriptures: William Herbert a Welshman, and a Friar Minor, who wrote many good Treatises in Divinity: Tho. Walleis a Dominican Friar, and a writer of many excellent books: john Eversden a Monk of Bury in Suffolk, an Historiographer: Walter Burley a Doctor of Divinity, brought up in Martin College in Oxford, who wrote divers excellent Treatises in Natural and Moral Philosophy, which remain in estimation to this day; and who for the great fame of his learning, had the honour to be one of the Instructours of Edward the black Prince: Roger of Chester, a Monk of that City, and an Historiographer: john Burgh a Monk, who wrote a History, and also divers Homilies: Richard Aungervill Bishop of Durham, and Lord Chancellor of England, borne in Suffolk: Walter Heminford, an Historiographer: Richard Chichester a Monk of Westminster, who wrote an excellent Chronicle from the year 449. to the year 1348. Richard roll, alias Hampole, who writ many excellent Treatises in Divinity: Robert Holcot a black Friar, borne in Northampton, a learned Schooleman, and wrote many books in Arguments of Divinity: Thomas Bradwardin, borne near Chichester in Sussex, Archbishop of Canterbury, and who wrote against the Pelagians, and for his depth of learning, had the Title of Doctor Profundu●: Richard Fits Ralph, Archbishop of Armagh in Ireland, a learned writer: William Grysant, named Anglicus, a notable Physician, whose son came to be Pope, and was called Urbane the fifth: john Killingworth an excellent Philosopher, Astronomer, and Physician: Ranulph Higden a Monk of Chester, an Historiographer: Bartholomew Glanvile, descended of those Glanviles that were sometimes Earls of Suffolk: Simon Islip Archbishop of Canterbury, and Founder of Canterbury College in Oxford, who wrote many Treatises: Matthew Westmonasteriensis, who wrote the book called Flores Historiarum: William Fleet an Hermit, who wrote sundry Treatises, exhorting England to repentance: Henry Knighton, who wrote a History Entitled De gestis Anglorum: and lastly two other, worthy perhaps to have been placed first; john Mandevill the great Traveller, a Doctor of Physic, and a knight, who died at Liege, in the year 1372. and Sir Geoffrey Chawcer, the Homer of our Nation; and who found as sweet a Muse in the Groves of Woodstock, as the Ancients did upon the banks of Helicon. THE REIGN OF KING RICHARD THE SECOND. RICHARD, called of Bordeaux, because born there, the only Son of Edward the black Prince, was by his Grandfather in his life-time declared to be his Heir and lawful Successor; and accordingly after his death was crowned King of England, at Westminster, the sixteenth day of july, in the yerre 1377. by Simon Su●bury Archbishop of Canterbury: And for the more solemnity of his Coronation, he then m●de nine Knights, and created four Earls: Thomas of Woodstock, King Edward the Thirds youngest Son, was created Earl of Buckingham and Northampton; Thomas Mowbray, younger brother of john L. Mowbray, Earl of Nottingham; Gifford Angoulesme a Gascoigne, was made Earl of Huntingdon; and Henry Percy son of Henry L. Percy, was created Earl of Northumberland. At the time of the Coronation, the Duke of L●ncaster, by the name of john King of Castille and Leon, and Duke of Lancaster, put in his claim as Earl of Leicester, to have the place of Earl Martial of England; as Duke of Lancaster, to carry the sword called Curtana; as Earl of Lincoln, to be Carver that day; all which to be executed by himself, or by his sufficient Deputy; which, with the fees thereunto belonging, were confirmed unto him. As likewise, divers others made their claims: Robert de Veer, E●rle of Oxford, to have the office of Chamberlain, and to pour out water for the King to w●sh: john Wiltshire Citizen of London, by reason of a Moyitie of the Manor of Heydon, holden in Sergeantie, claimed to hold a Towel for the King to wipe with when he went to meat: Thomas Beauchampe Earl of Warwick, to bear the third Sword before the King; and also to exercise the office of Pantler: Sir john Argentine, by reason of his Manor of Wimondtey in the County of Hartford, to serve the King at his Cup: William L. Furnivall, for his Manor of Fernham, to support the King's right arm when he held the Royal Sceptre: Anne late wife of john de Hastings Earl of Pem●rooke, ●or hi● Manor of Ashele in Norfolk, to have the Office of Naperer; which she was admitted to do by her Deputy Sr. Thomas Blunt: Richard Earl of Arundel, for his Manor of B. in Kent, was admitted to be chief Butler: The L. Major of London, to attend in his own person, as chief Cup-waiter: Sir john Dimmock, for his Manor of Scrivelbie; and Sir Baldwin Frevile, for his Castle of Tamworth, in the County of Warwick, contended for the Office of being the King's Champion; but adjudged to Dimmock: William de Latimer, and john the son and heir of john Mowbray of Axholm, jointly petitioned to have the Office of Almoner; but adjudged to Latimer: Richard Lion, as Tenant of the Manor of L. held by the service of making wafers for the King at his Coronation, was thereunto admitted: The Barons of the Cinque-Ports were admitted to bear the King's Canopy, upon four staves of silver, over the King's head; and also to sit at meat in the Hall, at the highest Table on the King's right hand: john Fitz-Iohn, by reason of his Manor of S. in Norfolk, was admitted to be chief Larderer: Richard Herring, for the Manor of C. in the County of Surry, claimed to be Usher of the King's Chamber; but because that claim did no way concern the Coronation, he was left to pursue his Right some other time. The Coronation itself was performed with great solemnity: After a Sermon, the King took his Oath; and then the Archbishop blessed the King; which done, he tore ●ff his garments, and strippped him into his shirt; then he anointed his hand●, head, breast, shoulders, and the joints of his arms, with the sacred Oil; and after certain Prayers, he then cloddy him, first with the Coat of S. ●dward, and after with his Mantle: after which, the Archbishop delivered him the Sword, saying, Accipe Gladium; with which two Earls girded him: Then he gave him Bracelets, sayings Accipe Armillas: After this, he put upon him an upper vesture called a Pall, sayings Accipe Pallium: In the mean time, while the Archbishop blessed the Crown, he to whose Office it pertained, put spurs on his heels; after the Crown was blessed, the Archbishop set it on his Head, saying, Coronet te Deu●: then he delivered him a Ring, saying, Accipe An●●lum: Immediately herewith came the L. Fur●ivall, by virtue of his Office, offering him a red Glove; which the Arch B. blessed, and putting it on his hand, gave him the Sceptre, saying, Accipe Scep●rum: and after that, in his other hand, delivered him a Rod, on the top whereof stood a Dove, saying, Accipe Virgam Virtuti●; and then blessed the King, saying, Benedicat te De●●: which done, the King kissed the Bishops and Abbots, by whom he was afterward led to his seat: and so ended the solemnity. The tender years of the King, being but eleven years of age, required a Protector: but being perhaps thought dangerous to commit that Authority to only one, who might rather seek to get it for himself, then to keep it for another, It was thought fit to commit it to many; and thereupon john Duke of Lancaster, Edm●●d Earl of Cambridge, the King's Uncles; with some other Lords and Bishops, were joined in Commission to manage the State; and Guiszard de Angoulesme appointed to be his Schoolmaster. And now the King's Minority made foreign Princes conceive, that this would be a time of advantage for any that had quarrel to England: which the French and Scots took presently hold of; For, the French came now, and burned the Town of Rye; and soon after, entering the Isle of Wight, burnt divers Towns there; and though they were repelled from the Castle by the valiant Sir Hugh Tyrrell Captain thereof, yet they constrained the men of the Isle to give them a thousand Marks, to spare the residue of their houses and goods: and departing thence, they set on land where they saw advantage, burning sundry Towns near to the shore; as Portsmouth, Dertmo●th, and Plymouth: and then sailing towards Dover, they burned Hastings, assaulted Winchelsey; but being valiantly defended by the Abbot of Battle, were forced to retire: After this, they landed not far from the Abbey of Lewis, at a place called Rottington; where the Prior of Lewis, with Sir Thomas Cheyny, and Sir john F●llesly, encountering them, were overthrown, and taken Prisoners. And no less than the French, were the Scots also now busy; for coming one morning by stealth, they won the Castle of Barwick; but shortly after, upon knowledge thereof had, they were driven out again by the Earls of Northumberland and Nottingham; and all the Scot● they found in it, except Alexander Ramsey their Captain, put to the sword. About Michaelmas, a Parliament was held at Westminster, wherein Alice Pierc●, the late King's Concubine, was banished the Realms, and all her goods confiscate; and two Tenths of the Clergy, and two Fifteenths of the Temporalty were granted; but so, as that two Citizens of London, William Walworth, and john Philpot, should receive and keep it, to see it bestowed for defence of the Realm. In this time, Sir Hugh Calverley, Deputy of Calais, burned six and twenty French ships in the Haven of Boulogne: and at the same time a great Navy is set out, under the guiding of the Earl of Bucki●gham, the Duke of Britain, the Lord L●timer, Sir Robert Knolls and others, with a purpose to intercept the Spanish Fleet; but through Tempest were twice driven back: when in the mean time, one Mercer a Scottish Pirate, came to Sc●rborough, took there divers ships, and committed many outrages: and no order being taken to repel him, a Citizen of L●●do● named john Philpot, at his own charges set forth a Fleet, and in his own person encountering them, took the said Mercer, and all his ships: and returning home, in stead of being rewarded for his service, he was called in question for presuming to raise a Navy, without advice of the King's Council: but he gave ●uch reasons for that he had done, that not only he came off then wi●h credit, but lives in reputation for it to this day. Indeed Reasons of State, though they may secretly be censured, yet they must not openly be controlled, for this were to bring Authority into contempt, and in stead of Errors to bring in Confusion; but yet when wrongs be offered that are public, every particular person seems to have an interest in taking revenge; and though it may be no manners not to stay the State's leisure, yet it can be no offence to do their work for them. Many actions passed at this time with the French and Scots, some prosperous, and some adverse: The Scots burn Roxborough; this was adverse: but the Earl of Northumberland entering Scotland with ten thousand men, spoileth the Lands of the Earl of March, the chief Incendiary, this was prosperous: but when the Northern men would needs make a Road into Scotland, and were encountered by the Scots, and put to flight, this was adverse. Anon after Midsummer, the Duke of Lancaster, with the Earls of Buckingham, Warwick, Stafford, and others of the Nobility, with a strong Power to●ke the Sea, and landing in Britain, besieged the Town of S●. Malo, but finding strong opposition, is forced to raise his Siege, and return home: this was adverse. And now again, the Scots by night entered secretly into the Castle of Berwick, and slew Sir Robert Baynton, that was Constable there: this also was adverse: But when the Earl of Northumberland, being advertised thereof, came with a Power, assaulted the Castle, and after two daye● defence recovered it again; this was prosperous. William Montacute E●rle of Salisbury, the King's Lieutenant in Calais, forageth the Country round about, and furnisheth Calais with Booties of French cattle: Sir Hugh Calverley and Sir Thomas Percy made Admiralls● put to Sea● and take divers ships laden with merchandise, and one sh●p of war: Sir john H●●leston, Captain of Chierbourg in France, issuing forth, assaults a Fortress of the French, which was the storehouse of their Provision, and with much valour takes it: these were prosperous: But when Sir john Clerk, lying in Garrison in a Castle in Britain, where la● many English ships in the Haven, ●ad ●he●e ships let upon by the French, where though he showed incredible valo●r in the action, yet the ships were taken, and himself slain: this was adverse. Also in the third year of this King's Reign, Sir john Arundel, Sir Hugh Calverley, Sir Thomas Percy, Sir William Elmham, Sir Thomas Banister, and many other Knights, went to Sea, with a purpose to pass over into Britain; but were so beaten back w●th Tempest, that divers of their ships were ●ast away; and Sir john Arundel, Sir Thomas Banister, Sir Nicolas Trumping●on, Sir Thomas Dale, and above a thousand others were all drowned; only Sir Thomas Percy, Sir Hugh Calverley, Sir William Elmham, and certain others escaped. It may not be impertinent to note here the sumptuousness of those times; for this Sir john Arundel was then said in his Furniture to have two and fifty new suits of apparel of cloth of Gold and Tissue, all lost at Sea. This year also, there being found inconvenience in having many Governors of the King and Kingdom, it was by Parliament decreed, Th●t the Lord Thomas Beauchampe, Earl of Warwick● should himself alone hold the place of Protector. About this time Sir john Annesley Knight accused Thomas Katrington Esquire, for betraying the Fortress of St. Saviour to the French: which Katrington denying● at the suit of Annesly a solemn combat is permitted to be between them; at which combat the King and all the great Lords were present: the Esquire Katrington was a man of a mighty statu●e, the Knight Annesley a little man● yet through the justness of his cause, after a long fight, the Knight prevailed, and Katrington, the day after the combat died. In the beginning of the fourth year of this King, Thomas of Woodstock Earl of Buckingham, the King's Uncle, with divers Earls and Lords, and an Army of seven or eight thousand, was sent into France, to aid the Duke of Britain; but the King of France at that time dying, the Duke of Britain grew to have peace with the new King; whereupon the Earl of Buckingham came home again, without doing much, but making of Knights, and foraging the Country. In this time the French and Spanish Galleys did much mischief on the Coast of England: they burned Rye, H●sti●gs, a●d Portsmouth; and at last, ent●ing the River of Thames, they came up to Gravesend, where they burned most part of the Town, and taking many Prisoners and Booties returned into France. At this time also, there fell out an Accident of great disturbance to the Realm; for the Commons rose in divers parts, beginning at Dep●ford in Kent: and the cause of their Rising grew (as was thought) through the rude behaviour of a Collector of the Poll-money, who coming into the house of one john Tyler, and demanding Pollmony of his wife for a daughter of hers, and she saying that her daughter was not of that age to pay, the rude fellow said, he would presently see whether that were so, or no, and thereupon forceably turned up her clo●thes; whereat the mother making an outcry, her husband being at work hard by, and hearing the noise, came in with his lathing-staffe in his hand, with which he gave the Collector such a blow on the head, that his brains flew out, and he presently died. Upon this, at the complaint of Tyler amongst his neighbours, and withal, a factious Clergyman, one john ●●ll, taking occasion hereat to rip up the ground of this Misgovernment, and telling the people, that this difference of men's Estates, where some are Potentates, and some are Bondmen, was against Christian liberty, taking for his Theme, When Adam delved and Eve span, who was then ● Gentleman? he so incensed them, that the Commons in divers parts drew together; and whether beginning in Kent, or otherwise in Essex, they drew at last into their faction the Commons of S●ssex, Hartfordshire, Cambridgshire, Suffolk, Norfolk, and other Shires; and arresting all such as passed, made them swear to be true to K. Richard, and to the Commons, and never to receive any King that should be called john; which they did for the envy they bore to john Duke of Lancaster. Thus their number still increased, that by that time they were come as far as Black-heath, they were esteemed to be a Hundred Thousand. The first thing they did when they came to London, was to send for one Richard Lion, a grave Citizen, who had been Tilers Master, and his head they struck off, and carried it upon a pole, in Triumph before them: The next day they go to the Savoy, the Duke of La●casters house, which they set on fire, burning all his rich Furniture, breaking in pieces all his Pla●e and Jewels, and throwing them into the Thames, saying, They were men of justice, and would not like Robbers enrich themselves with any man's goods: and when one of their fellows was espied to thrust a fair silver piece into his bosom, they took him, and cast both him and the piece into the fire: Two and thirty of them were got into the Duke's Wine-Cellar, where they stayed drinking so long, till the rafte●s of the house, on fire, fell upon them, and so covered them, that not able to get out, they were heard cry seven days after, and then perished. From the Savoy they went to the Temple, where they burned the Lawyer's lodgings, with their books and writings, and all they could lay hand on: Also the House of St. john's by Smithfield they set on fire, so that it burned for the space of seven days together. After this they came to the Tower, where the King was then lodged; and though he had at that time six hundred armed men, and as many Archers about him, yet he durst not but suffer them to enter; where they abused the King's mother, offering to kiss her, in such rude manner, that she fell into a swound: and finding in the place Simon Thybold Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord Chancellor; and Sr. Robert Hales also Lord Treasurer; they led them to the Tower-hill, and there in most cruel manner struck off their head●, as also of divers others: Neither spared they sacred places; for breaking into the Church of the Augustine Friars, they drew forth thirteen Flemings, and beheaded them in the open streets; as also seventeen other, out of other Churche●. Yet after all these outrages, the King proclaimed Pardon to all such as would lay down Arms, and go quietly home; which the Essex-men did, but the Kentish-men continued still, with their Captain Wat Tyl●r: to whom when the King sent Sir john Newton to understand what his meaning was; Wat Tyler, offended because he came on horseback, told him, it became him to light from his horse in his presence; a●d therewith drew out his dagger to strike him: the King perceiving his Knight to be in danger, bade him alight from his horse: but when this would not pacify him, the Major of London, William Walworth, by the King's appointment road to him and arrested him, and gave him such a blow on the head, that he astonished him; and then other of the King's servants drew their swords, and thrust him through in divers parts of his body, so as he died there in the place. When the Commons saw this, they cried out, Our Captain is slain, let us revenge it. Here the King, though very young, not above fifteen years of age, yet had the courage to ride unto them, telling them, that now their Leader was dead, he would be their Leader himself; and if they would follow him into the fields, they should have whatsoever they desired. In the mean time, the Lord Major Walworth had gone into the City, and raised a Thousand armed men, and meeting Sir Robert Knolls by chance, got him to be their Leader; who coming into the fields where the Rebels were, so daunted them, that throwing down their weapons, they cried for mercy: that it was a wonderful thing to see how suddenly Fear overtook Presumption; for scarce their words of Insolency were out of their mouths, when they fell to words of most servile submission: And as strange an alteration in those about the King, to see how suddenly Boldness surprised Fear; for scarce they left trembling at the sight of the Rebels, when suddenly upon sight of this Aid their fingers itched to be setting ●pon them, but that the King would not suffer it, because some amongst them were there by compulsion, and to set upon them thus mingled, might as well be the death of the innocent, as of the guilty. But to pacify them the more, the King caused his Charter of Manumission to be sent unto them; which yet stayed them not from committing outrages at S●. Alban, and cancelling the ancient Charters of the Abbots and Monks there. Besides, the Sedition was more general, then that the appeasing it in one place could be final; for at the same time there were gathered together in Suffolk to the number of Fifty thousand, by the setting on of one john Wraw a lewd Priest: and these fell to destroying the houses of Lawyer's speciallly; and Sir john Cavendish L. Chief Justice of England, they beheaded, and set his head upon the Pillory in St. Edmundsbury. The like commotion of the Commons was at the same time also in Cambridgeshire, in the Isle of Ely, and in Norfolk, under the guiding of one john Littester a Dyer: and to countenance their proceeding the more, they had a purpose to have brought William ufford Earl of Suffolk into their fellowship; but he, advertised of their intention, suddenly rose from supper, and got him away: but many other Lords and Knights they compelled to be sworn to them, and to ride with them; as the Lord Scales, the Lord Morley, Sir john Brews, Sir Stephen Hales, & Sr. Robert Salle, who not enduring their insolences, had his brains dashed out by a Country Clown that was his Bondman: The rest terrified by this example, were glad to carry themselves submissively to their Chieftain john Lit●ester, who named himself King of the Commons, and counted it a preferment for any to serve him at his Table, in taking the assay of his meats and drinks, with kneeling humbly before him, as he sat at meat. And now these fellows, upon a consultation, send two choycemen, namely, the L. Morle● and Sir john Brews, with three of their chief Commons, to the King, for their Charter of Manumission and Enfranchising: who being on their way, at Itchingham not far from New market, they met with Henry Spenser Bishop of Norwich; and he examining them if there were any of the Rebels in their company, and hearing that thr●e of the chief were there present, he presently caused their heads to be struck off; and then pursuing on towards Northwalsham in Norfolk, where the Commons stayed for Answer from the King; by that time he came thither, where he had at first but eight Lances, and a small number of Archers in his company, his number was so increased, that it came to be a complete Army, with which he set upon the Rebels, discomfited them, and took john Littester and their other Chieftains, whom he caused all to be executed; and by this means the Country was quieted. After this, the Major of London●ate ●ate in Judgement upon Offenders; where many were found culpable, and lost their heads; amongst other, jack Straw, john Kirkeby, Alane Tredder, and john Sterl●ng, who gloried that he was the man had slain the Archbishop. Also Sir Robert Tresilian Chief Justice, was appointed to sit in Judgement against the Offenders; before whom above fifteen hundred were found guilty, and in sundry places put to death: amongst others, john Ball Priest, their Incendiary; of whom it is not impertinent to relate a letter he wrote to the Rebell-rabble of Essex; by which we may see how fit an Orator he was for such an Auditory, and what strength of persuasion there was in Nonsense: john Sheep St. Marry Priest of York, and now of Colchester, greeteth well john Nameless, and john the Miller, and john Carter; and biddeth them that they beware of guile in Borough, and stand together in God's name: and biddeth Piers Ploughman go to his work, and chastise well Hob the robber, and take with you john Trewman and all his fellows, and no moe. john the miller ye ground small, small, small; the King's Son of Heaven shall pay for all. Beware or ye be woe: Know your friend from your foe: Have enough, and say Ho; and do well and better: Flee sin, and seek peace, and hold you therein: and so biddeth john Trewman and all his fellows. Neither is it impertinent to declare the Confession of jack Straw at his execution: When we were assembled (said he) upon Blackheath, and had sent to the K. to c●me to us, our purpose was to have slain all Knights and Gentlemen that should be about him: and as for the King, we would have kept him amongst us, to the end the people might more boldly have repaired to us; and when we had gotten power enough, we would have slain all Noblemen, and specially the Knights of the Rhodes; and lastly we would have killed the King, and all men of possessions, with Bishops, Monks, Parsons of Churches; only Friars Mendicants we would have spared, for administration of the Sacraments: Then we would have devised Laws according to which the people should have lived; for we would have created Kings, as Wat Tyler in Kent, and other in other Countries: and the same evening that Wat Tyler was killed, we were determined to set fire in four corners of the City, and to have divided the spoil amongst us: and this was our purpose, as God may help me now at my last end.] For his service done in this seditious business, the King knighted the Major William Walworth, and gave him a hundred pounds a year in Fee; also he knighted five Aldermen his brethren, girding them abou● the waste with the girdle of knighthood, which was the manner of Graduating in those days: And to do the City itself honour, he granted there should be a Dagger added to the Arms of the City; for till this time the City bore only the Cross without the Dagger. And now all parts being quiet, the King by Proclamation revoked and made void his former Charters of Infranchising the Bondmen of the Realm; and that they should stand in the same condition they were before. In the time of this sedition, the Duke of Lancaster had been sent into Scotland, to keep the Scots quiet; who so carried the matter, that before the Scots heard of the Sedition, a Truce was concluded for two or three years. But the Duke coming back to Berwick, was denied by the Captain Sir Matthew Redman, to enter the Town, because of a Commandment given him by the Earl of Northumberland, L. Warden of the Marches, not to suffer any person to enter the same; which the King indeed had appointed to be done, forgetting the Duke of Lancaster that was then in Scotland: but howsoever, this bred such a spleen in the Duke against the Earl, that at his coming home, he laid many things to the Earls charge, and the Earl as stoutly answered his objections: and so far it proceeded, that both of them came to the Parliament which was then beginning, with great numbers of Armed men, and themselves in Armour, to the great terror of the people: but the King, wisely taking the matter into his own hands, made them friends. At which time, the Lady Anne, Sister to the Emperor Wincesl●us, and affianced wife to the King, was come to Calais; whereupon the Parliament was Prorogued: the Lady was brought to London, joined in marriage to the King, and Crowned Queen at Westminster by the Archbishop of Canterbury, with great solemnity. After the Marriage, the Parliament began again; in which William ufford Earl of Suffolk being chosen by the Knights of the Shires to deliver in behalf of the Commonwealth certain matters concerning the same, the very day and hour in which he should have done the business, as he went up the stairs towards the upper House, he suddenly fell down and died, having been merry and well before, to all men's judgements. About this time the Lord Scroop was deposed from the Chancellourship, for refusing to seal some Grants which the King had made: and the King receiving the great Seal at his hands, kept it a certain time, and sealed with it such Grants and Writings as he pleased; till at length it was delivered to Robert Braybrooke Bishop of London, who was made Lord Chancellor. Henry Spenser Bishop of Norwich, had lately with the Kings leave raised an Army, and was gone into France, in behalf of Pope Vrban, against the Antipope Clement; and entering first into Fla●ders, he took and sacked many Towns; at last besieged Ypres; till by an Army of French (greater than was thought could have been raised in France) he was forced to raise his siege: and then passing divers places, he came to Gr●●eling; from whence he writ to King Richard, that if ever he meant to try battle with the French, now was the time. The King was at that time at Dayntrie in North●mptonshire; and being at supper when the word was brought him, he instantly rose from the Table, got to horseback, and road in Post with such speed that he came to St. Alban about midnight; where making no stay, but while he borrowed the Abbot's Gelding, he hasted forth till he came to Westminster, as though he had meant never to rest till he had given battle to the Frenchmen: but after he had taken council of his pillow, his mind was altered, and h● thought it better to employ some other, then to go himself: so the Duke of Lancaster is thought the fittest man; but he protracted the time so long in making preparation, th●t before he could be gone, the Bishop was come away: And this indeed is the condition of many, to spend so much time in preparing, that they utterly lose all opportunity of acting; like to men that are putting on their clothes so long, till it be time to put them off again. Shortly after, a Truce was concluded between Fra●ce and England, to endure till the Feast of St. Michael, which should be in the year 1384. Of Acts done after He came of Age. THe Scots in this mean time had made Roads into England, and taken and burnt divers Towns upon the Borders: whereupon the Duke of Lancaster, with his Brother the Earl of Buckingham, is sent with a mighty Army to repress them; but having entered Scotland, and not able to draw the Scots to a Battle, they only burned certain Towns, and then returned. About this time an Irish Friar, of the Order of the Carmelites, charged the Duke of Lancaster with heinous crimes as that he intended to destroy the King, and usurp the Crown; showing the time, the place, and other circumstances of the whole plot. But the Duke called to his Answer, so cleared himself, a● lest gave such colours of clearing, that the Accuser was committed to the custody of john Holland the king's half-brother, till a day appointed for further trial: The ni●ht before which day, the said Lord Holland and Sir Henry Greene are said to have come to this Friar, and putting a cord about his neck, tied the other end about his privy members; and after hanging him up from the ground, laid a stone upon his belly, with the weight whereof his very backbone burst asunder; thereby putting him to a most tormenting death: An act not more inhuman than unadvised; for though it took away the Accuser, yet it made the Accusation more suspicious. At this time, though a Truce had been made with the Scots, yet they would not be quiet, but entered and won the Castle of Barwick, whereof the Earl of Northumberland was Captain, but had committed the keeping of it to another; for which being blamed, he went against them with an Army, but took an easier course, for with the sum of two thousand marks he bought them out, and had the Castle surrendered into his hands again. The king upon some new displeasure, being now incensed against the Duke of Lancaster, had a purpose to have him arrested, and arraigned of certain points of Treason, before Sir Robert Tresilian Chief Justice, though he ought to be tried by his Peers: but the Duke having intimation hereof● got him to his Castle of Pomfret, and stood upon his guard; till the King's mother, (notwithstanding her indisposition of body, by reason of her corpulency) riding to and fro betwixt them, pacified the King, and made them friends. In the ninth year of K. Richard's Reign, the Frenchking sent the Admiral of France into Scotland, with a Thousand men of Arms, besides Crossbows and others, to aid the Scots against the English; with which aid the Scots encouraged, enter the English Borders: whereof K. Richard advertised, himself with a mighty Army enters Scotland; and coming to Edingborough, and finding all the people flede he set fire on the houses, burned the Church of S. Giles, only Holy-Rood-house was spared at the Duke of Lancaster's suit, in remembrance of friendship he had formerly received in that house. The Scots by no means could be drawn to any Battle; bu● to divert the King's Army, they entered Cumberland, and besieged Carlisle, whereby the valour of Sir Lewis Clifford and Sir Thomas Musgrave they were repelled; and hearing of the King's Army coming towards them, and fearing to be enclosed, they drew back into Scotland, and the King returned into England. But in this mean while, the English of Calais took many prizes of French ships at Sea, and many Booties also by land; at one time four thousand sheep, and three hundred head of great cattle. This year the King called a Parliament at Westminster, where he created two Dukes, one marquis, and five Earls: Edmund of Langly Earl of Cambridge, the King's Uncle, was created Duke of York: Thomas of Woodstock Earl of Buckingham, his other Uncle, Duke of Gloucester: Robert Veer Earl of Oxford, was made marquis of Dublin: Henry of Bullingbrooke son of john of Gaunt, was created Earl of Derby: Edward Plantagenet son to the Duke of York, was made Earl of Rutland: Michael de la Poole Chancellor of England, was created Earl of Suffolk: and Thomas Mowbray Earl of Nottingham, was made Earl Martial. Also by authority of this Parliament, Roger Mortimer Earl of March, son and heir of Edmund Mortimer, and of the Lady Philip eldest daughter and heir to Lionel Duke of Clarence third son to king Edward the Third, was established heir apparent to the Crown of the Realm, and shortly after so Proclaimed: but going into Ireland to his Lordship of Ulster, was there by the wild Irish slain. This Roger Earl of March had issue, Edmund, Roger, Anne, Alice, and Eleanor; which Eleanor was made a Nun: The two sons died without issue: Anne his eldest daughter, was married to Richard Earl of Cambridge, son to Edmund of Langley; which Richard had issue by the said Anne, a son called Richard, that was after Duke of York, and father to king Edward the Fourth; also a daughter named Isabel, married to the Lord Bourchier. Also this year Henry of Bullingbrooke Earl of Derby, married the daughter and heir of Humphrey Bohun Earl of Hereford; in whose Right he was after made Duke of Hereford. This year also K. Richard holding his Christmas at Eltham, Leo king of Armenia came thither to him; who in fear to have his kingdom conquered by the Turks, was come into Christendom to seek for aid: but his chief Errand into England was, to have procured a Peace between the two kings of England and Fran●e; but their spleens were so great against one another, that it was not in the physic of hi● Power to cure them. At this time, the Duke of Lancaster, taking with him his wife the Lady Const●nce, and a daughter he had by her named Katherine, and two other daughters which he had by his former wife, failed into Spain: he was attended in his journey with the Lord Lucy, the Lord Talbot, the Lord Basset, Willoughby, Fitzwater, Poy●ings, Br●●ston, and many other Lords and knights, to the number of fifteen hundred men of Arms; whereof a thousand at the least were knights and Esquires. The king at his taking leave gave him a Crown of Gold, and commanded he should be called king of Spain: and the Queen likewise gave another Crown of Gold to the Duchess. He landed first at Breast, and freed that Castle from the French: from thence he sailed, and arrived at the Groin in Spain, where he remained a month; and then went to Compostella, where he stayed a while: In which time, his Constable Sir john Holl●●d won divers Towns. At Monson, the king of Portugal, and the Duke of L●●caster met; where a marriage was concluded between the said king of Portugal and the Lady Philip daughter to the Duke● which marriage shortly after was consummated, and the Lady sent into Portugal honourably accompanied. The Duke continued at Co●postella all the winter: At March the king of Portugal and he en●●ed the Confines of Castille, where they took many Towns; and passing over the River of Dure, entered into the Country De Campo: But the Spaniards not willing to come to a Battle, but meaning to weary them out with delays; the English not used ●o such hot air, fell daily into many diseases: which the Duke seeing, accorded ●o a Truce. There died in this action, the Lord Fi●zwater, Sir Burley●●night ●●night of the Garter, the Lord Poynings, and Sir Henry Percy Cousin-german to the E●●le of Northumberland, also the Lord Talbot; and in all, twelve great Lords fourscore ●nights, two hundred Esquires, and of the meaner sort above five hundred. When the Army was broken up, the Duke of Lancaster, and the Duchess his wife went into Portugal; and after some stay there, they sailed to Bayon, in the Marches of Gascoigne, where he rested a long time after: In which mean while, there were offers made for a Marriage to be had, between the Duke of Berry, Uncle to the Fr●●ch king, and the Lady Ka●herine, daughter to the Duke of Lancaster: which the king of Spain understanding, he began to doubt, lest if that marriage went forward, it might turn to his disadvantage; and thereupon by earnest suit, at length concluded a peace with the Duke of Lancaster, on this wise, That his eldest son He●ry should marry the the Lady Katherine, the Duke of Lancaster's daughter, and be entitled Prince of Austurg●s; and in consideration of this marriage, and that all claims should cease, which the Duke in right of his wife might challenge or pretend● It was agreed, that the said Duke should receive yearly the sum of Ten thous●nd marks, during the lives of him and his Duchess; and to have in hand the sum of two hundred thousand Nobles. At this time, the French had a purpose to invade England, with no less a hope then to make a Conquest: and to that end, they prepared a mighty Navy; so as in the month of September, there were numbered about Sluis, Dam, and Bla●kerk●, 1●87 ships, besides those which were rigged in Britain by the Constable, who had caused an enclosure of a Field to be made of Timber, that when they were landed in E●gland, they might therewith enclose their field, and so lodge at more surety: but it so fortuned, that the Lord William Beauchampe Captain of Calais, took two of their ships, whereof one was laden with a piece of the said Enclosure; and after that, ●nother ship, laden with Guns, Gunpowder, and other Instruments of war; and after that again, two ships more, laden with parcels of the said Enclosure, which K. ●ichard caused to be reared and set up about Winchelsey Town: at last the foresaid Army came into Flanders, and arrived at Sluis; where, after some stay, they were so distressed for victuals, that in the end of November, they were glad to be gone, and return into France. At this time, in a Parliament, Robert Veer Earl of Oxford and Marques of Dublin, was created Duke of Ireland; and Michael de la Poole, a Merchant's son, had lately before been created E. of Suffolk, and made Chancellor of England. And now begins K. Richard to enter, I may say, upon the confines of his Destiny: His gracing of undeserving men, and disgracing of men deserving, if they were not the causes, they were at least the occasions of his own disgrace, and destruction in the end. He was now come to be of full age to do all himself; which was indeed to be of full age to undo himself: for the faults of his younger years might have the excuse to be but Errors; but the faults of the age he was now at, were peremptory against him, and admitted no defence. And to hasten the pace of his destiny the faster, the ill Counsel which before was but whispered in his ear, was now scarce forborn to be given him aloud: It is told him, that he is under tuition no longer, and therefore not to be controlled, as in former times he had been; That to be crossed of his will by his subjects, was to be their subject; It is no Sovereignty, if it be not absolute. At the instigation of which Counsel, the king in a Parliament now assembled, fell to expostulate with his Lords, ask them what years they thought him to be 〈◊〉 who answering, that he was somewhat more than one and twenty; Well, then (sa●● he) I am out of Wardship, and therefore look to enjoy my kingdom as freely, 〈◊〉 yourselves at the like years enjoy your Patrimonies. But his flattering Favori●● should have remembered, that though the king may not be controlled, where he ca● command; yet he may be opposed, where he can but demand; as now indeed he wa● for when he came to demand a Subsidy towards his wars, he was answered, That he needed no subsidy from his Subjects, if he would but call in the debts which th● Chancellor owed him: and if he were so tender of him, that he could not find i● his heart to do it himself, they would do that work for him: and thereupon charged him with such crimes, that all his goods were confiscate, and himself adjudged to die, if the king so pleased: though some write, his sentence was only to pay a Fine of twenty thousand marks, and a thousand pounds yearly beside. Upo● this provocation, the opposite side seek present revenge: It is devised, that the Duke of Gloucester as principal, and other Lords that crossed the king's courses, should be invited to a Supper in London, and there be murdered. In the execution of which plot, the former Lord Major, Sir Nicolas Brember, had a special hand● but the present Major Rich●rd Exton, moved to it by the king, would by no mean●● consent; and thereupon the plot proceeded not. But for all these harsh strains, and many such other that passed this Parliament, a Subsidy was at length granted to the king, of half a Tenth, and half a Fifteenth; but with condition, that 〈◊〉 should not be issued but by order from the Lords, and the Earl of Arund●ll was appointed to receive it. But before this time, both Houses had directly agreed, that unless the Chancellor were removed, they would meddle no further in the P●●liament. The king advertised hereof, sent to the Commons, that they should se●● unto Eltham (where he then lay) forty of their House, to declare their mind's 〈◊〉 him: but upon conference of both Houses, it was agreed, that the Duke of Glo●●st●r, and Thomas Arundel Bishop of Ely, should in the name of the Parliament go unto him: who coming to the king, declared, That by an old Statute, the king once a year might lawfully summon his Court of Parliament, for reformation of all corruptions and enormities within the Realm: and further declared, That by an old Ordinance also it was Enacted, That if the king should absent himself 40 days not being sick, the Houses might lawfully break up, and return home. At this the king is said to say, Well, we perceive our people go about to rise against us, and therefore we think we cannot do better than to ask aid of our Cousin the king of France, and rather submit us to him then to our own Subjects. To which the Lord● answered, They wondered at this opinion of his Majesty, seeing the French king was the ancient Enemy of the kingdom; and he might remember what mischiefs were brought upon the Realm in king john's time, by such a course. By these and the like persuasions, the king was induced to come to the Parliament: and soon after, john Fortham Bishop of Durham is discharged of his Office of Lord Treasurer; and in his place was appointed Ioh● Gilber● Bishop of Hereford, a Friar of the order of Preachers: also Michael de la P●●le Earl of Suffolk, is discharged of his Office of Chancellor; and Thomas Aru●dell Bishop of Ely, by consent of Parliament, placed in his room. Also by Order of Parliament, thirteen Lords were chosen to have oversight, under the king, of the w●ole government of the Realm: of which thirteen, there were three of the New-Officers named; as the Bishop of Ely Lord Chancellor, the Bishop of Hereford Lord Treasurer, and Nicolas Abbot of W●ltham Lord keeper of the Privy Seal: The other ten were, William Archbishop of C●●terbury, Alexander Archbishop of York, Edmund of L●ngley Duke of York, Thoma● Duke of Gloucester, William Bishop of Winchester, Thomas Bishop of Exeter, Richard Earl of Arundel, Richard Lord Scrap, and john Lord Devereux. But this participation of the Government being found inconvenient, held not long. Also in this Parliament, it was granted, that Robert de Veer, lately created Duke of Ireland, should have & receive to his own use 30000. marks, which the Frenchmen were to give for the heirs of ●he Lord Charles de Bl●ys: but it was granted upon ●his condition● That before the next Easter he should pass over into Ireland, to recover such lands as the King had there given him: so desirous the Lords and Commons were to have him removed from the King's presence. But though the King gave way to this torrent of the Parliament for the present, yet as soon as the Parliament was dissolved, he dissolved also all that had been done, either against the Lord Chancellor, or against the Duke of Ireland, or against Alexander Nevil Archbishop of York; and received them into more favour than ever he had done before. In his Tenth year, about the Beginning of March, Richard Earl of Arundel appointed Admiral, and Thomas Mowbray Earl of Nottingham, the Earl of Devonshire, and the Bishop of Norwich, went to Sea, with a warlike power of men and ●rmes, to watch for the Fleet of Flanders, that was ready to come from Rochel with wines; and meeting with them, they set upon them: and took of them, to the number of a hundred Vessels, all fraught with wines; so as wine grew so plentiful, that it was sold for thirteen shillings four pence the Ton; and the best and choicest for twenty shillings. Besides this, they landed in Flanders, where they relieved and fortified Breast, and demolished two Forts which the Enemy had built against it. But this happy service of the Earl of Arundel; the Duke of Ireland, the Earl of Suffolk, Sir Simon Burley, and Sir Richard Sturrey, who continued still about the King, seemed rather to envy, then to commend; insomuch that when the Earl of Nottingham, that had ever been the King's play fellow, and of equal age to him, came to the Court, he was neither received by the Duke of Ireland with any good welcome, nor by the King with any good countenance: and therefore indeed, not by the King with any good Countenance, because not by the Duke of Ireland with any good Welcome. About this time; the Duke of Ireland sought to be divorced from his lawful wife, daughter to the Lady Isabel, one of king Edward the third's daughters; and took to wife one Lancerona a Vintner's daughter of Bohemia, one of the Queen's maids: at which indignity, the Duke of Gloucester, that was uncle to the Lady thus forsaken, took great displeasure; which the Duke of Ireland understanding, studied how by some means he might dispatch the Duke of Gloucester out of the way. Easter was now past, the time appointed for the D. of Ireland's going over into Ireland; when the King, with a show to bring him to the waters side, went with him into Wales, and in his company, Michael de la Poole Earl of Suffolk, Robert Tresilian L. Chie● Justice, and divers others; who there consulted how they might dispatch the Duke of Gloucester, the Earls of Arundel, Warwick, D●rby, Nottingham, with divers others of that Faction: but when the King had remained in those parts a good while, he returned, and brought back the Duke of Ireland with him; and so his voyage into Irel●●d was clean forgotten. About the same time, Robert Tresilian Chief Justice came to Coventry, where he Indicted two thousand persons. The King and the Queen came to Groby; and thither came by his Commandment the Justices of the Re●●me, Robert Belknap Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, john Holt, R●ger Fulthorpe, and William Borough, knights: to whom it was propounded, to answer to these Questions following: First, Whether the New Statute and Commission made in the last Parliament, were against the king's Prerogative, or no? To which they all answered, It was. Secondly, How they ought to be punished, that procured the said Statute and Commission to be made? They answered with one assent, that they deserved death, except the king would pardon them. Thirdly, How they ought to be punished who moved the King to consent to the making of the said Statute and Commission? They answered, They ought to lose their lives, unless the King would pardon them. Fourthly, How they ought to be punished, that compelled the king to the making of that Statute? They answered, They ought to suffer as Traitors. Fiftly, Whether the king might cause the Parliament to proceed upon Articles by him limited, before they proceeded to any other? They answered, That in this the king ●hould overrule; and if any presumed to do contrary, he was to be punished as a Traitor. Sixthly, Whether the king might not at his pleasure dissolve the Parliament, and command the Lords and Commons to depart? They all answered, He might. Seventhly, Whether the Lords and Commons might, without the kings will, impeach Officers and Justices upon their offences, in Parliament, or no? It was answered, They might not; and he that attempted contrary, was to suffer as a Traitor? Eightly, How he is to be punished, who moved in the Parliament, that the Statute wherein Edward the Second was indicted in Parliament, might be sent for; by inspection of which Statute, that present Statute was de●ised? It was answered, That as well he that moved it, as he that brought the 〈◊〉 into the House, were to be punished as Traitors? Ninthly, Whether the Judgement given in Parliament against Michael de la Po●le were erroneous and revocable? They answered, It was erroneous and revocable● and that if the Judgement were now to be given, the Justices would not give the same. In witness of the Premises, the Justice's aforesaid, to these Presents have set their Seals; in the presence of Alexander Archbishop of York, Rob●●t Arcbishop of Dublin, john Bishop of Durham, Thomas Bishop of Chester, john Bishop of ●●ng●r, Robert Duke of Ireland, Michael Earl of Suffolk, john Ripon Clerk, and john Blake. At this time the Londoners incurred much obloquy; For, having before been pardoned by the king of some crime●●aid to their charge, they were now ready to comply with the king in his desires; and thereupon being impanelled, they indicted some Lords of many crimes informed against them. But not only the Justice's aforesaid, but all other Justices and Sheriffs of the Realm were called at this time to Nottingham: the chief cause was, to understand what power of men they could assure the king of, to serve him against the Lords: and further, that where he mean● shortly to call a Parliament, they should so use the matter, that no knight or Burgess should be chosen, but such as the King and his Council should name. To which the Sheriffs made answer, that it lay not in their power to assemble any forces against the Lords, who were so well beloved: And as for choosing knights and Burgesses, the Commons would undoubtedly look to enjoy their ancient liberties, and could not be hindered. But yet the king and the Duke of Ireland sent into all parts of the Realm, to raise men in this quarrel against the Lords: Whereof the Duke of Gloucester being advertised, he came secretly to Conference with the Earls of Arundel, Warwick, and Derby; who upon consultation, determined to talk with the king, with their Forces about them: and the king, on the other part, took advice how he might apprehend them apart; and thereupon, sent the Earl of Northumberland and others to the Castle of Rygate, to take the Earl of Arundel, who lay there at that time: but howsoever it fortuned, they fa●●ed of their purpose. After this, he sent others to apprehend him: but he being warned by a messenger from the Duke of Gloucester, conveyed himself away by night; and by morning was come to Haringey-Parke, where he found the Duke of Gloucester and the Earl of Warwick, with a great power of men about them. The king hearing of this Assembly at Hari●gey-Parke, called his Council, to hear their opinions what was fit to be done: Some were of opinion, that the king should assemble his friends, and joining them with the Londoners, give them battle; the chiefest of this mind was the Archbishop of York: Others thought best, the king should seek to appease the Lords with fair promises, till a fitter opportunity to suppress them. But the king not yet resolved what course to take, caused only order to be taken, that no Citizen of Lond●n should sell to the Duke of Gloucester, the Earl of Arundel, or to any other of the Lords, any armour or furniture of war, under a great pain. But for all this, the Lords proceeded in their course, and sent the Arcbishop of Canterbury, the Lord john Lovel, the Lord Cobham, and the Lord john Devereux, requiring to have delivered to them such as were about the king, that were Traitors and Seducers both of him and the Realm: and further to declare, that their Assembling was for the honour and wealth both of him and the kingdom. The Duke of Ireland, the Earl of Suffolk, and two or three other about the king, persuaded him to offer Call●● to the king of France, to have his assistance against the Lords. Withal, the king seat to the Major of London, requiring to know how many able men the City could make? To which the Major answered, that he thought it could make Fifty thousand men at an hour's warning. Well then (said the king) go and prove what will be done. But when the Major went about it, he was answered, They would never fight against the king's friends, and defenders of the Realm. At the same time, the Earl of Northumberland said to the king: Sir, there is no doubt but these Lords have always been, and still are your true and faithful subjects, though now distempered by certain persons about you, that seek to oppress them: therefore my advice is, that you send to them, to come before your presence in some public place; and I verily believe, they will show such reasons of their doings, that you will hold them excused. The Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Bishop of Ely Lord Chancellor, and other of the Bishops there present, approved all of the Earl's advice: whereupon the king sent the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Bishop of Ely to the Lords, requiring them to come to him to Westminster, on Sunday than next following: which, upon oath given by the Archbishop and the Chancellor, that no fraud nor evil practice should be used against them, they were content to do. But when the Lords were ready to come at the day appointed, they heard of an Ambush laid to entrap them at the Mews, and thereupon stayed, so as they came not at the time appointed: Whereupon, the king ask why they came not according to their promise? It was answered, because he kept not his promise, there being an Ambush of a Thousand armed men laid to surprise them at the Mews. The king hearing this was astonished, and swore he knew of no such thing, and commanded presently the place should be searched, but it was true; an ambush was laid, but not at the Mews, but in a place a●out Westminster, where Sir Thomas Tryvet and Sir Nicholas Brember had assembled them. This one action might have made the king sensible of his favourites abusing his authority; but that where affection makes the construction, all things are taken in a good sense; or was it perhaps they had a Warrant dormant, to prosecute the king's ends without the king's knowledge? Yet the Lords after this, receiving a safe conduct from the king, came to Westminster; of whose coming when the king heard, he apparelled himself in his royall-Robes, and with his Sceptre in his hand, came into the great Hall; before whom, the Lords upon their knees presented themselves, the king bidding them welcome, and taking each of them by the hand; Then the lord Chancellor making a speech, wherein he blamed them for raising of Arms, and requiring to know the cause; they answered, They had done it for the good of the King and kingdom, and to take away the Tra●tors about the King. Upon this the king himself spoke, ask him whether they thought to compel him by strong hand? have not I (saith he) sufficient men to beat you down? truly in this behalf I make no more account of you then of the basest scullion in my kitchen; yet after these great words, he lift up the Duke of Gloucester, who all this while was kneeling, and commanded the rest also to rise, and then led them courteously to his chamber, where they sat and drank together: And finally it was concluded they should all meet again, as well these Lords, as those they accused, at the next Parliament; which the king promised to call speedily, and each party to receive there according to Justice, and in the mean time all parties to be in the king's protection. But when the Favourite Lords heard this, they told the king plainly, they neither durst nor would put themselves to the hazard of such a meeting, and therefore the Duke of Ireland and the rest of that faction left the Court to be out of the way: But the king not enduring their absence's, app●l●ted Thomas Mollineux Constable of ●he castle of Chester, to raise an Army, and to safe-conduct the duke of Ireland to him; But ●●ey being come as far as Radcoat-bridge, were encountered by the Earl of Derby; and the Duke of Ireland, not d●ring to join battle with him, fled; and being to pass a River, cast away his gauntlets and sword (to be the more nimble) and giving his horse the spur, leapt into the river, and so escaped; that when these things were afterwards found, it was verily thought he had been drowned, till news came he was got into Holland, where being no very welcome guest, he went from thence into the Bishopric of Vtricht, and after two or three years scambling about in manner of a fugitive, at Louvain in Brabant he ended his life. A man of many good parts, and worthy enough of his Prince's favour, if with that favour he had not grown proud, and in that pride, injurious and insulting over others no less deserving then himself. He was valiant enough against any man but the Earl of D●rby, and of him indeed both the Genius of the Duke of Ireland, and of King Richard himself seemed to stand in fear, for neither of them durst meet him in the field, though encouraged to it by those about them. About this time the Duke of Suffolk doubting some plots laid to surprise him, fled over to C●llis in disguise, shaving his beard, and counterfeiting himself a Poulterer, to sell certain foul which he had gotten; but being come to Calais, was by the Lord William Beauchampe, Deputy of the Town, sent back into England, whom the King notwithstanding permitted to go at large, to make it be thought he was more afraid than hurt, more suspicious than he needed By this time the Lords h●d gotten matter enough against the King, at least to justify their Arms, and thereupon with an Army of forty thousand men, they came to London, where after some debate, they were received; and then the Duke of Gloucester, the Earls of Derby and Nottingham went to the King in the Tower; to whom, after humble salutations, they showed the Letter which he had written to the Duke of Ireland, to levy an Army for their destruction: likewise the Letters which the French King had written to him, containing a safe conduct for him to come into France, there to do Acts to his own dishonour and the kingdoms. This done, upon the King's promise that he would come the next day to Westminster to treat further of these matters, the Lords departed, only the Earls of Nottingham and Derby, at the King's instance, stayed all night; but before the King went to bed, his mind was clean altered for keeping his promise to meet the Lords the next day at Westminster: which the Lord's understanding, they sent peremptorily to him, that if he came not according to his promise, they would choose another king, that should hearken to the faithful Counsel of his Lords. This touched the king so to the quick, that the next morning he went and met the Lords; who there declared to him, how much it concerned the good of the kingdom, that those Traitors so often spoken of, should be removed from the Court: To which, the king, though much against his will, yet at last condescended. And thereupon presently Alexander Nevil Archbishop of York, and Thomas Rushoke Bishop of Chichester, and Confessor to the king, were expelled the Court; who not willing to come to after-reckoning, fled no man knew whither. They expelled also john Fourdham Bishop of Durham, Lord Treasurer; the Lord Zouch of Haringworth, the Lord Burvell, the Lord Beaumond, Albery de Veer, Baldwin de Bereford, Richard Adderbury, john Worth, Thomas Clifford, and john Lovel, knights: but constrained to put in Sureties to appear at the next Parliament. Also certain Ladies were expelled the Court; as the Lady Poynings, the Lady Mouling, and others; bound to appear at the next Parliament. There were also arrested, and committed to several Prisons, Sir Simon Burley, William Elmham, john Beauchamp Steward of the king's house, Sir john Salisbery, Sir Thomas Trivet, Sir james Berneys, Sir Nicolas Dagworth, and Sir Nicolas Brember, knights. Also Richard Clifford, john Lincoln, Richard Mitford, the king's Chaplains; Nicolas Sclake Deane of the king's Chapel, and john Blake a Lawyer. Shortly after, the Parliament began, (called afterward, The Parliament that wrought wonders:) On the first day whereof, were arrested as they sat in their places, all the Justices (but only Sir William Skipwith:) as Sir Roger Fulthorpe, Sir Robert Belknappe, Sir john Cary, Sir john Holt, Sir William Brooke, and john Alac●on the king's Sergeant at Law; and were all sent to the Tower, for doing contrary to an Agreement made the last Parliament. Also in the beginning of this Parliament, Robert Veer Duke of Irel●nd, Alexander Nevil Archbishop of York, Michael de la Poole Earl of Suffolk, and Sir Robert Tresilian Lord Chief Justice of England, were openly called to answer Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Gloucester, Richard Earl of Arundel, Henry Earl of Derby, and Thomas Earl of Nottingham, upon certain Articles of high Treason: and because none of them appeared, It was ordained by whole consent of Parliament, they should be banished for ever, and all their land● and goods seized into the King's hands (their entailed lands only excepted.) Shortly after, the Lord Chief Justice Robert Tresilian, was found in an Apothecary's house in Westminster; where being taken, he was brought to the Duke of Gloucester, who caused him the same day to be had to the Tower, and from thence drawn to Tyburn, and there hanged. On the morrow after, Sir Nicolas Brember was brought to his Answer; who being found guilty, was beheaded with an Axe which himself had caused to be made for beheading of others. After this, Sir john Salisbery, and Sir james Berneys, lusty young men, were drawn and hanged; as also john Be●●champ L. Steward of the King's house, john Blake Esquire: and lastly, Sir Simon Burley, son to the great Sir john Burley Knight of the Garter, was beheaded on Tower-hill; whose death the King took more heavily and more heinously than all the rest. Also all the Justices were condemned to die; but by the Queen's intercession, they were only banished the Realm, and all their lands and goods confiscate, only a small portion of money was assigned them for their sustentation. Finally, in this Parliament, an Oath was required and obtained of the King, that he should stand unto, and abide such Rule and Order as the Lords should take: and this Oath was required also of all the Inhabitants of the Realm. In the later end of the King's eleventh year, the Earl of Arundel was sent to Sea, with a great Navy of ships and men of war; with whom went the Earls of Nottingham and Devonshire, Sir Thhmas Percy, the Lord Clifford, the Lord Camois, Sir William Elmham, and divers other Knights, to aid the Duke of Britain against the king of France: but before they came, the Duke of Britain was reconciled to the king of France; and so needing not their aid, all this great Fleet returned with doing nothing. And it was indeed a year of doing nothing, unless we reckon some petty Inroads of the Scots: and that Sir Thomas Tryvet died with a fall off his horse: and that Sir john Holland, the King's brother by the mother, was made Earl of Huntingdon: and that there was Contention in Oxford, between the Northern and the Southern Scholars; which was pacified by the Duke of Gloucester. In his twelveth year, Commissioners were appointed to meet at Balingham, betwixt Calli● and Boulogne, to treat of a Peace between the Realms of England, France, and Scotland: and after long debating, a Truce was at last concluded, to begin at Midsummer next, and to last three years. But now the king, to show his plenary authority of being at full age, removed the Archbishop of York from being Lord Chancellor, and put in his place William Wickham Bishop of Winchester: also he removed the Bishop of Hereford from being Treasurer, and put another in his place: The Earl of Arundel likewise, unto whom the Government of the Parliament was committed, and the Admiralty of the Sea; was removed, and the Earl of Huntingdon put in his room. About this time, the Lord john Hastings Earl of Pembroke, as he was practising to learn to Just, was stricken about the Privy parts, by a knight called Sir john St. john; of which hurt he soon after died. In whose Family, it is memorable, that for many Generations together, no son ever saw his father, (the father being always dead, before the son was borne.) The Original of this Family was from Hastings the Dane, who in the Reign of K. Alured, long before the Conquest, about the year 890. came with Rollo j●to England. But howsoever, in this john Hastings ended the then Honourable Titles of the Hastings; for this man dying without issue, his Inheritances were dispersed to divers persons: The Honour of Pembroke came to Francis at Court, by the king's Gift: the Baronies of Hastings and Welford came to Reynold Grace of Ruthin: the Barony of Aburg●veny was granted to William Bea●●hamp of Bedford. About this time, john Duke of Lancaster was created Duke of Aquitaine, receiving at the King's hands the Rod and the Cap, as Investitures of that Duchy. Also the Duke of York's son and heir was created Earl of Richmond. In his thirteenth year, a Royal Justs was Proclaimed to be holden within Smithfield in London, to begin on Sunday next after the Feast of S. Michael: which being published, not only in England, but in Scotland, in Almaigne, in Flanders, in Brabant, and in France; many strangers came hither; amongst others, Valeran Earl of S. Poll, that had married king Richard's Sister; and William the young Earl of Ostervant, son to Albert de Bav●ere Earl of Hollond and Heynoult. At the day appointed there issued forth of the Tower, about three a clock in the afternoon, sixty Coursers apparelled for the Justs; and upon every one an Esquire of Honour, riding a soft pace: After them, came forth four and thirty Ladies of Honour, (Froyssard saith, threescore) mounted on Palfreys, and every Lady led a knight with a chain of Gold: These knights being on the King's part, had their armour and apparel garnished with white Hearts, and Crowns of Gold abo●● their necks; and so they came riding through the streets of London, unto Smithfield: The Justs lasted divers days; all which time the King and Queen lay at the Bishop's Palace by Paul's Church, and kept open house for all Comers. In his Fifteenth year, the Duke of Lancaster went into France, having in his train a thousand horse; and met the king of France at Aliens, to treat of a Peace between the two kingdoms: but after long debate, a Truce only was concluded for a year. About this time also, the King required the Londoners to lend him a Thous●nd pounds: which they refused ●o do; and not only so, but they abused an Italian Merchant, for offering to lend it. This moved the King to some indignation: to which was added the complaint of a Riot committed by the Citizens, against the servants of the Bishops of Sali●bury L. Treasurer; for that, where one of the Bishop's servants, named Walter Roman, had taken a horse-loaf out a Baker's basket, as he passed in the streets, and ran with it into his Lord's house; the Citizens thereupon assaulted the house, and would not be quieted, till the Major and Aldermen were fain to come, and with much ado appeased them. Upon complaint hereof, urged against the Citizens, by the Bishop of Salisbury L. Treasurer, and Thomas Arundel Archbishop of York L. Chancellor, the Major and Aldermen, and divers other substantial Citizens are arrested: the Major is committed to the Castle of Windsor, and the other to other Castles; the liberties of the City are seized into the King's hands, and the authority of the Major utterly ceased; the king appointing a Warden to govern the City, first Sir Edmund Derligrug, and afterward Sir Baldwin Radington; till at length, by special suit of the Duke of Gloucester, the king was contented to come to London, to so great joy of the Citizens, that they received him with four hundred on horseback, clad all in one livery, and presented the king and Queen with many rich gifts: yet all gave not satisfaction, to have their liberties restored, till they afterwards paid Ten thousand pounds. This it is to provoke a Lion: It may be fortune enough to us, if by any means we can but keep him quiet; for if once we provoke him to lay his paw upon us, it will be hard getting from him, and not be torn in pieces. In his Sixteenth year, the Dukes of Lanc●ster and Gloucester are once again sent into France, to treat of a Peace: but when they could not agree with the French-Commissioners upon Articles propounded, there was only a Truce concluded for four years; though perhaps a further Agreement had then been made, but that the king of France fell newly again into his old fit of Frenzy, which called away the French Commissioners from further Treaty. In his Eighteenth year, a Proclamation was set forth, That all Irish men should avoid this Realm, and return home: The occasion was, because so many Irish were come over, that Irela●d in a manner was left unpeopled: in so much, that where K. Edward the Third had received from thence yearly the sum of Thirty thousand pounds, the king now laid forth as much to repel Rebels. Whereupon at Michaelmas K. Richard went himself into Ireland, attended with the Duke of Gloucester, the Earls of March, Nottingham, and Rutland, the Lord Thomas Percy L. Steward, and divers others of the English Nobility; to whom came in the Great O●eale king of Meth, Bryan of Thomond king of Thomond, Arthur Macmur king of Leymster, and C●nhur king of Cheveney and Darpe: and there K. Richard stayed all that winter, and after Christmas called a Parliament; at which time also, the Duke of York Lord Warden of England, in the King's name called a Parliament at Westminster: to the which was sent forth of Ireland the Duke of Gloucester, that he might declare to the Commons the King's great occasions for supply of money: whose words so far prevailed, that a whole Tenth was granted by the Clergy, and a Fifteenth by the Laiety. In his Twentieth year was the famous Interview between the two Kings of England and France: There was set up for K. Richard a rich Pavilion, a little beyond Guysnes, within the English pale; and another the like for the French King, on this side Arde: The distance betwixt the two Tents was beset on either side with Knights armed with thei● swords in their hands, four hundred French on one side, and four hundred English on the other: The two Kings before their meeting, took a solemn Oath, for assurance of their faithful and true meaning, to observe the sacred Laws of Amity one toward another, in this Interview. After the two Kings were come together, it was accorded, that in the same place where they met, there should be builded at both their costs, a Chapel, for a perpetual memory, which should be called, The Chapel of our Lady of Peace. On Simon and judes' day, the kings talked together of Articles concerning the Peace; and having concluded them, they received either of them an Oath, upon the holy Evangelists, to observe and keep them. This done, the French king brought his daughter Isabel, and delivered her to K. Richard, who shortly after at Calais married her, and upon the 17. of January following, she was Crowned Queen at Westminster. A Match of great honour, but of little conveniency, and less profit; for the Lady being but eight years of age, there could be no hope of issue a long time, which was K. Richard's greatest want; and as little supply of his wants otherwise, her Portion perhaps scarce paying the charges of his journey to fetch her, which cost him three hundred thousand marks. The Duke of Lancaster, in the thirteenth year of K. Richard's Reign, had been created Duke of Aquitaine: but when the Gascoigners would not receive him, showing reasons why that Dukedom ought not to be separated from the Crown of England, his Grant was revoked, and so it remained still in Demesne of the Crown. At this time, in a Parliament, the Duke of Lancaster caused to be legitimated, the issue he had by Katherine Swinford, before he married her; of whom, Thomas Beaufort was created Earl of Somerset. This year also, the king receiviug the money back, which had been lent to the Duke of Britain, upon Breast, delivered up the Town unto him; and thereupon, the English soldiers that were there in Garrison, were all discharged and sent home; who, at a Feast which the king kept at Westminster, coming in companies together into the Hall; as soon as the king had dined, and was entering into his Chamber, the Duke of Gloucester asked him, if he did mark those men that stood in such troops in the Hall: Yes marry (said the king) who were they? They were (said the Duke) those soldiers, who by your rendering up of Breast have been sent home, and now must either starve or steal; and therewithal, very unadvisedly in words, taxed the king with unadvisedness of his deed: To whom the king in great anger replied, Why Uncle, do you think me either a Merchant, or a Fool, to sell my land? By S. john Baptist, no: But could I refuse to render the Town, when tender was made of the money lent upon it? Indeed nothing could more discover the Duke of Glocesters, either weakness, if he knew not that Breast was but only a Mortgage; or injustice, if knowing it, he would have had the king, though the money were tendered, to have kept it still: but such is the course of many, to take part with the Politics against the Ethics; work their ends by doing unjustly, when doing justly ought to be their chiefest end. However it was, the multiplying of words about this matter, kindled in the King such a displeasure against the Duke, that it could never afterward be quenched, but by his blood. And first he complained to his other two Uncles, the Dukes of L●ncaster and York, of his undutiful behaviour towards him; who told the King, Their brother perhaps might let fall some unadvised words, but they knew his heart to be true and faithful. Yet doubting how far the King might press upon them to answer for their brother's faithfulness, they retired from Court: which gave the D●kes enemy's time to incense the King farther against him. It happened, that the Duke of Gloucester had with him one day at his house, the Abbot of S. Alban, that was his Godfather, and the Prior of Westminster: and after dinner falling in talk with them, amongst other communications the Duke required the Prior to tell truth, whether he had any Vision the night before? To which the Prior was loath, at first, to make a direct Answer; but at last, being earnestly requested, as well by the Abbot as the Duke, he confessed that he had a Vision indeed, which was, that the Realm of England should be destroyed through the Misgovernance of K. Richard. By the Virgin Mary (said the Abbot) I had the very same Vision. Whereupon the Duke presently disclosed to them all the secrets of his mind, and by their devices contrived an assembly of divers great Lords of the Realm, to meet at Arundell-Castle that day Fortnight's at which time he appointed to be there himself, with the Earls of D●rby, Arundel, Marsh●ll, and W●rwick; also the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Abbot of S. Alban, the Prior of Westminster, with divers others: And accordingly all these met at Arundel Castle, at the day appointed: where receiving first the Sacrament, by the hands of the Archbishop of Canterbury, to be assistant each to other, in all such matters as they should determine; They resolved to seize upon K. Richard, and upon the Dukes of Lancaster and York, and commit them to Prison; and all the other Lords of the King's Council, they determined should be drawn and hanged. But the Earl Martial, that was Deputy of Calli●, and had married the Earl of Arundels' daughter, discovered all their Counsel to the King; who thereupon, by a plot devised by his Council, took his brother the Earl of Huntingdon with him, and rising from supper, road that night to the Duke of Glocesters' house at Plashey in Essex. When the King came thither, the Duke was a-bed; but informed of it, cast his cloak about his shoulders, and came down, bidding the King's Grace, with all reverence, welcome. The King courteously requested him to go and make him ready, for that he must needs ride with him a little way, to confer of some business. The Duke presently made him ready and came down; and as soon as the King and his Company was gone a little way from the house, and the Duke with him, the Earl Marshal arrested the Duke, as he had been appointed to do by the King; who immediately was sent to Calais, where, after some time, he was dispatched of his life, either strangled, or else smothered with pillows, as some write. At the very same time was the Earl of Arundel apprehended, by the Earls of Rutland and Kent: the Earl of Warwick also, when the King had invited him to dinner, and showed him very good countenance, was taken and arrested in the place: As likewise at the same time were apprehended, and committed to the Tower, the Lord john Cobham, and Sir john Ch●yny. Shortly after, the King procured them to be indicted at Nottingham, suborning such as should appeal them in Parliament; namely, Edward Earl of Rutland, Thom●● Mowbray Earl Martial, Thom●s Holland Earl of Kent, john Holland Earl of Huntingdon, Thomas Beaufort Earl of Somerset, john Montacute Earl of Salisbury, Thomas L. Spenser, and the Lord William Scroop L. Chamberlain: and in the mean time, the King sent for a Power of Cheshi●● men, to keep Watch and Ward about his person. On the 17. of September, a Parliament began at Westminster; wherein the King complained as well of many things done by the Lords in his Minority, as also of the hard dealing which they had used towards the Queen, who was three hours at one time on her knees, before the Earl of Arundel, for one of her Esquires, named john Calverley, who nevertheless had his head smitten from his shoulders; and all the answer she could get, was this: Madam, pray for yourself and your Husband, and let this suit alone. Those that set forth the King's grievances in this Parliament, were john Bushie, William Bagot, and Thomas Greene. The cause of assembling the Parliament was showed, that the King had called it for reformation of divers transgressions against the Peace of his Land, by the Duke of Gloucester, the Earls of Arundel, Warwick, and others. Then Sir john Bushie, Speaker of the Parliament, made request on behalf of the Commonalty, that they might be punished according to their deservings; and specially the Archbishop of Canterbury who then ●ate next the king, whom he accused of high Treason. When the Archbishop began to answer, Sir john Bushie besought the king that he might not be admitted to answer, lest by his great wit and cunning he might lead men away to believe him. And here Sir john Bushie in all his talk did not attribute to the king Titles of honour due and accustomed, but such as were fitter for the Majesty of God then for any Earthly Prince. And when the Archbishop was constrained to keep silence, Sir john Bushie proceeded; requiring on the behalf of the Commons, that the Charters of Pardon, granted to the Duke of Gloucester, and the Earls of Arundel and Warwick, should be revoked. The king for his part protested that they were drawn from him by compulsion, and therefore besought them to deliver their opinions, what they thought thereof: whereupon, the Bishop's first gave their sentence, that the said Pardons were revocable, and might be called in; but pretending a scrupulosity, as if they might not with safe consciences be present where Judgement of Blood should pass, they appointed a Layman to be their Prolocutor for that turn. The Temporal Lords likewise gave their sentence, that the Pardons were revocable: only the Judges and Lawyers were not of this opinion. But howsoever, the Archbishop of C●nterbury is hereupon condemned to perpetual Exile, and appointed to avoid the Realm within six weeks. Also the Earl of Arundel is by the Duke of La●caster who sat that day as High Steward, condemned of Treason, and on the Tower-hill beheaded. There went to see the execution, divers Lords; amongst whom was the Earl of Nottingham, that had married his daughter, and the Earl of Kent, that was his daughter's son: to whom, at the place of his execution he said, Truly it would have beseemed you rather to be absent, then here at this business; but the time will come ere long, that as many shall marvel at your misfortune, as they do now at mine. After his death, a Fame went, that his head was grown to his body again: whereupon, the tenth day after his burial, his body, by the king's appointment was taken up, and then found to be a Fable. After this, the Lord Thomas Beauchamp Earl of Warwick was brought forth, and charged with the like Treasons; but by the intercession of the Duke of Lancaster and other Lords, after confession of his fault, was only confined into the Isle of Man. Likewise the lord Cobha●, and Sir john Cheyny were only banished, or (as Fabian saith) condemned to perpetual Prison. The Parliament after this was held at Shewsbery; where, for the love the king bore to the Gentlemen and Commons of the Shi●e of Chester, he caused it to be Ordained, that from thenceforth it should be called and known by the name of the Principality of Chester; and herewith entitled himself Prince of Ch●ster. At this Parliament also, called the Great Parliament, He created five Dukes, and ● Duchess; one marquis, and four Earls. The Earl of Derby was created Duke of Hereford; the Earl of Nottingham, Duke of Norfolk; the Earl of R●tland● D●ke of A●bemarle; the Earl of Kent, Duke of Surrey; the Earl of 〈◊〉, Duke of Exeter; and the Lady Margaret Martial Countess of Norfolk, was created Duchess of Norfolk: The Earl of Somerset was created marquis Dorse●; the Lord Spenser was made Earl of Gloucester; the Lord Nevil, Earl of West●erl●●d; the Lord Scrap, Earl of Wiltshire; and the Lord Thomas Percy L. Steward of the king's house, was made Earl of Worcester: and for the better maintenance of their es●●te●, he divided amongst them a great part of those lands that belonged to the Duke of Gloucester, the Earls of Aru●dell and Warwick. Also in this Parliament, the Judges gave their opinions, That when Articles are propounded by the king to be handled in Parliament, if other Articles be handled before those be first determined, that it is Treason in them that do it. And in this Parliament, the king brought it so ●bout, that he obtained the whole power of the Parliament to be conferred upon cer●taine persons, namely, john Duke of Lancaster, Edmund Duke of York, Edm●●● Duke of A●merle, Thomas Duke of Surrey, john Duke of Exeter, john Marque●●e Dorset, Roger Earl of March, john Earl of Salisbury, and divers others; or to any seven or eight of them: and these, by virtue of this Grant, proceeded to conclude upon many things, which concerned generally the knowledge of the whole Parliament, to the great prejudice of the State, and a dangerous example in time to come. A General Pardon was also granted for all offences, to all the King's subjects, but only to Fifty, whose names he would not express, but reserved them to his own knowledge, that when any of the Nobility offended him, he might at his pleasure name him to be one of the number excepted, and so keep them still within his danger. And for the more strengthening the Acts of this Parliament, the King purchased the Pope's Bulls, containing grievous censures and curses to them that should break them. And now the heads of the opposite Faction having lost their heads, and all things as well settled as could be desired, the King was secure, as thinking himself safe; and he had indeed been safe, if Time and Fortune were not Actors in Revenge, as well as men; or rather, if a superior Power did not interpose, whose ways are as secret as himself is invisible. It now fell out, (though W●iters differ what it was fell out) for some write, that Thom●s Mowbray accused the Duke of Hereford; others, that Henry Duke of Herefo●d accused Thomas Mowbr●y Duke of Norfolk, for speaking words sounding highly to the King's dishonour: to which the Duke of Norfolk being called to answer, charged the Duke of Hereford before the King, that he lied falsely. Whereupon a Combat was agreed upon between them: The King laboured to make them friends; but not prevailing, he gave way to proceed in Combat, and the place to be at Coventry: where at the day and hour appointed, the Duke of Hereford, mounted on a white Cou●se●, barded with green ●nd blue Velvet, embroidered sumptuously with Swans and Antelops of Goldsmith's work, approached the Lists; Of whom the Marshal, being the Duke of Surry, demanding who he was? he answered, I am Henry of L●●caster, Duke of Hereford, that am come hither to do my endeavour against Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk, as a Traitor, untrue to God, the King, his Realm, and me: Then incontinently he swore upon the holy Evangelists, that his quarrel was true and just, and thereupon required to enter the Lists, where in ● Chair of green Velvet he sat down and reposed himself. Then came the Duke of N●rf●lke, his horse barded with Crimson velvet, embroidered richly with Lions of Silver, and Mulberry trees; and when he had taken his oath before the Constable the Duke of A●merle, that his quarrel was just, he entered the Lists, and sat him down in his Chair of Crimson velvet, curtained about with white and red Damask. Then the Marshal viewed their spears, to see that they were of equal length; and then the Heralds proclaimed, on the King's behalf, they should mount on horseback, and address themselves to the Combat. But when they were set forward, and had their Spears in their Rests, the King cast down his Warder, and the Heralds cried, Stay, Stay. Then the king caused their Spears to be ●aken from them, and deliberated with his Council, what was ●it to be done in so weighty a cause. After two long hours, it was at last concluded, that Henry Duke of Hereford should within fif●●en days depart out of the Realm, and not return before ten years were expired, upon pain of death; And that Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk, should likewise avoid the Realm, and never to return into England, upon the like pain. It is observable, that this Censure was passed against the Duke of Norfolk, the very same day Twelvemonth, in which he had taken order to put the Duke of Gloucester to death at Calli●, whereof he was then Governor. When these Judgements were once read, the king called before him both the Dukes, and made them swear, that the one should never come in place where the other was. After this, the Duke of N●rf●olke went into Alm●i●●, and from thence to Venice, where after some time he died with sorrow. The Duke of Hereford, at the taking his leave of the king, had four years of his Banishment released; ●nd then went to Calais, and from thence to ●aris, where, of the French king he was so kindly received, that by his favour he had obtained in marriage the only daughter of the Duke of Berry, Uncle to the French king, if King Richard by messengers had not hindered him. It was a Custom in those days, to punish the delinquencies of Great men by banishment out of the Realm; a Custom not more grievous to the Subject, then dangerous to the Prince; for by this course, they had means to work so closely in their mines of Revenge, that the Fabric of a Kingdom was in danger to be blown up, before their working could be perceived. An example whereof was never more plainly seen then at this time, in the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Duke of Hereford: For they in their Banishment meeting often together, and aggravating the Grievances of king Richard's Government, fell at last to consult by what means he might best be removed, seeing there was no hope he could ever be reclaimed. In the time of their consultation about it, john Duke of Lancaster, father to the Duke of Hereford, died, at Ely house in Holborn: And as if Fortune herself meant to do their work for them, Solicitations came from many parts of England, to move the Duke of Hereford to come now & take the Government upon him, wherein they would be ready to assist him. The Duke heated before by the Archbishop's instigation, and now set on fire by this solicitation, gives Fortune no leisure to alter her mind, by delaying the time, but without further deliberation prepares to be going: and taking with him the Archbishop, the Lord Cobham, Sir Thomas Erpington, and Sir Thom●s Ramston Knights; john Norbury, Robert Warerton, and Francis Coynt Esquires, and about some threescore other persons, as many as he could readily get; in three ships which the Duke of Britain lent him, he put to Sea; where hover about the Coast a while, to mark the countenance of the shores, he landed at last, about the beginning of July, at Ravenspurre in Yorkshire: which no sooner was known, but there repaired to him, the Lords, Willoughby, Rosse: Darcie, and Beaumond; and shortly after, at Doncaster, the Earl of Northumberland, and his son Sir He●ry Percy, with the Earl of Westmoreland, and great numbers of the Gentry and common sort; of whom, though some had invited him to come to take the Government of the Realm upon him, yet he forbore to pretend that for any cause of his coming, but made a solemn Protestation, that he came only to take possession of the Inheritances descended upon him from his father, which king Richard most unjustly, and contrary to his promise, had seized into his hands: for this was a Reason had no objection: the other he reserved, till his Power should not need to regard Objections. And indeed, no snowball ever gathered greatness so fast by rolling, as his Forces, increased by marching forward; for by that time he came to Berkly, he had got a mighty Army; and within three days after, all the King's Castles in those parts were surrendered to him. The Duke of York, left Governor of the Kingdom, used his best means to raise Forces to resist him, but found few willing to bear Arms against him: whereupon, and perhaps hearing withal that the Duke's coming was but only to take possession of his Inheritance, he thought good to go to Berkly to him, to have there some communication about it. At Berkly, at that time, was arrested the Bishop of Norwich, Sir William Elmham, and Sir Walter Burli● knights; Laurence Drew, and john Golofer Esquires. From Berkly the two Dukes went forward towards Bristol; where in the Castle were the Lord William Scroop Earl of Wiltshire and Treasurer of England, Sir Henry Greene, and Sir Henry bushy; who were taken, and brought forth bound before the Duke of Lancaster, and the day after arraigned before the Constable and Martial, found guilty of Treason for misgoverning the King and the Realm, and presently had their heads smitten off. Sir john Russell also was taken there; but he feigning himself to be our of his wits, escaped for that time. All this while K. Richard was in Ireland, where he performed Acts in repressing the Rebels there, not unworthy of him; and having with him amongst other of the Great Lords, the Duke of Lancaster's son Henry, he there for his towardliness in service, Knighted him● by which it appeared that he had no great fear of ●he Father, when he graced the Son; and indeed he needed not have feared him i● his own absence out of England had not given him advantage. Six weeks were now passe● after the Duke's arrival in England; in all which time king Richard had no notice● it, by reason the winds were contrary to come ●orth of England: But as soon as 〈◊〉 heard it, and in what hostile manner he proceeded, he then determined to return instantly into England; and had done it, but that the Duke of Aumerle his princip●● Counsellor (whether out of a good meaning, but grounded upon errors, or ou● of an ill meaning, but shadowed with colours) by all means persuaded him to stay so long till things fitting for his journey might be made ready. It was king Richard's ill luck to hearken to this Counsel: but yet he presently sent the Earl of Salisbury into England, to provide him an Army out of Wales and Ch●shire, against his own coming, which he promised faithfully should be within six days at the most. The Earl landed at Co●way in Wales, and had soon gotten to the number of Forty Thousand men: but the six days passed, and no news of the King: which made the soldiers suspect that he was dead, and thereupon were ready to disband; but at the Earl of Salisburies' persuasion, they were contented to stay for some days longer; and when the King came not in that time neither, they then would stay no longer, but departed and went home. At length, about eighteen days after that the King had sent away the Earl of Salisbury, he took shipping, together with the Dukes of A●merle, Exeter, and Surrey, and diver● other of the Nobility; with the Bishops of London, Lincoln, and Carlisle; and landed at Barklowly in Wales. He had about him some Ch●shire men, and was at first in no great doubt of prevailing: but when he heard that all the Castles from the borders of Scotland unto Bristol, were delivered to the Duke of Lancaster, and that the gratest part of the Nobility and Commons took part with him, and specially that his principal Counsellors had lost their heads at Brist●●; then, solvuntur frigore membra, he fell so utterly to despair, that calling his Army together, he licenced every man to be gone, and to shift for himself. The soldiers besought him to be of good cheer, swearing they would stand with him to the death: But this encouraged him not at all; so as the next night he stole from his Army, and with the Dukes of Exeter and Surry, the Bishop of Carlisle, Sir Stephen Scroop, and some half a score others, he got him to the Castle of Co●●ay, where he found the Earl of Salisbury, determining there to stay, till he might see the world at some better stay. Here the Earl of Worcester Steward of the King's house, broke his white staff, and without delay went to the Duke of Lancaster; who understanding that k. Richard was returned out of Ireland, he left the Duke of York at Bristol, and came back with his Power to Berkly, and from thence the next day came to Gloucester, then to Rosse, after to Hereford, where came to him the Bishop of Hereford and Sir Edmund Mortimer: on the Sunday following he went to Ly●ster, and there the Lord Charleton came to him: from thence he went to Ludlow, and the next day to Shrewsbery, and thither came to him Sir Leigh●nd ●nd Sir john Leigh, and many other, being sent from Chester, to offer their service; thither also came to him the Lord Scales, and the Lord ●ardolphe, forth of Ireland: From Shrewsbery he went to Chester, and from thence sent for his son and heir, and likewise for the Duke of Glocesters' son and heir (whom K. Richard had left in custody in Ireland) with all speed to come into England; but the Duke of Glocesters' son through misfortune perished at Sea, or as some write, died of the plague; the sorrow whereof caused, shortly after, his mother's death. After this, the Duke sent the Earl of Northumberland to the king; who upon safe-conduct coming to him, declared, that if it might please his Grace to undertake, that there should be a Parliament assembled, in which Justice might be had, and herewith pardon the Duke of Lancaster of all things wherein he had offended, the Duke would be ready to come to him on his knees, and as an humble subject obey him in all dutiful services. Yet upon this conference with the Earl, some say, the king required only, that himself and eight more, whom he would name, might have honourable allowance, with the assurance of a private quiet life, and that then he would resign his Crown; and that upon the Earl's Oath that this should be performed, the king agreed to go● with the Earl to meet the Duke: but after four miles riding, co●ming to the place where they had laid an Ambush, the King was enclosed, and constrained to go with ●he Earl to Rutland, where they dined, and from thence to Flint, to bed. The 〈◊〉 had very few of his friends about him, but only the Earl of Salisbury, the bishop of Carlisle, the Lord Scroop, Sir Nicolas Ferehye, and james D'Arthois a Gas●●●gne, who still wore a white Heart, the Cognisance of his Master K. Richard, and neither for Promises nor Threats would be drawn to leave it off. The King being in the Castle of Flint, and Duke Henry with his Army approaching near the Town, the Archbishop of Canterbury, with the Duke of Aumerle a●d the Earl of Worcester, went before to the King; whom the King spying from the walls where he stood, went down to meet, and finding they did their due reverence to him on their knees, he took them up, and taking the Archbishop aside, n●ked with him a good while; and as it was reported, the Archbishop willed him to be of good comfort, for he should be assured not to have any hurt as touching his person. After this, the Duke of Lancaster came to the Castle himself, alarmed; and being within the first gate, he there stayed, till the King, accompanied with the Bishop of Carlisle, and Earl of Salisbury, and Sir Stephen Scroop, who bore the sword before him, came forth, and sat down in a place prepared for him. As soon as the● Duke saw him, he came towards him, bowing his knee; and coming forward, did so the second time, and the third, till the king took him by the hand, and lift him up, saying, Dear Cousin, you are welcome. The Duke humbly thanking him, s●●d● My Sovereign Lord and king, the cause of my coming at this present, is (your Honour saved) to have restitution of my Person, my Lands and Heritage: Whereto the king answered: Dear Cousin, I am ready to accomplish your will, so that you may enjoy all that is yours without exception. After this, coming forth of the Castle, the king called for wine; and after they had drunk, they mou●●ed on horseback, and road to Chester, the next day to Nantwych, then to Newc●stle, from thence to Stafford, and then to Lichfield, and there rested Sunday: after that, they road forward, and lodged first at Coventry, then at Dayntree, then at N●r●h●mpton, next day at Dunstable, then at S. Alban, and so came to London: In all which journey they suffered not the king to change his apparel, but made him ri●e still in one suit of raiment, and that but a simple one, though he in his time was ●x●●eding sumptuous in apparel, having one Coat which was valued at Thirty Thousand marks: And in this ●ort he was brought the next way to Westminster, and from thence the next day had to the Tower, and committed to safe Custody. After this, a Parliament was called by the Duke of Lancaster, but in the name of ●. Richard; in which many heinous points of Misgovernment were laid to his charge, and were engrossed up in three and thirty Articles, the chief whereof were these: That he had wastefully spent the Treasure of the Realm. That without Law or justice, he had caused the Duke of Gloucester, and the Earl of Arundel to be put to death. That he had borrowed great sums of money, and given his Letters Patents to repay thesame, and yet not one Penny ever paid. That he had said, The Laws of the Realm were in his head, and in his breast: by reason of which fantastical opinion, he destroyed Noblemen, and impoverished the Commons. That he changed Knights and Burgesses of the Parliament at his pleasure. That most tyrannously he said, that the lives and goods of all his subjects were in his hands and at his disposition. That whereas divers Lords were by the Court of Parliament appointed to treat of matters concerning the state of the Kingdom; they being busied about the same Commission, ●e w●●t about to appeach them of high Treason. That by force and threats, he enforced the judges of the Realm, at Shrewsbery, to condescend to his way, for the destruction of divers of the Lords. That he caused his fathers own brother, the Duke of Gloucester, without Law to be attached and sent to Calais, and there without reason secretly murdered. That notwithstanding the Earl of Arundel at his Arraignment pleaded his Charter of Pardon, yet he could not be heard, but was shamefully and suddenly put to death. That he assembled certain La●cashire and C●●shire men, to m●ke war upon his Lord● and suffered them to rob and spoil, without prohibition. That though he had made Proclamation that the Lords were not attached for any cri●● of Treason, yet afterwards in the Parliament he laid Treason to their charge. That notwithstanding his Pardon granted to th●m, he enforced divers of the Lords partakers to be again intolerably Fined, to their utter undoing. That without the assent of the Peers, he carried the jewels and Plate of this Kingdoms into Ireland. Upon these, and some other Articles, he was by Parliament adjudged to be deposed from all Kingly Honour, and Princely Government. And thereupon, the King being advised by his own servants, rather voluntarily to resign the Crown, then by compulsion to be forced to it; on the Monday before the nine and ●●entieth day of September, in the year 1399. he made a sol●mne Resignation, before diver● Lords and others, sent to him for that purpose: and an Instrument of hi● Resignation being made, he would needs read it before them all himself, and then subscribed it; and withal, made it his suit, that t●● Duke of Lanc●ster might be his Successor, and King after him; and for a sign of his desire hereof, he took his Signe● Ring of Gold from his finger, and put it upon the Duke of Lancaster's; that never man who had used a Kingdom with such violence, gave it over with such patience, or rather such willingness, that he seemed rather to affect it, then that he was any way forced to it. This Resignation of K. Richard being showed to the Parliament, both Houses gave their assent; and than C●mmissioners were appointed to pronounce openly the sentence of his deposing, which was done by the Bishop of Assaph, and all Allegiance renounced to him. And now it is easy to be observed, what a wonderful concurrene of fortunes, in behalf of the Duke of Lancaster, and against K. Ri●hard, happened together, whereof if any one had been missing, he had never been turned ●ut of his Throne in such manner as he was: For first, if it had not happened that K. Richard had been in Ireland at the time when the Duke began his attempt, it had ●or been possisible for him to compass● his design as he did: And then, if King Richard being in Ireland, he had not by misfortune of weather been kept six weeks from hearing of the Duke's arrival, he had not given him so large a time for raising of Forces, and ●o more easily might have resisted him: Or after K. Richard heard of the Duke's arrival, if he had followed the Earl of Salisbury, and not stayed so many days longer than he promised, he had found an Army ready to receive ●im, sufficient at least to have given a stop to the Duke's proceedings: Or when at last he came over, and found his Army to fail him, if withal his own courage had not failed him, but that he had manfully put it to the hazard of a Battle, as his soldiers themselves would have had him to do, he could not choose but have made a better end of his business then now he did. But when all is done, there is no warding ●he blows of Fortune; or to say better, No resisting the Decree of Heaven: but seeing that Decree is an Abyssus to us, and may perhaps but be conditional; we shall manifestly be Traitors to ourselves, if we use not our uttermost endeavours to divert it: That it may truly be said, King Richard lost his Crown, more by his own Treason, then by the Treason of any other. Of his Taxations. IN his second year, in a Parliament held at Gloucester: was granted to be paid by the Merchants, upon every sack of wool a Mark, for this present year; and for every pounds worth of wares, brought from beyond Sea, and sold here, six pence of the Buyer. In his Third year, in a Parliament of Westminster, a Subsidy was granted to be levied of the Great men of the Realm, to the end the Commons might be spared: The Dukes of Lancaster and Britain paid 20 marks; every Earl 6 marns; Bishops and Abbots with Mitre, as much: every Monk, three shillings four pence: also every Justice, Sheriff, Knight, Esquire, Parson and Vicar, were charged after a certain rate; but no Commons of the Laiety. Also this year, in another Parliament, was granted a Tenth by the Clergy, and a Fifteenth by the Laiety; but with this condition, That from thenceforth, which was in March, 1380. till the Feast of S. Michael, which should be in the year 1381. there should be no more Parliaments: but yet was not observed. In his Fourth year, in a Parliament at Northampton, a new kind of Subsidy was granted; of every Priest Secular or Regular, six shillings eight pence; and as much of every Nun; and of every man or woman, married or not married, being sixteen years of age, (beggars only excepted) four pence. In his Fifth year, a Subsidy was granted by the Merchants, of certain Customs of their wools which they bought and sold, called a Maletot, to endure for four years. In his Seventh year was granted him one Moyity of a Fifteenth by the Laiety; and shortly after, a Moyitie of a Tenth by the Clergy. In his Ninth year, half of a Tenth, and half of a Fifteenth by the Laiety. In his Eleventh year, there was granted him a Tenth of the Clergy, and a Fifteenth of the Laiety. In hi● Twelveth year, at a Parliament, was granted of every Sack of wool, forty shillings; whereof, ten shillings to be applied presently to the King's use; the other thirty to remain in the hands of Treasurers, towards the charges of wars, if any should happen. Also there was a Subsidy granted, of six pence in the pound; whereof four pence to the use last mentioned; the other two pence to be at the king's pleasure. In his Fifteenth year, at a Parliament, was granted a Tenth of the Clergy, and a Fifteenth of the Laiety, towards the charges of Ioh● Duke of La●caster, sent into France. In his Eighteenth year, a Tenth was granted by the Clergy, and a Fifteenth by the Laiety, towards his own journey into Ireland. In his Twentieth year, the Clergy granted him a Tenth, to be paid that year. In his one and twentieth year, upon pretence of having aided the Duke of Gloucester, and the Earls of Arundel and Warwick against him, he caused blank Charters to be made, which he compelled both Citizens and Gentlemen in the Country to seal, whereby he might charge them afterward to pay whatsoever he required. In his two and twentieth year, a Fifteenth and a half was granted; and for the Customs of wools, fifty shillings upon every Sack, of Englishmen borne, and three pounds of Strangers. Of Laws and Ordinances in his time. IN his second year, in a Parliament at Gloucester, it was enacted, That Merchant-strangers might buy and sell in Gross, or by Retail, within this Realm. In his Third year, in a Parliament at Westminster, It was Ordained, that the Privileges and Immunities of the Abbey of Westminster should remain inviolate; but with this Proviso, against those that took Sanctuary with purpose to defraud their Creditors, That their lands and goods should be liable to their debts. In his Sixth year, a Parliament was holden, in which the Major of London, upon suggestion that the Fishmongers used great deceit in uttering of their Fish, obtained to have it Enacted, That from thenceforth, none of that Company, nor of the Vintners, Grocers, Butchers, or other that sold any provision of Victuals, should be admitted Major of the City: but in the Parliament next following, were restored to their liberty again, saving that they might not keep Courts among themselves, but that all transgressions of their Customs should be tried at the Major's Court. In his Eleventh year, K. Richard created john Beauchamp of Holt, Baron of Kedermister, by his Letters Patents; the first that was so made; for before this time, Barons were always made by calling them to Parliaments by the King's Writ. Affairs of the Church in his time. IN the second year of this King's Reign, there came messengers from the new-elected Pope Vrban, to require the King's aid against such Cardinals as he named Schismatics, that had elected another Pope, whom they named Clem●nt: which Cardinals sent messengers likewise to crave his aid for them, but through persuasion of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Urbans request was granted, and Clement rejected. In his fourth year, john Wickliff set forth his opinion touching the Sacrament of the Altar, denying the doctrine of Transubstantiation, in such sort, as the Church of Rome did then teach. In his sixth year, Henry Spencer Bishop of No●wi●h received Bulls from Pope Vrb●n, to grant all privileges of the Crusado to all such as would come over and assist him against the Antipope Clement; which being debated in Parliament, It was after much opposition, agreed that it should go forward; and thereupon, the Bishop not only gathered much money from such as would contribute to the expedition, but drew many great Captains to go themselves in person; as namely, Sir Hugh Calverley, sir William Farington, the Lord Henry Beau●●●t, sir William Elmham, sir Tho●as Tryvet, and divers others. The money raised by contribution, came to 25000 Franks, and the Army to 3000 Horse, and 15000 Foot; with which Forces, the Bishop passing over into Flanders, won the Towns of Gravelling, Dunkirk, and Newport; but at last encountered by a mighty Army of the French, he was put to the worse, and returned into England. In the twelveth year of this King's Reign, an Act was made that none should pass the Seas to purchase promotions or provisions (as they termed them) in any Church or Churches. Also in this year Thomas late Earl of Lancaster, by reason of miracles reported to be done by him, was Canonised for a Saint. At this time also, the Wickliffs' mervelously increased, Preaching against Pilgrimages and Images, whose greatest opposer was the Bishop of Norwich. In his thirteenth year, Proclamation was made, that all Beneficed men abiding in the Court of Rome, should return into England by a certain day, under pain of forfeiting their Benefices; and all other not Beneficed, under a certain pain likewise. Also about this time a Statute was made, that no Ecclesiastical person should possess Manors, Houses, Lands, Revenues, or Rents whatsoever at the hands of the Feoffee, without the King's Licence, and the chief Lords. In his eighteenth year, the Wickliffs' were persecuted, and excommunication pronounced against them by the Archbishop of Canterbury. In this Schism of the two Popes, the French Clergy wrote in behalf of Clement their Pope, and sent it into England; the Clergy of England on the contrary, wrote in behalf of Pope Vrban, and so nothing was agreed. Works of Piety in his time. IN the 20th year of this King's Reign, William B●teman Bishop of Norwich builded Trinity Hall in Cambridge. In the third year of his Reign, john Philpot Major of Lo●don, gave to the City certain Tenements, for the which the Chamberlain payeth yearly to thirteen poor people, to every of them seven pence the week for ever; and as any of those thirteen persons dyeth, the Major appointeth one to succeed, and the Recorder another. In the one and twentieth year of his Reign, King Richard caused the great Hall at Westminster to be repaired, both the Walls, Windows, and Roof. In his time, Si●●● Archbishop of Canterbury, slain by the Rebels upon Tower hill, built the West-gate of Canterbury, and from thence to the Northgate, commonly called the long wall. Thomas Fits-Ala● or Arundel, being Bishop of Ely, built the great Gatehouse of Ely house in Holborn; and being after Bishop of Canterbury, he built a fair spire steeple at the West-end of his Church there, called to this day, Arundel steeple, and bestowed a tuneable ring of five Bells upon the same. Of Casualties happening in his time. IN his third year, so great a mortality afflicted the North parts of England, that the Country became almost desolate. In his sixth year, on the 24 day of May, there happened so great an earthquake, or (as some write) a watershake, that it made Ships in the Havens to beat one against the other. In july, in the year 1389. whilst the King was at Sheen; there swarmed in his Court such multitudes of Flies and Gnats, skirmishing with one another; that in the end they were swept away with brooms by heaps, and bushels were filled with them. In his twelveth year, in March, first there were terrible Winds; afterward followed a great mortality, and after that a great dearth; that a bushel● of wheat was sold for thirteen pence, which was then thought a great price; for the years before it was sold for six pence, and Wool was sold for two shillings a stone. In his fourteenth year, on Christmas day, a Dolphin was taken at London-bridge, being ten foot long, and a monstrous grown fish. Ind his eighteenth year, an Exhalation, in likeness of fire appeared in the night in many places of England; which when a man went alone, went as he went, and stayed as he stayed; sometimes like a wheel, sometimes like a Barrel, sometimes like a timberlogge; but when many went together, it appeared to be far off. Also in a Parliament time, there was a certain Image of wax made by Necromancy (as was said) which at an hour appointed, uttered these words: The Head shall be cut off; the Head shall be lift up aloft; the feet shall be lift up above the Head: and then spoke no more. This happened in the Parliament, called the Marvellous Parliament, not long before the Parliament that wrought wonders. In his one and thirtieth year, a River not far from Bedford, suddenly ceased his course, so as the channel remained dry by the space of three miles; which was judged to signify, the Revolting of the Subjects from their natural Prince. In his two and twentieth year, almost through all England, old Bay-trees withered, and afterwards grew green again; which was supposed to import some strange event. About the year 1380. the making of Guns was found by a German, which may well be reckoned amongst casualties, seeing it was found by casualty; for this German having beaten Brimstone in a mortar to powder, and covered it with a stone; it happened, that as he struck fire, a spark chanced to fall into the powder; which caused such a flame out of the mortar, that it raised the stone a great height; which after he perceived, he made a Pipe of iron, and tempered the powder with some other ingredients, and so finished that deadly Engine. The first that used it, were the Venetians against the inhabitans of Geneva. Of his Wives. KING Richard in his time had two Wives; the first was Anne Daughter to the Emperor Charles the Fourth, and Sister to the Emperor Wenceslaus; who lived his wife ten years, and died without issue at Sheen in Surry, in the year 1392; whose death King Richard took so heavily, that he caused the buildings of that Palace to be thrown down and defaced, as though to revenge himself upon the place, could ease his mind, and mitigate his sorrow. His second Wife was Isabel Daughter to Charles the Sixth King of France; She was married to him at eight years of age, and therefore never co-habited. After King Richard's death she was sent home, and married afterwards to Charles Son and heir to the Duke of Orleans. Of his Personage and conditions. HE was the goodliest personage of all the Kings that had been since the conquest; tall of stature, of straight and strong limbs, fair and amiable of countenance; and such a one as might well be the Son of a most beautiful mother. Concerning his Conditions, there was more to be blamed in his Education, than in his Nature; for there appeared in him many good inclinations, which would have grown to be abilities, if they had not been perverted by corrupt flatterers in his youth. He was of a credulous disposition, apt to believe, and therefore easy to be abused. His greatest transgression was, that he went with his friends ultra arras, where he should have gone but usque ad arras. His greatest imbecility, that he could not distinguish between a flatterer and a friend. He seemed to have in him both a French nature and an English; violent at the first apprehension, calm upon deliberation; He never showed himself more worthy of the Government, than when he was deposed as unworthy to Govern; for it appeared, that his Regality was not so dear unto him, as a private quiet lif●● which if he might have enjoyed, he would never have complained that Fortune had done him wrong. Of his Death and Burial. KIng Richard, shortly after his Resignation, was conveyed to the Castle of Leeds in Kent, and from thence to Pomfret; where the common fame is, that he was served with costly meat, like a King, but not suffered once to touch it, and so died of forced famine. But Thomas Walsingham referreth it altogether to a voluntary pining of himself, through grief of his misfortunes. But one Writer, well acquainted with king Richard's doings, saith, that king Henry sitting one day at his Table, said sighing, Have I no faithful friend that will deliver me of him who will be my death● This speech was specially noted by one Sir Piers of Ex●on; who presently, with eight persons in his company, went to Pomfret, commanding the Esquire that took the Assay before king Richard, to do so no more, saying, Let him eat now, for he shall not eat long. King Richard sitting down to dinner, was served without Assay; whereat marveling, he demanded of his Esquire, why he did not his duty? Sir (said he) I am otherwise commanded by Sir Piers of Ex●on, who is newly come from king Henry. When king Richard heard that word, he took the Carving knife in his hand, and struck the Squire on the head, saying, The Devil take Henry of Lancaster and thee together: And with that word, Sir Piers entered the Chamber, with eight armed men, every of them having a Bill in his hand. King Richard perceiving this, put the Table from him, and stepping to the foremost man, wrung the bill out of his hands, and slew four of those that thus came to assail him; but in conclusion, was felled with a stroke of a Pole-axe, which Sir Piers gave him upon the head, with which blow he fell down dead● though it be scarce credible, that ● man upon his bare word, and without showing any warrant, should be admitted to do such a fact. Sir Piers having thus slain him, wept bitterly: a poor amends for so heinous a trespass. King Richard thus dead, his body was embalmed, and covered with Lead, all save the face, and then brought to London, where it lay at Paul's three days together, that all men might behold it, to see he was dead: The corpse was after had to Langley in Buckinghamshire, and there buried in the Church of the Friar's Preachers: but afterward, by k. Henry the fifth, it was removed to Westminster, and there honourably entombed, with Queen Anne his wife; and that beautiful picture of a King, sitting crowned in a Chair of State, at the upper end of the Choir in S. Peter's at Westminster, is said to be of him: although the Scots untruly write, that he escaped out of Prison, and led a solitary and virtuous life in Scotland, and there died, and is buried (as they hold) in the Blackfriars at Sterling. He lived three and thirty years, Reigned two and twenty and three months. Men of Note in this King's time. MEn of Valour in his time were so many, that to reckon them all, would be a hard task; and to leave out any, would be an injury: yet to give an instance in one, we may take john of Gaunt Duke of Lanca●ter, whose valour was no less seen abroad then at home: In France, in Germany, in Spain; in all which places he left Trophies of his Victories. But of learned men, we may name these: William thorn an Augustine Friar of Canterbury, an Historiographer: Adam Merimouth, a Canon of Paul's Church in London, who wrote two Historical Treatises; one entitled Chronicon 40. annoru●; another, Chr●nicon 60. ●nnorum. William Packington sometime Secretary to the Black Prince, an excellent Historiographer: William Badbye a Carmelite Friar, Bishop of Worcester, and Confessor to the Duke of Lancaster: john bourg, Chancellor of the University of Cambridge: William Sc●ade, a Monk of Buck●ast Abbey in Devonshire: john Th●risbye Archbishop of York, Lord Chancellor of England, and a Cardinal: Willi●m Berton Chancellor of Oxford, an Adversary to Wickliff: Philip Repington Abbot of Leicester, a Defender of Wickliff: Walter Brit, a Scholar of Wickliffs', a writer both in Divinity and other Arguments: john Sharpe, a great adversary to Wickliff, who wrote many Treatises: Peter Pateshall, a great favourer of Wickliff: Marcell Ingelno, an excellent Divine, one of the first Teachers in the University of Heydelberg: Richard Withee a learned Priest, and an earnest follower of Wickliff: john Swasham Bishop of Bangor, a great adversary to the Wickliffs': Adam Eston, a great Linguist, and a Cardinal: john Trevise, a Cornish man, and a secular Priest, who translated the Bible, Bartholomew, De Proprietatibus Rerum; Polichronicon of Ranulph Higden, and divers other Treatises: john Moon, an English man, but a Student in Paris; who compiled in the French tongue, The Romant of the Rose; translated into English by Geoffry Ch●wcer, and divers others. THE REIGN OF KING HENRY THE FORTH. Of his coming to the Crown. AFter the Resignation of King Richard, and the sentence of his Deposing openly read in Parliament; Henry Duke of Lancaster riseth up from his seat; and first, making the Sign of the Cross upon his forehead and breast, he said: In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost: I Henry of Lancaster claim the Crown of England, as descended by right line from King Henry the Third. And having thus spoken, he sat down again. Upon this, the Archbishop conferred with the Lords; and having heard their opinions, he ●urned to the Commons, ask them, if they would join with the Lords, in choosing Henry of Lancaster for their King: who all with one voice cried, Yea, Yea: whereupon going to the Duke, he bowed his knee, and taking him by the hand, led him to the Royal seat; and then began a Sermon, taking for his Text, out of the first Book of the Kings, cap. 9 Vir dominabitur in populo: wherein he declared what a happiness it is to a Nation to have a King of wisdom and valour, and showed the Duke of La●caster to be such a one; and as much the defects in both, of the late king Richard. The Sermon ended, the king thanked them all for his Election; and testified unto them, that he meant not to take advantage against any man's estate, a● coming in by Conquest; but that every one should freely enjoy his own, as in times of lawful succession. And now a time was appointed for his Coronation; and accordingly, upon the 13th day of October following, the very day wherein the year before he had been banished, he was Crowned at Westminster, by the Archbishop of Canterbury, with all Rites and Ceremonies accustomed. At his Coronation, he was anointed with an Oil which a Religious man had given to Henry, the first Duke of Lancaster, together with this Proph●re, That the king's anointed with this oil, should be the Champions of the Church. This oil coming to the hands of king Richard, as he was looking amongst his Jewels, going then into Ireland, he was desirous to be anointed with it, but that the Archbishop of Canterbury told him, it was not lawful to be anointed twice: whereupon putting it up again, at his coming afterwards to Fli●t, the Archbishop got it of him, and kept it till ●he Coronation of king Henry, who was the first king of the Realm that was anointed with it. The day before the Coronation, the king in the Tower made one and ●orty, some say but twelve, knights of the bath, whereof four were his own sons, Henry● Thomas, Ioh●, and Humphrey, all then alive; and with th●m, ●hree Earls, a●d five ●●rons. Upon the Feast-day, many claimed Offices, as belonging to their Tenors, ●o which, upon showing their Right, they were admitted. And now the King ●ade divers new Officers: The Earl of Northumberland he made Constable of Eng●●nd; the Earl of Westmoreland was made Lord Martial; Sir john Serle, Chancellor; ●ohn Newberry Esquire, Treasurer; and Sir Rich●rd Clifford was made Lord Keeper of ●he Privy Seal: The Lord Henry his eldest son, being then about thirteen years ●f age, was created Prince of Wal●s, Duke of Cornwall, and Earl of Chester, and ●oone after also Duke of Aquitaine: and the Crown was by Parliament E●●ailed ●o King Henry, and the heirs of his body lawfully begotten. After this a Parliament was holden, in which the Acts made in the Eleventh year of King Richard were revived, and the Acts made in his one and twentieth year were wholly repealed; and they who by that Parliament were attainted, were restored to their Lands and Honours: whereupon Richard Earl of Warwick was delivered out of Prison, and the Earl of arundel's son recovered his Inheritance; ●nd many other also that were banished, or imprisoned by King Richard, were then ●ully restored to their liberty and estates. Also the King gave to the Earl of West●erland the County of Richmond; and to the Earl of Northumberland the Isle of M●n, to be holden of him by bearing the sword wherewith he entered into England. And now was the time for showing of Spleens: Sir john Bagot then Prisoner in the Tower, accused the Earl of A●merle for speaking words against the Duke of Lanc●ster, now King: also the Lord Fitzwater accused him for the death of the Duke of Gloucester: the Lord M●rley appealed the Earl of Salisbury of Treason: and one Hall accused the Duke of Exeter, for conspiring the death of john of Gaunt the King's father: But King Henry having entered the Throne in a storm, was willing now to have a Calm; and therefore laying aside the ones Accusations, he accepted of the others Excuses, and received the Duke of A●merle, and the Duke of Exeter into as much favour, as if they had never been accused: And to qualify the hard opinion which foreign Princes might conceive of King Richard's Deposing, He sent Ambassadors into divers Countries, to make it known, by what Title, and by what favour of the People he came to the Kingdom. To the Court of Rome he sent john Trenevant Bishop of Hereford, Sir john Cheyny Knight, and john Cheyny Esquire: Into France he sent Walter Sherlow Bishop of Durham, and Thomas Percy Earl of Worcester: Into Spain he sent john Trevor Bishop of Assaph, and Sir William Parr: and into Germany he sent the Bishop of Bangor, and certain others. Most of these Princes seemed either not to regard what was done, or were easily persuaded that all was done well: only Charles King of France was so distempered with this indignity offered to his son in Law K. Richard, that by violence of his Passion, he fell into his old pangs of Frenzy; but somewhat recovered, he resolved to revenge it; wherein many Lords of France showed themselves forward, but specially the Earl of S. Paul, who had married K. Richard's halfe-sister: yet having prepared an Army in readiness, when afterward they heard of King Richard's death, they dissolved it again, as considering the time was then past. The Aquitaines also, and specially the Citizens of Bordeaux, as being the place where K. Richard was born, were mightily incensed: but Sir Robert Knolls Lieutenant of Guienne, and afterwards Thomas Percy Earl of Worcester, being sent to them by the King, so persuaded them, that with much ado they continued in obedience. It was about this time, moved in Parliament, what should be done with King Richard (for he was not as yet murdered:) Whereupon, the Bishop of Carlisle, ● learned man and wise, and who had never given allowance to the Deposing of King Richard; now that he was in a place of freedom of speech, he rose up, and said: My Lords, The matter now propounded is of marvellous weight and consequence; wherein there are two points chiefly to be considered: the first, Whether King Richard be sufficiently put out of his Throne: the second, Whether the Duke of Lancaster be lawfully taken in. For the first, how can that be sufficiently done, when there is no Power sufficient to do it? The Parliament cannot, for of the Parliament the King is the Head; and can the Body put down the He●● You will say, But the Head may bow itself down; and so may the King ●esign● It is true; but what force is in that which is done by force? and who knows 〈◊〉 that King Richard's Resignation was no other. But suppose he be sufficiently ou● yet how comes the Duke of Lancaster to be lawfully in? If you say, by Conquest, you speak Treason; for what Conquest without Arms? a●d can a subject take Ar●● against his lawful Sovereign, and not be Treason? If you say, by Election of 〈◊〉 State, you speak not reason; for what power hath the State to Elect, while any 〈◊〉 living that hath right to succeed? but such a Successor is not the Earl of Lancaster, as descended from Edmund Crouchback, the elder son of King Henry the Third, though put by the Crown for deformity of his body; For who knows not the falseness of this allegation? seeing it is a thing notorious, that this Edmund was neither the elder brother, nor yet crooke-backr, (though called so for some other reason) but a goodly personage, and without any deformity. And yourselves cannot forget a thing so lately done; who it was, that in the fourth year of K●●g Richard was declared by Parliament to be Heir to the Crown, in case K. 〈◊〉 should die without issue. But why then is not that claim made? because, Sil●●● leges inter arma; what disputing of Titles against the stream of Power? B●● howsoever, it is extreme injustice, the King Richard should be condemned, without being heard, or once allowed to make his defence. And now, my Lords, I have spoken thus at this time, that you may consider of it before it be too late; for as yet it is in your power to undo that justly, which you have unjustly done. Much to this purpose was the Bishop's speech; but to as little purpose as if he had gone about to call back Yesterday: The matter was too far gone; and scarce a person there present, that had not a hope of either a private or a public benefi● by that which was done. Yet against this speech of the Bishop there was neither Protesting nor Excepting; It passed in the House as but one man's opinion: And as for the King, it was neither fit he should use much severity against any Member of that Parliament which had so lately showed so much indulgence towards him; nor indeed safe, to be too hot in his Punishment, when he was yet scarce warm in his Government. Yet for a warning to use their liberty of speech with more moderation hereafter, the Bishop was arrested by the Marshal, and committed to Prison in the Abbey of S. Alban, but afterward without further censure se● at liberty; till upon a conspiracy of the Lords, wherein he was a Party, he was condemned to die, though through extremity of grief he prevented execution. But as for King Richard, and Edmund Mortimer Earl of March, enough was spoken by the Bishop in both their behalves, to undo them both: and indeed, K. Richard was soon after made away; the Earl secured himself by retiring far off, to his Lordship of Wigmore: avoiding the danger of Contention, by not entering the Lists of Aspiring: But although the Divine Providence, for causes hidden from humane knowledge, gave way at this time to the advancement of the younger, the House of Lancaster; yet in the third Generation after, the elder, the House of Clarence recovered its Right, in K. Edwa●● the Fourth; that we may know, it is but staying the leisure of Heaven, for every one to have his Right, either in Person, or by Proxy. But whether incited by this speech of the Bishop, or otherwise out of the rancour of envy is some, and malice in others; it was not long after, before there grew in the minds of many both Lords and other, a malignant inclination towards King Henry; and came first to be a Conspiracy in the house of the Abbot of Westminster. This Abbot was a kind of Booke-statesman, but better read in the Politics of Aristotle then of Solomon; who remembering some words of King Henry, which he had spoken long before, when he was but Earl of Derby; That Princes had too little, and Religious men too much: and fearing, lest being now king, he should reduce his words into act, he thought it better to use preventing Physic beforehand, then to sta●d to the hazard of a curing afterward: and thereupon invited to his house the discontented Lords ●●s namely, john Holland Duke of Exeter, Thomas Holland hi● brother's son, Duke of Surry, Edward Duke of A●merle, john Montacute Earl of S●lisbury, Hugh Spenser Earl of Gloucester, john Bishop of Carlisle, Sir Thomas Blunt, and Ma●●lin one of King Richard's Chapel: who after dinner conferring together, and communicationg their spleens against King Henry one with another; they resolved at last, both to take away the King's life, and of the way how to do it. The device was this: They would publish a solemn Justs to beholden at Oxford, at a day appointed, and invite the King to honour it with his presence; and there, in the time of acting the Justs, when all men's intentions should be otherwise busied, they would have him be murdered. This device was resolved on; Oaths for secrecy were t●ken; and Indentures sextipartite for performing conditions agreed upon between them, sealed and delivered: The Justs are proclaimed; the King is invited, and promiseth to come; secrecy of all hands kept most firmly to the very day: But though all other kept counsel, yet Fortune would not, but she discovered all; For it fortuned, that as the Duke of Aumerle was riding to the Lords at Oxford, against the day appointed, he took it in his way to go visit his father the Duke of York; and having in his bosom the Indenture of Confederacy, his father, as they sat at dinner, chanced to spy it, and asked what it was? to whom his son answering, It was nothing that any way concerned him; By S. George, saith his father, but I will see it: and there withal snatching it from him, read it; and finding the Contents, and reviling his son for being now the second time a Traitor, before to King Richard, and now to King Henry, he commanded his horses to be instantly made ready, and with all the speed he could make, rode to Windsor, where the King then lay: but the younger years of his son out-rid him, and came to the Court before him; where locking the Gates, and taking the keys from the Po●ter, pretending some special reason, he went up to the King, and falling on his knees, asked his Pardon. The king demanding, for what offence? he then discovered the whole Plot: which he had scarce done, when his father came rapping at the Court-gates, and coming to the king, showed him the Indenture of Confederacy which he h●d taken from his son. This, though i● amazed the king, yet it informed him of the truth of the matter, whereof he was before doubtful; and thereupon lays aside his journey to see the Justing of others in jest, and taketh care that he be not justled in earnest out of his Throne himself. In the mean time, the confederate Lords being ready at Oxford, and hearing nothing of the Duke of Aumerle, nor seeing any preparation for the kings coming, were certainly persuaded that their Treason w●s discovered: Whereupon falling into consideration of the case they were in, they found there was no place left for them of Mercy, and therefore were to stand upon their Guard, and provide the best they could for their safety: To which purpose, the first thing they did was to apparel Magdalen in Princely robes, a man as like to king Richard in countenance and pesonage, as one man lightly can be to another; and to give forth that he was king Richard escaped out of Prison, thereby to countenance their proceedings: The next thing was to dispatch messenger's to the king of France, and require his assistance. This done, they set forward in Battell-array towards Windsor, against king Henry; but finding him gone to London before they came, they then deliberate what course to take: Some advised to set K. Richard at liberty, before their counterfeit Richard should be discovered: Others thought best to follow the king to London, and set upon him unprovided, and before he had gathered Forces. In this division of Advises, when they could not do both, they did neither; but as men amazed, ma●ched on, though they knew not well wh●ther, till they came to Colbrooke; by which time the king had gathered an Army of twenty thousand, and was marching towards them: but they not thinking so well of their c●●se, that they durst put it to the trial of a battle; or perhaps staying for aid out of France; withdrew themselves back to Sunnings near to Reading, where the young Queen lay● to whom their coming gave some flashes of comfort, but quenched before they were throughly kindled: and from thence they march to Cicester; where the Duke of Surry and the Earl of Salisbury●o●ke ●o●ke up their lodging in one Inn; the Duke of Exeter and the Earl of Gloucester in another: And now a strange Accident, beyond the reach of all consultation, gave a period to their Design; for who would think that a private company durst oppose those Lords having their Army so near them? yet the Bailiff of the Town, upon intelligence (no doubt) that these Lords were up in Arme● against the King, taking with him a company of Townsmen, in the night assaulted the Inn where the Duke of Surry and the Earl of Salis●ury lay; who thus assaulted, made shift to defend themselves till three a clock in the afternoon; but then, being in danger to be taken, a Priest, one of their company, set divers houses in the Town on fi●e, thinking thereby to divert the Assailants from prosecuting the Lords, to save their houses: but this inflamed them the more; and so hotly they pursued their assault, that they wounded the Duke and the Earl to death; who dying that night; their heads were stricken off, and sent up to London. With them also were taken, Sir Bennet Shelley, Sir Barnard Brocas, Sir Thomas Blunt, and eight and twenty other Lords, Knights and Gentlemen; who were sent to Oxford, where the King then lay, and there were put to execution. The Duke of Exeter in the other Inn, hearing of this assault, fled out of the backside towards the Camp, intending to bring the whole Army to the rescue● but the soldiers having heard a clamour, and seeing fire in the Town, supposing the King had been come with all his Forces, out of a sudden fear dispersed themselves and fled; which the Duke seeing, he also, with Sir john Shelley, fled into Essex, where wand'ring and lurking in secret places, he was at last apprehended as he sat at supper in a friend's house, and led to Plashey, and there shortly after beheaded; the place, where by his counsel and countenance, the Duke of Gloucester formerly had been apprehended: that we may observe, how the Divine Providence, in revenging of injuries, takes notice, and makes use of the very circumstance of place where the injuries are ●one. The Earl of Gloucester fled towards Wales, but was taken, and beheaded at Bristol. Magdalen the counterfeit king Richard, was apprehended and brought to the Tower, and afterward hanged and quartered; with Mr. Fereby, another of king Richard's Chaplains. Divers other Lords, and Knights, and Gentlemen, and a great number of mean persons, were in other places put to death; that so much Noble blood, at one time, and for one cause, hath scarce been heard or read of. The Abbot of Westminster, in whose house the Plot was contrived, hearing of these misfortunes, as he was going between the Monastery and his Mansion, fell suddenly into a Palsy, and shortly after, without speech, ended his life. About this time also, a strange piece of Treason is reported to have been practised against the king's life: that there was found in his bed-cloaths an Iron with three sharp pikes standing upright; that when the king should have laid him down, he might have thrust himself upon them. But seeing there is no farther mention of enquiring after it; it seems to have been but an idle rumour not worth believing. But now that the hot English blood was well allayed, the Welsh blood springs up as hot: For now, Owen Glendour an Esquire of Wales, brought up at the Inns of Court in London; partly out of a desire to revenge a wrong done him (as he conceived) in a suit for lands in controversy between the Lord Grey of Ruthin and him, but chiefly out of an humour of aspiring, endeavoured to draw the Welshmen to a general defection, telling them, That the English being at variance amongst themselves, now was the time to shake off their yoke, and to resume their own ancient Laws and Customs. To whose persuasions the Welshmen harkening, made him their king and Captain; and he having gotten a competent Army, sets first upon his old Adversary ●ey●old Lord Grey of Ruthin, and takes him Prisoner; yet with promise's of Releasement, if he would marry his daughter; which offer, though the Lord Grey at first not only refused, but scorned, yet out of necessity at last he was contented to accept; when notwithstanding, his deceitful father in Law trifled out the time of his enlargement, till he died. But the Welshmen growing confident upon this success, break into the borders of Herefordshire, making spoil and prey of the Country as freely as if they had leave to do it; for indeed none opposed them but only the Lord Ed●●nd Mortimer, who had formerly withdrawn himself to his Castle at Wigmore; an● he having assembled the Forces of the Country, and joining b●ttell with them, was taken Prisoner, and then fettered, and cast into a deep and vile Dungeon. It was thought if Glendour had as well known how to use his victory, as to get it; he might at this time have put the English yoke into a great hazard to be shaken off: but he having killed a thousand of the English, thought he had done for that time, and so giving over the pursuit, retired. The inhumanity of the Welsh women was here memorable, who fell upon the dead carcases of the English, first stripping them, and then cutting off their privy parts, and noses; whereof the o●e they thrust into their mouths, the other they pressed between their buttocks. Many noble men, specially his kinsmen the Percies, solicited King Henry to deliver Mortimer; but the King was deaf of that ear, he could rather have wished both him and his two Sisters in heaven, for than he should be free from concealed competitors. These affronts were at this time suffered in the Welsh, because the King was now employed in a more dangerous service with the Scots; for they taking advantage of the distraction in the kingdom (as it was always their custom to do) had made an Inroad into the County of Northumberland, and sudden●y one night set upon the Castle of work; took and spoiled it, and then returned. In revenge whereof, the English invaded and spoiled certain Islands of the Orkn●ys: Then the Scots set forth a Fleet, under the conduct of Sir Robert Logon; but before he came to any action, he was encountered, and the greatest part of his Fleet taken. But these were but such affronts, as often happen between troublesome neighbours; for all this while the Peace was still in being between the Nations, but at last it broke out into an open war upon this occasion: Robert King of Scots had offered to match his Son David with a D●ughter of Geo●ge Earl of Dunbarre, and had received money of him in part of her portion; and afterward would neither suffer the March to proceed, nor yet pay back the money; but married his Son to a Daughter of Archibold Earl of D●●glasse: Upon which indignity, George of Dunbarre flies into England to king Henry; and with his aid makes divers incursions into Sco●land: Whereupon Rober● king of Scots sent to king Henry, that if he would have the Truce between them to continue, he should deliver to him George of Dunbarre. King Henry answered, that he had given him a safe conduct, and could not now recall it with his Honour; but as for continuing the Truce, king Robert might do in that what he thought best● Upon this answer, the king of Scots presently proclaimed war against him; But king Henry as ready in that matter as he, stayed not for king Roberts invading of England; but himself with a puissant Army invaded Scotland, burning Castles, and Cities, and not sparing Churches, and Religious Houses. About the end of September, he besieged the Castle of Maidens in Edenbourgh, where Prince David, and the Earl Douglas were: At which time, Robert Duke of Albany, who in the king of Scots sickness managed the business, sent an Herald to king Henry, protesting upon his honour, that if he would stay but six days, he would give him battle. K. Henry rewarded the Herald, and stayed; but six times six days passed, but neither Duke of Albany, nor any other for him appeared. And now winter came on, Victuals grew scant, and which was worst, a mortality began in the English Camp; For which causes, king Henry removed his Siege, and returned i●t● England. As soon as he was gone, sir Patrick Hebborne a Scottishman, having a good opinion of his valour, thought to do great matters; and with a competent Army of the men of L●●gh-deane, he invaded Northumberland, making great spoil, and loading his Soldiers with prey, and prisoners; but in the Retreit, marching loosely and licentiously, was set upon by the Earl of Northumberland Vice-warden, at a Town called Neshye; where Hebborne himself, and all the flower of L●ugh-deane were slain; sir john and William Cockburne, sir William Busse, john and Thomas Hablington Esq●ires and a multitude of common Soldiers taken prisoners. On the English part few sluing and none of any rank or quality: In revenge whereof, Archibold Douglas with an Army of twenty thousand entered Northumberland; but at a place called Hom●ldon, were encountered by the English, under the leading of Henry Lord percy, surnamed Ho●spu●●e, and George Earl of March, who put them to ●light; and after the slau●hter of ten thousand of them, took five hundred prisoners; whereof the chieft were Mordack Earl of Fife, (son of the General, who in the fight lost one of his eyes) Thomas Earl of Murrey, Robert Earl of A●gus, the Earls of Athol and Menli●●● and amongst the slain, were Sir john Swinton, Sir Adam Gourdon, Sir john Leviston, Sir Alexander Ramsey, and three and twenty other knights. In this mean time, Glendour of Wales had solicited the king of France for aid, who sent him twelve hundred men of quality, but the winds were so contrary, that they lost twelve of their ships, and the rest returned home. The English, deriding this ill success of the French, so exasperated the Frenchking, that presently after he sent twelve thousand, who landed safely, and joined with the Welsh; but as soon as they heard of the English armies approach, whether mistrusting their own strength, or suspecting the Welchmens' faithfulness, they ran to their ships and disgracefully went home. King Henry's Ambassadors lately sent into Britain to fetch the Lady jane de Navarre Duchess of Britianes, the relict of john de Montford surnamed the Conquerour● with whom the king by Procurators had contracted Matrimony; in the beginning of February returned with her in safety: The king met her at Winchester, where the seventh of February the marriage was solemnised. About this time some affronts were offered by the French: Valerian Earl of S. Paul, with seventeen hundred men, landed in the Isle of Wight, where he burned two Villages and some few Cottages; but hearing the people of the Island to have assembled, he made haste to his ships, and returned home. Also john Earl of Clermont (the heir of Bourbon) won from the English the Castles of S. Peter, S. Marry, and the Newcastle: The Lord de la Brett, won the Castle of Cal●●in; places of great consequence to the English. And now to make k. Henry sensible that a Crown can hardly ever sit easy upon the head, if it be not set on right at first; a new Conspiracy is hatching against him: The Percies, Earls of Northumberland and Worcester, with Henry Hotspur, began about thi● time to fall off from king Henry; their reason was, First, because the king at their request refused to redeem their kinsman Mortimer from Glendours slavery; and then because he denied them the benefit of such prisoners as they had taken of the Scots, at Homildon or N●shye: whereupon they went of themselves, and procured Mortimer's delivery, and then entered into a League offensive and defensive with Glendour, and by their Proxies, in the house of the archdeacon of Bangor, they agreed upon a Tripartite Indenture under their hands and seals, to divide the kingdom into three parts; whereby all England from Sever● and Trent, South and Eastward, was assigned for the portion of the Earl of March: All Wales and the Lands beyond Sever● Westward, were assigned to Owen Glendour: And all the remainder of land from Trent Northward, to be the portion of the Lord Percy. In this, as Glendour persuaded them, they thought they should accomplish a Prophecy; as though king Henry were the Mouldwarp cursed of Gods own mouth; & they three were the Lion the Dragon and the Wolf which should divide the Land among them. In this mean time king Henry, not acquainted with this Conspiracy, caused a Proclamation to be made, intimating that the Earl of March had voluntarily caused himself to be taken prisoner, to the end, the Rebels having him in their custody, might pretend some colour for their Conspiracy; and therefore he had small reason to take care for his deliverance. Hereupon the Percies assisted with a company of Scots, and drawing to their party the Earl of Stafford, and Richard Scroop Archbishop of York and many other, purposed to join with the Captain of the Welsh, but first they framed certain Articles against the king, and sent them to him in writing. That he had falsified his Oath given at his landing, swearing that he came but only to recover his Inheritance, and would not meddle with the King, or with the Crown. That most traitorously he had taken Arms against his Sovereign Lord, Imprisoned him, and then most barbarowsly caused him to be murdered. That ever since the death of king ●ichard, he had unjustly kept the Crown from his kinsman Edmund M●rtimer Earl of March, to whom of right it belonged. That upon no occasion, he had imposed divers Taxes upon the people. That by his Letters he procured Burgesses and Knights of the Parliament to be chosen; for which causes and many other, they defied him, and vowed his destruction, and the restoring of the Earl of March to his right. King Henry could not but know that all these Articles against him were true, yet seeing the knowing it hindered him not from seeking to get the Crown when he had it not; it could less hinder him from seeking to keep it now that he had it; and if he were able, being a private man, to get it from a King, he was likely to be more able, being now a king, to keep it from private men; and as for any objections that Conscience could make, he had enough to answer them all: For, if his Title were good against king Richard, by his Resignation, it was as good against Mortimer by his swearing Allegiance; and upon these grounds, with a mind as confident as if all circumstances were of his side, he raised an Army, and marched towards the Lords, taking care they might by no means join with the Welsh; and about Shrewsbury, on Saturday S. Mary magdalen's Eve, he encountered them, in which fight though the Scots and Henry Hotspur showed much valour, yet the victory rested on the king's side; Hotspur himself was slain, the Earl of Worcester was taken prisoner, together with Sir Richard Vernon, Sir Theobald Trussel, the Baron of Kinderton; and the rest fled. On the king's part (besides the Earl of Stafford, who had that morning revolted from the Conspirators) were slain Sir Hugh Shirley, Sir Iohn Clifton● Sir john Cockayn, Sir Nicholas Gausell, Sir Walter Blunt, Sir john Calverley, Sir john massy of Puddingtr●, Sir Hugh Mortimer and Sir Robert Gausell, all which had been but that morning dubbed knights, with Sir Thomas Wendsley, who died afterwards of his wounds; of common Soldiers about sixteen hundred, but of the Conspirators above six thousand, whereof 36 the king slew with his own hand, but was once unhorsed by Douglas, who in his presence slew Sir Walter Blunt, with divers others, that day in all things attired like to the king; for which exploit, Douglas (being after by the fall of his horse taken prisoner) was by the king's command, carefully attended, and without Ransom set at liberty: In this batttell, the young Prince Henry, though wounded in the face with an Arrow, yet was not wounded in his courage, but continued fight still. After this victory the king caused public thanks to be given to God, and then caused the Earl of Worcester to be beheaded, and many others of that Rebellion to be drawn hanged and quartered, and their heads placed on London Bridge: And then the king sent his son Henry Prince of Wales, with his whole Army into that Country; but before his coming, Owen Glendour was abandoned by all his Company, and lurking in the woods was there famished; many of his associates were taken and put to death. Whilst the Prince was in Wales, Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland, of his own accord, came and submitted himself to the king, protesting his innocency, a● not being once acquainted with any intent of Treason and Rebellion; whose excuse the king received for the present with gentle language, the rather for that he had the possession of Barwick Castle and other places of strength in his power, but yet he wiped not off the score of his misdemeanours out of his mind. And now with the fourth year of his Reign ended all the great Troubles of this k. Henry the fourth: those that follow are but such accidents as are frequent in all times both abroad and at home. The Britan's under the leading of the Lord of Castile's, spoilt the Town of Plymouth; In revenge whereof, the Western-men, under the command of William Wilford, set forth ● Fleet, which arriving in Britain, took forty ships laden with Oil and Wines, and burnt forty more. Again the French landed a thousand men in the Isle of Wight● where they got together a great booty of cattle, but the Islanders coming upon them took away their booty, and made many of them leave their Carcases for a booty to the ●sland. Yet the French would not leave so, but a while after, as having gotten new spirits, they cast Anchor before the Isle of Wight, and require no less then to have the Island into their possession, but a resolute answer of the Islanders frighted them away, and made them glad they were gone. Soon after this the Duke of Orleans, brother to the French king, in a vaunting stile, sent a challenge to king Henry to meet him in the field, each of them to have a hundred in his Company; to which the king answered, That for his own valour it had sufficiently been tried, and for this challenge of the Dukes, neither the Person nor the Cause were worthy of his undertaking. Upon this refusal of the kings, divers taunts and jeers were bandied between them, till at last the Duke, in great passion, falls upon Vergie a Town in Guienne, but after three months assaulting it, being valiantly defended by Sir Robert An●field and three hundred Englishmen, he was glad to give over with loss, and return into France. Presently upon this, the Admiral of Britain, accompanied with the Lord du Castille, and thirty sail of ships, attempted to land at Dertmouth in Devonshire, but were repelled, and the Lord du Castille, and two of his brothers, and four hundred of his men were slain, besides two hundred taken Prisoners; of whom, the Lord Baquevile Martial of Britain, was one. After this, five hundred men of arms, five hundred Crossbows, and a thousand Flemings, under the conduct of the Earl of S. Paul, laid siege to the Castle of Mar●k, three leagues fr●m Cullis; but first by Sir Philip Hall Captain of Calais, and after by Sir Richard Aston Lieutenant of the English pale, they were forced to retire and fly: The Earl of S. Paul escaped to S. Omers, but left many of his men of quality behind him, and more taken Prisoners. After this, Thomas Duke of Clarence, the King's second son, and the Earl of Kent, with competent Forces entered the Haven of Sluice, where they burned four ships riding at anchor, and then returned to the relief of Calais, besieged at that time by the French; and in the way took three Carricks of G●noua richly laden, and brought them into the Chamber of Rye. And these were the troubles of this King abroad: But now at home, the Relics of the former Northern Rebellion began to revive; for now, Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland, Richard Scroop Archbishop of York, Thomas Mowbray Earl Martial, the Lords, Hastings, Fawconbridge, and Bardolfe, with divers others, conspired, at a time appointed, to meet upon Yorkswould-Downes, and there to bid defiance to king Henry. Articles of Grievances were framed, and set up in all public places, which drew multitudes to be partakers of the enterprise. But now, Ralph Nevil Earl of Westme●land, with the Lord john the King's third son, the Lords Henry Fitz-Hughes, Ralph Evers, and Robert Vmphrevile, make head against them; and coming into a Plain in the Forests of Galltree, they sat down right against the Archbishop and his Forces, which were twenty thousand; and Westmoreland perceiving the Enemy's forces to be far more than theirs, he used this policy: he sent to the Archbishop, demanding the reason why he would raise Forces against the king? who answering, that his Arms were not against the king, but for his own defence, whom the king, upon the instigation of Sycophants, had threatened; withal he sent him a scroll of their grievances, which Westmoreland read, and seemed to approve, and thereupon desired a conference with him: The Archbishop more credulous than wise, persuaded the Earl Martial to go with him to the place appointed to confer: the Articles are read and allowed of; and thereupon Westmoreland seeming to commiserate the souldiers● having been in armour all day, and weary, wished the Archbishop to acquaint his Party, as he would his, with this their mutual agreement; and so shaking hands, in most Courtly friendship drank unto him; whereupon the soldiers were willed to disband, and repair home: which they had no sooner done, but a Tro●p of horse, which in a colourable manner had made a show to depart, wheeled about, and afterwards returned; and being come in ●ight, the Earl of Westmoreland arrested both the Arcbishop and the Earl Martial, and brought them both Prisoners to the king at Po●fret; who passing from thence to York, the Prisoners likewise were carried thither, and the next day both of them beheaded. At Durham, the Lords Hastings and F●wconbridge, with two knights, were executed. Northumberland, with the Lord Bardolfe, fled first to Barwick, and after into Scotland, where they were entertained by David Lord Fleming: whereupon the king gave summons to the Castle of Barwick, which at first they refused to obey, but upon the planting and discharging of a Piece, they presently yielded without composition: and here William Greystock, Henry Baynton, and john Blink●nsop, knights, and five other were presently put to execution, and many others committed to several Prisons. About this time, james son and heir of Robert king of Scotland, a child of nine years old, attended by the Earl of Orkney, as he was sailing into France, was taken by certain Mariners of Norfolk, who brought him to the King at Windsor, the 30. of March, 1408. and the King sent them to the Tower of London. Northumberland and Bardolfe, after they had been in Wales, France, and Flanders, to raise a Power against King Henry, returned back into Scotland, and after a year with a great Power of Scots entered England, and came into Yorkshire, making great spoil and waste as they passed: but Sir Thomas Rokesby Sheriff of York, levying the forces of the County, upon Bramham-moore gave them battle; in which Northumberland was slain, Bardolfe taken, but wounded to death, and the rest put to flight. About this time also, Sir Robert Vmphrevile Vide-admiral of England, with ten men of war entered Scotland, burnt their Gally●t, and many other ships over against Lieth, and brought away with him fourteen tall ships laden with corn and other staple commodities, which at his return he sent into the Markets round about, and thereby brought down the prizes of all things, and purchased to himself the name of Mend-market. The Prince had been a Student In Queen's College in Oxford, under the tuition of his Uncle Henry Beaufort, Chancellor of that University, afterwards Bishop of Lincol●e and Winchester, and lastly made a Cardinal, by the title of Eusebius. From Oxford, the Prince was called to Court, and the Lord Thomas Percy Earl of Worcester was made his Governor: but coming afterward to be at his own disposing, whether being by nature valorous, and not yet well stayed by time and experience; o● whether incited by ill companions, and emboldened by the opinion of his own greatness; he ran into many courses so unworthy of a Prince, that it was much doubted what he would prove when he came to be Prince. Once, it is said, he lay in wait for the Receivers of his father's Rents, and in the person of a Thief set upon them and robbed them. Another time, when one of his companions was arraigned for felony before the Lord Chief Justice, he went to the King's Bench bar, and offered to take the Prisoner away by force; but being withstood by the Lord Chief Justice, he stepped to him, and struck him over the face: whereat the Judge nothing abashed, rose up and told him, that he did not this affront to him, but to the King his father, in whose place he sat; and therefore to make him know his fault, he commanded him to be committed to the Fleet. You would have wondered to see how calm the Prince was in his own cause, who in the cause of his companion had been so violent: for he quietly obeyed the Judge's sentence, and suffered himself to be led to Prison. This passage was not a little pleasing to the King, to think that he had a Judge of such courage, and a Son of such submission: but yet for these and such other pranks, he removed him from being Precedent of the Council, and placed in it his third son john. This made the Prince so sensible of his father's displeasure, that he thought it necessary to seek by all means to recover his ●ood opinion; which he endeavoured to do by a way as strange as that by which he lost it: for, attiring himself in a garment of blue Satin, wrought all with Eylet-holes of black silk, at every hole the needle hanging by which it was sowed, and about his arm a thing in fashion of a hounds collar, studded with SS. of gold, he came to the Court at Westminster: to whom, the King (though not well in health) caused himself, in a Chair, to be brought into his Privy Chamber; where, in presence of but three of four of his Privy Council, he demanded of the Prince the cause of his unwonted habit and coming? who answered, That being not only his subject but his son, and a son so tenderly always regarded by him, he were worthy of a thousand deaths, if he should intend or but imagine the least offence to his sacred Majesty, and therefore had fitted himself to be made a sacrifice; and therewithal reached his dagger, holding it by the point to his father, For (said he) I desire not to live longer, than I may be thought to be, what I am and shall ever be, Your faithful and obedient Vassal. With this or the like Answer, the King was so moved, that he fell upon his son's neck, and with many tears embracing him, confessed that his ears had been too open to receive reports against him, and promising faithfully, that from thenceforth no reports should cause any disaffection towards him● The king about this time, made his Son john Duke of Bedford, and his Son Humphe● Duke of Gloucester; he made also sir Thomas Beauford Earl of Dorset, and the Earl of Arundel he created Duke of York. The rest of king Henry's days, from this time forward, being scarce a year, was free from all trouble both abroad and at home; unless perhaps he might be troubled in mind: for having shed so much English and Noblebloud; for expiation whereof, or else to the end he might join Valour and Devotion in one action together, which hitherto he but used singly; he took upon him the Crusado, and at a Council in Whitefriars, order was taken, and great preparation was made for his journey to jerusalem: But it was otherwise Decreed in Heaven; and yet not so otherwise, but that he ended his life in jerusalem, as shall be showed hereafter. Of his Taxations. IN the very beginning of his Reign, it might pass instead of a Taxation, that he found in king Richard's Coffers, in money and jewels, to the value of seven hundred thousand pounds. In his fourth year, an extraordinary Subsidy was granted him; Twenty shillings of every knight's Fee, and of every one that had twenty shillings a year in land, twelve pence and upward, according to that rate; and of every one that had twenty pounds in goods, twelve pence, and upward according to that rate; but with this caution and protestation, that it should not hereafter be drawn for a Precedent, and that no Record thereof should be made. In his sixth year, the Clergy granted to the king a Tenth. In his seventh year, the Clergy granted a Tenth and a half, and the Commons two Fifteen. In a Parliament holden the ninth year of his Reign, the king moved to have allowed him in every year wherein there was no Parliament kept● a Tenth of the Clergy, and a Fifteenth of the Laity; to which demands the Bishops assented, but the Commons would not. In his seventh year, a Parliament began which lasted almost a whole year, in which a Subsidy was at last granted; so sharp, that even Priests and Friars who lived of Alms, were forced every one to pay a noble. Of Laws and Ordinances made in his time. IN this king's days, burning and execution by fire for controversies in Religion was first put in practice. Also in the first year of his Reign an Act was made, that no person of what degree soever, should after that day allege for his excuse, any constraint or coa●cting of his Princes for doing of any unlawful act; and that such excuse after that day, should stand him in no stead. Also an Act was made, that no Lord, nor other, might give any Liveries to any but their household and menial servants. In his twelveth year, the king caused a new coin of Nobles to be made, which was of less value than the old Noble, by four pence. Also that all Rypiers, and other Fishers from any of the Seacoasts, should sell their fish in Cornhill and Cheapside themselves, and not to Fishmongers that would buy it to sell again. Also this king instituted the Duchy Court, which he did in honour of the House of Lancaster; to the end, the Lands belonging to that Duchy, might in all following times be distinguished and known from the Lands of the Crown. In his sixth year, the king called a Parliament at Coventry, and sent Process to the Sheriffs, that they should choose no knights nor Burgesses, that had any knowledge in the Laws of the Realm; by reason whereof, it was called the laymen's Parliament. In his seventh year, the Major of London for preservation of fish; obtained, that all Wears which stood between London and seven miles beyond Kingston; as also, such as stood between London and Gravesend, should be pulled up and taken away. Affairs of the Church in his time. BY reason of discord between john of Gaunt, and Wickham Bishop of Winchester; the Bishop either in durance, could not, or in fear durst not come to the Parliament House, at a time when the King required a supply of money; but the Clergy unanimously affirming, that without their brother, the Bishop of Winchester's presence, they neither can nor will consult of any things he is presently sent for, and by the King secured. After this, the King called a Parliament at Coventry, and sent Process to the Sheriffs that they should choose no knights or Burgesses that were Lawyers, and was therefore called the Laymens' Parliament: And shortly after another Parliament was called, and named the unlearned Parliament, either for the unlearnedness of the persons, or for their malice to learned men; In which the Commons presented a Petition to the King and the upper House; desiring that the king might have the Temporal Possessions of the Bishops and Clergy; the value whereof, they pretended would be sufficient maintenance for a hundred and fifty Earls, one thousand five hundred knights, six thousand two hundred Esquires, and a hundred Hospitals for maimed Soldiers. They craved likewise, that Clerks convict should not be delivered to the Bishop's prison; and that the Statute made in the second year of the king against Lollards, might be Repealed. But the king denied their Petition; and in Person commanded them from thenceforth, not to presume to trouble their brains about any such business, for he was resolved to leave the Church in as good state as he found it. In the twelveth year of his Reign, certain learned men in Oxford, and other places, in their Sermons maintained the opinions of Wickliff; but the Bishops and Doctors of the University, inhibited and condemned them. In his time was a great Schism in the Church, by reason of two Anti-popes'; but afterwards in an assembly of Cardinals and Bishops, a third man was elected, named Alexander the fifth, who had been trained up at Oxford. Works of Piety in his time. KING Henry Founded a College at Battlefield in Shropshire, where he overcame the Lord Henry Percy. In his third year, the Conduit upon Cornhill was begun to be built. Also in his time Sir Robert Knolls made the Stone bridge of Rochester in Kent; and founded in the Town of Pomfret a College, and an Hospital; he also re-edified the body of the White-friar's Church in Fleetstreet, where he was afterward buried: Which Church was first founded by the Ancestors of the Lord Grey of Codnor. In the eighth year of his Reign, Richard Whittington Major of London, erected a house or Church in London, to be a house of Prayer, and named it after his own name, Whittington College; with lodgings, and weekly allowance for divers poor people. He also builded the Gate of London, called Newgate, in the year 1420, which was before a most loathsome prison: He builded also more than half of St. Bartholmews' Hospital in West-Smithfield, and the beautiful Library in the Grey Friars in London● now called Christ's Hospital: He also builded a great part of the east end of Guildhall, and a Chapel adjoining to it, with a Library of stone, for the custody of the Records of the City. But he that exceeded all at this time in works of Piety, was William Wickham Bishop of Winchester; his first work was the building of a Chapel at Tychfield, where his Father, Mother, and Sister Perr●t was buried: Next, he founded at Southwick in Hampshire, near the Town of Wickham, the place of his birth, as a supplement to the Priory of Sout●wicke; a Chantry, with allowance for five Priests for ever: He bestowed twenty thousand marks in repairing the houses belonging to the Bishopric; he discharged out ●f Prison in all places of his Diocese, all such poor prisoners as lay in execution for debt, under twenty pounds: he amended all the highways from Winchester to London, on both sides the River. After all this, on ●he fifth of March 1379, he began to lay the foundation of that magnificent Structure in Oxford, called New-Colledge, and in person laid the first stone thereof; in which place before, there stood Naetius-Colledge, built by Alver, at N●tius entreaty; and for the affinity of the name, came to be called New-Colledge. In the year 1387, on the 26 of March, he likewise in person laid the first stone of the like foundation in Winchester, and dedica●●● the same, as that other in Oxford, to the memory of the Virgin Mary. The Grocer● in London purchased their Hall in Cu●●yhope Lane for 320 marks; and then laid th● foundation thereof on the tenth of May. King Henry founded the College of F●●ringhey in Northampto●shire; to which King He●ry the fifth gave land of the Priories of Monks Aliens, by him suppressed. john Gower the famous Poet, new builded a great part of St. Marry Overyes Church in South●●rke, where he lies buried. In the second year of this king, a new market in the Poultry, called the Stocks, was builded for the free sale of Foreign Fishmongers and Butchers. In his twelveth year, the Guildhall of London was begun to be new Edified; and of a little Cottage, made a goodly house, as now it is. Casualties happening in his time. IN his third year, in the Month of March, appeared a Blazing-starre; first betwixt the East and the North, and then sending forth fiery beams towards the North; foreshowing perhaps the effusion of blood that followed after, in Wales and Northumberland. In the same year, at Danbury in Essex, the Devil appeared in likeness of a Gray-friar; who entering the Church, put the people in great fear, and the same hour, with a tempest of Whirlwind and Thunder, the top of the steeple was broken down, and half the Chancel scattered abroad. In his seventh year, such abundance of water broke suddenly over the Banks in Kent, that it drowned cattle without number. Also this year, the Town of Reystone in Hartfordshire was burnt. In his ninth year was so sharp a winter, and such abundanc● of snow; continuing December, january, February, and March, that almost all small Birds died through hunger. Of his Wives and Children. HE had two Wives, the first was Mary, one of the Daughters and heirs of H●mphrey de Bo●un Earl of Hereford, Essex, and Northampton; she died before he c●me to the Crown, in the year 1394. His second Wife was joan, Daughter to Charles the first king of Navarre, she being the widow of john de Montford surnamed Strea●y, or the Conqueror, Duke of Britain; who died without any issue by king Henry, at Havering in Essex, the year 1437, in the fifteenth year of king Henry the sixth, and lieth buried by her husband at Canterbury. He had four Sons and two Daughters; Of his Sons, Henry his eldest was Prince of Wales, and after his Father, king of England. His second Son was Thomas Duke of Clarence, and Steward of England; who was slain at Beaufort in Anjo●, and died without issue. His third Son was john Duke of Bedford; he married first with Anne Daughter to john Duke of Burgundy; and secondly with jacoba Daughter of Peter of Luxenbourgh, Earl of St. Paul, but died also without issue. His fourth Son was Humphrey; by his brother king Henry the fifth created Duke of Gloucester, and was generally called the good Duke; he had two Wives, but died without issue, in the year 1446, and was buried at St. Alban; though the vulgar opinion be, that he lies buried in St. Paul's Church. Of king Henry the fourth's Daughters; Blanche the elder was married to Lewis Barbatus, Palatine of the Rhine, and Prince Elector: Philippe his younger Daughter, was married to john king of Denmark, and Norway. Of his Personage and Conditions. COncerning his Body; he was of a middle stature, slender limbs, but well proportioned. Concerning his Mind; of a serious and solid disposition, and one that stood more upon his own legs than any of his Predecessors had done: in cases of difficulty, not refusing, but not needing the advice of others; which might confirm, but not better his own. He was neither merry nor sad, but both: best pleased when he was opposed, because this was like to do him good, by sharpening his invention: most angry when he was flattered, because this was sure to do him hurt, by dulling his judgement. No man ever more loved, nor less doted upon a wife, than he: a good husband, but not uxorious; that if there be reins to that Passion, we may know he had them. It may be thought, he affected the Crown, not so much out of Ambition as out of Compassion, because the oppressions of his Country he could not so well help being a Subject, as a King; for otherwise we may truly say, he was a loser by the Crown, being not so great for a King, as he was before for a Subject: The Crown rather was a gainer by him, which hath ever since been the richer for his wearing it. We may think he was either weary of his life, or longing for death; for why else would he take upon him the Crusado, having been told by a skilful Soothsayer, that he should die in jerusalem? but it seems, he did not believe him. Of his Death and Burial. IN the fortysixth year of his Age, having Peace both at home and abroad, and being of too active a spirit to be idle, he took upon him the Crusado, and great provision was made for his journey to jerusalem: but alas, his journey to jerusalem required no such provision; for being at his prayers at S. Edward's shrine, he was suddenly taken with an Apoplexy, and thereupon removed to the Abbot of Westminster's house; where recovering his senses, and finding himself in a strange place, he asked what place it was? and being told that he was in the Abbot's house, in a Chamber called jerusalem: Well then (said he) Lord have mercy upon me, for this is the jerusalem where a Soothsayer told me I should die. And here he died indeed, on the 20. day of March, in the year 1413. when he had lived six and forty years, Reigned thirteen and a half. It is worth remembering, that all the time of his sickness, his will was to have his Crown set upon his bolster by him; and one of his fits being so strong upon him, that all men thought him directly dead; the Prince coming in, took away the Crown: when suddenly the king recovering his senses, miss his Crown; and ask for it, was told, the Prince had taken it: whereupon the Prince being called, came back with the Crown, and kneeling down, said: Sir, to all our judgements, and to all our griefs, you seemed directly dead, and therefore I took the Crown as being my Right: but seeing to all our comforts, you live, I here deliver it much more joyfully than I took it, and pray God you may long live to wear it yourself. Well (saith the king sighing) what right I had to it, God knows. But (saith the Prince) if you die king, my sword shall maintain it to be my Right against all Opposers. Well (saith the king) I refer all to God: but I charge thee on my Blessing, that thou administer the Laws indifferently, avoid Flatterers, defer not to do Justice, nor be sparing of Mercy: And then turning about, said, God bless thee, and have mercy on me: and with those words, gave up the Ghost. His body with all Funeral pomp was conveyed to Canterbury, and there solemnly buried. Of men of Note in his time. OF men of Valour in his time, of whom there was great store, I shall need to say no more than what hath already been said in the body of the story: only I cannot but remember Sir Robert K●olls, who borne of mean parentage, made himself famous over all Christendom; and dying at a Manor of his in Norfolk, was brought to London, and buried in the Church of the White F●ie●s in London, which himself had re-edified. But for men of learning, I must set in the first place, William Wickham, a man of no learning, yet well worthy t● hold the place: In relating of whose life, I must have leave to expatiate a little. His father's name was john Long, or as some say, Perot; but as Campian proveth, Wickham; and not from the place of his dwelling, though he was Parish-Clerke of Wickham in Hampshire, where he taught children to write: in which quality his son William proved so excellent, that Nicolas Wooddall, Constable of Winchester Castle, took him from his father, ●nd kept him at School, first at Winchester, afterward at Oxford, till himself being made Surveyor-generall of the King's works, he sent for this William to serve him as his Clerk; who in short time grew so expert in that employment, that Adam Torleto● B●shop of Winche●ter, commended him to the King, who employed him presently in surveying his Fortifications at Dover, and Quinborough Castles, and afterward made him Surveyor of his Buildings at Windsor Castle, and his houses of Henly and East-Hamstead. And here first, Envy rose up against him; for having caused to be engraven on the stone of a wall in Windsor Castle, these words; This made William Wi●kham: some that envied his rising, complained to the King of this insolency, as arrogating to himself, that excellent piece of Building to the done at his charge: but Wickham called before the King about it, made answer, that his meaning wa● not, neither by any indifferent construction could it import, that Wickham made that building, but that the same building made Wi●kham, as being a means of the King's great favour towards him. This answer pacified the King, who took him daily more and more into his favour; and being now entered into the Ministry, was first made Parson of S. Martin's in the Fields, than Minister of S. martin's le Grand. ●f●erwards Archdeacon of Lincoln, Provost of Wells, and Rector of Manyhens in Devo●shire; so as at one time he had in his hands so many Ecclesiastical livings, that the value of them, in the King's books, amounted to eight hundred seventy six pounds thirteen shillings: besides which, he was honoured with many Temporal places of great profit and respect, as to be his principal Secretary, Keeper of the Privy Seal, Master of the Wards and Liveries, Treasurer of the King's Revenues in France, and some other Offices. After which, the Bishopric of Winchester falling void, means was made to the King to bestow that place upon him: And here, the ●●cond time, did Envy rise up against him, informing the King that he was a man of little or no learning, and no way sit for such a dignity: whereupon the King made stay of granting it: but when Wickham came before the King, and ●old him, that what he wanted in personal learning, he would supply with being a Founder of learning; This so satisfied the King, that he bestowed the place upon him. After this, he was made Lord Treasurer of England: and here the third time did Envy rise up against him; for the King requiring of his subjects a supply of money, It was answered, that he needed no other supply, than to call his Treasurer to account: This blow struck deep upon the Bishop; for he was presently charged to give account for eleven hundred ninety six thousand pounds; and whilst he was busy in preparing his account, all his Temporalties, upon importunity of john of Gaunt. were seized into the King's hands, and given to the Prince of Wales, and himself upon pain of the King's displeasure, commanded not to come within twenty miles of the Court. In this case, he dismisseth his train, and sendeth copies abroad of his account, if it might be received; but was hindered by the working of john of Gaunt against him. Upon this ground (as was thought) Queen Philip wife to K. Edward the Third, upon her deathbed, by way of Confession, told Wi●kham, that john of Gaunt was not the lawful issue of king Edward, but a supposititious Son; for when she was brought to bed at Gau●t, of a Daughter, knowing how desirous the King was to have a Son; she exchanged that daughter, with a Dutch woman, for a Boy● whereof she had been delivered about the same time with the Queen. Thus much she confessed, and withal made the Bishop swear, that if the said john and Gaunt should at any time, either directly, or indirectly attempt the Crown; or that rightfully, through want of issue, it should devolve unto him; that then he should discover this matter, and make it known unto the King, and Council. Afterward the Queen being dead, and the Bishop finding john of Gaunt, as he thought, too much aspiring, he secretly told him this relation, and this adjuration of his supposed mother, advising him not to seek higher than a private state; for else he was bound by oath to make it known to all the World: Thus far the Bishop did well; but when he saw the Son of john of Gaunt not only aspiring, but possessed of the Crown, why did he not then discover it, and join at least with the Bishop of Ca●lile, in opposing it? Certainly, we may know, that either the whole relation was but a Fable, or that Wickham was a Temporizer, or that john of Gaunt was a most patient man, to suffer the affront of such an indignity, with l●sse than the death of him that did it. But howsoever it was, it is certain, the Duke bore a mortal grudge to the Bishop; who had no way to withstand such an enemy, but by making Alice Pierce his friend: by whose means, after two years, he was restored to all his livings; and afterward K. Edward being dead, and Alice Pierce banished; by the means of a greater friend than Alice Pierce (his full ourse) he obtained in the second year of k. Richard, a general pardon under the Great Seal of England; and from that time forward enjoyed a quiet life, and died in the fourth year of this King Henry the fourth, being then of the age of above 80 years, and lieth buried in the Church of St. Swithen● in Winchester, in a monument of his own making in his life time; leaving for his heir Thomas Perrot, the son of his sister Agnes, married to William Perrot. Another great example of the volubility of Fortune, in Professors of learning, was Roger Walden, who died in the ninth year of this King: he was at first a poor Scholar in Oxford; and the first step of his rising, was to be a Chaplain in the College there of St. Mary's; from thence by degrees he got to be Dean of York; and after this, a high step, to be Treasurer of England; and yet a higher after that, up●n the banishment of Thomas Arundel, to be Archbishop of Canterbury: But bein● now at the top, he came down again, for in this king's time, Thomas Arundel being restored to the archbishopric, Walden was not only put out of ●hat place, 〈◊〉 was called to account for the Treasurership: and though he showed hi● quietus est, yet all his Temporalties were seized, and his person imprisoned, till by the mediation of the now Archbishop Arundel, he was made Treasurer of Calais, and after promoted to be B●shop of London. The next place after these, is justly due to Geoffry Ch●ucer, and john Gower, two famous Poets in this time, and the Fathers of English Poets in all the times after: Cha●cer died in the fourth year of this king, and lieth buried at Westminster: Gower, in this kings ninth year, and was buried in St. Marry Overies Church in Southwark. And now come others to be remembered, who lived and died in this king's time: Hugh Legate, born in Hartfordshire, a Monk of St. Albon, who wrote Scholies upon Boetius de Consolation. Nicholas Gorham, born also in Hartfordshire, a Dominick Friar, and the French kings Confessor, though an Englishman. Walte● Disse, so called of a Town in Norfolk where he was borne, Confessor to the Duke of Lancaster. Laurence Holbeck, a Monk of Ramsey, who wrote an Hebrew Dictionary. john Cotton Archbishop of Armagh: Rich●rd Scroop, brother to William Scroop Lord Treasurer of England, made Archbishop of York; and writing an invective against King Henry, lost his head. William Thorpe, an earnest follower of john Wickliff, for which he was committed to Saltwood Castle, where he died. Stephen Patrington, born in York●shire, and Robert Mascall a Carmelite Friar of Ludlow; both of them Confessors to king Henry the fifth. Boston a Monk of the Abbey of Bury in Suffolk; who wrote a Catalogue of all the Writers of the Church, and other Treatises. john Purvey, who was convented for teaching Doctrine contrary to the Church of Rome, and compelled to recant. Thomas Rudburne Bishop of S. David's, who wrote a Chronicle. Nicolas Riston, who considering the strife between the than Anti-popes', wrote a book, De tollendo schismate. Robert Wansham a Monk in Dar●etshire, who wrote a book in verse, Of the Original and signification of Words. Robert Wimbledon an excellent Preacher, as appears by the Sermon he made upo● this Text, Red rationem Villicatio●is tuae. THE REIGN OF KING HENRY THE FIFTH. HENRY of Monmouth (so called from the place in Wales, where he was born) eldest Son of King Henry the fourth, succeeded his Father in the kingdom of England, to whom the Lords of the Realm swore Homage and Allegiance, before he was yet Crowned; an honour never done before to any of his Predecessors: and afterwards, on the ninth of April, in the year 1412, he was Crowned at Westminster, by Thomas Arundel Archbishop of Canterbury; with all Ri●es and Solemnities in such case accustomed: And as the Scripture speaks of Saul, that assoon as Samuel had anointed him King, he had a new heart given him, and he became another man than he was before. So was it with this king Henry; for presently after his Coronation, he called before him all his old Companions, who had been fr●tres in malo with him; strictly charging them, not to presume to come within ten miles of his Court, until such time as they had given good proof of their amendment in manners; and lest any of them should pretend want of maintenance to be any cause of their taking ill courses, he gave to every one of them a competent means whereby to subsist. And knowing (as he did) the fashion of the Scots and Welsh; that in times of change they would commonly take advantage, to make Inroads upon the Borders; he therefore ca●sed Forts and Bulwarks in fit places to be erected, and placed Garrisons in them, for preventing or repelling any such incu●sions. Immediately after this, he called a Parliament, where a Subsidy was granted without ask: and in this Parliament the Commons began to harp upon their old string, of taking away the Temporalties of the Clergy; and the Bishops fearing how it might take in the king's ears, thought it best to divert him, by striking upon another string, which they knew would be more pleasing to him; which was, to show him the great right he had to the Crown of France. And hereupon Chicheley Archbishop of C●nterbury, in a long narration, deduced the kings Right from Is●bel Daughter to Philip the fourth, married to king Edward the second; from whom it descended by direct line to his Majesty, and no hindrance of enjoying it, bu● pretention of the Salic laws; which (said he) was neither according to the law of God, nor yet intended at first to that Nation; and though his Predecessors, by reason of other encumbrances forbore to prosecute their Claim, yet he being free from all such encumbrances, had no less power, than right to do it. This indeed struck upon the right string of the king's inclination; for as he affected nothing more than true glory, so in nothing more than in Warlike actions. Hereupon, nothing was now thought of, but the Conquest of France. First therefore he begins to alter in his Arms the bearing of Semy-de-luces', and quarters the three Flower Deluces, as the Kings of Fra●ce then bore them; and that he might not be thought to steal advantage, but to do it fairly, he sent Ambassadors to Charles the sixth than king of France, requiring in peaceable manner, the surrender of the Crown of Fra●ce; which if he would yield unto, then King Henry would take to Wife his Daughter Katherine; but if he refused to do it, than King Henry would with fire and sword enforce it from him, or lose his life. The Ambassadors sent, were the Duke of Exeter, the Archbishop of Dublin, the Lord Grace, the Lord High Admiral, and the Bishop of Norwich, with five hundred horse: who coming to the Court of F●ance, were at first received and feasted, with all the honour and show of kindness that ●●ght be; but assoon as their message was delivered, and that it was known what they c●me about, the copy of their entertainment was altered, and they were sent away with as little compliment, as they wer● before received with honour; only told, that the king would speedily make Answer to the King their Master, by his own Ambassadors: and speedily indeed he did it; for the Earl of Vendosme, William Benitier Archbishop of Bourges, Peter Fresnel Bishop of Lysea●x, with others, were arrived in England, assoon almost as the English were returned● But being come, the Archbishop of Bourges made a long Oration in the praise of Peace, concluding with the tender of the Lady K●theri●e, and 50000 Crowns with her in Dower, besides some Towns of no great importance: To which King H●●●y, by the Archbishop of Ca●terbury made Answer; That these offers were trifles, and that without yielding to his demands, he would never desist from that he intended: and with this Answer, the French Ambassadors were dismissed. It is said, that about this time, the D●lphi● (who in the King of France his sickness, managed the State) sent to King Henry a Ton of Tennis Balls, in derision of his youth, as fitter to play with them, then to manage Arm●; which king He●ry took in such scorn, that he promised with an oath, it should not be long ere he would toss such iron b●lls amongst them, that the best arms in France should not be able to hold a Racket to return th●m. And now all things are prepared and in a readiness for the king's journey into France, his men shipped, and himself ready to go on shipboard; when suddenly a Treason was discovered against his Person, plotted by Richard Earl of Cambridge, H●●●y Lord Scroop of Masham, Lord Treasurer, and Thomas Grey Earl of N●●thu●berl●●d, and plotted and procured by the French Agents. These being apprehended, and upon examination confessing the Treason, and the money (which was said to be a Million of Gold) by them for that end received; were all of them immediately put to death. From this Richard Earl of Cambridge, second Son of Edmund of L●●gle●, did Richard afterward Duke of York claim and recover the Crown from the La●castrian Family. This execution done, and the wind blowing fair, king Henry weighs Anchor; and with a Fleet of 1200 Sail, (Grafton saith, but 140 ships) but Enguerant saith, 1600, attended with six thousand spears, and 24000 Foo●, besides Engineers and labourers; he puts to Sea, and on our Lady Eve landeth at Caux; where he made Proclamation, that no man upon pain of death, should rob any Church, or offer violence to any that were found ●narmed; and from thence passing on, he besieged Har●lew; which when no succour came within certain days agreed upon, the Town was surrendered and sacked. Of this Town he made the Duke of Exeter Captain, who left there for his Lieutenant, Sir john F●lstoffe, with a Garrison of 1500 men. It is said that when king Henry entered H●r●lew, he passed along the streets bare foot, until he came to the Church of St. Martin; where, with great devotion, he gave most humble thanks to God, for this his first achieved Enterprise. From thence he marched forward, and coming to the River of Soame, he found all the Bridges broken; whereupon he passed on to the bridge of Sr. Maxenae, where 30000 French appearing, he pitched his Camp, expecting to be fought with; and the more to encourage his men, he gave the ●rder of knighthood to john Lord Ferrer of Groby, Reynold Graystocke, Percy Temp●s●, Christopher Morisby, Thomas Pickering, William Huddleston, Henry Mortimer, Ioh● Hosbalton, Philip Hall, but not perceiving the Fre●ch to have any mind to fight he marched by the Town of A●yens to Bow●s, and there stayed two days, expec●●ing battle, and from thence marched to Corby; where the Peasants of the Country, with certain men of Arms sent from the Dolphin, charged the right wing of the English, which was led by Hugh Stafford Lord Bo●rchier, and won away his Standard, but was recovered again by john Bromeley of Bromeley, a Commander in the Lo●● Staffords Regiment, who with his own hand slew him that had taken the Colo●●●● and then taking them up, displayed the same; with sight whereof, the English were so encouraged, that they presently ro●ted the Fre●ch, and put them to flight: which valiant exploit, the Lord Stafford recompensed, by giving to Bromeley an A●●●ity of fifty pounds a year out of his lands in Staffordshire. After this, the king marched towards Calais, so strictly observing his Proclamation against Church robbing● that when one was complained of for having taken a silver Pyxe ●ut of a Church, he not only caused the same to be restored, but the soldier also to be hanged: which point of Discipline, both ●ept the re●● from offending in that kind, and drew the people of the Country, under hand to relieve his men with all things necessary. The French king hearing that king He●ry had passed the River of S●ame; by advice of his Council (who yet were divided in opinion) sent Montjoy the French king at Arms to defy king Henry, and to let him know he should be fought with; which king Henr●, though his Army was much infected with Fevers, whereof the Earl of Stafford, the Bishop of Norwich, the Lords Molines and Burnell, were lately dead● yet he willingly heard, and rewarded the Herald for his me●●age: and first having cleared a passage over a bridge, where of necessity he was to pass, on the 22 of October he passed over with his Army: At which time the Duke of York that led the Rearward, had discovered the Enemy to come on ●pace, whereof he sent word to the king; who thereupon made a stand, and appointing his Officers what course to hold, and encouraging his Soldiers, they all attended when the battle should begin. The French Army was divided into three battles; in the first were placed eight thousand men at Arms, four thousand Archers, and fifteen hundred Crossbows, the wings consisting of two thousand two hundred men at Arms; this battle, was led by the Constable of France himself, the Dukes of Orleans and Bourbon, the Earls of Ewe, Richmond, and Va●dosme, the Lord Dempier, the Lord Admiral of France, the Marshal Bouciquale, and others. The middle Battle, wherein were more men at Arms, was commanded by the Dukes of Bar, and Al●●so●, and by the Earls of V●●mon●, Saling, Blamont Grantpee, and Rusey. In the Rearward, we●e all the remainder of the French forces, guided by the Earls of M●rle, Dampmartin, Fauco●bridge, and the Lord Lo●rey, Captain of Ardy. The Frenchmen thus ordered, being six times, some say ten times as many as the English, (who were not above nine thousand) thought of nothing, but of the booty they should get: In the mean time king Henry having made choice of a piece of ground half fen●ed on his back with the Village, wherein they had rested the night before, on both sides having strong hedges and ditches, begun there to order his battle; but first he appointed an ambush of two hundred Archers, which upon a watchword given, should discharge their whole flight upon the flank of the Enemy's horse: The Vanguard consisting of Archers only, was conducted by the Duke of York; who out of an heroic courage made su●e for that place, with whom were joined the Lords Beaumond, Willoughby, and F●●hope. The main Battle was led by the king himself, which consisted of Billmen, and some Bowmen; with him were the Duke of Gloucester his Brother, the Earl Martial, Oxford, and Suffolk. The Rearward was led by Thomas Duke of Exeter, the king's Uncle, consisting of all sorts of weapons; the horsemen as wings guarded the companies on both sides. The king to prevent the fury of the French Cavalry, by the direction of the Duke of York, appointed divers stakes studded with iron at both ends, of six foot long, to be pitched behind the Archers, and appointed Pioneers to attend to remove them, as they should be directed: These things thus ordered, public Prayers were humbly made, and the onset was presently given by the French horsemen; whereupon Sir Walter Orpington, according to direction, caused the Bowmen behind the ●●dges, to let fly their arrows; which so galled the French horses, that either they cast their Riders, or through their unruliness so opened their Ranks, that the right wing of the English horse had way to come in upon the French foot; & withal, the French horse disorderly retiring, they were miserably trodden down & disranked by their own company. Upon which, the King with his Main-battell came on with such 〈◊〉, that himself in person charged the Duke of Ala●son, by whom he was well near unhorsed; but afterward, having first slain two of the Duke's men, he ch●●ged the Duke again, and with his sword beat him from his horse; whom the King's Guard, notwithstanding the King cried out to the contrary, slew outright: and with his fall, the maine-battell of the French first gave ground, than turned their backs, and lastly cast away their weapons and fled. But then certain of the French-horsemen that first ran away, led on by Robert Bondile and the Captain of Agincourt, meaning to wipe away the blot of running away from soldiers, by fight with boys, set upon the Pages and Laundresses that were left in the Camp; who gave such a lamentable shriek, that king Henry verily thought some fresh forces had been come: whereupon he caused all the arrows that were sticking in the field, to be gathered, and the stakes to be plucked up, and made ready to be again used; amongst which the Duke of Yorks body was found, miserably hacked and defaced: the fight whereof, together with danger of a second Charge, made king Henry give o●der, the Prisoners should be all slain, except only some principal men, whom ●e caused to be bound back to back, and so left. For which fact, though done in cold blood, yet the King could not justly be taxed with cruelty, seeing the number of the prisoners was more than of his own soldiers; and nothing could give assurance of safety, but their slaughter. But all was not yet done: for the Earls of Marle and F●●co●bridge, with six hundred men at Arms, who had stood still all day, began now to stir, and gave a brave Charge upon King Henry's Army: but being but few, and their horses galled with the stakes, they had only the honour to die bravely; and indeed, they slew more of the English, than the whole Army had done before. And now at last, the King being satisfied by the Scouts, that no Enemy was more to be seen, he asked what the place was called? and being told, Agincourt; Well then (said he) this shall be from henceforth called the Battle of Agincourt: and presently he c●●sed the whole Army, in their array as they were, to give God thanks; causing the Clergy there present, to sing the Psalm of David, In exitu Israel de Aegypto; and made Proclamation, that every one, at the verse, Non nobis Domine, sed nomini tu● d● gloriam, should kneel down, and the horsemen bow their bodies: and then singing Te Deum and other holy Hymns, they marched to the Enemy's Camp, where the soldiers had liberty given them to take the spoil. A great Victory no doubt, but yet a Victory by which the English gained not one foot of ground in France, more than they had before; and which ●o●shelet attributeth not so much to the valour of the English, as to the indiscretion of the French, who had so straightened the vanguard of their Army, and penned them up so close together, that they had not room to draw out their swords; so true is that saying, Quos Deus vult perdere, dementat. The next day after the Battle French He●●uld● came to ask leave to bury their dead, and had it; and the English Heralds, appointed to make search, made return that there were slain of the French above ten thousand, whereof a hundred twenty six were of the Nobility bearing 〈◊〉; of Knights and Gentlemen of Coat-Armour, seven thousand eight hundred seventy four, whereof five hundred were knighted the night before the Battle: & of common soldiers, about sixteen hundred. Amongst the slain of the Nobility, were Charles le Brets High Constable, jaques of Chatillon Admire 〈…〉, the great Master of France, the Master of the Crossbows, the Duke's o● ●●a●son, Bra●●●●, and Bar; the Earls of Nevers, Marle, Vaudemont, Beaumond, Gra●●●ee, Rousey, F●uconbridge, Flies, and Lestreuck: There was taken Prisoners, Charles Duke of Orleans, john Duke of Bourbon, the Lords Danvert, Fosseux, Humiers, Roy, C●wn●, ●●●court, No●ll, Bonciqualt; to the number in all of fifteen hundred. On the English part were slain, Edward Duke of York, and the Earl of Suffolk, and not full six hundred in all; but (saith C●xt●n) not above six and twenty in all; and Paulu● Aemilius saith, besides the two Lords, only two Knights, and but ten private soldiers in all: a Miracle rather than a Victory. But not only K. Henry was the death of the French Lords beforenamed, in the field with his sword; but of another great Prince, at home, with his Victory; for Lewis the Dolphin, eldest son of Ch●rles the sixth, king of France, presently upon it, without any other cause apparent, fell sick and died. Yet king He●ry, to make his enemies the better contented with their overthrow, and to take away the envy of his Victory; at his return into England with his Prisoners, which was on the sixth of November following, he presently gave strait order, that no Ballad or Song should be made or sung, more than of Thanksgiving to God for his happy Victory and safe Return; but without words of either disgracing the Fre●ch, or extolling the English. At his entrance into London, the City presented him with a thousand pounds, and two Basins of Gold worth five hundred pounds more. The bodies of the Duke of York and the Earl of Suffolk were brought into England, and the Dukes buried at Fodringhey in Northamptonshire, the Earls at New-Elm● in Oxfordshire. About this time, the Emperor Sigismond Cousin-german to king Henry, having been first in France, came accompanid with the Archbishop of Rheims, Ambassador from the French king, into England; for whom there were thirty great ships sent from the King to waft him over: but approaching to land at Dover, the Duke of Gloucester, with a company of Gentlemen, having their swords drawn, s●ept up to the knees in water, saying to him, That if he came as the King's friend, he should be welcome; but if as claiming any jurisdiction, they would resist him: whereupon the Emperor renounceth all Imperial Authority; and is thereupon admitted to land, and received with as much honour as could be done him; and afterward, together with Albert D●ke of Holland, who was lately likewise arrived at Winchester, is elected Companion of the Order of the Garter, and sa●e in their Cells at the solemnity of the Feast. A principal cause of the Emperors coming, was to mediate a Peace between England and France; wherein he had brought king Henry to a good degree of inclination; till news came of the besieging of Harflew by the French, and of the Earl of Armi●iacks setting upon the Duke of Exeter, being Governor there: and then he presently grew so averse from Peace, that he would hearken no more to any Treaty of it; Not that he misliked they should treat of Peace with their swords in their hands, as all wise men would do; but that to treat of Peace, and in the time of the Treaty to do● acts of Hostility, was an affront to all honesty, and not to be tolerated with any patience. And now the Earl of Arminiack having set down before the Town, the Vice-admiral of France brought up the whole Navy of the French, with intent whilst the Earl should assail it by land, to have entered the Town by the water's side: but of this purpose, the valour and diligence of the Duke of Exce●er prevented them. Assoon as king Henry had intelligence hereof, he would presently have gone himself; but being dissuaded by the Emperor, he sent his brother the Duke of Bedford, with the Earls of March, Oxford, Huntingdon, Warwick, Arundel, Salisbury, De●●●shire, and divers others, with two hundred Sail, to the rescue of Harflew; who upon the Feast of the Assumption of our Lady, came to the mouth of the River Seyne: whereupon, Norbo● the French Admiral set forward, and got the mouth of the Haven: and here began a Fight, which was resolutely maintained on both sides, until the English having sunk five hundred Vessels one and other of the French, and taken three great Carricks of Genova, won the harbour, and at last, though with some opposition made by their Galleys, relieved Har●lew, and made the Earl of Arminiack glad to raise his Siege. Upon the news hereof, the Emperor desisted from mediating any further for Peace with France; and entering into a League defensive and offensive with king Henry, wherein only the Pope was excepted, on the 19 of October he departed towards Germany, whom king Henry accompanied to Calais; whither the Duke of Burgundy came, to confirm the League concluded on before by the Earl of Warwick and him, concerning Flanders and Arthois only. In the mean time the French had hired divers Carracks and other great ships of the Geno●aes and Italians, which joining with the french-fleete, lay at the mouth of the River of Seyne, under the command of jaques Bastard of Bourbon, to hinder all succours from coming to Har●lew; but john Earl of Huntingdon (son to the Duke of Exeter beheaded at Cicester) being sent to s●oure the coasts, encountered with him, and after a long fight took him Prisoner, and three of his great Carricks, with all the money for the half years pay of the fleet, and sinking three other of his Carricks, and dispersing the rest, cleared the mouth of the River and then returned to the king at Southampton. And now upon the twenty third of July, in the forth year of his Reign, the king himself, with the Dukes of Clarence and Gloucester, the Earls of Huntingdon, Warwick, Devo●shire, Salisbury, Suffolk and Somerset, the Lords Rosse, Willoughby, Fits-hugh, Clinton, Scroop, Matrevers, Bourch●er, Ferrer of Groby, Ferrer of Chartley, Fa●hope, Grey of Codnor, Sir Gilbert Vmphrevile, Sir Gylbert Talbot, and an Army consisting of twenty five thousand five hundred twenty eight fight men, besides a thousand Artificers and Pioneers, took shipping at Portsmouth, and upon the first of August landed in Normandy near to the Castle of Tonque, which he presently besieged, and upon the ninth of August had it yielded to him, at which time the Earl of Salisbury took the Castle of Albervilliers which the king gave him, to him and his heirs, being the first land given by the king in France. At the winning of Tonque, the king made eight and twenty Knights; and from thence marched with his Army to Caen; where to prevent the Citizens from sallying out, he cast up a Mount; and then making many assaults, but finding them to do little good, he caused his Pioneers to undermine the walls: which being done, upon the fourth of September he offered the Besieged their lives, if they would submit: which they refusing, he thereupon made a show of a general assault, whilst many of his men entered the City under the foundation, of whom the Duke of Clarence with his Company was the first: and they coming upon the backs of those that defended the walls, easily overcame them; and then the whole Army entered without resistance. The next day, the King caused all the principal men of the Town to come before him at their Senate house; where some of them, for their stubborn refusing the grace he had offered them, were adjudged to death, and the rest fined: the spoil of the Town was distributed amongst the soldiers. The Captain of the Castle stood out a while; but being advertised that the king had sworn to show no mercy, if he did not surrender; he gave twelve Hostages, that if it were not relieved before the twentieth of September, he would then give it up; which not coming, he performed: and so the king had possession both of C●en and the Castle. And now Charles the new Dolphin, being but seventeen years of age and bare of money, had got into his possession all the jewels, plate and money of the Queen his mother; which so incensed her against him, that to do him a spite, she placed the Duke of Burgundy in chief authority about the king, who by reason of his infirmity was u●able himself to manage the State; and the Duke having now the sword in his hands, meant first ●o repress the growing boldness of the dolphin, and afterward to repel the common Enemy: and the dolphin likewise, envying the Duke's advancement above him, meant first to take down his swelling greatness, and afterward to fall upon the foreign adversary; and thus while private respects were preferred before public, whilst the Duke and the dolphin had their first intentions against one another, not looking after king Henry, but in the second place, after their own turns served, an easy way was left for king Henry's proceedings, and he went on at his pleasure with small opposition. He sent the Duke of Clarence, who took in the City of Bayeux, as likewise the Duke of Glo●cester the City of Lyse●x; whilst himself remaining still at Caen, put out of the city the natives that were impotent or young infants to the number of fifteen hundred, & in their places put English people, and finding a great mass of money and plate, deposited by the Citizens in the Castle, ●e caused the same, upon proof, to be respectively delivered to the right owners● upon condition they would acknowledge him for their Sovereign; which moderate and just dealing won him more hearts than the force of his Arms had won him knees, specially with the Normans, who are easier to be drawn with gentleness and love, then forced by violence and compulsion. From hence the king marched the first of October to Corfye Castle, which within three days yielded. The fourth of October he came to Argenton, which not relieved by a day agreed upon, was likewise surrendered. The Town of Al●nson endured eight day's siege, but in the end did as other their neighbour Townes had done. From Alencon the Earl of S●lisbury was sent to Faleys, to view the strength thereof, whom the king presently followed, where the besieged concluded, if it were not relieved before the second of January, then to yield up the Town: No relief coming, the Town was yielded up, and soon after upon the like terms, the Castle. From hence the king returned to Caen, to put in execution a Proclamation he had formerly made; That if the inhabitants of Normandy that were fled, returned not by a day assigned, he would then grant their Lands to his soldiers: and thereupon he gave to the duke of Clarence during life, the Vicounties of A●ge, Order and Pon●i●●, with all the Lands of those that were not returned according to the Proclamation. All the Lent the king lay at Bayeux, whilst his Navy still kept the Seas, and daily took many French ships, but upon the sixteenth of July such a Tempest took them, that they were driven to fall in with Southampton; and yet, with all their diligence, could not so save themselves, but that two Ballingers, and two great Carricks laden with merchandise, were in the very Haven drowned. In the mean time the Earl of Warwick and the Lord Talbot besieged the strong Castle of D●mfront: The Duke of Cl●rence took Court●n and Burney; and many other being taken, as Cha●bois, Bechelovyn, H●rcourt, Fantgernon, Cre●en●r, Anvyll●ers, B●gles, in all of them he placed Captains and Garrisons, and particularly in Freshly, Sir Robert Brent, lately made Viscount. The Duke of Glo●cester also, with the Earl of March, and the Lord of Codnor, took in all the Isle of Co●st●●ti●e, except Chereburg, and then returned to the king, but was sent back to take in that City also: which after some time, when no relief came, was, together with the Castle, likewise surrendered; although by this time the Duke of Burg●●di● and the dolphin, by mediation of the Pope, were reconciled, and began to join thei● Forces to make resistance. And now the Duke of Exeter the king's Uncle, with a supply of fifteen thousand men out of England, came to the king, who presently took in the City of Eureux; and the Earl of Rhyme, the strong Cast●e of Mill●y le Vesco. The next thing attempted, was the siege of Ro●●, a City strongly fortified, both with walls and di●ches, and to which there was no convenient passage, but by the City of Lovie●; to this City therefore he first lays ●iege, which when no relief came within a time agreed on, was surrendered; and yet there was another impediment to be removed, a stone-bridge, which hindered the approach to Rouen, being exceeding strongly guarded: For this, King Henry devised floats of wicke●, covered with beast's hides, by which the Duke of Cl●rence with his quarter passed the River, ●nd then laid siege to the Town on ●hat side; and for the other side, he had other devises made with hogsheads and pipes, fastened to ●irrepoles and Barges, with which he passed his men over at pleasure; and in the mean time he caused divers of his Soldiers that could swim, to make show of passing the River three miles off another way; with which the Frenchmen being deluded, drew all their forces thither, ●nd by this means the Fort being left unfurnished of sufficient guard, was presently forced to surrender, and the Soldiers were taken to the King's grace; The bridge being thus gained, the Duke of Exeter was sent, and with him Windsor the Herald, to summon the Citizens to surrender the Town; who not only gave proud answers, but also made a sally forth, though with the loss of thirty of their men. Upon this obstinacy of theirs, the King presently order his siege; his own quarter was the Ch●rteux, the Duke of Clar●nce at St. Gervays, the Duke of Exeter at Port St. Dennis, and every great Commander had his quarter assigned, so as the City was begirt round, and a great chain of iron set upon piles, and a strong wooden bridge for passage from one Camp to the other, was made over the River. At this time the Earl of Kilmayne with sixteen hundred Irish came to the King, and had their quarter assigned them, who behaved themselves with great valour: The King's Cousin German the King of Portugal, sent likewise a Navy of Ships to the mouth of the River of Seyne, which stopped all passage of succour to Rouen; many policies and practices were used against the City, but none prevailed, till famine forced it; for there being in Rouen 210000 persons at the beginning of the Siege, and the Siege continuing long, it grew to that extremity, that the Citizens drank no thing but vinegar and water, and had little to eat, but Rats and Mice, Cats and dogs, and such like: Great numbers of the poorer sort were thrust out of the City, who not suffered to pass the English Army, miserably perished; only ●pon Christmas-day, in honour of Christ's birth, the King relieved and suffered to pass as many as were at first put out, but not others that were put out the second time, but suffered them to perish. In this distress, a Parley is required by the Citizens; who notwithstanding their misery, yet stood upon such high terms, that nothing was concluded, only a truce for eight days was granted them; the eight days ended, and nothing yet agreed upon amongst themselves, they crave one day longer, and neither in that day could any thing be agreed on; then they crave four days more, in which the multitude and common people so pressed the Magistrates and Governors of the City, that on the fourth day, being about the nineteenth of january, the City was surrendered, and the Inhabitants themselves, and all their goods were yielded to the King's mercy; the Duke of Exeter was appointed to take possession, who accordingly entered with his Soldiers. The next day after, being Friday the twentieth of january, the King himself made his entry, with four Dukes, ten Earls, eight Bishops, sixteen Barons, and others, and was by the Clergy conducted to our Lady Church; where after public thanksgiving, he took Homage and fealty of the Burgesses and Inhabitants; making Proclamation, that all that would come and acknowledge him to be their Sovereign, should enjoy the benefit of his Protection, and retain their possessions, whereupon many came in, and many Towns were surrendered. In this time of the Kings lying at Rouen, the Earl of Salisbury took in Hunflew, Munster de Villiers, Ewe, and Newcastle; the Duke of Clarence took Vernon, and Aunt; and the Earl of Warwick la Roche Guyon. And now the Duke of Burgundy seeing the great successes of King Henry, could think of no better way for his own safety, then to make a reconciliation between the two Kings; to which end, Ambassadors are sent to procure their meeting; at which time, King Henry for their service already performed, and in hope of more hereafter, made the valiant Gascoigne Captain le Beuff, Earl of Longuevyle, Sir john Gra● Earl of T●nkevyle, and the Lord Bo●rch●er Earl of E●●. Upon the l●st of M●y, King Henry accompanied with the Dukes of Clarence, Gloucester, and Exeter, his Uncle Beaufort, the Bishop of Winchester, with the Earls of March, and Salisbury, and a thousand men at Arms, entered the place appointed for the meeting of the two Kings. The French Queen (her Husband being taken with hi● 〈◊〉) with the Duke of Burg●igne, and the Earl of St. Paul, and a company of Ladies' amongst whom, as a bait to entangle the King's affection, was the king's D●ughter, the beautiful Lady Katherine; with whose sight, though the King was marvellously taken, yet he made no show thereof, till other things should be agreed upon; but the Dolphin having made means to the Duke of Burgoigne to hinder all agreement, nothing was effected; whereupon at their parting, the King told the Duke, that he would have both the Lady, and all his other Demands, or else drive the King of France out of his kingdom, and him out of his Dukedom: Upon thi●, the Duke thought it best to agree with the Dolphin, and upon the sixth of july, Articles of their reconcilement are signed and sealed; In the mean time, the Ea●le of Long●●vyle surprised the Town of Ponthoyse, but had scarce been able to make good the surprise, if the Duke of Clarence had not co●e to his ●uc●●ur; 〈◊〉 thence the Duke marched to Paris, and there stayed two days, but perceiving no show of sallye to be made, he returned to Ponth●yse, whither the King himself came; and from thence marching on, took in the Castle of Vanyon Villeirs; and on the last of August, the Castles of Gysors, and Galyard, and Dumall; so that now all Normandy (Mou●t St. Michael only excepted) was reduced to the possession of the King of England, which had been wrongfully detained from him, ever since the year 1207. The Dolphin all this while, though having outwardly made a reconcilement with the Duke of Burgoigne, yet inwardly bearing a spleen against him, intended nothing so much as his destruction; which to e●●ect, he procured a meeting between the Duke and him, and all the Peers of the Realm at Mountstrew; where the Duke though humbling himself in reverence to the Dolphin on his knee, was most barbarously murdered; which act, was so much the less to be pitied in the Duke, by how much he in the like kind, upon the like interview, had caused Lewis the Duke of Orleans to be murdered. But though this barbarous act might justly incense Philip Earl of Carolois the Duke of Burgoig●es heir to seek revenge; yet as a wise and and politic Prince, he forbore for the present to make show of choler or distemperature, and considering with himself, that difference between the Dolphin and him, would but give King He●ry the greater advantage, he endeavoured to propose an overture of peace between the two Kings; And to that end Ambassadors are sent from the King of France, and the young Duke of Burgoig●●, whom the King kindly entertained, but seemed to intimate unto them, that he could give no great credit to their propositions, unless the Lady Katherine would join in them, whose innocence he knew would never abuse him. Whilst these things are in agitation, the Earl of Salisbury took in Freshly, and the Earls Marshal and Huntingdon entered into Main, who approaching Ments, were encountered by the forces of the Dolphin, whereof they slew five thousand, and took two hundred prisoners; for which, news being brought to Rouen, whither King Henry was come to solemnize the Feast of Christ's Birth, thanksgiving to God were publicly made; and in the instant thereof, arrived other Ambassadors from the King and Queen of France, and a letter from the Lady Katherine to King Henry, was secretly by the Bishop of Arr●s delivered; The conclusion of all was, that the king of England should speed himself to Troy's, there to be Espoused to the Lady Ka●herine, and to have assurance of the Crown of France, after the decease of the present king Charles: Whereupon, with a Guard of fifteen thousand choice Soldiers, accompanied with the Duke of Clare●ce and Gloucester, the Earls of Warwick, Salisbury, Huntingdon, Lo●g●evile, Tankervile and Ewe; the king of England came to Troy's in Champaign, upon the eighteenth day of May, where he was met by the Duke of Burgoign●, and divers of the French Nobility, who attended him to the Palace, where the Queen with her Daughters, the Duchess of Burgoigne, and the Lady Katherine gave him Princely entertainment; and after some intercourse of compliment between the Princes and the Ladies, K. Henry tendered to the Lady Katherine a Ring of great value, which she (not without some blushing) received; and afterward, upon the twentieth day of May, she was affianced to him in St. Peter's Church, and on the third of june following, the marriage was solemnised; and therewithal king Henry was published to be the only Regent of the Realm, and Heir apparent to the Crown of France; the Articles whereof, with all convenient expedition were Proclaimed both in England and in France, and the two kings, and all their Nobles, and other Subjects of account, were sworn to observe them; and in particular the Duke of Burgoigne. And thus was the Salic Law violated, and the heir Male put by his Sucession in the Crown, which the Genius of France will not long endure, a while it must; and therefore the main endeavour of both kings now is, to keep him down, whom they had put down; and thereupon, on the fourth day of june, king Henry with the French king, james king of Scots, who was newly arrived, the Duke of Burgoig●e● the Prince of Orange, one and twenty Earls, five and forty Barons, with many Knights and Gentlemen, and an Army consisting of French, English, Scotish, Irish, and Dutch, to the number of six hundred thousand, marched towards the Dolphin; and upon the seventh day, laid siege to the Town of Se●●s, which sided with the Dolphin, which after four day's siege was yielded up. From thence they removed, having the Duke of Bedford in their company, who was newly come out of E●gla●d, with large supplies of men and money to Monst●●●●, which was taken by Escalado, only the Castle held out still; during the siege whereof, king Henry cre●●ed an Officer of Arms, to be king of Heralds over the Englishmen, and entitled him Garter; whom he sent with offers of mercy to the Castle, but was by the Captain thereof reproachfully upbraided: for punishment of which his presumption, ● Gibbet was erected, and in view of Mounsieur Guitry the said Captain, twelve of his friends were executed: whereupon those of the Castle treated for peace; but the king, in eight days together, would not grant so much as a parleys so that after six week's siege, they were enforced (their lives saved) simply to yield. From thence the king marched to Melun upon Sein, and besieged it the thirtieth of july; the Captain whereof was Barbason a Gascoigne, no less politic than valiant, who countermined some, and stopped other Mines made by the English, and fought hand to hand in the Barriers with king Henry; yet at last, through Famine and Pestilence was forced to yield; but being suspected to have had a hand in the murder of the Duke of Burgoigne, he was sent prisoner to Paris; and presently thereupon, both the kings with their Queens, the Duke of Burgoigne and his Duchess, with a Royal Train came thither; where the French king was lodged in the House of S. Paul, and the king of England in the Castle of Lo●vre. And here the three States of France anew under their hands and Seals in most authentic manner Ratified the former Articles of king Henry's Succession in the Crown of France; the Instruments whereof were delivered to the king of England, who sent them to be kept in his Treasury at Westminster. And now King Henry began to exercise his Regency, and as a badge of his Authority; he caused a new Coin which was called a Salute, to be made, whereon the Arms of France and England were quarterly stamped; he placed and displaced divers Officers, and appointed the Duke of Exeter with five hundred men, to the Guard of Paris: He awarded out Process against the Dolphin, to appear at the Marble-Table at Paris, which he not obeying, Sentence was denounced against him, as guilty of the murder of the Duke of Burgoigne; and by the sentence of the Parliament, he was banished the Realm. After this, the King making Thomas Duke of Clarence his Lieutenant General of Fra●ce and Normandy; on the 6th of january, with his beloved Queen Katherine he left Pari●, and went to Amiens, and from thence to Calli●, and thence landing at Dover, came to Canterbury, and afterward through Lo●do● to Westminster; where the Queen upon St. Matthews day, the fourth of Febru●ry was Crowned; the King of Scots sitting at dinner in his State, but on the left hand of the Queen, the Archbishop of Ca●terbury, and the King's Uncle the Bishop of Winchester being on the right hand, All were served with covered messes of silver, but all the Feast was Fish, in observation of the Lent season. After this, the king took his Progress through the Land, hearing the complaints of his poor Subjects, and taking order for the administering of Justice to high and low; and then met the Queen at Leicester, where they kept their Easter. In the mean time, the Duke of Clarence making a Road into A●jo●, came to the City of Ampers, where he knighted Sir William Rosse, Sir Henry G●d●ard, Sir Rowla●d Vyder, Sir Thomas Beauford his natural Son; and returning home laden with prey, was advertised that the Duke of Alencon intended to intercept his passage; whereupon, he sent the Scout-master, Fogosa● Lombard, to discover the face of the Enemy; who being corrupted, brought report that their number was but small, and those but ill ordered, that if he presently charged, there could be no resistance. The Duke's credulity caused him to draw all his horses together, and leaving his bows and bill● behind which were his chiefest strength, with his 〈◊〉 only he makes towards the Enemy; but the Traitor leading to a strait, where by his appointment an ambush was laid, tha● the Duke could neither retreat, nor flee; he soon perceived the Treachery, but finding no remedy, he manfully set sp●● to his horse, and charged upon the Enemy; but overlaid with multitude, and wearied with fight, was himself, with the Earl of Ta●kervile, the Lord Rosse, the Ea●le of Angus, Sir john 〈◊〉, and Sir john Vere●d, and above two thousand English slain; The Earls of Summersault, Suffolk and Perch, Sir john Berkl●y, Sir Ralph Nevil, Sir Willi●● Bows, and 60 Gentlemen were taken prisoners: The body of the Duke of Cl●rence, was by Sir john Beauford his base Son, (the D. dying without other issue) conveyed to England, and buried at Canterbury besides his Father: and this disaster happened upon ●aster-Eve. The King was at Beverley when he heard of his brother's death, and presently thereupon, dispatched away Edmund Earl of M●rt●●gne into Nor●●●dy, making hi● Lieutenant thereof; and then calls his high Court of Parliament to Westminster, requiring aid by money to revenge his brothers' death, which was readily granted; and the king thus provided, sent his brother the Duke of Bedford with an Army to C●lli●, consisting of four thousand men at Arms, and four and twenty thousand Archers, whom about the middle of May he followeth himself, and safely arriving at C●lli●, hasted to relieve Charters, which the Dolphin with seven thousand men had besieged; but hearing of the kings coming, was retired to Tours. The king of Scots, with the Duke of Gloucester, about the eighth of july besieged Dreux; which agreed, if it were not relieved by the twentieth of that month, then to surrender it; no relief coming, it was surrendered. The king pursued the Dolphin from place to place, but could not overtake him, but in the way, surprised the Town of B●wg●●cy, where all that craved it, he ●ooke to mercy, as likewise he did at Ro●gemo●t; from thence he went to Orleans, and from thence to Vigner St. To●, and from thence to Paris; where having fitted himself with supplies, he went and sat down before Menixe in Brye, which after some opposition, he also took; and thereby had possession of all the Fortresses in the Isle of France, in 〈◊〉, in ●rye, and in Champagne. Upon St. Nicholas day, in the year 1422, Queen Katherine was brought to bed of a Son at Windsor, who was by the Duke of Bedford, and Henry Bishop of Winchester, and the Countess of Holland Christened by the name of Henry; whereof, when the king had notice, out of a Prophetic rapture he said; Good Lord, I Henry of Monmouth shall small time Reign and much get, and Henry borne at Windsor, shall long time Reign and lose all, but Gods will be done. About this time the Dolphin laid siege to Cosney, which the king was intentive to relieve, as being a Town of the Duke of Burgoignes; and therefore tendredit more than if it had been hi● own; and making overhasty journeys, he overheat himself with travel; and coming to S●●lys, found himself so ill at ease, that he was forced to remain there, and to send his brother the Duke of Bedford to prosecute his design, which the Duke performed, and the Dolphin upon his approach, retired into Berry; whereof, in mockage he was after called the king of Berry. But the king's Fever and fl●● increasing, he was removed to Boys de Vincens; where growing worse and worse, within a few days he died. But somewhat before his departure, he had made his Brother the Duke of Bedford Lieutenant General of Nor●●●dy, and Regent of the kingdom of France, and his Brother the Duke of Gloucester, he had made Protector of England, and of his Son's Person: Exhorting all to be true and faithful to the Duke of ●urgo●g●e, to be at unity amongst themselves, to be loyal to their young Prince, to be serviceable to his dearly beloved Queen, to hold a●d preserve what he by his valour, and God's assistance had won; and never to conclude contract of amity with the Dolphin, or Duke of Alencon, until they had submitted themselves to the kings Grac●. And so giving God thanks for all his favours and blessings bestowed upon him, in the midst of saying a Psalm of David, he departed this life; who might justly have prayed God with David, Take me ●ot away in the midst of my days, for he died about the age of five or six and thirty years, which in David's account is the midst of the number of the days of man's life: but though he died in the midst of his days, yet he died in the fullness of his Glory; and of whom it may he said,— jamque arce potitus, Ridet anhel●●tes dur● ad fastig●● montis. When he had Reigned nine years and five months. Of his Taxations. IN his first year an incredible sum of money was given him by the Clergy, to di●ert him from a motion propounded to take away their Temporalties. And in the same year a Subsidy was granted him both by the Clergy and the Laity. In his fourth year was granted him, towards his wars in France, two whole Tenths of the Clergy, and a fifteenth of the Laity; which being far too short to defray his great charge, he was forced to pawn his Crown to the Bishop of Beauford his Uncle for a great sum of money, as also certain Jewels to the Lord Major of London, for ten thousand marks. In his ninth year in a Parliament at We●●minster, for revenge of the Duke of Clarence death, two tenths of the Clergy, and one fifteenth by the Laity, which because the haste of the business could not stay the usual course of collection, the Bishop of Winchester brought in presently twenty thousand pounds, to receive it again when the Subsidy should be gathered. The same year also, the Duke of Bedford in the king's absence called a Parliament, wherein was granted towards his wars, one fifteenth to be paid in such money as was at that time current. These are all the Subsidies that were given him, notwithstanding his many and great achievements, by which it appears what great matters a moderate Prince may do, and yet not grieve his subjects with Taxations. Of Laws and Ordinances made by him, or in his ●ime. HE ordained the king of Heralds over the English, which is called G●rter. In his ninth year, in a Parliament holden at Westminster, It was ordained, that no man should offer Gold in payment, unless it were weight; and thereupon were appointed balances and weights. An act made in the thirteenth year of king Richard the Second, which disabled the Alien Religious to enjoy any Benefices within England, was in the beginning of this king's Reign put in execution: and further, this king excluded also the French from all preferments Ecclesiastical; and those Prior's Aliens conventual, who had institution and induction, were bound to put in security, not to disclose or cause to be disclosed, the Counsel and secrets of the Realm. Affairs of the Church in his ti●e. IN the beginning of his Reign, the Wickliffs' increased greatly, of whom Sir john Oldcastle was a Chief; who by marriage of a kinswoman of the Lord Cobham● of C●●ling in Kent, obtained that Title: This knight, being very valorous, and in great favour with the king, was in a Synod at London accused for maintaining of Wickliff● doctrine: whereof the king being informed, sent for him, and instantly dealt with him to submit himself to the censure of the Church: But Sir john Oldcastle told the King, that he owed his subjection only to his Majesty; and as for others, he would stand for the truth against them, to the uttermost of his life. Upon this, he was served by Process, to appear in the Archbishop's Court; and not appea●ing, was condemned of Contumacy, and afterwards in a Synod at Rochester, was by the Archbishop pronounced to be an Heretic; who then enacted that Decree, That the Holy Scriptures ought not to be translated into the English tongue: But mark the judgement that fell upon his own tongue, who●e roots and blade shortly after (as is recorded) grew so big in his mouth and throat, that he could neither speak, nor swallow down meat, but in horror lay languishing, till at last ●●●●ved by famine, he so died. In the mean time, Sir john Oldcastle wrote his Belief, and presented it himself to the King; which the King would in no wise receive, but suffered him, in his presence, and Privy chamber, to be summoned; who appearing before the Archbishop, after divers examinations, he was condemned of Heresy, and committed to the Tower of London, from whence shortly after he escaped, and got into Wales. The king, by his Proclamation, promised a thousand Marks to any that should bring him in: but so much was his doctrine generally favoured, that the kings offer was not much regarded, but he continued four years after undiscovered: At last he was taken in the borders of Wales, within a Lordship belonging to the Lord Powes, who brought him to London, before the Duke of Bedford Regent of the Realm; where in the end he was condemned, and finally was drawn from the Tower to S. Giles field, and there hanged in a chain by the middle, and after consumed with fire, the gallows and all. At the time of his first conviction, four years before, it was rumoured, that twenty thousand men in arms were assembled in S. Giles field: whereupon, the king, at midnight, himself in person went thither, where he found many indeed, who upon examination confessed, that they came to meet their Captain Sir john Oldcastle, but without any intent against the king: yet was Sir Roger Acto●, and eight and twenty others of them apprehended, and executed in Smithfield; and all the Prisons in and about London were filled with them. In his third year, the order of Church service throughout England, was changed from the use of Paul's to the use of S●lisbury, to the great disliking of many in those days. In his fourth year, a Council was holden at Constance, whither he sent Ambassadors, the Earl of Warwick, the Bishops of Salisbury, Bath, and Hereford; the Abbot of Westminster, and the Prior of Worcester: In which Council it was decreed, that England should have the title of the English Nation, and should be accounted one of the five principal Nations in rank before Spain; which often before had been moved, but never granted till then. And herein were all Wickliffs' positions condemned: also john Husse, and Hierome of Prague (notwithstanding the Emperor's safe-conduct) were both of them burned. In this Council, the Schism of Anti-popes', which had continued the space of nine and twenty years, was reform: ●e●edict the 13. had been elected by the Spaniard; Gregory the 1●. by the French; john the 24. by the Italians: And now in this Council, begun in February 1414, and continued above three years; wherein were assembled, besides the Emperor, the Pope, and the Palsgrave of Regime, four Patriarches, twenty seven Cardinals, seven and forty Archbishops, one hundred and threescore Bishop●, Princes and Barons with their attendants, above thirty thousand; The foresaid elected Popes were all put down, or else resigned; and in the place, as legitimate Pope, was elected Otho Lolo●na, by the name of Marti● the fifth. In this year also, fell out an Accident, which shows the strict observance of Ecclesiastical censures in those days. The wives of the Lord Strange, and Sir john Trussell of War●ington in Cheshire, striving for place at a Sermon in S. Dunst●●s Church in the East, their husbands being present, fell themselves to striving in their wife's behalves, and great partaking there was on both sides, some slain, and many wounded: The delinquents were committed to the Counter, the Church suspended, and upon examination, the Lord Strange being found guilty, was by the Archbishop of Canterbury adjudged to this Penance, which was accordingly performed: The Parson of S. Dunst●●s went before, after whom followed all the Lords servants in their shirts; after them went the Lord himself, bareheaded, with a wax taper in his hand; then followed the Lady, barefooted; and then last came the Archdeacon Reynold R●●●ood: in which order they went from Paul's where the sentence was given, to S. Dunst●●s Church; where at the rehallowing thereof, the Lady filled all the Vessels with water, and according to the sentence, offered to the Altaran ornament of the value of ten pounds; and the Lord, a Pixe of silver, of five pounds A Penance, no doubt, which the Lord and the Lady would have redeemed with a great deal of money, if the discipline of the Church had in those days allowed it: but it seems, the commutation of Penance was not as yet come in use. In his ninth year, in a Parliament at Leicester, a hundred and ten Priories alien were suppressed, because they spoke ill of his Conquests in France; and their possessions were given to the King: but by him, and King Henry the sixth, were afterward given to other Monasteries, and Colleges o● learned men. Works of Piety by him, or others in his time. THis King re-edified his Royal Manor, which was then called Sheen, now Richmond, and founded two Monasteries not far from it; the one of Carthusians, which he named Bethelem; the other of Religious men and women of the Order of S. Bridget, which he named Zion: He also founded the Brotherhood of Saint Giles without Cripplegate in London. In the second year of his Reign, Mooregate near to Colemanstreet was first made, by Thomas Fawkener Major of London, who caused also the ditches of the City to be cleansed, and a common Privy that was on the Moor without the wall, to be taken down, and another to be made within the City upon Wallbrooke, into the which brook he caused the water of the City to be turned by grates of iron in divers places. In his sixth year, William of Sevenoak Major of London, founded in the Town of Sevenoak a Free school and thirteen Almshouses. This man was found at Sevenoak in Kent, anew-borne infant of unknown Parents, but by charitable people was Christened and brought up, bound prentice in London, and came at last to be Major of the City. Also Robert Chic●ely Major of London gave liberally to the Almshouses founded by his brother Henry Chiche●●y Archbishop of Canterbury, at Higham-Ferrers in Northamptonshire, where they were born. But Henry Chicheley the Archbishop founded two Colleges in Oxford; one called Bernard College, renewed by Sir Thomas White, and named S. john's College; the other called All-Soules, which continueth at this day as he left it. Also john Kempe Archbishop of Canterbur●, converted the Parish-Church of Wye in Kent where he was borne, into a College of Secular Priests. Casualties happening in his time. IN the fifth year of his Reign a great part of the City of Norwich was burnt, with all the house of the Friar's Preachers, and two friars of that Order. In his third year, on the feast of the Purification, seven Dolphins came up the River of Th●mes, whereof four were taken. Of his Wife and issue. HE married Catherine the daughter of king Charles the sixth of France, who was his Queen two years and about three months, married at Troy's in Champagne the third day of June 1420. and afterward February the foureteenth crowned at Westminster: She surviving king Henry, was remarried to Owen Teu●●● an Esquire of Wales, who pretended to be descended from Cadwallade● the ancient king of Wales, though some write him to be the son of a Brewer, whose meanness of estate was recompensed by the delicacy of his personage; so absolute in all the lineaments of his body, that the only contemplation of it might well make her forget all other circumstances; by him she had three sons, Edmond, I●sper, and Owen, and a daughter that lived but a while. Her son Owen took the habit of Religion at Westminster, the other two were by king Henry the sixth (their half brother) advanced in honour: Edmond was created Earl of Richmond, and marrying the sole heir of john Beaufort Duke of Somerset, was Father, by her, unto Henry the s●aventh, king of England, the only heir of the house of Lancaster. jasper her second son was first created Earl of Pembroke, and after Duke of Bedford, but died without lawful issue. This Queen, either for devotion or her own safety, ●oke into the Monastery of Bermo●dsey in Southwark, who dying the second o● January 1436. she was buried in our Lady's Chapel within St. Peter's Church at Westminster, whose corpse taken up in the Reign of king Henry the s●aventh, her Grandchild (when he laid the foundation of that admirable structure) and her Coffin placed by king Henry her husband's Tomb, hath ever since so remained, and never since reburied, where it standeth (the cover being loose) to be seen and handled of any that will. By her king Henry had only one son, named Henry, who succeeded him in the Kingdom. Of his Personage and Conditions. HE was tall of stature, lean of body, and his bones small but strongly made, somewhat long necked, black haired, and very beautiful of face, swift in running, so as he with two of his Lords, without bow or other engine, would take a wild Buck or Do in a large Park: He delighted in songs and musical Instruments, insomuch that in his Chapel amongst his private prayers, he used certain Psalms of D●vid, translated into English meeter by john Lydgate Monk of Bury. And indeed it may be truly said of him as was said of Aenae●s: Quo justior alter; Nec pi●tate fuit, nec bello major & ar●i●, for he seldom fought ba●●ell where he got not the victory, and never got victory whereof he gave not the glory to God, with public Thanksgiving. He was a better man, a King than a Subject; for till then he was not in his right Orb, and therefore no marvel if he were something exorbitant. He was of a merciful disposition, but not to the prejudice of wisdom; as thinking wise cruelty to be better than foolish pity. He was no less politic than valiant, for he never fought battle, nor won Town, wherein he prevailed not as much by stratagem as by force. He was so temperate in his diet, and so free from vainglory, that we may truly say, he had something in him of Caesar which Alexander the Gre●● had not, that he would not be drunk; and something of Alexander the Great, which Caesar had not, that he would not be flattered. He was indeed a great affector of Glory, but not of glory the bl●st of men's mouths, but of the Glory that fills the sails of Time. He died of full years, though not full of years: if he had lived longer he might have gone over the same again, but could not have gone further. If his love were great to Military men, it was not small to Clergy men, insomuch as by many he was called the Prince of Priests. Of his Death and Burial. SOme say he was poisoned, which Polydore Virgil saith was much suspected: The Scots write that he died of the disease called St. Fi●cre, which is a Palsy and a Cramp: E●guerant saith that he died of St. Anthony's fire: But Peter Basset Esquire, who at the time of his death was his Chamberlain, affirmeth that he died of a Pleurisy, which at that time was a sickness strange and but little known. Being dead his body was embalmed and closed in lead; and laid in a Chariot-Royall richly apparelled in cloth of Gold, was conveyed from Boys de Vin●●n●es to Paris, and so to Roa●, to A●bevyle, to C●llys, to D●ver, and from thence through London to Westminster, where it was interred next beneath King Edward the Confessor; upon whose Tomb Queen Katherine caused a Royal picture to be laid, covered all over with silver plate gilt, but the head thereof altogether of massy silver; all which at that Abbeys suppression were sacrilegiously broken off and transferred to prophaner uses. He died the last day of August, in the year one thousand four hundred twenty two, when he had reigned nine years and five Months, lived eight and thirty years. Of men of Note in his time. MEN of valour in his time were so frequent, that we may know it to be a true saying, Regis ad exemplu●; and men of learning likewise in such numbers, that we may know the Prince to have been their Patron. First Alayn de Lyn, a Carmelite Friar in that Town, who wrote many Treatises; Then Thomas Otterborne a Franciscan friar who wrote an History of England; Then john Seguerd, who kept a School in Norwich, and wrote sundry Treatises, reproving as well the Monks and Priests as Poets for writing of filthy verses. Robert Ros● a Carmelite friar in Norwich; who writing many Treatises, yet said nothing against the Wickle●ists. Richard Clyster borne ●o Nofolke, a man of great holiness of life, favouring (though secretly) the doctrine of Wickliff●; William Wallis a Black friar in Li●, who made a book of Moralizations upon Ovid's Metamorphosis● William Taylor a Priest and a Master of Art in Oxford, a steadfast follower of Wickliff's doctrine, and burnt for the same at Smithfield in London the last year of this ●ings reign. Bartholomew Florarius, called so of a Treatise which he wrote called Florarium, who writ also another Treatise of Abstinence, wherein he reproveth the corrupt manners of the Clergy, and the profession of the Friar's Men●icants. Als● Titus Livi●● de Fo●● L●vis●is an Italian born●, but seeing he ●as resiant here, and written the life of this King, it is not unfit to make mention of him in this place: also many others. THE REIGN OF KING HENRY THE six. THere had been a Race of Princes, of which for three generations together, it might be rightly said; Pulcherrima proles; Magnanimi Heroes nati melioribus Annis. For King Edward the Third had many Sons, not inferior in valour to the many Sons of King Pri●●●s, not excepting his valiant Son Hector, having so equal a match for him, as Edward the black Prince, who wanted but an Homer, to have been an Achilles. Then john of G●un● likewise had divers Sons, men as valorous as any that Age afforded. Then Henry the Fourth had four Sons, o● so heroical disposition all, that you might know them all to be his Sons, only King He●ry the Fifth to be his eldest. And now that in him the heroical nature was come to the height, it degenerated again in King Henry the Sixth, which must needs be attributed to the mother's side; who though in herself she were a Princess of a noble spirit, yet being the issue of a crazy father, what marvel, if she proved the mother of a crazy issue! and yet even this issue of hers, a Prince no doubt, of excellent parts in their kind, though not of parts kindly for a Prince; in a private man praiseworthy enough, but the sword of a King required a harder mettle than the soft temper of King Henry the sixth was made of: and in him we may see the fulfilling of the Text; Vae genti cujus Rex est puer; Woe to that Nation whose King is a Child; for he was not above eight months old, when he succeeded his father in the Kingdom; although that Text perhaps is not meant so much of a child in years, for which there may be helps by good Protectors; as of a child in abilities of ruling, whereof, though possibly there may, yet probably there can be no sufficient supply, of which, in this King we have a pregnant example; for as long as he continued a child in years, so long his Kingdoms were kept flourishing by the Providence of his careful Uncles; but assoon as he left being a Child in years, and yet continued a child in ability of Ruling, then presently began all things I● pejus ruere, & retro sublapsa referri, all things went to wrack both in France and England. And thus much was necessary to be said by way of a Preface to that great fall as it were of Nilus, in King Henry the Sixth. Henry called of Windsor, because borne there, the only child of King Henry the Fifth, as yet scarce nine month's old, succeeded his Father, and was Proclaimed King of England on the last of August, in the year 1422; by reason of whose infancy, King Henry his Father had before by his Will appointed, and now the Lords by their consent confirmed, the Regency of France to john Duke of Bedford, the Government of England, to Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, the Guard of his Person to Thomas Duke of Exeter, and H●nry Beauford Bishop of Winchester, and Lord Chancellor, wherein it was wisely provided that one man should not rule all, lest it should prove a spur to aspiring; and withal stay them from envying one another, when many were alike placed in the highest form of authority: and indeed they all carried themselves so uprightly and carefully in their places, that it well appeared the trust reposed in them by the dying King, had made a strong impression of love and loyalty towards his Son. The Duke of Bedford Regent of France, was to keep that by the sword, which King Henry the Fifth by his sword had gotten, wherein he had many and great assistants, specially the two terrors of France, Thomas Montacute Earl of Salisbury, and john Lord Talbot; and amongst the French themselves, the Duke of Burgoigne, a friend no less powerful, than firm unto him. The Dolphin also (now crowned king at Poytiers, and called Charles the seventh of France, his father being newly dead, within little more than a month after king Henry) had likewise great assistants, the Duke of Alencon, and many other Peers of France, and of the Sco●s many, and some perhaps of the English that took part with him; by means whereof, the game of Fortune was a long time played between them with great variety. The first act of the Duke of Bedford's Regency, was an Oration which he made to the French in Paris, which wrought this good effect; that king Henry is Proclaimed king of England and of France, and such French Lords as were present did their Homages, and took their oaths to be true unto him. The first act of hostility was performed by the new king of France, who sends the Lord Granvile to Pont Meulan, who surprised it, putting all the English Soldiers to the sword; but the Regent sending thither Thomas Montacute Earl of Salisbury, so strongly beleaguered it, that the Lord Granvile not only surrendered it, but swore allegiance (though he kept it not) to the king of England, From thence the Earl marched to Seyne, which he took by assault, and put all the Soldiers (except the Captain Sir William Maryn) to the sword. At this time the Regent, the Duke of Burgoigne, john Duke of Britain, and his brother in law the Earl of R●chmond, (who revolted afterward to the new king of France, and was by him made Constable of France) met at Amiens; and there not only renewed the old League, but further enlarged it; to be offensive and defensive respectively: and to make the friendship the more firm, the Regent married Anne the Sister of the Duke of Burgoigne at Troy's. In this mean time the Parisians taking advantage of the Regent's absence, conspired to have let in the new king into Paris; but the day before the night appointed for his admission, the Regent with his power entered, apprehended the Conspirators, and put them to public execution. That done, he furnished all the Forts and places of strength with Englishmen, and sent Sir john Falstaff, who took in Pacye, and Coursay, two strong Castles; whilst himself with his forces took in Tray●els, and Br●y upon Seyne. The Constable of France the mean while with the new kings forces, laid siege to Cravant in Burgoigne; but the Regent sent thither the Earl of Salisbury, who set upon the French, and after a long fight, putting them to flight, slew about 1800 knights and gentlemen of note● and three thousand common Soldiers, Scots, and French, took prisoners the Constable himself, the Earl of Ventadour, Sir Alex●●der Alerdyn, Sir Lewis Ferignye, and two and twenty hundred Gentlemen. Of the English part, were slain Sir john Grace, Sir William Hall, Sir Gilbert Halsall, Richard ●p Maddock, and one and twenty hundred Soldiers. From thence the E●rle led his forces to Montaguillon, and sat down before it, which after five month's Siege he took, whilst the Duke of Suffolk took in the two strong Castles of Cowcye, and le Roche. Whilst these things are done in France; in England the Protector Ransomed and enlarged the young king of Scots, james the first; (who by the space of eighteen years had been kept a Prisoner) which he did out of opinion, th●t he might withdraw the Scots out of France, taking Homage and fealty of him for the Crown of Scotland, in these words; I●ames ●ames S●eward, King of Scot●, shall be true and faithful to you Lord Henry, King of England and France, the Superior Lord of Scotland● and to you I make my fidelity for the said Kingdom, which I hold and claim of you, and shall do you service for the same, so God me help, and these holy Evangelists; and therewithal, with consent of all the Nobility, the Protector gave him to Wife, jane Daughter to the deceased Duke of Somerset, and Cousin German to the King, with a large Dowry, and married them at St. Mary-Overys in Southwark; yet all this courtesy could not keep him afterward from being unfaithful, and unthankful. And now the Protector sent over to the Regent ten thousand well furnished Soldiers, with which fresh succour he won many Towns and places of strength; which the French seeing, and finding themselves too weak by plain force to withstand the English, they sought by subtlety to compass their ends; and first, they work upon the inconstancy of the Duke of Britain, and his brother Arthur, by King Henry the fifth created Earl of Yewry, whom by gifts and promises they suborned, perfidiously to deliver over into their possession, the Castles of Crotoye, and Yerney; but the English before the French Garrisons were settled, fell upon Crotoye and recovered it; and that done, the Regent besieged Yerney, and by secret mining, and violent Batteries so shook the Walls, that they agreed to yield it up, if not relieved by a certain time: whereupon the Duke of Ala●son, with sixteen thousand French came to the rescue, but perceiving the English to be prepared to receive them, he wheeled about to Ver●oyle, and swore to the Townsmen that he had put the Regent to flight, and rescued Yerney; which they believing, rendr●d up Vernoyle to him: but the Regent followed him thither, when by the encouragement of some fresh Companies of Scots come to his succour, he came to a battle in the field, where the English, with the loss of two thousand one hundred common Soldiers, and two of the Nobility, the Lord Dudley, and the Lord Charleton; got the honour of the day, and slew of their enemies, five Earls, two Viscounts, twenty Barons, and above seven thousand other of the French, besides two thousand seven hundred Scots lately arrived, and took Prisoners the Duke of Alencon himself, the Lord of Her●ys, and divers other French, and Sir john Tour●●ull, and two hundred Gentlemen, besides common Soldiers. This battle was fought the eight and twentieth day of August, in the year 14●4, and thereupon Vernoyle was presently redelivered. After this, the Earl of Salisbury with ten thousand men, taketh in the strong Town of M●●●ts, the Town of St. Susan, the Fort S●. Bernard, and others; from thence he went to A●jou, where he performed such heroic Acts, that his very name grew terrible in all France; as for instance, the new High-Constable perfidious Richmond, with forty thousand men laid Siege to the good Town of St. james in Benyo●, the Garrison whereof consisted but of six hundred English, who being driven to some extremity, sallied forth, crying Sa●nt George, a Salisbury; which word of Salisbury so frighted the French, thinking he had been come to rescue them, that casting away their weapons, they ran all away, saving some few that yielded themselves prisoners, leaving all their Tents, fourteen Pieces of Ordnance, forty Barrels of Powder, three hundred Pipes of Wine, much Armour, and some treasure behind them. After which, other Castles, as that of Beamlet, of Viscount, Tenney, Gilly, Osce, Rusey, Vasicke, and many more were taken in by Sir john Mon●gomery, and Sir john Falstaff; so as once again the French are glad to betake themselves to their old course of fraud; they compounded with a Gascoigne Captain for delivery of Al●●son to them; whereof the Regent having notice, he sent the Lord Willoughby, and Sir john Falstaff to prevent it, who encountering with Charles de Villiers, that with two hundred horse, and three hundred foot, was come to the place appointed for entry, took and slew them all, except some few horse, which saved themselves by flying. After which, the Earl of Salisbury took in and demolished above forty Castles and strong Piles, for which there was public thanksgiving to God in London. Whilst these things were done in France, an unkind variance fell out between the Protector, and his brother the Bishop of Winchester, Lord Chancellor: for appeasing whereof, the Regent having substituted the Earl of Warwick Lieutenant General in his absence, came into England, where in a Parliament he compounded all differences between them: in honour whereof, king Henry kept a solemn feast; at which time the Regent dubbed the King knight, not yet above four years old; and then the King presently invested with that dignity many of his servants: and Edmund Mortimer the last Earl of March, at this time dying, his Inheritance descended to Richard Plantagenet son and heir to Richard Earl of Cambridge beheaded at Southampton, who was now created Duke of York, & was afterward father to king Edward the fou●h: and at this time also, john Mowbray son and heir to Thomas Mowbray Duke of Norfolk, banished before by king Richard the second, was restored to the Title of Duke of Norfolk. And now, all things peaceably settled in England, the Regent, with the Bishop of Winchester, returned into France; where, at the intercession of the Duke of Burgoigne, the Duke of Alencon was ransomed, for two hundred thousand Crowns: and the Bishop of Winchester returned to Calais, where he was invested with the dignity and Hat of a Cardinal, which his brother the Regent put upon his head. About this time, the Duke of Gloucester, Protector, took some blemish in his honour, by marrying another man's wife, I●queline Countess of Haynoult, Holland and Zealand, who was married before to john Duke of Brabant yet living, and had lived with him ten months as his lawful wife, but at that time upon some discontent gone from him, intending to be divorced: at which injury offered to the Duke of Braba●t, the Duke of Burgoigne, being his Cousin, took so great offence, that first by friendly letters he admonished the Duke of Gloucester of it, and that not prevailing, they grew to terms of challenge, and a Combat between them was appointed; but in the mean time, the Lady betrayed, was carried to the Duke of Burgoigne, who conveyed her to Gaunt; from whence, by friendship of a Burgonian knight, in man's apparel she escaped into Holland, and there made a defensive war against her husband the Duke of Brabant, and the Duke of Burgoigne. To her aid, the Duke of Gloucester sent the Lord Fitzwater, with a Power of a thousand men: but she being discomfited by the Duke of Brabant, and the Pope also pronouncing the first marriage legal, the Duke of Gloucester deserted her, and then took for a second wife Eleanor daughter of the Lord Cobham of Sterborough, his old mistress: and the Lady jaqueline, after the death of john Duke of Brabant, married a mean Gentleman; whom the Duke of Burgoigne imprisoned, and brought herself to live in much trouble. And now in France, the Constable with forty thousand men besieged the Town of S. james de Benuron; and having made a breach fit for assault, whilst his Captains stood streining of courtesy, which of them should first enter, Sir Nicolas Burdet with all his forces sallied forth, crying aloud, A Salisbury, a Suffolk; whose names struck such a terror into the besiegers, that they stood like men amazed, of whom six hundred were slain, two hundred drowned in the ditches, fifty taken prisoners, with eighteen Standards, and the Constable was glad to quit the place, and give over the Siege. At the same time also, the Earl of Warwick and the L. Scales, with seven thousand besieged Ponterson many weeks together; but Pov●sion waxing scant, the Lord Scales with three thousand men went a foraging into the Enemy's Country; and in his return with plenty of provision, was encountered with six thousand French, of whom he slew many hundreds, took above a thousand prisoners, and then returned safe into the Campe. About this time also, Sir john Falstaff besieged the strong Town of Gravile, which after twelve days, offered to render itself by a day, if it were not relieved. The offer was taken, and Pledges delivered: but before the day came, they within ●he Town had victualled and manned the place, and thereupon neglecting their Pledges, refused to render the Castle according to agreement: whereupon the Pledges were brought before the sight of them within the Castle, and there openly put to death. And now a conspiracy of the Clergy and Magistrates in Maunts so prevailed, that the Marshals of France with five hundred men, about midnight came to the Town-walls; where the Guard of the English, by those that seemed their friends, were suddenly massacred, and setting open the Gates, made way for the Enemy to enter: whereupon, the Alarm given, the Earl of Suffolk with the surviving English withdrew to the Castle, wherein they were sharply assailed by the French, who yet had more mind to ransack houses, and to make good cheer: whereof the Lord T●lbot having intelligence by Captain Goffe., whom he had sent to discover the state of the French, he secretly gave notice to the Earl of Suffolk, who thereupon sallied forth of the Castle at a time when the Lord T●lbot was ready with his Troops, and on both sides crying, St. George, a T●lbot, they fell upon the careless French, who lost four hundred of their best men, the rest were all taken, the Town regained, and the Conspirators, thirty Citizens, twenty Priests, and fifteen Friars, condemned and put to execution. Whilst these things went on prosperously in France, a great disaster fell out in England; for the right Noble Thomas Beauford (son of john of G●u●t, and Katherine Swi●ford) Duke of Exeter, and Guardian of the King, makes king Henry his heir, and at East-Greenwich in Kent ended his life; whose place was presently supplied by the Earl of Warwick, and the Earl's place in France, by the Earl of Salisbury; who thereupon with five thousand men came to Orlea●ce, and besieged the City, and won from the French the great fort. But here happened another great disaster: for from an high tower in this fort, the Besiegers observed the passages of the Townsmen; when the Noble Earl of Salisbury, intending to inform himself of the state of the Town, unfortunately looking out at a window of the fort, with Sir Th●●●● G●rgrave; a great shot from the Town striking the bars of the window, the splinters thereof were driven into his head and face; of which wounds, within eight days he died. This was now a second weakening to the English party: but in his place the Earl of Suffolk succeeded; to whom the Regent sendeth Sir john Fals●●●●● with fresh supplies, whom the Lord de la Brets, nine thousand strong, endeavours to intercept: but Sir john resolving to abide the charge, placeth his carriages behind, the horse next, and the foot before, lining his bows with billmen, and pitching stakes behind the Archers, who having discharged their first volley, retired behind the stakes: on which the French, forgetting their former defeats by that course, ran and gored their horses; by which their Vanguard being disordered, the Battle made a stand: which Sir john perceiving, cryeth out, St. George! They●●ie! at which words they fled indeed, and lost two thousand five hundred of their men, with the Lords de la Brets, and William Steward; eleven hundred were taken Prisoners: with whom, and a rich booty, they came to the Camp before Orleans. Hereof the besieged having notice, they offered to submit themselves to the Duke of Burg●igne, who was contented to receive them, so as the Regent would consent: But the Regent consented not; and therefore in the mean time, the besieged made means to the Duke of Al●●so●, who furnished the Town with fresh Forces and Provision; which put such spirits into the Citizens, that they made a sally out, slew six hundred English, and adventured upon the Bastile, where the Lord T●lbot commanded, who repelled them with great slaughter of their men; but yet the next day the Earl of Suffolk gave over his siege, and dispersed his Army into their Garrisons. And now the wheel of Fortune began to turn to the French against the English, which once set a going, was not easy to be stayed. And first, the Duke of Al●●so● took by assault the Town of jargeux, and in it the Earl of Suffolk and one of his brothers, and slew Sir Alexander Pole another of his brothers, and many other Prisoners in cold blood, by reason of a contention amongst the French, to whom the Prisoners should belong. Presently upon this, ●nother great blow was given the English: for the Lords Talbot, Scale●, and Hungerford, going to fortify the Town of S. Meu●, were encountered by the said Duke of Al●●son, and Arthur of Britain, with three and twenty thousand men: with whom the English Lords interchanged some blows; but oppressed with multitude, were all three taken prisoners, all sore wounded, twelve hundred of their company slain, and the rest hardly escaping to Me●●, where they fortified themselves the best they could against future assaults. These were great blows given to the English fortune in France; Salisbury slain, and now Talbot taken prisoner: which though they made her a little to totter, yet there must be greater blows given before she will fall. And indeed, these disasters were seconded by the perfidous surrender of many Towns and strong Holds to the French king; who now encouraged by these successes, marcheth into Champagne, where by composition he took Troy's the chief City of that Province; Chalto●s rebelleth, and enforceth their Captain to yield it up: by whose example the Citizens of Rheims do the like, where the French king is anew Proclaimed, and with accustomed ceremonies Anointed and Crowned; whereupon many Towns submit themselves to him, and revolt from the English. Upon this, the Duke of Bedford (to make the French know, that all the English strength consisted not in only Salisbury and Talbot) with ten thousand English, besides Normans, marched out of Pa●is, and sent letters of defiance to the French king, affirming, that deceitfully and by unjust means he had stolen many Cities and places of importance belonging to the Crown of England; which he was come to justify by battle, if he would appoint a time and place. To which the King of France making a slight answer, the Regent marcheth apace towards him, and as fast the King of France marcheth away: The Regent followed him, but could not overtake him, till he came near Se●lys: there both the Armies encamped and embattelled, yet only some light skirmishes p●●●ed between them; and a night or two after, the French king fled with his Army to Br●y: which the Duke thinking to be but a plot to draw him further off from Paris, of whose fidelity he had no great assurance, followed him no further, but returned thither. At which time, the Regent's brother the Cardinal, having prepared forces to assist Pope Martin in Bohemia, the Regent borrowed them of him for a present expedition, and with them marched into Champagne, where he found the French king encamped upon the Mount Pihall; whose number being twice as many as the Regent's, yet by no provocations could he be drawn to battle, but secretly fled to Crispis; whereupon the Regent also returned to Paris. Whilst these things are done in France, In England, upon St. leonard's day the 6. of November 1429, King Henry not yet eight years old, was with great solemnity Crowned at Westminster: at whose Coronation were made six and thirty Knights of the bath, and after the solemnity, a feast; and if any man desire to know so much Cookery, he may read in Fabian, all the dishes of meat that were served at that feast. About this time, in France, a strange Impostor ariseth; a maid called la Pucelle, taking upon her to be sent from God, for the good of France, and to expel the English: and some good indeed she did; for by her subtle working, the King was received into Champagne, and many Towns were rendered to him; whilst the Lord L●nguevile took by surprise the Castle of Aumarle, and slew all the English that were in it. But all these were but petty acquests to the king of France: there is a knot of friendship between the Dukes of Bedford and Burgoigne, which must be broken, or he will never be able to compass his designs. He therefore labours by all means possible to disunite them; wherein he so little prevailed, that the Duke of Burg●ig●e acquaints the Regent with all the practices; who thereupon, with many thanks, exhorteth him to continue fi●me, of which he should never have cause to repent him: And because Normandy was a principal part of the English strength in France, he goeth thither, and by many reasons persuades them, as their Ancestors had always been, to be faithful to the Crown of England. In this time of the Regent's absence from Paris, the King of France drew all his forces thither, using all means possible, by Escalado, Battery, and burning the gates, to enter the City; but was so withstood by the vigilancy of the Citizens, that he was glad to sound Retreat, leaving his slain and maimed soldiers behind him, all but the Pucelle, who being hurt in the leg, and almost stifled with mire in the ditch, was by a servant of the Duke of Alencon drawn up, and conveyed after the King to Berry, who by the way received the submission of the Inhabitants of L●ig●ye. Some other services were performed on both sides, by the Duke of Suffolk and Sir Thomas Kyriell, for the English; by the Bastard of Orleans and Sir Stephe● le Hie, for the French; but of no great importance: till at last, the Pucelle (who a little before had caused an English Captains head to be cut off, because he would not humble himself to her upon his knee) was by Sir john of Lu●zemburgh taken, and presented to the Duke of Burgoigne, who sent her to the Regent, and he to the Bishop of the Diocese, who judicially proceeding against her as a Sorceress, and deceiver of the King and his subjects, she was (after many delays of promise to discover secret practices, and lastly of her feigning to be with child) publicly burnt at Rouen. And now, the Regent finding how much the Crowning of the French king had furthered his designs, he made account the like effect would follow the Crowning of King Henry in France: whereupon he is sent for to come over; and coming to Paris, was, by his Uncle the Bishop of Winchester and Cardinal of Eusebius, not yet above nine years old, with all usual ceremonies Crowned King of France, receiving the oaths of Homage and Fealty of all the French Nobility that were present, and of all the Inhabitants of Paris, and of the places adjacent. Upon this, Pope Eugenius laboured a Reconcilement between the two Kings, but could effect nothing, but only a Truce for six years: which agreed upon, King Henry returns into England, and landeth at Dover, the eleventh of February. But the six-yeares● Truce was scarce openly Proclaimed, when the French had cunningly possessed themselves of divers Castles and places of strength, justifying their actions, affirming● That what was politicly obtained without blows, was no infringement of the Truce: and afterwards they perfidiously conveyed two hundred men into the Castle of Rouen, with intent to have surprised it; but being discovered, they were all taken, and either ransomed, or put to execution. Upon this, the Regent (whose wife, the Sister of the Duke of Burgoig●e, being lately dead, and he married again to Iaquelin● the Earl of S. Paul's daughter, with whom he went over into England) returned again to Paris; to whom the Lord Talbot, having now paid his ransom, cometh, bringing with him seven hundred tried soldiers; and with them the Regent takes the field, where the French Army lay; but the French slun● away in the dark, as not daring to abide the hazard of a battle. About this time, the Duke of Bourbon, taken at the battle of Agincourt, after eighteen years' imprisonment, paying eighteen thousand pounds for his Ransom, the same day he was enlarged, died at London. And now a very great effect was produced out of a very small cause: There had been sparks of unkindness between the two great Dukes of Bedford and Burgoig●●, which broke out into a flame upon this occasion: A time and place was appointed, where they should meet to compound some differences that were between them; The place agreed upon, was St. Omers, a Town in Burgoigne: When the time came, they stood upon this nice point, Which of them should first come to the place; as thinking that he which did so, should thereby acknowledge himself to be the meaner person. The Duke of Bedford thought he had no reason to do it, seeing he was Regent of France, and therefore superior to any subject in the Kingdom: And the Duke of Burgoigne thought he had no reason to do it, seeing it was to be done in his own Dominions, where he was himself the Sovereign Lord. Upon this nice point they parted without meeting; and the unkindness grew afterward to so great hatred, that the Duke of Burgoigne chose rather to be friends with him th●t had murdered his father, than ever to have any more commerce with the Duke of Bedford. Thus was one great branch of assistance lopped off from the English, which had been a great means before to make it flourish: and it was not so much, that the assistance was taken from the English, as that it was added to the French; for after this, the Duke of Burgoig●e brought more assistance to the new king of France, than ever he had done before to the King of England. By which we may see, when the Divine Providence hath a work to effect, what slight occasions it oftentimes takes to effect the work. Great blows had been given before in France, to the English fortune by the enemy, but now a blow was given to it by Destiny, which made the Enemies blows the more incurable; for now the wise, valiant, faithful Regent of France, Duke of ●●●ford, Anjou, and Alans●n, Earl of maine, Harcourt, Drieux, Richmond, and Carlisle, and Viscount Be●mont; upon the fourteenth of September 1435, ended his life at P●ris, which was in a manner the ending the life of the English fortune in France: all former blows had been upon inferior members, but this was a blow upon the head, and therefore mortal, and indeed the English fortune in France, never 〈◊〉 li●●ed up its head, but very weakly. He was buried in our Lady's Church at 〈◊〉, whereat the Nobility of Normandy much repined, who would have had thei● own Territory honoured with his Sepulchre: yet see the levity of these men, who a few years after, in the Reign of Lewis the Son of Charles, would have had his Monument to have been demolished, as being dishonourable, such an Arch enemy to France, should be Interred in the Metropolitan City of that Province: But 〈◊〉 answered, God forbid, I should give way to so dishonourable an act, to disquiet his dead bones, who living would have disquieted us all, and it savours of too much baseness to insult upon a dead Lyon. But yet in these disasters, there might have been some reparation by a good Succe●●or, had not Envy and Ambition bred disturbance; the Duke of Somerset desired the Succession, but the Duke of York obtained it; which bred such an envy in the Duke of Somerset towards him, that he laboured nothing so much as to cross his designs, and was a means to hinder the Duke of York's going to his charge so long, th●● the P●risians had time to think of freeing themselves from the English servitude; and thereupon the City after it had remained seventeen years in the posses●●●● o● the English, yields to the Constable, and upon composition expels all the English; and which was worse, many other Towns followed this example of Paris, for what Town would not willingly do as Paris did, the epitome as it were of all France? and which they stick not to call Le Monde de Paris, as though there were upon earth no o●h●r world but Paris. Even the Normans, who had always been most firm to the English, y●● had run the ●ame course, if the Lord Talbot had not kept them in awe, with the ●laughter of five thousand of them that way inclined. And now after these great losses, we must be content to play smaller game, cast at Castles and Forts, and some small Towns, like the struggling of dying men, doing acts of life, till there be no more life remaining; And this was now our case in France. The new Regent with eight thousand Soldiers arrived at Harfl●w, and from thence marcheth to 〈◊〉, where he won the reputation of justice and uprightness, notwithstanding all the calumniations of the Duke of Somerset: when the revolted Duke of 〈◊〉 pretending title to the Town of Calais, approacheth it with an Army of forty thousand men, takes the poor ●●stile of Oy●, and slaughters and hangs many of the defendants. The ●●xards besieged the Castle of St. Mark●, took it, and demolished it● from thence they begird Calais with a ●iege, but were repelled: Then the Duke of B●rgoig●e sent the Lord Croy to besiege the Castle of Guysnes● but were repelled th●r● also: In the mean time Pembroke the Herald brought a defiance to the Duke of ●urgoigne from the Duke of Gloucester the Protector, that he would give him battle if he would abide it; to whom the Duke of Burgoigne answered, he should be 〈◊〉 to find him where he now was: Whereupon he calleth a Council, and whilst they are debating what is best to be done, the Calliciens make a sally, take the Ba●●●●● which they had builded, by force, and slew eight score of the Burgoig●ians, which so terrified them, that they upbraid the Duke of Burgoigne, and make both him, ●nd the Lord Croy to quit their quarters, and in such haste to be gone, that they left ●●reat part of their best Ordnance, and all their Provision for the relief and help of the besieged; and it seems they had reason so to do, for the next day being the s●ven and twentieth of july, the Duke of Gloucester landed at Calais, with five and twenty thousand good fight men, who finding the enemy recolled, foraged all the Country thereabout, and for the space of six weeks ●arrowed all th● parts of Fl●●ders, Arthol●, and Hainault; and then returning by St. Omers, Arde, and G●●s●es, arrived at Calais. And now we must look a little home, for the D. of York returning into● E●gl●n● finds the Castle of Roksborough besieged by the King of Scots, with thirty th●usand men; but he hearing of the Earl of Northumberlands approach, and the Duke's return, incontinently fled. And now again to France, where the Town of H●rflew was sold to the French, but the Duke of Somerset, and the Lord Talbot besetting it both by sea and land; though the Earl of Ewe, and the Bastard of Orleans and Bourbon, wi●h four thousand men came to relieve it, yet upon composition, it was surrendered. And here we may have leave to speak of a private matter; for about this time the Duchess of Bedford married Sir Richard Woodvile, a gallant young Gentleman, but of small means, which though it offended her friends, yet it seems offended not God, who made her mother of many children by him; and amongst the rest, of the Lady Elizabeth, afterwards married to King Edward the fourth. Also about this time james King of Scots, who before had been eighteen years' Prisoner in England, and afterward released, with a wife of a noble house, a great Dowry, and many honourable Presents, yet proved ungrateful, was murdered in his bedchamber by night, whose murderers being found out, were cruelly tortured. And now again to France; when the Duke of Burgoigne could neither by force nor policy take Cullis, he attempted a ridiculous practice, to cut a ditch that should drow● both the Town and Country; but after much labour and expense, his design like a vapour vanished into air. The Lord Talbot besieged Tankervile, and after four month's siege, hath it rendered to him: In revenge whereof, the French King in his own person lays siege to Monstreau; which whilst the Duke of York was providing to rescue, he was discharged of his office, done of purpose by his enemies, to lay a blot upon him: A lamentable thing in a State, when private envy shall be suffered to undermine the public safety; and by this means Sir Thomas G●rard had the more opportunity to sell the Town, for which, if he were a gainer in money, he was yet a loser in reputation, and hated both of French and English, in much discontent died. Arthur Constable of France, and john Duke of Alencon besieged the Town of Auranc●es, but were with dishonour repelled by the Lord Talbot: After this, Le Hire sent Letters to them, that he had a promise from divers Burghers of Ro●● to let them in at any time appointed, against which time they came to R●ze, within four leagues of Rouen; but the Lord Talbot having notice hereof, marched covertly to Roa●, and from thence before day to Ryze, where he surpriseth the French, takes the Lord Fountains, Sir Allan Geron, and many others, and with a rich booty returneth to Rouen. The sixth day of November, in the sixteenth year of the King's Reign, the Earl of Warwick having oftentimes been aboard, and still beaten back by tempest, landed at Harfl●w with a thousand fresh Soldiers, and from thence came to Roa●; but in the mean time the Duke of Burgoigne seeing no new Regent yet come, besiegeth the Town of Cro●●y, to the relief whereof, the new Regent now come, sent the Lord Talbot with five thousand men, whose approach the Duke not enduring, retired to Ab●evyle, leaving only four hundred, with whom he had manned the ●●style by him there erected, which was soon gained, and all the soldiers either taken or slain. And here the valiant Talbot sent word to the Duke, that if he would save his Country from vastation, he should come to a battle; but the Duke not liking the match, conveys himself to A●ye●s: Twenty days together did the Lord Talbo● with fire and sword pass through Piccardie, and Artho●s without opposition, and then returned: Sir Th●m●● Kyriell seized upon the Duke's Carriages and Ordnance; and having left in Crotoy victual enough for six hundred men for a whole year, he brought the rest to the Earl of Warwick. And now Henry Earl of Mortaig●e, Son to Edmund Duke of Somerset, arrived with two hundred Archers, and three hundred Spears, took the Castle of St. A●yo●, wherein were three hundred Scots and French; the Scots he flew all, and hanged the French, because they had sworn fealty to England, and broke it; he took likewise the Castle of Algarche, and by means of an ambush, taketh the Lord Camerois, coming to the rescue thereof. On the other side, the Towns of Neux in Brye, and Susan were sold and delivered to the French by the treacherous Burghers. In june, the Earl of Huntingt●● with two thousand Archers, and four thousand Spears was sent into Gascoigne, whither the Earl of Danois was lately come to buy Towns and Castles, but the Earl of Huntingdon upon his coming thither, changed all the Captains and Officers, whereby he prevented all such bargains; and so far had bribery spread itself at this time, that even in Normandy, the English Captains ●ad but small confidence in the Natives, and not much in some of their own Nation; whereupon Sir Richard Wo●dvile, Sir William Chamberlain, and sir William Pe●o were sent thither to stop the current of that corruption. At this time, the Council of France procured a reconcilement between the king and the Dolphin, who had been long in jealousies and dissension; which if ●t had not been done, the kingdom had been torn with Factions, and never been able to subsist. And now in a great frost and snow, the English under the conduct of Sir john Clifford, having covered their Armour with white shirts, and their heads with white Alm●● skulls, came to Ponthois by night, and undiscovered past the ditches, scaled the walls, slew the Guards, and took the Town; but this good luck was accompanied with a bad of more importance, for presently upon it, the Earl of Warwick died in the Castle of Rouen, and conveyed into England, was buried in his Castle of W●rwicke. To reduce Pont●ois, the French King in person layeth siege unto it; when Richard Duke of York being the second time made Regent, having with him the Earl of Oxford, and the Earl of Ewe, levyes a power to raise the Siege; and arriving there, sends word to the King, that the next morning he would give him battle; but the King liked not his bidding, but leaving his Ordnance, at midnight stole away to Poyssy; thither also the Regent follows him, but with no provocations could draw him to fight. About this time, a treaty for Peace between the two Kings is appointed to be held at Calais, by the mediation of the Duchess of Burgoigne, a Portugal Lady; Commissioners meet of both sides, but nothing concluded, only the Duke of Orleans who had been prisoner to the English five and twenty years, is by the Duchess mediation, ransomed with three hundred thousand Crowns of the Duke of Burgoignes money. The Lord Willoughby besiegeth Deep, which the Dolphin with sixteen thousand men cometh to raise; and there young Talbot is taken prisoner, with Sir Ioh● Peto, and sir john Reply, but are shortly after redeemed by exchange. And now another weakening happened to the English party, the Earl of St. Paul forsakes them, and is reconciled to the King of France. The English lay siege to Tartus, for the raising whereof, the French King marcheth thither with 60000 men, relieveth the Town, and then marcheth to Saveryne, which he taketh in, and in it, Sir john Rampston; after which, he took in Arques, but then the English cutting off all convoys of victuals from coming to him, he is forced to return; after whose departure, the English recover all that he had taken; and to boot, take his Lieutenant prisoner, slaying or hanging all his Soldiers. In this mean while the Lord Talbot taketh in Conquer, and driveth the Bastard of Orleans from the siege of Gagli●rd●; but the French in the Castle of Cornhill detained many English prisoners● for redeeming of whom, Sir Francis the Aragonist used this stratagem; he apparelled half a dozen lusty fellows like Peasants' carrying baskets with corn and victuals, and sends them to the Castle, while he with his company lies in ambush, in a Valley near the Castle; the six unsuspected are admitted, and coming to the Captain's chamber, seize upon him, and withal give the sign to the ambush, who coming readily on, entered the Castle, put the Soldiers to the sword, set the prisoners at liberty, burnt down the Castle, and with the booty and Captain of the Castle, returned to Rouen. Whilst these alternations passed in France, a more unnatural passed in Eng●and, the Uncle riseth against the Nephew, the Nephew against the Uncle; The Duke of Gloucester Articles against the Cardinal, charging him with affecting Pre-eminence, to the derogation of the King's Prerogative, and contempt of his Laws; which Articles are delivered to the King, and by him to his Council, who being most of the Clergy, durst not meddle in them, for offending ●he Cardinal. On the other side, the Cardinal finding nothing whereof directly to accuse the Duke of Gloucester himself, accuseth his or herself, the Lady Cotham●he ●he Duke's wife, of Treason, for attempting by sorcery and witchcraft the death of the King, and advancement of her husband to the Crown: for which, though acquired of the Treason, she is adjudged to open Penance, namely, to go with a wax taper in her hand, hoodlesse (save a kerchief) through London, divers days together, and after to remain in perpetual imprisonment in the Isle of Man. The crime objected against her, was procuring Thomas Southwell, john Hun Priests, Roger Bollingbrock● a supposed Necromancer, and Margery jourdan called the Witch of Eye in Suffolke● to devise a picture of wax in proportion of the king, in such sort by sorcery, that as the picture consumed, so the king's body should consume: for which they were all condemned; the witch was burnt in Smithfield; Bolingbroke was hanged, constantly affirming upon his death, that neither the Duchess, nor any other from her did ever require more of him, than only to know by his art, how long the king should live: john Hun had his pardon; and Southwell died the night before he should have been executed. About this time, the Countess of Cominges being dead, the king of France and the Earl of Arminiack are Competitors for the Inheritance: The Earl takes possession; but fearing the King of France his greatness, makes offer of his daughter in marriage to the King of England, with a large portion in money, and besides, to deliver full possession of all such Towns and Castles as were by him or his Ancestors detained in Aquitaine, and had been formerly by the Progenitors of the King of England, conquered. The Ambassadors for this business, were by King Henry graciously heard, and honourably returned: after whom were sent Sir Edward Hall, Sir Robert Rose and others, to conclude all things, and the young Lady is by Proxy affianced to king Henry. But the king of France not liking the proceeding of the match, sends the Dolphin with a puissant Army, who took the Earl, with his youngest son, and both his daughters, and gained the Counties of Arminiack, Louverne, Rovergue, Moulessenois, with the Cities of Severee and Cadeack, chase the Bastard of Arminiack out of ●he Country; by means whereof, the marriage was then deferred, and left in suspense. In this distraction of Christendom, many Princes, the kings of Spain, Denmark, and Hungary, became Mediators for a Peace between the two kings of France and England: Ambassadors of both sides are sent, many meetings were had, many motions made, but in conclusion, only a Truce for eighteen months is agreed upon. In the mean time, the Earl of Suffolk one of the Commissioners for the Peace, takes upon him beyond his Commission, and without acquainting his fellows, to treat of a marriage between the king of England, and a kinswoman of the king of France, Niece to the French Queen, daughter to Rayn●r Duke of Anjou, styling him●elfe king of Sicily and Naples: In which business he was so intentive, that it brought an aspersion upon him of being bribed: but howsoever, an Interview betwixt the two kings is appointed, without any warrant of king Henry's part, to be between Charter● and Rouen. The Commissioners return; the Earl of Suffolk sets forth the beauty of the proposed Bride, and the great benefits that would redound to the kingdom by this match. The king was easily induced to credit the relation; but divers of the king's Council, especially the Duke of Gloucester, opposed it; partly for the meanness of the match, her father being only a Titular Prince, and withal but poor, unable to give any portion at all; and partly, for the wrong which should hereby be offered to the Duke of Arminiacks daughter, to whom the king had been in solemn manner publicly affianced. But Reasons could not prevail against favour: the Earl of Suffolk's affirmation must not be undervalved. And hereupon, a new creation of Lords first made; (john Beaufort Earl of Somerset, made Duke of Somerset; john Lord Talbot made Earl of Shrewsbury; john Holland Earl of Huntingdon, made Duke of Exeter; Humphrey Earl of Stafford, made Duke of Buckingham; Henry 〈◊〉 Earl of Warwick, made Duke of Warwick; Edmund Beaufort Earl of Dorset, made marquis Dorset; and William de la Poole Earl of Suffolk, made marquis of Suffolk:) this new marquis honourably accompanied, is sent into Fra●ce to fetch the Lady Margaret the proposed Bride; who shortly after is married at Southwick in Hampshire, and crowned Queen of England at Westminster, on the 30 day of May 1444, in the three and twentieth year of king Henry's Reign. And now in stead of benefits by this marriage, there presently followed great inconveniences: for first, in exchange of her person, the Duchy of Anjou, the City of 〈◊〉, with the whole County of maine, (the best props of the Duchy of Normandy) are agreed to be surrendered into the hands of the French: and then the Duke of Arminiack, to revenge the injury offered to his daughter, is a means to expel the English ●ut of all Aquitaine. At this time, the Duke of Somersets spleen against the Duke of York, not only is revived, but is grown stronger; for the Duke of York, who was now after the death of the Earl of Warwick, made the second time Regent of France, is so undermined by him, through assistance of the new marquis of Suffolk, who bore now all the sway with the King and Queen; that not only he supplanted him in his place, but planted himself in it, to the great heartburning of the Duke of York and his friends; but he wisely dissembled his anger, and for the present passed it ove●. And now is no man in grace, but the new marquis of Suffolk; all favours from the King and Queen must pass by him, and the extent of his power over-r●acheth all the Council: He gets of the King the wardship of the body and lands of the Countess of Warwick, and of the Lady Margaret, sole daughter and heir of john Duke of Somerset, afterward mother to king Henry the seventh. And now, the king's weakness in judgement grows every day more apparent than other, whilst governed by no counsel, but of his Queen; and she by no counsel but her own will, and the new marquis of Suffolk. King Henry is himself the least part of the king, and serves but to countenance the devices of others, whereof he little understands the drifts; and which, proving ill, the blame must be his; if well, the benefit and honour, others. For by instigation of the Queen, he suffers the Duke of Gloucester, for his care of the Commonwealth called the good Duke, to be excluded not only from Command, but from the Counsel-table; and permits Informers, s●t on by the marquis of Suffolk, the Duke of Buckingham, the Cardinal Bishop of Winchester, and the Archbishop of York, to come against him; who lay to his charge, that he had caused divers persons to be executed contrary to Law: wherein though he justified himself, yet no justification would be heard; but to avoid tumultuary partaking, it was concluded, he should be privately convicted and condemned: and to this end, a Parliament by the procurement of his enemies, unwitting to the king, is called at Bury; to which the Duke of Gloucester resorting, is, on the second day of the Session, by the Lord Beaumont L. High Constable (abetted by the Duke of Buckingham) arrested and put in Ward, all his followers sequestered from him, whereof two and thirty are committed to several prisons; and the next day after his imprisonment, he is found in his bed, murdered; yet showed the same day, as though he had died of an Imposthume; though all that saw his body, saw plainly that he died of a violent and unnatural cause: some say, strangled; some, that a hot spit was put up at his fundament; and some, that he was stifled between two featherbeds. His corpse the same day was conveyed to St. Alban, and there buried. Five of his menial servants, Sir Roger Chamberlain knight, Middleton, Herbert, Arizis, Esquires, and john Needham Gentleman, were condemned to be hanged, drawn, and quartered; and hanged they were at Tyburn, let down quick, stripped naked, marked with a knife to be quartered; but then the marquis of Suffolk, to make a show as though he had no hand in the business, brought their Pardon, and delivered it at the place of Execution, and so their lives were saved. It is no unmemorable thing which Sir Thomas Moor writes of the pregnancy of this Duke of Gloucester: It happened, the King coming one time in Progress to St. Alban, a Beggar borne blind, as he said, at the Shrine of St. Alban obtained his sight: which miracle being noised in the Town, the Duke of Gloucester being there with the King, desired to see him, whom being brought unto him, he asked if he were borne blind, who told him, yes truly; and can you now see (saith the Earl) yes I thank God, and St. Albon, saith the beggar; then tell me saith the Earl, what colour is my gown? the beggar readily told him the colour; and what colour saith the Earl is such a man's gown? the beggar likewise told him presently, and so of divers others. Then saith the Earl, go you counterfeit knave, if you had been borne blind, and could never see till now, how come you so suddenly to know this difference of colours? and thereupon, instead of an Alms, caused him to be set in the Stocks. But in the death of this Duke, the Queen who had a special hand in it, was either not so intelligent, or no● so provident as she might have been; for as long as he had lived, his Primogeniture would have kept back the Duke of York's claim to the Crown, being but descended from the fifth Son of Edward the third, where this Duke Humphrey was descended from the fourth. And here were the first seeds sown between the two houses of La●caster, whose badge was the Red-rose, and York, whose badge was the White-rose. And now upon the death of this Duke of Gloucester, the Duke of York began amongst his familiars privily to whisper his right and title to the Crown; but so politicly carried his intent, that all things were provided to further his project, before his purpose was any whit discovered. And in this time the rich Cardinal and Bishop of Winchester dies, who lying on his death bed, as Doctor john Baker his privy Counsellor and his Chaplain writeth, used such like words; why should I die, saith he, having so much riches? If the whole Realm would save my life, I am able either by policy to get it, or by money to buy it: Fie, will not death be hired? will money do nothing? and other words to such purpose. But he being dead, there succeeded in his Bishopric a more deserving Prelate; William Wa●●le●e, called so of the place in Lincolnshire where he was borne, though his name was Patterne, of the worshipful family whereof he was descended. And now to the end the marquis of Suffolk might not come behind them in dignity, whom he went before in power, he is about this time made Duke of Suffolk. In France about this time a victory was gotten, which proved no better than an overthrow; Before the Truce was expired, Sir Francis Sur●ens an Aragonois, a man thought worthy to be admitted into the honourable Order of the ●arter; taking advantage of the security of the French Garrisons, suddenly surpriseth a Frontier Town called Fougiers, belonging to the Duke of Britain; the Duke advertiseth the French King thereof, who by his Ambassadors complains both to the King of England, and to the Duke of Somerset than Regent in France: Answer was made, it was the fault of the Aragonois, who did it without warrant from either the King, or the Council; nevertheless Commissioners are appointed to meet at Louviers, to treat of some course for satisfaction; but in the time of the Treaty, news is brought to the Regent, that the French by a stratagem of a Carter that with a load of Hey coming over the Draw-bridge, caused the Axletree to break; and whilst the Porter was ready to help the Carter, the Porter's brains were beaten out, the Town of Ardes surprised, and the Lord Fawco●bridg● Captain thereof was taken prisoner. Restitution being required by the English, answer is made them in their own language, it was done without warrant from either the French King, or any of his Council, so it was but one for another; and from thence forward the Truce is broken of both sides, and all things grow worse and worse. The French King by composition taketh Louviers, Gerbury, and Ver●oyle, whilst the Regent stands demurring what were best to be done; If he command, not obeyed, If he counsel, not followed, as it happens to men once blemished in Reputation, to have an ill construction made of all their actions; by which means the French go on without resistance, get Con●●●●ce, Guisard, Gatiard, St. Lo, Festampe, and many other pieces in Normandy; upon notice whereof, Maulesson in Guienne surrenders to the Earl of Foi●, and by their example the City of Ro●n itself takes composition to surrender, where the E. of Shr●wsbury, and the Lord Butler, heir to the E. of Ormond, were kept pledges till it was performed. It is true, succours were provided to be sent out of England, under the conduct of the Duke of York; but a Rebellion happening in Ireland, which was thought of more importance to be speedily suppressed, diverted him and his forces thither, where not only he suppressed the Rebels, but so won the hearts of that people, that it was no small furtherance to his proceedings afterward. A fresh supply indeed of fif●eene hundred men, under the command of sir Thom●s Kyriell is sent over; but what could a handful of men do against such multitudes as opposed them? for he marching with the rest of the Army towards Baugeux, was encountered by the Earl of Clermont, with seven thousand French and Scots, whom yet at first he made to recoil, till the Constable of France with four hundred men at Arms, and eight hundred Archers came to the rescue, and then fresh men coming upon them that were already tired, the English lost three thousand and above seven hundred, besides divers that were taken prisoners. After this loss of men, follows presently a loss of Towns; Harflew is assaulted, and though valiantly for a while defended by Sir Robert Curson, yet surrendered at last upon composition: Then the French King with an Army royal besiegeth Caen in Normandy, a Town belonging to the Duke of York, defended in his absence by his Lieutenant Sir David Hall; but the Duke of Somerset being Regent, in commiseration of his Duchess being in the Town, notwithstanding the s●out opposition of Sir David Hall, surrenders it upon composition to the French; whereof Sir David giving notice to the Duke of York, it bred such a deadly quarrel between the two Dukes, that they were never after throughly reconciled. And thus is all Normandy recovered from the English, after it had been in their possession a hundred years; and finally, all France is reduced to the obedience of Charles the French King. And now hereafter there will be little to do abroad, but there will be the more to do at home, and more blood will be shed in England by civil dissensions, than was shed before in all the Wars of France. This loss of Normandy and other parts in France, is imputed much to the Duke of Somerset, at that time Regent; but the Duke of Suffolk must bear a great part of the blame, partly for having been the cause of the surrender of Anjou and maine, and the chief procurer of the Duke of Glocesters' death, and partly for having wilfully wasted the King's treasure, and been a means to remove the ablest men from the Council Board; of all which aspersions the Queen takes notice, and knowing how far they trenched upon the Duke's destruction, and her own; She so wrought, that the Parliament assembled at the Blackfriars, is adjourned to Leicester, and from thence to Westminster; but though all means were used to stop these accusations against the Duke, yet the lower House would not be taken off, but exhibited their Bill of Grievances against him: That he had traitorously incited the Bastard of Orleans, the Lord Presigny and others to levy war against the King, to the end that thereby the King might be destroyed; and his Son john, who had married Margaret Daughter and sole Heir of Io●n Duke of So●●●set, whose title to the Crown the said Duke had often declared, in case king Henry should die without issue, might come to be King; That through his treachery the French King had gotten possession of the Duchy of Normandy, and had taken prisoners the valiant Earl of Shrewsbury, the Lord Fawc●●bridge and others: but to these accus●tions, he peremptorily affirmed himself not guilty, so much as in thought. Then were further allegations made against him, that being with others sent Ambassador into France, he had transcended his Commission, and without privity of his fellow Commissioners, had presumed to promise the surrender of Anjou, and the delivery of the County of Mau●ts to Duke Rayner, which accordingly was performed, to the great dishonour of the King, and detriment of the Crown; That he had traitorously acquainted the French King with all the affairs of State, and passages of secrecy, by which the enemy, was throughly instructed in all the designs of the King and Council: That he had received rewards from the French king, to divert and disappoint all succours sent to the king's friends in France. Upon these and divers other accusations brought against him, to blear the people's eyes, he is committed to the Tower; but the Parliament was no sooner dissolved, but he was set at liberty; which so incensed the common people, that they made an Insurrection; and under the leading of a desperate fellow, styling himself Bluebeard, they committed many outrages; but by the diligence of the Gentlemen of the Country, the Captain was apprehended, and the Rebellion ceased. And now another Parliament is called, where great care is taken in choosing of Burgesses, presuming thereby to stop any further proceeding against the Duke of Suffolk; but his personal appearance at the Parliament gave such a general distaste to the House, though he came in the company of the king and Queen, that they forbore not to begin the Assembly, with Petitioning the king, for punishment to be inflicted upon such as had plotted or consented to the resignation of A●jo●, and Main, whereof by name they instanced in the Duke of Suffolk, john Bishop of Salisbury, Sir Iame● Fynes, Lord Say and others. This Petition was seconded by the Lords of the upper House: whereupon, to give some satisfaction to the Houses, the Lord Say Lord Treasurer, is sequestered from his place, the Duke's Officers are all discarded, and himself formally banished for five years, but with an intent after the multitude had put out of mind their hatred against him, to have revoked him: but God did otherwise dispose of him, for when he was shipped in Suffolk, with intent to have passed over into France; he was met by an Englishman of War, taken and carried to Dover sands, and there had his head chopped off, on the side of the longboat, which together with the body was left there on the sands, as a pledge of some satisfaction for the death of Duke H●●phry. Whilst these things are done in England, the Duke of York in Ireland began to make his way to the Crown, as descended from Philippe daughter and heir of George Duke of Clarence, elder brother to john of Gaunt, great Grandfather to the present king Henry the sixth. And for a beginning, it is privately whispered, that king H●nry was of a weak capacity, and easily abused; the Queen of a malignant spirit, and bloodily ambitious, the Privy Council, if wise enough, yet not honest enough, regarding more their private profit, than the public good, that through their delinquencies all Fr●●ce was lost, and that God would not bless the usurped possession of king He●ry: with these suggestions the Kentishmen seemed to be taken; which being observed by an instrument of the Duke of York, called Mortimer, he takes his time, and tells the multitude, that if they will be ruled by him, he will put them in a course to work a general Reformation, and free them for ever from those insupportable burdens of taxations, so often, upon every slight occasion obtruded upon them. These promises of Reformation and freedom from impositions, so wrought with the people, that they drew to a head; and make Mortimer, otherwise jack Cade their leader, who styling himself Captain Mend-all, marcheth with no great number, but those well ordered, to Black-heath, where between Eltha● and Greenwich, he lay by the space of a month, exercising his men, and sending for whom he pleased, and for what he pleased: Then he presents to the Parliament the complaints of the Common●: That the Queen's favourites share amongst them the Revenues of the Crown, whereby the king is enforced for the supportation of his present estate to tax and burden the Commons, to their utter undoing, and to the general impoverishment of the kingdom: That the Commons have their commodities daily taken from them, for the purveyance of the king's Household, for which they are not paid, nor any assurance for payment thereof given, but only Court promises: That upon the apprehension of any man for treason or felony, the kings menial servants, before conviction, b●gge the goods and lands of the impeached; whereupon indirect and unlawful proceedings are used by subornation of witnesses, embracery of jurors, and great men's letters to the Judges; whereby Justice is perverted, and the innocent after attainted, if not executed, yet at least imprisoned to their undoing: That the Commons have no legal proceedings in their Lawsuits, so as the rightful owners of Inheritance, dare not (if opposed by any Courtier) maintain their Titles, or attempt the recovery of their interest, how just so ever: That the king's Collectors and other Accomptants are much troubled in passing their Accounts, by new extorted Fees, and by being enforced to procure a late invented Writ of Quorum nomina for allowance of the Barons of the Cinque-Ports, and their suing out their Quietus at their own charge, without allowance from the King: That the Bailiffs of Sheriffs under colour of the green wax out of the Exchequer, do levy greater sums than are by the Record justifiable, yet maintained; That they cannot have the freedom of electing knights and Burgesses for the Parliament; but by letters from the Favourites of the Court, to their friends and Retainers, the Knights and Burgesses are commonly chosen: That they are too much troubled with too often coming to attend the general Sessions, being enforced in many places to make five day's journey to the place where they are kept. These and some other, were the complaints of the Commons; but the Captain for his own particular (after protestation made to live and die in the quarrel of the King) required, that his Majesty would be pleased to receive again into favour, the truly noble Prince the Duke of York, and with him the Right Honourable the Dukes of Exeter, Buckingham, and Norfolk, and the ancient Noblemen of the Realm; by the undue practices of Suffolk, and his complices, commanded from his presence, and that all their opposites might be banished the Court, and put from their Offices: That there might be a general amotion of corrupt Officers, an abolition of the Green wax, and other instruments of Extortion out of the Exchequer; a qualification of the rigour of proceeding in the Kings-Bench; an inhibition of unequal purveyance of provision for the King's household, and a present execution of the Promoters, Slegge, Cr●mer, Isell, and East, whom he pretended by wrongful information to have abused the king, and wronged his Subjects. These Petitions are sent from the Lower-House to the Upper, and from thence committed to the Lords of the King's Privy Council, who having examined the particulars, explode them as frivolous, and the Authors thereof to be presumptuous Rebels. Whereupon the king is solicited by his Privy Council, to prosecute them by force rather than intreary; which advice is seconded by the Queen as conceiving they secretly aimed at her: and hereupon the king draws his Forces to Greenwich, and appointeth divers Lords to assail the Rebels; but the Lords could get no followers to fight against them who sought only for reformation of abuses; and for punishment of such Traitors as the Lord Say the king's Chamberlain was: whereupon the Lord Say is presently committed to the Tower, the king and Queen retire to London, from whence within two days, the king being now fifteen thousand strong, marches in Person towards Captain Mend-all, who politicly withdraweth his forces into Seven●ake wood; upon notice whereof, the king retireth again to London, but the Queen longing for dispatch, send● the two Staffords, Sir Humphrey, and William, with many hot-spurs of the Court to follow the Rebels, who were soon cooled; for they found Captain Mend-all in good order, ready to receive them, and in the first encounter, slew Sir Humphrey, and afterwards his brother, and put all the rest to flight; the k. Forces being at Black●eath, could neither by threats nor entreaties be gotten to go to the rescue, but rather wished the Queen and her favourites in the Staffords case, or that the Duke of York were in England, to aid his Cousin Mortimer, (now first acknowledged to be of his kindred) and many of them stole away to the Rebels, whose number from Sussex and Surrey daily increased, whom yet their Captain restraineth from foraging or taking away any thing by force, and so returneth again to Black●eath, where the king's Army lay the night before, but was now fallen down to Greenwich. And now the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Duke of Buckingham are sent to expostulate with the Rebels about their demands; to whom jack Cade gave very good language, but directly affirming no cessation from Arms, unless the king in Person would hear the grievances of the Subject, and pass his Princely word for reformation of their wrongs. This resolution of his made known to the king, who was not sure of his own Soldier's faith, made him march presently away to Killingworth Castle in Warwickshire, where he fortified himself, as expecting a siege, having left the Lord Scales only to Guard the Tower. jack Cade taking advantage of the king's departure, cometh to South●●rke, where he quarter's his men, straight charging them to commit no outrage, nor do wrong ●o any; which was duly observed. The next morning ●e marcheth to London-bridge, where he caused his men to cut the ropes of the Drawbridge, no resistance being made against him; and so in good order marcheth up by London-stone, upon which he struck his sword, saying, Now is Mortimer Lord of London. The Major of London, Sir Thomas Chalton, standing upon the threshold of his door bade him take heed he attempted nothing against the quiet of the City: To whom ●e made answer, Let the world take notice of our honest intention by our actions. And indeed this orderly carriage of himself and his company, won him a good opinion amongst the common sort of people: And now assuming to himself the place of Chief, he sendeth o●● his letters of safe-conduct, to such whom he pleased to make use of: amongst other, he wrote this letter to Thomas Co●k Draper of London. By this our writing ensealed, we grant, that Thomas Cock of London Draper, shall safely come into our presence, and avoid from us again at his pleasure, with all other persons coming in his company. Subscribed thus: His Majesty's loyal Subject, john Mortimer, Captain Mend-all. Upon Cock's admission, he had private conference with three other that came with him; to whom, at their departure, he gave these instructions in writing: You shall charge all Lombard's and Merchant-strangers, Genona's, Venetians, Florentines, and others, this day to draw themselves together, and to ordain for us the Captain, twelve Harness complete of the best fashion, four and twenty Brigandines, twelve Battell-axes, twelve Glaves, six horses with saddle and bridle completely furnished, and a thousand ma●ks in ready money: and if they shall fail herein, we shall strike off the heads of as many as we can get. But they failed not, but sent him what he had demanded: who thereupon the next morning, being the third of july, returns to London; and presently sends to the Lord Scales, to bring his Prisoner the Lord Say to the Guildhall, whither he had called the Lord Major with his brethren; before whom he caused the Lord Say to be arraigned, who craving to be tried by his Peers, was forthwith taken from his keeper, carried to the Standard in Cheap, and there had his head chopped off, which being pitched upon a Pike, was borne before him to Mile-end, whither he went to have conference with the Rebels of Essex; and by the way meeting with Sir james Cromer high-sheriff of Kent, who had lately married the Lord Says daughter, he caused his head also to be strucken off, and carried likewise before him in de●ision. The next morning he came again to London; where, after public execution done upon some of his fellows, and particularly upon a petty Captain of his, named Paris, that had done things contrary to his Proclamation; upon a displeasure taken against Alderman Malpas, he sent and seized upon all his wares and goods, and fined Alderman Horn in five hundred marks: whereupon, the Citizens finding him to grow every day more insolent than other, they send to the Lord Scales for assistance, who sendeth Matthew Gough an old soldier to them, with some forces and furnitures out of the Tower; who presently make a stand at the Bridge, where Cade notwithstanding forceth his passage, and then began to set fire on houses where many aged and impotent people miserably perished; Captain Bough Alderman, Sutton and Robert Hayson, valiantly fight, were slain: yet upon a fresh supply, the Londoners recovered the bridge again, and drove the Rebels beyond the Stoop in Southwark; at which time, both sides being weary, agreed of a Truce, till the next day. After the Retreat, Cade finding he had lost many of his best men, was driven for supply, to set at liberty all the Prisoners in Southwark, aswell Felons as Debtors: when now his company entering into consideration of their danger, and of the desperate services their Captain had brought them to, began to discover by their countenances their willingness to leave this course: whereof the Archbishop of Canterbury having notice, he with the Bishop of Winchester came from the Tower by water to Southwark, and there showed the King's Generall-Pardon under the Great Seal of England; which was so welcome to the Rebels, that without taking leave of their Captain, they withdrew themselves that night to their several habitations. jack Cade with some few followers bend his journey to Quinborough Castle, where being denied entrance, he disguised himself, and privily fled: but upon Proclamation, with promise of a thousand marks to any that should bring him dead or alive; he was afterward, by one Alexander Eden Gentleman, attached; and making resistance, in a Garden at Hothfield in Sussex, was there slain; his body was brought to London, beheaded and quartered, his head set upon London bridge, his quarters dispersed in divers places in Kent. Upon the news whereof, the King sends Commissioners into Kent, to inquire of the abettors of this Rebellion: whither he followeth himself in person, and though five hundred were found guilty, yet eight only were executed. Though London were the chief stage of this rebellion, yet other Countries were not free; especially Wil●shire, for the Rebels there, upon the nine and twentieth day of June, drew William Askot Bishop of Salisbury, from the High Altar, where he was saying Mass in Edington Church, to the top of the hill; and there in his Priestly robes, most inhumanely murdered him. This Insurrection was not unknown to the King of France, who taking advantage thereof, seizeth upon all places which the English had in France, leaving them nothing but only Calais, and the Castles of Hames and Guisnes; and this was the issue of the Duke of Somersets Regency in France: whereupon coming into England, at a P●●liament holden at Westminster, the sixth of November, in the nine and twentieth year of the King's r●igne, he was put under Arrest; upon notice whereof, the Commons of London despoiled his house at Blackfriers, and ceased not, till Proclamation was made to inhibit them: for disobeying whereof, there was one man beheaded, at the Standard in Cheap. At this time, the Duke of York, under pretence of coming to the Parliament, comes out of Ireland; and at London had private conference with john Duke of Norfolk, Richard Earl of Salisbury, the Earl of Devonshire and other his assured friends; where it was resolved, to keep the chief purpose, (the claim to the Crown) secret; and only to make show, that his endeavours were but to remove ill Counselors from the King; of whom they instanced in the Duke of Somerset as chief; and hereof, the Duke sent divers letters to the King, complaining of the wrongs the Duke of Somerset had done him, but withal making Protestation of his own loyalty. To which the King maketh answer, that he would take his complaints into consideration; but somewhat blames him for the death of the Bishop of Chester, by his means suspected to be slaughtered, and for dangerous speeches uttered by his servants, tending to Rebellion: concluding, that notwithstanding any thing said or done to the contrary, he took and esteemed him a faithful subject, and a loving kinsman. But the Duke of York, not herewith satisfied, departeth into Wales, and there levitch men, making his colour for the good of the Common wealth: and the reremoving of bad Counselors. The King advertised hereof, presently raiseth an Army; and with the Duke of Somerset (now enlarged) marcheth towards Wales: while the Duke of York, having notice which way the King came, by another way marcheth toward London; but being told, the Londoners would not admit him entrance; he passed the river Thames at Knightbridge, marched into Kent, and encamped at Burnt-heath. The King in his pursuit, came to Blacke-heathe, and there pitched his Tents, from whence he sent the Bishops of Winchester and Ely, the Lord Rivers, and Richard Andrews Keeper of the Privy Seal, to know the cause of this commotion, and to make offer of reconcilement, if the Duke's Demands were not unreasonable. The Duke made Answer, that nothing was intended against the King's person, his Crown or Dignity: All that was sought, was to remove ill Counselors from about the King, but especially Edmund Duke of Somerset; whom if the King would be pleased to commit toward, till his legal trial might be had in Parliament, he would then not only dismiss his army, but come unto his presence as a loyal subject. Hereupon the Duke of Somerset is committed to prison: The Duke of York dismisseth his army, and cometh in person to the King: in whose presence, (contrary to his expectation) he found the Duke of Somerset, which so moved him, that he could not hold, but presently charged him with Treason: which the Duke of Somerset, not only denieth, but 〈◊〉 a●re the Duke of York, to have conspired ●he king's death, and the usurpation of the Crown: whereupon, the king removeth to London, the Duke o● York as a prisoner riding before him, and the Duke of Somerset at liberty, which was not a little mervailed at by many. And now the king calleth a Council at Westminster, where the two Dukes are earnest in accusing each other; but while the Counsel are debating of the matter, there comes a flash of lightning out of France, which diverted them; for the Earl of Kendal, and the L' Espar, c●me Ambassadors from Bordeaux, offering their obedience to the Crown of England, if they might but be assured to be defended by it: but withal, at the same time there came a report, that Edward Earl of March, son and heir to the Duke of York, with a great power was marching towards London. Here was matter for a double consultation: and for this latter, it was resolved on, that the Duke of York, should in the presence of the king and his Nobility, at the high Altar in Paul●, take his Oath of submission and Allegiance to king Henry: which he accordingly did, and then had liberty to depart to his Castle of Wigmore. And for the former, the Earl of Shrewsbury with about three thousand men was sent into Gascoigne, who arriving in the Isle of Madre, passed forth with his power, and took Fro●sack and other pieces, but having received in the night instructions from Bordeaux of certain conspirators, he makes all the speed he can thither; and was entered the Town before the French had notice of his coming: so that many of them were slain by the Lord L' Espar in their beds. Shortly after there arrived, the Earl of Shrewsbury's son, Sir Ioh● Talbot, with the bastard of Somerset, and two and twenty hundred men, by whose means Bordeaux is well manned with English: in which time the Earl was not idle, but went from place to place, to receive the offered submission of all places where he came: and having taken Chatillo●, he strongly fortified it, whereupon the Fre●ch king raiseth an army, and besiegeth Chatillon, to the rescue whereof, the Earl maketh all possible speed with eight hundred horse, appointing the Earl of Kendal, and the Lord L' Espar to follow with the foot: In his way he surprised a Tower the French had taken, and put all within it to the sword; and meeting five hundred French men, that had been foraging; many of them he slew, and the rest he chased to their Campe. Upon whose approach, the French left the siege, and retired to a place which they had formerly fortified; whither the Earl followeth them, and resolutely chargeth them so home, that he got the entry of the Camp: where being shot through the thigh with an Harquebuse, and his horse slain under him; his son desirous to relieve his father, lost his own life, and therein was accompanied with his bastard brother Henry Talbot, Sir Edward Hall, and thirty other Gentlemen of name. The Lord Nolius with threesco●● other were taken prisoners, the rest fled to Bordeaux, but in the way a thousand of them were slain. And thus on the last day of July, in the year 1453. at Chatillo●, the most valorous Earl of Shrewsbury, the first of that name; after four and twenty year's service beyond the seas, ended his life, and was buried at Roa● in Normandy; with this Inscription upon his Tomb: Here lieth the right Noble knight john Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury, Weshford, Waterford, and Valence, Lord Talbot of Goodrig and Orchenfield, Lord Strange of Blackmere, Lord Verdon of Acto●, Lord Cromwell of Winkfield, Lord Lovet●ft of Worsoppe, Lord Furnivall of Sh●ffield, knight of the Noble Orders of St. George, St. Michael, and the golden fleece, great Marshal to King Henry the sixth, of his Realm of France. The Earl of Kendal, the Lords Montserat, Rosaine and D●●gledas entered the Castle of Chatillon, and made it good against the French the space of ten days; but then having no hope of succour, they delivered it, upon composition to have liberty to depart to Bordeaux: and now the Gascoig●●s were as ready to open their gates to the French, as they were before to the English; by means whereof, in short time, the French recovered again all Gascoig●e except Bordeaux, and that also at length, upon condition that both garrisons and inhabitants with all their substance, might safely depart for England or Calais, and that the Lords L' Espar and Durant, with thirty others, upon pain of death should never after be found in the Territories of France. At this time upon St. Bartholomews' day, an ancient custom being, that the Major of London, and the Sheriffs should be present in giving prizes to the best wrestlers; It happened that at the wrestling place near moorfield's, the Prior of S. john's was there to see the sports, when a servant of his, not brooking the disgrace to be foiled before his Master, against the custom of the place would have wrestled again, which the Major denied, whereupon the Prior fetched Bowmen from Clark●●●ell, to resist the Major, and some slaughter was committed; the Major's Cap was shot through with an Arrow, he nevertheless would have had the spo●t go on, bu● no wrestlers came, yet the Major Sr. john Norman told his brethren, he would stay awhile, to make trial of the Citizens respect towards him: which he had no sooner said, but the Citizens with Banners displayed came in great numbers to him, and fetched him home in great triumph. Upon the neck of this, began the quarrel in Holborn, between the Gentlemen of the Inns of Chancery and some Citizens, in appeasing whereof, the Queen's Attorney and three more were slain. And now the Duke of York, by all means laboureth to stir up the hatred of the Commons against the Duke of Somerset, repeating often, what dishonour England sustained by Somersets giving up the strong Towns of Normandy, and how he abuseth the Kings and Queen's favour to his own gain, and the Commons grievance, than he addresseth himself to those of the Nobility that could not well brook his too much commanding over the Kings and Queen's affection: amongst others he fasteneth upon the two Nevils, both Richards, the father and the son, the one Earl of Salisbury, the other of Warwick; with whom he deals so effectually, that an indissoluble knot of friendship is knit betwixt them; by whose assistance, (the King lying dangerously sick at Claringdon) the Duke of Somerset is arrested in the Queen's great Chamber, and sent to the Tower; and in a Parliament now convoked, appeached of Treason, and many heinous crimes objected against him: whereupon, the King though weak is brought to London, of purpose to dissolve the Parliament, and that dissolved, the Duke of Somerset is presently set at liberty again, and not only so, but is made Captain of Calais and Guysnes, the only remainder the English had in France. Upon this, the Duke of York and his party, with a great power march towards London: against whom, the King attended with the Duke of Somerset, the Duke of Buckingham and his son, both named Humphrey, Henry Earl of Northumberland, james Earl of Wiltshire, jasper Earl of Pembroke, and two thous●nd men, marcheth forwards; at S. Alban both armies meet: the Duke in the morning send● a letter to the King, protesting his fidelity and synderity; only he desires, the Duke of Somerset may be delivered, to stand or fall by the Judgement of his Peers; and this he would have, or die in the pursuit. The King for answer, Commands him to disband, and submit to his mercy; and not expect, that he will deliver any in his Army, who have showed their loves in standing to him. Herewith the Duke acquaints his friends, who hereupon fall every one to his quarter: The Earl of Warwick fell upon the Lord Clifford's quarter, where the Duke of Somerset, h●sting to the rescue, was slain, and with him the Earl of Northumberland, Humphrey Earl of Stafford, the Lord Clifford, and about five thousand others, besides many that were hurt; the King himself shot in the neck with an arrow; the Duke of B●ckingham and the Lord Scales, in the faces; the Earl of Dorset so hurt, that he was fain to be carried home in a Cart: The King's army had been increased after his coming forth, to eight thousand; but now they are all dispersed or slain, and the King unguarded, is left in a poor thatched house; whither, to be freed from the danger of arrows, he had withdrawn himself. The Duke of York having notice where the King was, goes with Wa●wick and Salisbury, who all three upon their knees present themselves before him, making humble petition to him, for pardon of what was passed: and now, seeing the common Enemy was slain, they had what they aimed at. To whom the King throughly affrighted, said: Let there be no more killing then, and I will do what you will have me. This first battle of S. Alban was fought upon the three & twentieth day of May, in the three & thirtieth year of King Henry's reign. The bodies of the Duke of Somerset, the Earl of Northumberland and the Lord Glifford, were buried in the Chapel there. And now the Duke of York, in the king's name, commands a surcease from ●●rther hostility: and in all reverend manner conveyeth the king to London; where they keep the feast of Pentecost together; at which time, a Parliament is summoned to begin at Westminster, the ninth day of July; and therein it is enacted, that the Duke of Glo●cester should be declared publicly a loyal Subject, and that none should misreport or dispute the actions of the Duke of York, or of any in his company; and moreover, the Duke of York is m●de Protector of the king's Person, and of the Realm, the Earl of Sali●bury is made Lord Chancellor, and the Earl of Warwick Captain of Calais, wherein they all carried themselves with unblameable demeanour. In this mean time, the Queen not well pleased with these proceedings, s●ekes all means to incite the Lords of her party, and they as much seek to incite her to make opposition; she puts the Duke of Buckingham in mind that these Traitors had slain his hopeful Son at S. Alban; she tells the now Duke of Somerset, that by them his dear Father lost his life: And they again put the Queen in mind of the unsufferable indignity done to her, in making her Husband only a king in name, setting a Tutor over him, as though he were a child, whilst the Duke of York and his complices manage all: Upon which incitation, all the enemies of the Yorkshire Faction are assembled by the Queen at Greenwich; where it is debated of some course to be taken for restoring the king to his former liberty and Government; at length it is concluded, that the duke of York should be commanded to give over his place of Protectorship, for that the king was of years and discretion sufficient to Rule of himself without a Guardian, and the Earl of Salisbury to surrender his place of being Lord Chancellor, for that the great Seal was never delivered him, seeing that which was now used, was made since the king's restraint, and therefore not sufficient; to which conclusion of theirs, the king easy to be wrought upon, yields his consent, and thereupon they are both discharged from their Offices, and summoned to appear at the Council Table at Gr●enwich; but the Lords were wiser than to put themselves into their hands, and therefore make answer, that none had power to displace them, nor to command their appearance in any place, but in Parliament, and so they continued about Lond●n, placing and displacing whom they pleased, ●nd by their triumvirate authority, took john Holland Earl of Exeter out of Sanctuary, and sent him prisoner to Po●f●et Castle. These proceedings gave occasion to the licentious multitude to raise commotions, and the Prentices of London upon a very slight occasion, fall upon outlandish Merchants, rifle and rob their houses; and the Major assembling a company of substantial Citizens to suppress them, the Ringleader of the disorder flies to Sanctuary; Commissioners are sent to inquire and punish the offence, but when the Major and Commissioners were set, tidings came that the Commons were up in Arms; whereupon the Commissioners left the business to be proceeded in by the Major, who so discreetly ordered the matter, that many of the offenders were punished, some by death, others by fine, and all things were quieted and appeased. At this time the French having little to do against the English in France, would needs be doing something against them in England: They set out two Fleets, one under the conduct of William Lord Pomyers, the other of Sir Peter Bressy; the Lord fell ●pon Fulney in the West-Country, the knight upon S●●dwich in Kent, where some hurt they did, but not of importance to countervail their Voyage. And now the Queen finding the little respect the Londoners bore to her party or the kings, persuades the king, as for his health and recreation, to make a Progress into Warwickshire, which he did, by the way hunting and hawking, and the Queen making show of minding nothing but pastimes; and this she did, with a purpose the easier to entrap the three Lords, of York, Salisbury, and Warwick, to whom she writ most loving letters, earnestly inviting them to be at Coventry by an hour appointed; which they, not doubting any fraud, intended to have done, but hearing by the way of the mischief plotted against them, they caused their Retinue to go on-ward the way to the Court, as though themselves were coming after; but they provided otherwise for their safety, the duke of York with a Groom and a Page getting him to Wigmore Castle, the Ea●le of Salisbury to his Castle of Middleham in the North, and the Earl of Warwick to the Sea side, and so to Calais; but before they parted, they agreed upon an Alphabet, by which they might have intercourse of letters, yet their intentions kept undiscovered. The king unwitting of this mischief intended against the duke of York and his friends, returneth to London, where he calleth a Council; and therein of his own accord desireth that some course might be invented for a perfect reconcilement of all parties; promising upon his salvation (an asseveration not usual with him) so to entertain the duke of York and his friend's, that all discontents should be removed, and a perfect amity on all parts established: to which end messengers are dispatched to the duke of York, and all other of his party, commanding them upon urgent affairs of the Realm, and upon Royal promise of safe conduct, to repair to his Court at London, at a day appointed. The duke of York accordingly came, and with 400 men well apparelled, lodged at his house called Baynard's Castle; T●e Earl of S●lisbury with 500 men, lodged likewise at his house called the Herbour; The duke of Exeter (lately released) and the Duke of Somerset with 800 men, were lodged within Temple-bar; The Earl of Northumberland, the Lord Egremont, and the Lord Clifford, with 1500 men, were lodged in Holborn; The Earl of Warwick with 600 in red jackets with ragged staves embroidered behind and before, were lodged at the Grey Friars in London. Upon the seventeenth of March the King and the Queen came to London, and were lodged at the Bishop's Palace; the Major having five hundred well appointed men in readiness, rode with a competent number all day long round the City, for preservation of the King's Peace: The Lord's lodging within the City, held their Council at Blackfriars; the other, at the Chapterhouse at Westminster: Between both, the Reverend Archbishop of Canterb●ry, the Son of Henry Bourchier Earl of Essex, with some other of the most able Prelates interceded so, that by their mediation it was at last concluded, that all wrongs and misdemeanours on every side should ●e forgotten and forgiven, that each side should be friends to the other, and both be obedient to the commands of the king. Besides this in general, there were some particular Articles to be performed by the Duke of York, the Earls of Salisbury, and Warwick, which afterward was ratified under the great Seal of England, the 24 day of March, in the 36 year of the Reign of king Henry the Sixth. Upon the publication whereof, a solemn Procession was made in Paul's Church, at which the king was present with his Cr●wn on his head; before him, hand in hand went the Duke of Somerset, and the Earl of Salisbury, the Duke of Exeter, and the Earl of Warwick, and so one of the one, and another of the other part, till they were all Marshaled; behind the king came the Queen, the Duke of York leading her by the hand, who in going made show of favourable countenance towards him: Divine Service ended, they return to the Court, in all outward appearance truly reconciled; but all was dissembled, as will presently appear; for presently upon this, an affray fell out between a servant of the Earl of Warwick, and a Courtier, who in the encounter is dangerously wounded, the Earl's man flieth; the king's servants seeing their fellow hurt, and the offender escaped, watch the Earls coming from the Council Table, and assail him; many are hurt, but the Earl getteth a Wherry, and so escapes to London; the Queen incontinently commands the Earl to be committed to the Tower, but he foreseeing the danger, posts to Yorkshire, where he acquaints the Duke of York, and his father the Earl of Salisbury of all the occurrence, with the palpable discovery of the Queen's cankered disposition, advising them to stand upon their Guard, and to provide against the approaching storm. Himself speeds to Calais, and being then Lord Admiral, takes with him all the king's ships that were in readiness, and scouring the Seas, meets with five great Carricks, three of Geno●a, and two of Spain; and after two day's fight, taketh two of them, with which he returned to Calais where he unloaded their freight, and found it worth ten thousand pounds in Staple commodities, besides the Ships and Prisoners. In the mean time, the Earl of Salisbury with about five thousand men marcheth through Lanc●shire, to pass that way to the king, with a purpose to acquaint him with the affront offered to his Son, and the inveterate malice discovered in the Queen against him: The Queen with the Dukes of Buckingham and Summersault, hearing of his coming, gave order to the Lord Audley to use means to apprehend him; who thereupon levyeth ten thousand men in Cheshire and Shropshire, and with them about a mile from Drayton, in a plain called Bloreheath he attended the Earl, there being but a small brook of no great depth between them. Early in the morning the Earl made a seeming Retreat, which the Lord Talbot observing, presently causeth his Troops to pass the River, but before they could be reduced again into order, the Earl with his whole strength falls upon them, and with the slaughter of the Lord Audley, and most of them that had passed the River, he discomfited the rest, and slew about 24. hundred of them; Sir john and sir Thomas Nevil knights the Earl● Sons were sorely wounded, who with Sir Thomas Harrington travelling into the North Country, were apprehended and sent as Prisoners towards Chester, but upon a message from the Marchmen were presently released. And now the Duke of York thinking fit no longer to conceal his design, make● preparation to take the Field, the Earls of Salisbury and Warwick do the like; and amongst others of approved valour, whom the Earl of Warwick had brought from Calais with him, were two principal noted men, john Blunt, and Andrew Trolloppe. Likewise the King, with the Dukes of Somerset, and Exeter, draws his Forces to Worcester, from whence Richard Beauchamp Bishop of Salisbury, is sent to offer the Yorkists a full and general Pardon, if they would lay down Arms, and become loyal Subjects. Whereunto they answered, that there was no trust to the King's Pardons, as long as the Queen had a Predominant power; but if they might have assurance of safety, they would express their loyalty, and humbly render themselves at his service. Hereupon the King advanceth nearer, and approaching the Lords Army, caused Proclamation to be made, that whosoever would abandon the Duke of York, should be received to mercy, and have Pardon. Upon this, the night following, Andrew Trolloppe, with all the Callicians submit to the King, and by him are all the counsels of the Duke of York discovered; which so much discouraged him, that he with his young Son, the Earl of Rutland, fled first into Wales, and then into Ireland: The Earls of March, Salisbury, and Warwick got into Devonshire, where by the means of john Dynh●m Esquire (the same man that afterward by king Henry the Seventh was made Lord Treasurer of England) they were shipped from Exmouth, to Gernsey, and so to Calais. All the common soldiers the king Pardons, only makes exemplary punishment of some few Captains, sends the Duchess of York, and her two younger children, to the Duchess of Buckingham her Sister to be safely kept; and then having spoiled the Town and Castle of Ludlow, he dismissed his Army. And now a Parliament is called at Coventry, wherein the Duke of York, Edward Earl of March his Son, Richard Earl of Richard●arle ●arle of Warwicke● john Lord Clifford, and many other the confederates of the Duke of York, are convict of Treason, and all their lands and goods seized on to the king's use. Henry D. of Somerset by the Queen's means is made Captain of Calais, whither coming to take possession, he was, by reason of Ordnance shot at him from Ricebanke forced to Retire; which the Queen hearing, was so incensed, that in great passion she gave order to make ready all the king's Ships lying at Sandwich, to give assistance to the Duke of Somerset: but the forementioned john Dynham, out of love to the Earl of March, boarded those ships in the harbour, and took the Lord Rivers designed Admiral for that service, and carried both him and the Ships to Calais, from whence the Earl sailed to Ireland, to the Duke of York, who having conferred and concluded what course to take, he returned to Calais, the new Admiral the Duke of Exeter not daring to stop his course. Sir Simon Montford was appointed ●o guard the Cinque Ports, having divers ships under his command to bar the Earl of Warwick●s entrance; but the Earl by his espyals having perfect intelligence of all passages, fell suddenly upon Sir Simon before his ships were ready, took him prisoner, ransacked the Town of Sandwich, & carried his prisoner and the ships to Calais: By the way he understood how much the kentishmen desired his return and longed for his coming; whereupon he came the second time to Sandwich, to whom presently resorted the Lord Cobham and very many Gentlemen of the Country: so as now his army was five and twenty thousand strong; with which he marched towards London, against whom the Lord Scales was appointed to go, and with some convenient troops to assure London: but the Major directly refused to admit him; whereupon he resorted to the Tower, from whence afterwards he did the Londoners no small displeasure. The Earl of Warwick having notice, that his father the Earl of Salisbury was upon march to meet him: passeth over his men; and without impeachment, joined with him and his friends near Exeter. The King with the Dukes of Somerset and Buckingham with a great Army marcheth towards them, and near to the Town of Northampton both Armies meet: The Earl of March with the advice of the Earl of Warwick prepares for the fight: The Queen (the King more intentive to devotion then fight) did the like, the fight continued about two hours, wherein were slain of both sides above ●en thousand men; but upon the fall of Humphrey Duke of Buckingham, the King's side was discomfited, and john Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury, Thomas L. Egremont, john L. Beaumond and some other of account were slain: The Queen with the Duke of Summersault, taking with them the young Prince, fled to the Bishopric of Durham: The King himself was taken, and as a prisoner conveyed to London: where the Tower is yielded to the Earl of Warwick; The Lord Scales in disguised apparel endeavouring to escape, is taken by the watermens, and by them beheaded, and his Corpses carelessly left upon the sands. Thomas Thorpe one of the Barons of the Exchequer, in the habit of a Monk, his Crown shorn, purposing to fly to the Queen, is taken and committed prisoner to the Tower, and after by the Commons beheaded at Highgate. The Duke of York being advertised of this good success, leaveth Ireland and posts to London, where in the king's name he summoneth a Parliament, which being assembled, he in the presence of the Lords in the upper House, placeth himself in the Imperial Seat, and with great boldness lays open his rightful claim to the Crown of England, as being the Son and heir of Anne daughter and heir of Roger Mortimer Earl of March, Son and heir of Philip the sole daughter and heir of Lyonel Duke of Clarence, the third son of Edward the third, and elder brother of john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, Father of the usurper Henry the Fourth, Grandfather to Henry the Fifth, who was Father to him that at this time untruly styleth himself king Henry the sixth. And after relating the many miseries that had befallen the Realm since the time of this Usurpation, he concluded, that he would not expect nor desire possession of the Crown, except his descent were undisputable, and his title without exception. This being a business of importance, required deliberation: but in conclusion, the Duke having before hand prepared the Lords Spiritual; and few of the Nobility being present, that were not of his part, the Burgesses were easily persuaded: and it was generally resolved, and enacted accordingly, that king Henry during his life, should retain the name and honour of a king; that the Duke of York should be Proclaimed heir apparent to the Crown, and Protector of the king's Person, his lands and dominions; and that if at any time, any of king Henry's friends, allies or favourites, in his behalf should attempt the disannulling of this Act, that then the Duke should have present possession of the Crown. It is not unworthy the noting, that while the Earl of March was declaring his title in the upper house, it happened in the nether house, that a Crown which hung in the middle of the house, to garnish a branch to set lights upon, without touch or wind, fell suddenly down: as likewise at the same time, fell down the Crown which stood on the top of Dover Castle: a sign as some thought, that the Crown of the Realm should be changed. Assoon as the Parliament was dissolved; the Duke dispatcheth letters into Scotland; requiring in the king's name, the Queen, the Dukes of Somerset and Exeter, and all other of the Nobility, that remained in that kingdom, with all speed to repair to his presence in London: but they had other work in hand; for having gotten together of English and Scots, to the number of eighteen thousand, they came ma●ching into England● against whom went the Duke of York, with his younger son the Earl of Rutland, and the Earl of Salisbury, (leaving the king in the custody of the Duke of Norfolk and the Earl of Warwick;) and approaching near the Que●ns A●my, he was certified by his scouts, that the Enemy far exceeded his power, both in number and in all warlike preparation, (he not having in his Army above five thousand men) and thereupon the Earl of Salisbury advised him to retire, and to attend the coming of the Earl of March, who was gone into Wales to raise the March men; but the pride of his former victory made him deal to all Counsel of declining the battle; and so hastened on by his destiny, from S●nd●ll Castle he marched on to Wakefield green; where the Lord Clifford on the one side, and the Earl of Wiltshire on the other were placed in ambuscado; The Duke of York supposing that the Duke of Somerset who led the battle, had no more forces than what were with him, undauntedly marcheth towards him: but being entered within their danger, the ambushes on both sides broke out upon him, and slew him, with three thousand of his men, the rest fled; the Earl of Salisbury is taken prisoner; and harmless Rutland, not above twelve years old, who came thither but to see fashions, is made a sacrifice for his Father's transgression, who kneeling upon his knees, with tears begging life, is unmercifully stabbed to the heart by the Lord Clifford, in part of revenge (as he swore) of his Father's death; and the Queen most unwomanly in cold blood, caused the Earl of Salisbury, and as many as were taken prisoners, to be beheaded at P●mfret Castle, and to have their heads placed on poles about the walls of York. Thus died Richard Plantagenet Duke of York, who had taken to wife Cicely daughter of Ralph Nevyll, the first Earl of Westmoreland, by whom he had issue, eight sons and four daughters; his eldest son Henry died young, his second son Edward was afterward king of England; his third Edmund Earl of Rutland, was slain with his father● john, Thomas and William died young, his seventh son George, was after Duke of Clarence, his youngest son Richard, surnamed Crouchb●ck, w●s after king of England. Anne his eldest daughter was married to Henry Holland Duke of Exeter, his second daughter Elizabeth was married to john de la P●ole Earl of Suffolk, his third Margaret to Charles' Duke of Burgoigne, his fourth Ursula died young. This Duke being dead, had his head crowned with a paper Crown, together with many circumstances of disgracing him: but this act of spite was fully afterwards recompensed upon their heads that did it. The Earl of March hearing of his father's death, laboured now so much the more earnestly, in that he laboured for himself; and parting from Shrewsbury, whose Inhabitants were most firm unto him, he increased his army to the number of three and twenty thousand, and presently took the field; and having advertisement, that jasper Earl of Pembroke, with the Earl of Ormond and Wiltshire followed after him with a great power of Welsh and Irish: he suddenly marcheth back again, and in a plain near Mortimer's Cross, on Candlemas day in the morning gave them battle, wherewith the slaughter of three thousand and eight hundred, he put the Earls to flight. Owen Tewther who had married Queen Catherine, Mother to king Henry the sixth, and divers Welsh Gentlemen were taken, and at Hereford beheaded. Before the battle, it is said, the Sun appeared to the Earl of March like three suns, and suddenly it joined all together in one; for which cause, some imagine, that he gave the sun in its full brightness, for his badge or Cognisance. The Queen in the mean time encouraged by the death of the Duke of York, with a power of Northern men marcheth towards London: but when her soldiers were once South of Trent, as if that river were the utmost limit of their good behaviour, they fell to forage the Country in most babarous manner: Approaching S. Alban, they were advertised that the Duke of Norfolk and the Earl of Warwick were ready to give them battle; whereupon the Queen's Vanguard hasteth to pass through St. Alb●●s; but being not suffered to pass, they encountered with their Enemies in the field called Barnard heath; who perceiving the main battle to stand still, and not to move; which was done by the treachery of Lovelace, who with the kentish men had the leading of it; they soon made the Southern men to turn their backs and f●y; upon whose flight, the rest in doubt of each others well meaning, shifted away; and the Lords about the King perceiving the danger, withdrew themselves: Only the Lord B●nvile com●ing in a complemental manner to the King, and saying it grieved him to leave his Majesty, but that necessity for safeguard of his life, enforced it● was importuned, and Sir Tho●as Kyriell a knight of Kent likewise, by the king to stay; he passing his Royal word, that their stay should be no danger to them; upon which promise they stayed, but to their cost: for the Queen hearing that the Commons' had beheaded Baron Tho●pe at Highgate; ●he in revenge thereof, caused both their heads to be stricken off at S. Alb●●s: so as there were slaughtered at this battle the full number of three and twenty hundred, but no man of name, but only Sir john Grey, who the same day was made knight, with twelve other at the village of Colney. And now the King was advised, to send one Thom●s Ho, (tha● had been a Barrister) to the Victors, to tell them; that he would gladly come to them, if with conveyance it might be done: whereupon the Earl of Northumberland, appointed divers Lords to attend him to the L. Cl●ffords Tent, where the Queen and the young Prince met to their great joy: but it was now observed, as it were in the destiny of King He●ry, that although he were a most Piousman, yet no enterprise of war did ever prosper, where he was present; that we may know the prosperity of the world to be no inseparable companion to men of Piety. At the Queen's request, the king honoured with knighthood thirty gentlemen, who the day before had fought against the part where he was; the Prince likewise was by him dubbed knight, and then they went to the Abbey, where they were received with Anthems, and withal an humble petition, to be protected from the outrage of the loose souldiers● which was promised, and Proclamation made to that purpose, but to small purpose; for the Northern men said, It was their bargain to have all the spoil in every place, after they had passed Trent: and so they rob and spoiled whatsoever they could come at. The Londoners hearing of this disorder, were resolved, seeing there was no more assurance in the King's promise, to keep the Northern men out of their gates; insomuch that when they were sent to, to send over to the Camp certain Cart-loads of Lenton provision; which the Major accordingly provided: the Commons rose about Cripplegate, and by strong hand kept the Carts from going out of the City. Hereupon, the Major sends the Recorder to the Kings Counsell● and withal entreats the Duchess of Bedford, and the Lady Scole●, to intercede for h●m to the Queen; and to excuse his not using force, considering how dangerous it might be in these doubtful times, to stir their fury, that would not easily be allayed. It was well advised to send women to entreat a woman, for by this means they prevailed, that some of the Lords of the Counsel, with a guard of four hundred good soldiers, were appointed to go for London, to inquire and certify of these things: when suddenly news was brought, that the Earl of March with a great Ar●y was marching towards them: for the Earl of Warwick having gathered together his scattered troops, and joined with the Earl of March, they hasted towards Lo●don, and were joyfully received upon the eight and twentieth day of February, and upon Sunday, the second of March, the Earl of Warwick mustered all his army in S. John's field, and having cast them into a ring, read unto them the agreement of the last P●●liament, and then demanded, whether they would have King Henry to reign still who all cried, no, no: then he asked them, whether they would have the Earl of March eldest son of the Duke of York (by that Parliament proclaimed King) to reign over them? who with a great clamour cried, yea, yea● Then went there certain Captains, and others of the City, to the Earl of March at Baynard's Castle, to acquaint him with w●at was passed; who at first seemed to excuse himself, a● unable to exec●●e so grea● a charge: but animated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishops of London, and Exeter, and the Earl of Warwick, he at last consented to take it upon him; and thereupon, the next morning he wept in Procession at Paul's, and offered there, and after Te Deum sung, he was in great state conveyed to Westminster, and there in the great Hall, seated in the King's seat, with the Sceptre of St. Edw●●d in his hand; and then again the people, of whom there was a great concourse, were aloud demanded, if they would acknowledge him to be their King? to which with great willingness they all cried, yea, yea. Then taking homage of divers Noblemen there present, he was with Procession and great solemnity conveyed to the Abbey, and placed in the Qui●e as King, whilst Te Deum was singing: That done, he offered at St. Ed●ards Shrine, and then returned by water to Paul's, and was lodged in the Bishop's Palace, and upon the forth of March he was generally Proclaimed King, by the name of Edward the Fo●r●h. And here in the course of all Writers, ends the Reign of King He●ry the Sixth; that it may be truly said, never any came to be King so soon ●fter his birth, nor left to be King so long before his death; for he came to be King at eight mon●ths old, and he left to be King, living twelve years after. There was indeed in that space of time, a certain Vicissitude, sometimes a King, and sometimes no King; the passages where of must be related in the following Kings Reign. Of hi● Taxatio●s. IN the first year of his Reign, a Parliament was holden at London, where the Queen Mother, with the young king in her lap came and sat amongst the Lords; and there was then granted a Subsidy of five Nobles upon every sack of wool that should pass out of the Land, for three years, but if carried out by Merchant strangers, then to pay three and forty shillings for every sack. In the third year of his Reign, a Parliament was holden at Westminster, wherein was granted a Subsidy of twelve pence in the pound of all Merchandise coming in, or passing out of the Realm, and three shillings of a Ton of Wine, for the term of three years. In his sixth year in a Parliament at Wes●●inster was granted a Subsidy, of every Ton of Wine three shillings● and of other Merchandise except Wool, Fell, and Cloth, twelve pence in the pound: Also of every Parish through the Realm (except Cities and Boroughes) the Benefice being in value ten Marks; Ten of th●t Parish shall pay six shillings eight pence; and of every Benefice of the value of ten pounds, ten Parishioners should pay thirteen shillings four pe●ce, and so rateably of every Benefice, from the lowest to the highest. And for the Inhabitants of Cities and Boroughes, every man being worth twenty shillings above his householdstuff, and the apparel of him and his wife, should pay four pence, and so after that rate to the richest. Of L●wes and Ordinances in his time. IN this king's time, the Lord Major of Lond●● first began to go by water ●o Lo●do●, where before they used to go by land. Also in this Kings Reign the Art of Printing wa● first found at Mog●●ce in Germa●y, by a knight called john Cuttenberghe●, and brought into England by William Caxton of Lo●don Mercer, who first practised the same in the Abbey at Westminster, in the year 1471. In the 23 year of his Reign, in a Parliament then holden, it was Enacted, that when Wheat was so●d for six shillings eight pence the quarter, Rye for fo●●e shillings, and Barley for three shillings; It should be lawful for any man to carry the said kinds of Corn, into the parts beyond the Sea without licence, so it were not to the king's enemies or Rebel●; which Act was afterward confirmed by king Edward the Fourth. Affa●●es of the Church in his time. A Great Schism was in the Church in this king's time by reason of Anti-popes'; for remedy whereof, a Council is called at Co●sta●ce, to which the Emperors of Constanti●ople and Trabiz●nd send their Ambassadors. In this Council Ioh● the three and twentieth is convented, condemned, deposed, and imprisoned: Gr●gory the twelveth, and Benedict the thirteenth are deprived, and Otho Colonn●, by the name of Martin the fifth, is chosen Pope. During these confusions in the Western Church, the Christians in the Eastern Church are utterly ruinated: The Emperor smothered to death in a press of people, and the great City of Constantinople won by the Turk, made ever since the seat of his Empire. In the six● and thirtieth year of this king, Reynold Peacocke Bishop of Chichester, who had laboured many years in Translating the holy Scripture into English, was accused and convicted, for holding and publishing certain opinions at that time held Heretical; which at last, openly at Paul's Cross he revoked; That he had held there was no necessity to believe that Christ descended into Hell; also, no necessity to believe in the communion of Saints, or that the Universal Church cannot err in matters of Faith, or that it is necessary to believe and hold whatsoever a General Council shall determine: Also that he had held, that spiritual persons ought to have no Temporal Possessions, and that personal Tithes were not due by God's Law: these Points he openly renounced, but was notwithstanding deprived of his Bishopric; only a certain Pension was assigned him to live on in an Abbey, where soon after he died. Works of Piety done by him, or others in his time. THe King himself Founded two famous Colleges, the one in Cambridge, to our Lady and St. Nichol●s, called the College Royal, or the king's College; the other of Eate● besides Windsor, called of our blessed Lady; to the maintenance whereof, he gave 3400 pounds by year. In the 28 year of his Reign, his Queen Margaret began the Foundation of Queen's College in Cambridge. In the time of his Reign also, Henry Chicheley Archbishop of Canterbury Founded two Colleges in Oxford; one called All-Soules College, the other Bernard College. In his time also, H●mp●ry Duke of Gloucester (but others say, Thomas Kempe Archbishop of Ca●ter●●ry) built the Divinity School in Oxford; also the said Archbishop built Pauls-Crosse in form as now it standeth; and William W●ynflete Bishop of Winchester, and Lord Chancellor of England Founded Mary Magdalen College in Oxford. In his seventeenth year, Ralph Lord Cromwell, builded the College of Tatshall in Linc●l●shire. Also this year, William ●●stfield Major of London, caused to be builded at his own charge the Water-Conduict in Fleetstreet. In his ninth year, john Wells Major of London, caused the Conduct commonly called the Standard in Cheap, to be builded. In his first year, the West Gate of London, sometime called Chamberlain gate, and now Newgate, was begun to be new builded by the Executors of Sir Richard Whittington Lord Major of London. In his fifth year, john Reynwell Major of London, gave certain lands to the City of London, for which th● City is bound to pay for ever, all Fif●eens that shall be granted to the King, (so as it pass ●ot three Fifteen in one year) for three Wards in London; namely, Dowg●te-Ward, Billi●gsgate-Ward, and Aldgate. Also this year, the Tower at the Drawbridge of Lo●don was begun by the same Major. In his four and twentieth year, Simon Eyre Lord Major of L●ndon builded the Leaden-Hall in Lo●do●, to be a Storehouse for Graine and Fewell for the poor of the City, and fair Chapel at the East end of the same, leaving in stock a thousand pounds, which afterwards King Edward the Fourth borrowed and never paid it again. Also in this king's time, William de la Poole Duke of Suffolk, and Alice his wife, Daughter to Thomas Ch●●cer, Son of Geoffry Chawcer the famous Poet; translated and increased the Manor place of Ewelme in Oxfordshire, and builded new the Parish Church of Ewelme, and an Hospital or Almeshouse for two Priests, and thirteen poor men, to which he gave three Manors, Ramruge in Hampshire, Co●ocke in Wiltshire, and Me●sh in Buckingh●mshire: They also founded the Hospital of Do●nington Castle. Of Casualties happening in his time. In his Fifth year was ●o unseasonable weather, that it reigned almost continually, from Easter to Michaelmas. In his seventh year, the eight of November, the Duke of Norfolk was like to have been drowned passing through London-Bridge, hi● Barge being set upon the piles, overwhelmed, so that thirty persons were drowned, and the Duke with others that escaped, were fain to be drawn up with ropes. In his 18 year, all the Lions in the Tower died: Also this year, the 18 day of july, the Postern-Gates of London by E●st-Smithfield against the Tower of London, sank by night more than seven foot into the earth. In his two and twentieth year, on New-year's day, near unto Bedford, a very deep water, which ran betwixt the Towns o● Swelstone and Harleswood, stood suddenly still, and divided itself, so that by the sp●ce of three miles the bottom remained dry; which wonder, many thought to signify the division of the people, and falling away from the king, which happened shortly after. In the three and thirtieth year of his Reign, besides a great Blazing Star, there happened a strange sight, a monstrous Cock came out of the Sea, and in the presence of a multitude of people at Portland, made a hideous crowing three times, each time turning about clapping his wings, and beckoning towards the North, the South, and the West; as also many prodigious births. In his six and thirtieth year, in a little Town in Bedfordshire, it reigned blood, whereof the red drops appeared in sheets hung out to dry. Of his Wife and issue. HE married Margaret Daughter of Rayner Duke of Anjou, and Titular king of jerusalem, Sicily, and Arragon; by whom he had small Portion, and little strength of Alliance; yet might have been a good match, if they could have changed conditions with one another, that he might have had her active and stirring spirit, and she his softly and mild disposition; She was his wife six and twenty years, and after her husband's depulsion from the Regal Throne, his Forces being vanquished at the Battle of Tewkesberry, in a poor Religious house, where she had fled for safety of her life, was taken prisoner and carried captive to London, where she remained in durance, till Duke Rayner her Father purchased her liberty, unto whom she returned, and lastly died in her native Country. By her, king Henry had issue only one Son named Edw●rd, who when the day was lost at T●wkesberry, sought to escape by flight, but being taken, was brought into the presence of king Edward; whose resolute answers provoked king Edward so much, that he dashed him on the mouth with his Gauntlet, and then Richard the Crouchback ran him into the heart with his Dagger; his body wa● buried amongst the poor persons there slain, in the Monastical Church of the Blackfriars in Tewkesberry. Of his Death and Burial. UPon King Edward's recovering the Crown, he was committed to the Tower; where the 21 of May, in the year 147●, he was murdered by the bloody hand of ●ichard Duke of Gloucester: the day after he was brought to Paul's Church in an open Coffin bare-faced, where he bled; thence carried to the Blackfriars, where ●e also bled; from thence in a Boat to Chersey Abbey, without Priest or Clerk, ●orch or taper, saying or singing, and there buried; but afterwards at the appointment of King Edward, was removed to Windsor, and there interred, and a fair Monument made ov●r him. Of his Personage and Conditions. He was tall of statu●e, spare and slender of body, of a comely countenance, and all parts well proportioned. For endowments of his mind, he had virtues enough to make him a Saint, but not to make him a God, as kings are said to be gods; for of that commanding power there being two parts, Parcere subjectis & debellare ●uperbos; he wanted the latter. He was not sensible of that which the world calls Honour, accounting the greatest honour to consist in humility; His greatest imperfection was, that he had in him too much of the Log, and too little of the Stork; for he would not move, but as he was moved, and had rather be devoured, than he would devour. He was not so stupid, not to know prosperity from adversity; but he was so devout, to think nothing adversity, which was not a hindrance to Devotion: He was fitter for a Priest than a King, and for a sacrifice than a Priest; and he could not choose but die a Martyr, who all his life had been a Confessor. He had one immunity peculiar to himself, that no man could ever be revenged of him, seeing he never offered any man injury. By being innocent as a Dove, he kept his Crown upon his head so long; but if he had been wise as a Serpent, he might have kept it on longer. But all this is not sufficient, if we express not in particular his several virtues: So modest, that when in a Christmas, a show of women was presented before him with their breasts laid out, he presently departed; saying, fie, fie for shame, forsooth you be to blame. So pitiful, that when he saw the quarter of a Traitor over Cripplegate, he caused it to be taken down; saying, I will not have any Christian so cruelly handled for my sake. So free from swearing, that he never used other oath, but forsooth, and verily: So patient, that to one who struck him when he was taken prisoner; he only said, forsooth you wrong yourself more than me, to strike the Lords anointed: So devout, that on principal Holidays he used to wear sackcloth next his skin: Once for all, let his Confessor be heard speak, who in ten years' confession never found that he had done or said any thing, for which he might justly be enjoined Pennance. For which causes, King Henry the Seventh would have procured him to be Cannonized for a Saint, but that he was prevented by death's or perhaps because the charge would have been too great, the Canonization of a king being much more costly than of a private person. Of men of Note in his time. THere were men of valour in this King's Reign, of extraordinary eminency; as first, john Duke of Bedford Regent of France, whom when a French Lord upbraided, that his sword was of lead; he made him answer, and made him feel that it was of steel. Next him was Thomas Montacute Earl of Salisbury, whose very name was a sufficient charm to daunt a whole French Army. Then the next was john Lord Talbot, so great a terror to the French, that when the women would still their children from crying, they would use to say, Talbot cometh. Then was Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick, so much greater than a king; as that which makes, is greater than that it makes, and such a one was he. Many other besides these, not much inferior to these; that we may truly say, there never was a more heroical King of England than Henry the Fifth; nor ever a King of England that had more heroical Subjects, than Henry the Sixth. And though Arms and Letters seem to be of different conditions, yet they commonly grow up and flourish together; as in this king's Reign, were john Leland surnamed the Elder, who wrote divers Treatises for instruction of Gramarians: William White a Priest of Kent, professing the Doctrine of Wickliff, for which he suffered Martyrdom by fire: Alexander Carpenter, who wrote a book called Destructorium vitiorum, against the Prelates of that time: Peter Basset Esquire of the Privy Chamber to king Henry the Fifth, whose life he wrote: john Pole a Priest, who wrote the life of St. Walhorayle an English woman: Also, Thom●s Walden, alias Netter, who wrote divers Treatises against the Wickliffifts: Pe●er Clerk a Student in Oxford, and a defender of Wickliff's doctrine; for which he fled, and was put to death beyond Sea: Thomas Walsingham born in Norfolk a diligent Historiographer: Thomas Ringstead the younger, an excellent Preacher, who wrote divers Treatises: Thomas Rudborn a Monk of Winchester, and an Historiographer: Peter P●yne an earnest professor of Wickliff's doctrine, for which he fled into ●●be●●●: Nicholas Vpton a Civilian, who wrote of Heraldry, of colours in Armoury, and of the duty of Chivalry: john Capgr●ve born in Kent, an Augustine Friar, who wrote many excellent Treatises, particularly the Legend of English Saints: Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, Protector of the Realm, well learned in Astrology, whereof he wrote a special Treatise, entitled Tabula Directionum: john Whethamstead, otherwise called Fr●mentariu●, Abbot of St. Alb●ns, who wrote divers Treatises; and amongst others, a book of the Records of things happening whiles he was Abbot, which book Holinshead had seen, and in some passages of his time followed: Roger O●l●y accused of Treason, for practising with the Lady El●●nor Cobham by sorcery to make the king away; and thereof condemned, and died for it: he wrote one Treatise entitled Contra ●●lgi superstitiones; and another, De sua Innocentia: Henry Walsingham a Carmelite Friar o● Norwich, who wrote sundry Treatises in Divinity: Lidgate● Monk of Bury, who had traveled France and Italy to learn languages, and wrote many works in Poetry: Thomas Beckington Bishop of Bath, who wrote against the Law Salic of France: Michael Trigurie born in Cornw●ll, whom for his excellent learning king Henry the Fifth made Governor of the University of Ca●n in Normandy, after he had conquered it: Reynold Peacocke Bishop of Chichester, who wrote many Treatises touching Christian Religion: Robert Fleming, who wrote a Dictionary in Greek ●●d Latin, and a work in verse of sundry kinds: Nicholas M●ntacute an Historiographer: john Stow a Monk of Norwich, and Doctor of Divinity in Oxf●rd: Nich●l●● Bu●geie, born in a Town of Norfolk, of that name, who wrote an History called Ad●●●ti●nes Chronicorum: Robert ●als●cke, who wrote a book De ●e Milit●ri: Thomas D●●d● a Carmelite Friar of M●rleborough, who wrote the life of Alphred king of the Westsaxons: Robert B●le, surnamed the Elder, Recorder of London, who gathered a Chronicle of the Customs, Laws, Foundations, Changes, Offices, Orders, and public Assemblies of the City of London, with other matters touching the perfect description of the same City; he wrote other works also touching the state of the same City, and the Acts of King Edward the third. THE REIGN OF KING EDWARD THE FORTH. EDWARD Earl of March, born at Roan in Normandy, son and heir of Richard Plantagenet Duke of York, slain in the battle at Wakefield, succeeded his Father in the Right, but exceeded him in the possession of the Crown of England; and that by virtue of an act of Parliament lately made; wherein the said Duke of York not only was declared heir apparent to the Crown, and appointed Protector of the King and Kingdom; but it was further enacted, that if King Henry, or any in his behalf, should attempt the disannulling of this Act; that then the said Duke or his heir should have the present Possession: which because his friends attempted to do, therefore justly doth Edward Earl of March his son, by virtue of this act, take possession of the Crown; and is Proclaimed king of England, by the name of Edward the fourth, through the City of London, on the fifth day of March in the year 1460. But before he could have leisure to be Crowned, he was forced once again to try his fortune in the field by battle: For King Henry in the North was raising a new army; against whom King Edward, upon the twelveth of March, marched with his forces from London, and by easy journeys came to Pomfret Castle, from whence the Lord Fitzwater was sent to guard the passage at Ferribridge, to stop the Enemies approach that way; King Henry likewise advanceth forward, sending his power, under the conduct of the Duke of Somerset, the Earl of Northumberland and the Lord Clifford, whilst himself with his Queen and Son stay at York. The Lord Clifford very early on Palm sunday, with a troop of Northern men, falls upon those that guarded Fetribridge, and defeated them with the slaughter of the Lord Fitzwater and the bastard of Salisbury. The Earl of Warwick hearing of this defeat, comes posting to King Edward's Camp, and in his presence killing his horse, Protested his resolution to stand with him to the Death. Upon ●his Resolution of the Earls, the King made presently Proclamation, that all who were afraid to sight, should at their pleasure depart; but to those that would stay, he promised good reward, adding withal, that if any that stayed, should after turn his back or flee, than he that should kill him, should have double pay. After this, he gave order to the Lord Fawconbridge, and Sir Walter Blunt, to lead on the Vanguard; who in their march about Dandingdale, encountered with the Lord Clifford; (who formerly in cold blood had slaughtered the young Earl of Rutland) and he being stricken into the throat with an arrow (some say) without a head; and presently dying: the Lord Nevil Son and heir of the Earl of Westmoreland was also slain, with most of their companies, and the rest put to flight. The next day likewise (the Duke of Norfolk being dangerously sick, to whom that place was assigned) F●●conbridge and Blunt continue the leading of the Vanguard; and on Palm-sunday, by break of day, they came to a plain field between Towton & Saxto●, from whence they made a full survey of king Henry's Army, and certified king Edward, that the Enemy was threescore thousand strong; where his Army was but forty thousand and six hundred: whereupon a second Proclamation was made through the Camp, that no quarter should be kept, nor prisoner taken. The Armies being both in sight, the Lord Fauconbridge gave direction to the Archers (upon a signal by him given) to shoot every man a flight-arrow (for that purpose provided) and then to fall back three strides, and stand. The Northern men in the mean time plied their bows, till all their sheaves were empty; but their arrows fell short of the Enemy by threescore yards, and not only did no hurt to the Enemy, but did hurt to themselves; for their arrows being spent, and coming to handblows, their own arrows sticking in the ground, galled their shins, and pierced their feet. Ten hours the battle continued doubtful; till the Earl of Northumberland being slain, with the Lord, Beaumond, Grace, Dacres, and Wells, Sir john Nevil, Andrew Trollop, and many other knights and Esquires; the Earls of Exeter and Somerset fled, leaving the Conquest to King Edward, but the bloodiest that ever England felt, for there fell that day six and thirty thousand seven hundred threescore and sixteen persons, no prisoner being taken but the Earl of Devonshire. The battle ended, K. Edward hastes to York, where he caused the heads of his father and other friends, to be taken down and buried with their bodies, setting in their places the heads of the Earl of Devonshire, and three other, there at that time executed. The Earl of Somerset acquainting King Henry with this overthrow, persuades him, with his Queen and Son, to fly to Barwick; where leaving the Duke of Somerset, they fly further for succour to the King of Scots, who comforteth them with promise of relief, but maketh a sure bargain; for in lieu of a pension to be allowed King Henry during his abode there, the Town and Castle of Barwick were delivered to him. Queen Margaret and her Son are sent into France, who obtained of Lewis the Eleve●th her Cousin, that all of King Edward's friends were prohibited Stay or Traffic in the French kings Dominions: but all King Henry's friends might live there freely. After this, king Edward comes to London; and upon his entrance to the Tower, makes four and twenty knights, and the next day four more; and upon the 28 day of june, in the year 1461. he road from the T●wer to Westminster, and was there Crowned in the Abby-Church. Shortly after, a Parliament is summoned, which began at Westminster the fourth of November; In which, all Acts of king Henry the Sixth, prejudicial to king Edward's Title, are repealed: and therein, john Earl of Oxford, a valiant and wise man, (he who in a former Parliament had disputed the question concerning the precedency of Temporal and Spiritual Barons; a bold attempt in those days; and by force of whose Arguments, Judgement was given for the Lords Temporal) with his Son Aubry de Veer, Sir Thomas Tiddingham knight, William Tyrrell & Walter Montgomery Esquires, were, without answer, convicted of Treason, and beheaded. And to encourage others to well-deserving, king Edward at this time advanced many in honour: his brother George he created Duke of Clarence; his brother Richard, Duke of Gloucester; john Lord Nevil brother to the Earl of Warwick, he made first Viscount, than marquis Montacu●e; Henry Bourchier brother to the Archbishop of Canterbury, is made Earl of Essex; and William Lord Fauconbridge, Earl of Kent. And now their new honours are presently put into employment; the Earls of Essex & Kent, accompaneid with the Lords Audeley and Clinton, Sir john Howard, Sir Richard Walgrave and others, to the number of ten thousand, are appointed to scour the Seas, who landing in Britain, took the town of Conque●, and the Isle of Ree, and then returned. At this time Henry Duke of Somerset, Ralph Percy and divers others came in, and humbly submitted themselves to king Edward's mercy; who protested his propension of freely pardoning them, and as many other that would submit themselves as they did. All this time King Henry was in Scotland, and Queen Margaret in France; where she obtained of the French King, a company of five hundred men; with whom she sailed towards Newcastle, and landed at Tinmouth, but suddenly again returned, and was herself by tempest beaten to Barwick, but her company was driven on the shore before Bamburg Castle; where they set their Ships on fire, and fled to an Island called Holy Island, but were so assailed there by the bastard Ogle and john Manners Esquire, that many of them were slain, and almost four hundred taken prisoners, only their Colonel Peter Bressie happened upon a Fisherman, who brought him to ●●●wick to Queen Margaret, and by her was made Captain of the Castle of Alnewick, which he with his Frenchmen kept, till they were rescued. Shortly after● Queen Margaret having gotten together a great company of Scots, and other of her friends bringing her husband with her, and leaving her Son at Barwick, entered Northumberland, took the Castle of Bamburg, made Captain thereof Sir Ralph Grey; and then came forward to the Bishopric of Durham: whither resorted to her the lately Reconciled, and now again revolted Duke of Somerset; Sir Ralph Percy and divers others, who altogether made a competent army. King Edward hearing hereof, makes preparation both by sea and land; and first he sends Viscount Montacute with some Companies into Northumberland; whom he in person followeth with his whole power: The Viscount marcheth towards king Henry, and by the way encountreth the Lord Hungerford at Hegley-moore; but he, with Lord Basse, upon the first charge, ran away, leaving Sir Ralph Darcy alone with his own Regiment, who there valiantly fight, died. After this the Viscount understanding that king Henry was encamped in Levels plain, near the river of dowel in Hexamshire, marcheth thither by night, and set upon him in his Camp, whose charge the Northern men receive with a desperate resolution, but were in the end with great slaughter overcome. Henry Beaufort Duke of Somerset, the Lords Basse, Molins, Hungerford, Wen●worth, Hussey and Sir john Finderne knight, with many others are taken prisoners: king Henry himself by the swiftness of his horse escaped, but very hardly; for one of his Hench-men that followed him was taken, who had on his head king Henry's Helmet, or as some say, his high Cap of Estate, called Abacot, garnished with two rich Crowns, which was presented to king Edward at York the fourth of May. The Duke of Somerset was beheaded presently at Exam; the other Lords and knights were had to Newcastle, and there, after a little respite, were likewise put to death. Besides these, divers others, to the number of five and twenty, were executed at York and in other places. This Duke of Somerset was never married, but had a natural Son named Charles Somerset, who was afterward created Earl of Worcester. Sir Humphrey Nevil, and William Tailbois calling himself Earl of Kyme, Sir Ralph Grey and Richard Tunstall with divers others that escaped from this battle, hid themselves in secret places; but yet not so closely, but that they were espied and takend The Earl of Kyme was apprehended in Riddesdale, and brought to Newcastle, and there beheaded, Sir Humphrey Nevil was taken in holderness, and at York lost his head. After this battle, called Exam-field, king Edward came to the City of Durham, and sent from thence into Northumberland, the Earl of Warwick, the Lord Montacute, the Lords Fawconbridge and Scroop, to recover such Castles as his Enemies there held; which they effected; and taking in the Castle of Dunstanburg, they found in it john Gois servant to the Duke of Somerset, who was brought to York and there beheaded: and taking in the Castle of Bamburg, they found in it Sir Ralph Grey, whom because he had sworn to be true to king Edward, and was now revolted to king Henry● they degraded from his Order of knighthood at Doncaster, by cutting of his gil● Spurs, renting his Coat of Arms, and breaking his sword over his head, and then beheaded him. In this mean time, king Henry (upon what occasion, no man knows; but only led by the left hand of destiny) venturing in disguise to come into England, and shifting from place to place, was at length discovered, and taken by one C●ntlow, or as others say, by Thomas Talbot son to Sir Edward Talbot of Bashall, who deceived him being at his dinner at Waddington Hall in Lincolnshire, and brought him towards London, with his legs tied under the horse belly; in whose company were also taken Doctor Han●ing Deane of Windsor, D. B●dle, and one Ell●rton, whom the Earl of Warwick met by the way, ●nd brought them all to the Tower of London; whils● the distressed Queen with her son once again is driven to fly for shelter into France; whither the new Duke of Summersault and his brother john sailed also, where they lived in great misery; and the Earl of Pembr●●ke went from Country to Country little better than a Vagabond. At this time, king Edward, to reward his followers, distributeth the Lands and Possessions of those that held with king Henry amongst them, but first made Proclamation that whosoever of the contrary faction would come in and submit, should be received to grace and restored to their Patrimonies. In the fourth year of king Edward, in Michaelmas Term were made eight Sergeants at Law, Thomas Young, Nicholas Geney, Richard Neale, Thomas Brian, Richard Pigot, Ioh● Catesby and Guy Fairfax; who held their feast in the Bishop of Elyes place in Holborn, where the Lord Grey of Ruthin then Lord Treasurer of England, was placed before the Lord Major of London, being invited to the feast, which gave such a distaste to the Major, that he presently departed with the Aldermen and Sheriff●, without tasting of their feast: and it was Registered to be a precedent in time to come. And now king Edward no less intentive to perform the Office of a king in peace, than he had been before of a Captain in warr●, considering with himself that seditious and civil dissensions must needs breed disorders in a state, and that disorders bred by troubled times, are not like troubled waters, that will in time settle of themselves and recover clearness; but are rather like weeds, which once springing up and let alone, will in time over run the whole gro●nd where they grow: He like a good Gardener seeks to weed them out before they grow too rank, and endeavours to make a general reformation of abuses; and to that end in Michaelmas Term in the second year of his Reign, Three days together he sat publicly with his Judges in Westminster-hall on the King's Bench, to acquaint himself with the Orders of that Court, and to observe what needed Reformation in it, either at Bench or ●t Bar: as likewise he ordered the officers of his Exchequer, to take more moderate Fees; and to be more intentive to the benefit of the Subject, than to their own unjust gain: He also daily frequented the Council Table; which he furnished for the most part, with such as were gracious amongst the Citizens, whom he employs about references and businesses of private consequence; whilst mysteries o● State were intimated only to such whom he selected to be of his more private Cabinet Counsel; by whom, he being now of the age of three and twenty years, w●● advised that it was now time to provide for posterity, by taking a wife, and to provide also for the present time, by taking a fit wife, which they conceived to be no where so fitly found as in France; both thereby to bury old grudges between the two Nations, and also to avert assistance from Queen M●rg●ret, the only disturber of the State; and this being concluded, it only remained to make choice of a fit man for that employment, for which none was thought so fit as Richard Nevil Earl of Warwick; he therefore is presently sent into Fra●ce, to treat of a Marriage to be had between king Edward and the Lady Bon●, daughter to Lewis Duke of Savoy, and Sister to the Lady Carlote then Queen of Fra●ce: a Lady, no less for beauty and virtuous qualities, then for Nobility of blood, worthy to be a Queen. The Proposition is in Fra●ce readily embraced, and willingly assented unto on all parts. But in the mean time king Edward being hunting in Witchwood Forest besides Stonystratford; he chanced to come to the Manor of Grafton, where the Duchess of Bedford then lay, and where her daughter by Sir Richard Woodvile, the Lady Elizabeth Gr●y widow of Sir john Gr●y of Gr●vy, slain at the last battle of St. Alban; became a suitor to him for some lands which her ●usband had given her in Jointure; with whose beauty and graceful behaviour, king Edward was so taken, that he presently became a Suitor to her; and when he could not obtain his suit by terms of wanton love, he was forced to s●eke it by terms of Marriage. And here we may well think there was no small c●fl●ct in King Edward's mind, between the two great commanders, Love and Honour, which of them should be most potent; Honour put him in mind, that it was against his Law to take to wife a meaner person than himself; but Love would take no notice of any difference of degrees, but took it for his Prerogative to make all persons equal; Honour persuaded him that it stood him much upon to make good the Ambassage, in which he had sent the Earl of Warwick to a great Prince; but Love persuaded him that it stood him more upon, to make good the Ambassage sent to himself from a greater Prince: In conclusion, it appeared to be true which one observes, Improbe ●mor quid non mortalia pectora cogis? what is it that love will not make a man to do? Whether it be, that love brings upon the mind a forgetfulness of all circumstances but such as tend to its own satisfaction; or whether it be that love is amongst passions, as oil amongst liquors, which will always be supreme and at the top; Honour may be honoured, but love will be obeyed: And therefore king Edward, though he knew no Superior upon Earth, yet he obeys the summons of Love; and upon the first day of May, marries the said Lady Grace at Grafton; the first of our kings since the Conquest that married his Subject: At which marriage none was present but the Duchess of Bedford, the Priest, two Gentlewoman, & a young man to help the Priest at Mass: the year after, with great solemnity she was Crowned Queen at Westminster. It is not unworthy the relating the Speech which king Edward had with his Mother, who sought to cross this ma●ch: Where you say (saith he) that she is a widow, and hath already children; by God's blessed Lady, I am a Bachelor, and have some too, and so each of us hath a proof, that nether of us is like to be barren; And as for your objection of Bigamy, (for his mother had charged him with being contracted to the Lady Elizabeth Lucy) Let the Bishop (saith he) lay it to my charge when I come to take Orders, for I understand it is forbidden a Priest, but I never wist it was forbidden a Prince. Upon this marriage, the Queen's Father was created Earl Rivers, and made High-Constable of England; her brother the Lord Anthony, was married to the sole Heir of the Lord Scales, and by her had that Barony; her Son sir Thomas Grace was created marquis Dorset, and married Cicelie, heir to the Lord Bonvile. It may be thought a h●ppy fortune for this Lady to be thus marched; but let all things be considered, and the miseries accrueing to her by it, will be found equivalent, if not over-weighing all the benefits: For first, by this match she drew upon herself the envy of many, and was cause that her Husband fled the Realm, and herself in his absence glad to take Sanctuary, and in that place to be delivered of a Prince, in a most unprincely m●nner. After which, surviving her husband, she lived to see her two Sons most cruelly murdered; and for a conclusion of all, she lived to see herself confined to the Monastery of Berdmondsey in Southwark, and all her goods confiscate by her own Son in Law. And n●w the Earl of Warwick at his return, found that knot tied in England, which he had laboured to tie in France: His Ambassage frustrated, the Lady Bona deluded, the king of France abused, and himself made a stale, and the disgraceful instrument of all this; which although he resented in a high degree, yet he had not been a Courtier so long, but in that time he had sufficiently learned the Art of dissembling; he passed it over lightly for the present, but yet carried it in his mind till a fit opportunity; and thereupon procures leave to retire himself to his Castle of Warwick. King Edward in the mean time, having just cause to suspect he had made the French his enemies, seeks to make other Princes his friends: He enters into a League with john king of Arragon; to whom he sent for a Present a score of Cotsall Ewes, and ●ive Rams, a small Present in show, but great in the event; for it proved of more benefit to Spain, and of more detriment to England than could at first sight have been imagined. And to secure himself at home, he took truce with the king of Scots for fifteen years. And where he had married before his two Sisters, Anne the eldest to Henry Holland Earl of Exeter; and Elizabeth to john de la Poole Duke of Suffolk; he now matched Margaret his third Sister, to Charles Duke of Burgoigne; which proved a greater assistance to him, than that which he had lost in France. By this time the Earl of Warwick's spleen began so to swell within him, that he could no longer contain it; and having with much ado drawn to his party his two brothers, the Archbishop of York, and the marquis Montacute; he seek● also to draw in the kings two brothers, the Duke of Clarence, and the Duke of Gloucester; but he found Gloucester so reserved, that he durst not close with him; the Duke of Clarence he found more open, and to him he addresseth himself, complaining of the disgrace he had sustained by the king, in his employment into France, and other wrongs: to whom the Duke presently made answer, in as great complaint of his brother's unkindness to himself; saying, he had married his Wife's brother Anthony to the heir of the Lord Scales, and her Son Thomas to the heir of the Lord Bo●vile, but could find no match of preferment for him being his own brother: And upon this agreement in complaints, they agree to join against king Edward; and to make the knot the firmer, the Duke of Clarence takes to wife Isabel the Earl o● Warwick's Daughter, and with her hath assured unto him half of the Lands the E●●l held in right of his Wife, the Lady Anne, Daughter of Richard Beauchamp Earl of W●rwicke deceased. Upon this marriage, the Earl of Warwick discovered to hi● what hitherto he had concealed; concerning his project for the restoring of k. H●nry; to which Clarence gave approbation, with promise to assist him in it to his uttermo●●. At this time, Sir Thomas Cook late Major of London, was by one Hawkins appeached of Treason, for the which he was sent to the Tower, and his place in Londo● seized by the Lord Rivers. The case was this; the said Hawkins came to Sir Thomas, requesting him to lend a thousand Marks upon good surety; who answered, he would first know for whom it should be, and for what intent; and understanding it should be for the use of Queen Margaret, he refused to lend a penny. The matter rested two or three years, till the said Hawkins was laid in the Tower, and brought to the Brake, called the Duke of Exeters' Daughter; by means of which pain, he confessed amongst other things, the motion he had made to Sir Thomas Cook●, and accused himself so far, that he was put death. Sir Thomas Cook lying in the Tower from Whitsuntide till Michaelmas, had his place in Essex named Gyddihall, spoilt, his Deer in his Park destroyed; and though arraigned upon life and death, he were acquitted of the Indictment; yet could not be delivered till he had paid eight thousand pounds to the king, and eight hundred to the Queen. And now the Earl of Warwick sendeth to his brothers the Arcbbishop and the marquis, to prepare all things ready to set on foot the intended revolt from king Edward, and to procure some rebellious commotion in the North, whilst he and his new Son in law would provide to go forward with the work; which they accordingly did in Yorkshire, an occasion being taken for the breach of an ancient custom there, to give to the poor people of St. leonard's in the City of York, certain quantities of Corn and Grain. This commotion the Archbishop and the Marqu●sse underhand fomented; yet to colour the matter, the marquis opposed the Rebels, and cut off the head of Robert Huldorne their Captain; but his head being cut off, the Rebels got them other Captains; Henry, Son and heir to the Lord Fi●zhugh, and sir Henry Nevil Son to the Lord Latimer; the one the Nephew, the other ● Cozen-germane to the Earl of Warwick, with whom they join the valiant Captain Sir john Conyers: These when they could not enter York, came marching towards London, all the way exclaiming against king Edward as an unjust Prince, and an usurper. King Edward hearing of this commotion, sends Sir William Herbert, whom of a mean Gentleman, two years before, he had made Earl of Pembroke, and his brother sir Richard Herbert, together with the Lord Stafford of Southwick to suppress the Rebels; and they with an Army of seven thousand, most Welshmen, march towards them; but the Lord Stafford being put from his Inn where he used ●o lodge, by the Earl of Pe●brooke, took such a distaste at it, that he withdrew his Arche●s, and gave over the business; yet the Earl of Pemb●ooke though thus for●●●en, with his own Regiment encountered the Rebels, slew Sir Henry Nevil, and divers others● when being upon the point of victory, one john Clappa● a servant of the E●rle of Warwick, coming in with five hundred rascally fellows, and crying aloud, a W●rwicke, a Warwick; the Welshmen supposing the Earl had been 〈◊〉, turned presently their backs and fled; five thousand of them were slain, the E●●le of Pembr●●ke himself, and his much lamented brother Sir Richard Herbert, a most goodly personage, were taken prisoners, brought to Banbury, where both o● th●●, with ten other Gentlemen were put to death. And now the Northamptonshire men joining with the Rebels, in this fury, made them a Captain named Robert Hilla●d, but they named him Robin of Riddesdale, & suddenly came to Grafton, where they took the Earl Rivers father to the Queen, and his son Sir john Woodvile; brought them to Northampton, and there without Judgement beheaded them. King Edward advertised of these mischances, wrote to the Sheriffs of Somerset-shire and Devonshire to apprehend the Lord Stafford of Southwick, (who had treacherously forsaken the Earl of Pembroke) and if they could take him, to put him to death; who being soon after found in a Village within Brentmarsh, was brought to Bridge●a●er, and there beheaded. After this battle fought at Hedgecote, commonly called B●●bury field, the Northern men resorted to Warwick, where the Earl with great joy received them; and hearing that king Edward with a great army was coming thither, he sent for his son in Law the Duke of Clare●ce, with all speed to repair ●●to him; who joining together, and using means cunningly, by having some communication of Peace, to make the king secure, and to take little heed of himself●● they took advantage of his security, and in the dead of night set on his Camp, and killing the watch, before the king was aware, at a place called Wolney four miles from Barwick, they took him prisoner in his bed, and presently conveyed him to Middleham Castle in Yorkshire, to be there in safe custody with the Archbishop of York. And now they had the Prey in their hand, if they had as well looked to ke●p it, as they had done to get it: but king Edward, whether bribing his Keepers, or otherwise winning them by fair promises, got so much liberty, sometimes for his recreation to go a hunting; by which he caused Sir William Stanley, Sir Thomas of 〈◊〉 and divers of his friends, at a certain time to meet him, who took him from hi● Keepers, and set him again at liberty: whilst the Earl of Warwick nothing doubting his brother the Archbishop's care in safe keeping him, & thinking the brunt of the wars to be now past, dismissed his Army, and intended only to find out King Henry● who was kept a prisoner, but few men knew where. King Edward being now at liberty, posteth to York, and from thence to Lanca●●e●; where his Chamberlain the Lord Hastings had raised some forces, with which he marcheth to London, and is there joyfully received: The Earl of Warwick likewise sends to his friends, and makes preparation for a new army; whilst in the me●n time, by mediation of divers Lords, an interview in Westminster-hall is agreed upon; and solemn Oath taken on both sides for safety, between King Edward, the Duke of Clarence, and the Earl of Warwick; but each party standing strictly upon terms tending to their own ends; they parted as great Enemies as they met: and so from thence the K. went to Canterbury, the Duke and the E. to Lincoln: whither they had preappointed their forces to repair, under the Conduct of Sir Robert W●l●, Son & heir of the L. Wells, a man of great valour and experience in the wars: K. E●●●rd, to take off so able a man from the Earl's part, sends for his Father the L. Wells to come unto him; who taking with him, his Son in Law Sir Thomas Dymock, and coming to attend the King's pleasure, was told by his friends how wonderfully the King was incensed against them: whereupon for their safety, they take Sanctuary at Westmi●ster. But upon the King's Princely word, they come unto him, who commands the Lord Wells to write to his Son, to desist from adhering to the Ea●le of Warwick, which the Lord Wells accordingly did: but Sir Robert Wells notwithstanding his Father's letters, continuing firm to ●he Earl still, so much incensed King Edward, that he caused both his Father and Sir 〈◊〉 Dymock to be beheaded. He supposed perhaps, that the Lord W●lls was himself underhand a friend to the Earl, and had not dealt sincerely with him, in procuring his Son to leave that party. But now Sir Robert Wells seeing the King draw near to Stamford, where he had pitched his Tents, and hearing of his Fathers beheading, was much distracted what to do: to decline b●ttell with the King, he thought would show too much fear; and ●o give him battle before the E●rle of Warwick were come with his forces, would show too much boldness; But his Veins were so filled with a desire of revenging his Father's death, that he thought he could never show boldness enough; and thereupon encountering with the King's Army, far greater ●hen his own, oppressed with multitude was taken prisoner, together with Sir Thomas de L●●d and divers others; who presently in the place were put to execution: as soon as Sir Robert W●ll● was taken, the Lincolneshir● men to make themselves the lighter to run away, threw off their Coats, for which cause, this battle was afterward called L●se-●oate-field, in which, it is reported, were slain above ten thousand men. The Earl of Warwick 〈◊〉 of this Defeat, and not having present 〈…〉 raise an army sufficient to oppose king Edward● when he could by no means dr●● the Lord Stanley to his party, he determined to sail into Fr●●c●, and hiring ships at Dartmouth in Dev●●●●ire, he with his son in Law the Duke of Clarence, 〈◊〉 their wives, took to Sea; and thinking to land at C●lli●e, of which Town he himselve was Captain, he was by the Lord V●●cleere a Gascoigne, whom he had left his Deputy there, repelled; and with so great inhumanity, that the Duchess of Clar●●●● who was then in labour, was fain to be delivered in the ship, (all the courtesy 〈◊〉 th●● distress showed, was only to send a flagon or two of wine,) which fact of V●●cleeres when king Edward heard of, he was so well pleased with it, that he presently sent him a Patent to be Captain of the Town himself: and the Duke of 〈◊〉 for the same service, sent unto him Philip de Comi●es (who hath written the History of these times) with a grant of one thousand Crowns pension during his life. Never man was better paid for one act of dissembling; for the truth was, Prae 〈◊〉 excl●sit for●●, it was out of his love, that he suffered him not to enter the Town, for he knew there were many great ones in it so addicted to king Edward, and so maliciously bend against the Earl, that if he or any of his company should have come, they would in all likelihood have done them some mischief: And hereof he made a good proof soon after: for when the Earl took to sea again, the Lord 〈◊〉 sent him word, he should take heed where he landed; for that the Duke of 〈◊〉 lay in wait to take him; which advertisement did the Earl more good, than the keeping him out of Calais did him hurt. The Earl upon this advertisement, ●●●ded at Drepe in Nor●a●die, whereof when king Lewis heard, he sent and invited him to come to his Court at Amboi●, where he received him with no less honour, than ●f he had been a king. In the mean time king E●●ard made enquiry for all such as were aiders to the Earl of Warwick● of whom some were apprehended as guilty, some fled to Sanctuary, and some submitted to the king's mercy; as john marquis Mo●●●cute, whom he courteously received. Queen Margaret, who at this time sojourned with Duke Rayner her father, hearing of the Earl of Warwick's arrival, with her Son Prince Edward, came to Ambois, and with her also came jasper Earl of Pembroke, and john Earl of Oxford, lately escaped out of prison and fled into France; between whom a new Combination is made; and for a foundation of firm amity, king He●ries son Prince Edward, marries Anne the Earl of Warwick's second daughter: after which marriage, the Duke of Clarence and the Earls took a solemn Oath, never to leave the war till either king Henry or his son Prince Edward were restored to the Crown● But notwithstanding this Oath, this marriage put new thoughts into the Duke of Clarence his mind, casting with himself that the issue of it could be no less than the utter extirpation of the house of York: whereupon, making fair show still to his Father in Law the Earl of Warwick, he underhand falls off, and secretly gives advertisement to his brother king Edward of all their proceedings. And now the Earl of Warwick having been six months in France; in this time he had 〈◊〉 from the king of France, both ships, and men, and money, and receiving 〈◊〉 out of England, that many Lords and others were ready to adventure their lives in his quarrel, if he would come, (for the people generally held him in such 〈◊〉, that they thought the Sun was taken from the world, when he was 〈◊〉 and this in great part for his gre●t Hospitality, who it is said, used to spend ●spam● a breakfast) he with the Earls of Oxford and Pembroke took to 〈◊〉; and though the Duke of B●rgoigne had a Fle●● at sea, to intercept him; ye● his Fleet be●●g by tempest scattered, and king Edw●rd●rusting ●rusting to that Flee●, having provided no other● the Earl had a quiet passage to land at Dar●mouth in Devonshire, whe●e being landed, he made Proclamation in king He●ry the sixths' name, that all good Subjects' should prepare to fight against king Edward, who contrary to Right had usurpe●●he Crown: Upon which Proclamation, it is scarce to be believed, how m●ny tho●●●nds of men resorted to him; with which fo●ces, he made towards Lo●don: upon notice of whose approach, on the Sunday next after 〈◊〉 day, one Doctor G●ddard a Chaplain of Hi●, preaching at Paul● Cross, did so s●t fo●th his Earls pious intention, that many of his auditory were moved to favour the Earl: proceeding: insomuch, that the Marquess Montacu●e, who had in king Edward's behalf, 〈◊〉 six thousand men about London, found them all inclinable to go with him 〈◊〉 the Earl of Warwick, and accordingly w●nt and joined with him. King Ed●●rd h●●ring of the great flocking of people to the Earl, sent forth letters into all parts of the Realm for raising an army; but few came, and those few, with no great good will: which when he perceived, he began to doubt his case; and thereupon ●●co●panied with the Duke of Gloucester his brother, the L. Hastings his Chamber●●●●●, (who having married the Earl of Warwick● sister, yet continued ever true to 〈◊〉 Edward) and the Lord Scales brother to the Queen; he departed into Li●col●shire, and c●mming to Lyn, he found there an English Ship, and two Hul●s of Holland ready to make sail: whereupon he, with the forenamed Lords, and about seven or 〈◊〉 hundred persons entered the Ship, having no provision with him but only the apparel they wore; and so bare of money, that he was fain to reward the Master of 〈◊〉 Ship with one of his Garments: and thus making course towards the Duke of 〈◊〉 Country, they were presently chased by eight great Ships of Easterlings, op●n Enemies both to England and France; which drove him before a Town in the Country called Alquemare, belonging to the Duke of Burgoigne: where by chance, the Lord Grunture Governor of that Country, at that time was, who defended them from the Easterlings, and brought them to the H●ge in Holland, where they had all things ministered to them, by order from the Duke of Burgoigne. At this time, upon news of the Earl of Warwick● approach, Queen Eliz●beth forsakes the Tower, and secretly taketh sanctuary at Westminster, where in great penury forsaken of all her friends, she was brought a bed of a son called Edward, who like a poor man's child was Christened; the Godfathers being the Abbot and P●y●r of Westminster, and the Lady Scroop Godmother. And now the Earl of Warwick entering the Tower, removeth king He●ry out of his hold of durance, whe●e he had been almost nine years, into his own lodging, where he was served according to his Estate; which the Earl did more congratulate, then t●e king himself. Upon this sixth day of October, king Henry accompanied with ●he Archbishop of York, the Prior of S. john's, the Bishop of London, the Duke of Cl●rence, the Earl of Warwick and other Noblemen, apparelled in a long gown of ●lew Velvet, was conducted through London, ●o the Bishop's Palace where he rested ●ill the thirteenth of ●hat month, on which day he went in solemn proces●●●●●bout Paul● Church, wearing his Imperial Crown; the Earl of War●ick bearing up his train; and the Earl o● Oxford the sword before him. The next day, in all usual places about London, king Edward was Proclaimed an Usurper, 〈◊〉 all his partakers Traitors to God and the king; whereof john Lord Tip●of● Earl of Worcester, as a partaker with king Edward, was made the first example. Thi● Lord had been Lieutenant for King Ed●ard in Ireland, where having done something 〈◊〉 which he fled, he was afterward found on the top of a high Tree, in the Forest of W●●bridge, in the County of 〈◊〉 ●nd being there taken, was brought to Lo●do●, Attainted, and 〈…〉 the Tower hill, and af●er buried at the Blackfriars. About this time happen●● 〈…〉 to be related: Sir Willi●● H●●kesford knights one of 〈…〉 Jus●i●●s ●t the L●w● who dwelled at Anno●y in D●vo●s●ire, a man of grea● 〈◊〉, and ●●ving no so●ne, ●he Lord Fitz●a●re●, Si● Io●● S●●●●eger, and Sir Willi●● 〈◊〉 married his d●ughte●●, and were his heiress This m●n grew into such ● deg●●● of Melancholy th●t one 〈◊〉 he called to him the Keeper of hi● Par●, ch●●ging him 〈◊〉 negligence, in suffering his Deer to be stolen: and thereupon comm●nded him, ●hat if he met any man in his circuit in the nighttime, that would not stand or 〈◊〉 he should not spar● to kill him whatsoever he were● The knight having th●● la●d hi● foundation, and meaning to end his doleful days; in ● certain dark night se●●●●ly conveyed himself out of his house, ●nd walked alone in his P●r●. The Keeper in hi● night-walk ●e●ring one stirring, and coming towards him, asked, who was there? but no answer being made, he willed him to stands which when he would not do, the Keeper shot and killed him, and coming to see who he was, fo●●d him to be hi● Master. On the twentieth d●y of 〈◊〉, a Parliament is held at Westmi●ster, wherein King Edward and all his p●rtak●●●●re attainted of high Treason, and al● their Lands and Goods seized on to King 〈◊〉 use. Ge●●ge Pl●●t●gene● Duke of Clarence, is by authority of this Parliament, adjudged heir to Richard Duke of York his father, and that Duchy settled upon him and his heirs, notwithstanding the Primogeniture of Edward: upon him also wa● entailed the Crown of England, in case heirs males of the body of King He●ry f●iled. jasper Earl of Pembroke, and john Earl of Oxford, are fully restored ●o their Lands ●nd Honour● and Wa●wick and Cl●rence are made Governors of the King and kingdomed To this Parliament came the Marquess Montacute, excusing himself, that ●or ●eare of death he had taken King Edward's part, which excuse was accepted. Que●n Margaret i● sent for into France, but by reason of contrary winds was kept back all that Winter. About this time, jasper Earl of Pembroke going into Wales to view his lands in Pembrookeshire, found there the Lord Henry, borne of Margaret the only daughter and heir of Ioh● the first Duke of Summersault, not being then full ten years of age, kept in manner like a captive, but honourably brought up by the Lady Herbert; him he brings with him to Lo●do●, and presents him to King Henry; whom when the King had a good while beheld, he said to the Lords about him: Lo, this is he, to whom both we and our adversaries, leaving the possession of all things, shall hereafter give place. Which if it be true, It shows a very Prophetical Spirit to have been in King Henry; that could so long before● foretell a thing so unlikely to happen: for this was he, that was afterward King H●●ry the Seventh, before whom at that time there were many lives in being, of bo●h the hous●● of York and L●ncaster. Shortly after this, by the Duke of Burgoignes means, King Edward is furnished with eighteen tall ships, two thousand Dutchmen, and fifty thousand florins of gold; and thus furnished, he took to Sea, and landed at Ravenspurre in Yorkshire, where he found but cold entertainment; nevertheless he made a wary march to York, where likewise he found no great expression of welcome, so as he was forced to change his pretence, swearing deeply and receiving the Sacrament upon it, that he came not to disturb King Henry, but only to recover his own inheritance; and for the more show thereof, wearing an Estrich● feather, Prince Edward's livery; which proposition seemed so ●easonable, that many who resisted him before, were as ready to assist him now: and if he be blamed for breaking his Oath; it must be considered, It was Reg●i causa, to recover his Kingdom, which perhaps was the Inheritance he meant, when he took his Oath, that he intended nothing, but to recover his Inheritance: and so he broke not his Oath neither. From York he marched towards Wakefi●ld and Sendal, leaving the Castle of Pomfret upon his left hand● where the marquis Montacute with his Army lay, but did not offer to stop him: From Wakefield he came to Do●caster, and from thence to Nottingham, where there came to him Sir William Parr and Sir james Harrington with six hundred men; also Sir Thomas Burgh and Thomas Montgomery with their aids, who caused him to make Proclamation in his own name: affirming ●hey would serve no man but a King. From Nottingham he came to Leicester, where three thousand able men, and well armed came unto him: From Leicester he came before the walls of Coventry; into which City the Earl of Warwick had withdrawn himself, keeping himself close therein, with his people, being about six or seven thousand men; three days together king Edward provoked him to come forth to battle; but he stayed for more forces, and would not do it: whereupon King Edward marched forward to Warwick eight miles from Coventry, thinking thither at least he should have drawn the Earl of Warwick, but neither would that do it: Indeed the Earl looked for the coming of the Duke of Clarence, with twelve thousand men to join with him, but that expectation proved vain, for the Duke was now fully reconciled to his Brother King Edward, and brought all his forces to join with him; only he sought to make amity between King Edward and the Earl: but though King Edward offered general Pardon, and other fair conditions; yet none would please the Earl, without restoring of King Henry. But now to repair the defection of the Duke of Clarence, there came to the Earl of Warwick at Coventry; the Earl of Oxford, the Duke of Exeter, and the marquis Montacute, by whose coming that side was not a little strengthened; yet all this aid would not make the Earl of Warwick to come to battle: whereupon King Edward marched forward towards London: Both sides seek to make London their friend; the Earl of Warwick sends to his brother the Archbishop of York to labour in it; who thereupon caused king Henry to mount on horseback, and to ride from Pa●ls through Cheap down Walbrooke, supposing that this showing of the king, would have alured the Citizens to assist him: but this device prevailed little, brought not in above seven or eight thousand men, a small proportion to withstand king Edward; and when the Archbishop of York saw this backwardness in the Citizens, or rather indeed an inclination to king Edward, he secretly sent to him, to receive him into grace; which upon Promise to continue faithful hereafter, he obtained. The eleventh of April in the year 1471, and the eleventh of his Reign, king Edward made his entry into the City of London, riding first to Paul's Church, and from thence to the Bishop's Palace, where the Archbishop of York presented himself unto him, and having king Henry by the hand, delivered him to king Edw●rd (six months after his readeption of the Crown) and then king Edward being seized of his person, went from Paul's to Westminster, and there gave God most hearty thanks for his safe return. The reasons alleged hereby Philip Comines for the Citizens receiving of king Edward, seem scarce worthy of so good an Author: one cause (saith he) was, because king Edward being extremely indebted in the City, if they had not received him, they should have lost their debt; another, because he had won the love of many Citizen's wives, who importuned their husbands to receive him. The Earl of Warwick having intelligence that king Edward was received into Lo●don, and king Henry delivered into his hands; marched out and encamped at St. Alban●, and after some refreshing of his Army, removed towards Barnet, and in a large plain there, called Gl●dmore heath, pitched his Camp; which king Edward hearing, on Easter Eve the thirteenth of April, he marched forth, and came that evening to Barnet, where he would not suffer a man of his Army to stay in the town, but commanded them all to the field, and lodged with his Army more near to the Enemy than he was aware, by reason of a Mist, (raised some say, by one Bungey a Conjurer) which made it so dark, that it could not be well observed where they were encamped. In taking his ground, he caused his people to keep as much ●i●ence as was possible, thereby to keep the enemy from knowing of their approach● Great Artillery they had on both parts, but the Earl more than the King; and therefore in the night time, they shot from his Camp almost continually, but did little hurt, because they still overshot them, as lying nearer than was conceived. On Easter-day, ●arly in the Morning, both Armies are ordered for battle; The Earl of Warwick appointed the Command of the Right wing, which consisted of Horse, to his brother the marquis Montacute, and the Earl of Oxford; The Left wing consisting likewise of horse, was led by himself and the Duke of Exeter; and the main Battle consisting of Bills and Bows, was conducted by the Duke of Somerset. On the king's part, the Vanguard was commanded by the Duke of Gloucester; the battle (in which was king Henry) was led by king Edward himself; and the Lord H●stings brought on the Rear. After exhortations for encouragement of their Soldiers, the fight began; which with great valour was maintained by the space of six hour●s, without any apparent disadvantage on either side; only the Earl's Vanguard, by the valiancy of the Earl of Oxford, seemed somewhat to over-match the kings; which made s●me flying towards London to carry news, that the Earl of Warwick had won the field; and he had perhaps done so indeed, but for a strange misfortune which happened to the Earl of Oxford and his men; for they having a Star with streams on their liveries, as king Edward's men had the Sun, the Earl of Warwick's men, by reason of the Mist, not well discerning the badges so like, shot at ●he Earl of Oxford's men, that were on their part: whereupon the Earl of Oxford cried, Treason! and fled with eight hundred men. At length after great slaughter made on both side●, king Edward having the greater number of men, (as some write, though other say the contrary) caused a new power of fresh men (which he had kept of purpose) to come on: which the Earl of Warwick observing, being a man of an invincible courage, nothing dismayed, rushed into the midst of his enemies, where he adventured so far, that amongst the press he was stricken down and slain. (Though some write, that the Earl seeing the desperate estate of his Army, leapt on a horse to fly; and coming to a Wood where was no passage, one of king Edward's men came to him, killed him, and spoilt him to the naked skin.) The marquis Montacute, thinking to succour his brother, lost likewise his life, and left the Victory to king Edward. On both sides were slain, as Hall saith, ten thousand at the least; Fabian saith, but fifteen hu●dred, but then he means only of the king's side. Upon the king's part were slain the Lord Cromwell, the Lord Say, the Lord Montjoyes Son and heir, Sir Humphrey Bo●rchier son and heir to the Lord berner's, and divers other knights and gentlemen. On the Earls part were slain, the Earl himself, the Marqu●ss● Montacute, and three and twenty knights, of whom Sir William Tyrrell was one. The Duke of Somerset, and the Earl of Oxford fled into Wales, to jasper Earl of Pembro●ke. The Duke of Exeter being strucken down, and so wounded that he was left for dead, amongst other the dead bodies, because he was not k●own; but coming to himself, he got up, and escaped to Westminster, and there took Sanctuary. The dead bodies of the Earl and marquis were brought to London in a Coffin, and by the space of three days lay open-faced in the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, and then buried with their Ancestors, in the Priory of Bissam. This Earl of Warwick was Richard Nevil, son and heir of Richard Nevil Earl of Salisbury, who married the daughter of Richard Beauchamp the sixth Earl of Warwick, and in her right was Earl of Warwick, in his own, of Salisbury: he was also Lord Monthermer, great Chamberlain, and high Admiral of England, Lord Warden of the North Marches towards Scotland, and high Steward of the Duchy of La●caster: he had issue two Daughters, Isabella married to George Duke of Clarence; and Ann●, ●●rst married to Prince Edward king Henry the sixths' Son, and after to Richard Duke of Gloucester. We may here observe a Constellation of disastrous influences, concurring all to the overthrow of this great Warwick; whereof, if any one had been missing, the wheel of his fortune had perhaps not turned: For if the City of York had not too credulously believed king Edward's Oath, not to d●sturbe king Henry; or if the marquis Mo●tacute had stopped (as he might) his passage at Pomfret; or if the Duke of Clarence had not at the very point of the battle at St. Alban, deserted his party and joined with king Edwards● or if Qu●en Margaret had not by tempest been kept from coming into E●gla●d in time; or if the Londoners had not been retrograde and deceived his expectation, he had never perhaps been overthrown as he was: But Fata viam invenient; destiny will find ways that were never thought of, will make way where it finds none; and that which is ordained in heaven, shall be effected by means of which Earth can take no notice. Queen Margaret, when it was too late, accompanied with john Longstrother Prior of Saint john's, and the Lord Wenlock, with divers Knights and Esquires took shipping at Harflew, the four and twentieth of March, but by tempest was kept back till the thirteenth of April; and then with her son Prince Edward, she landed at Weymouth, and from thence went to an Abbey hard by called Ceern, and then to Bewly in Hampshire, whither there came unto her Edmund Duke of Somerset, and Thomas Courtney Earl of Devonshire, with divers others; amongst whom, it is resolved once more to try their fortune in the field; but then the Queen would have had her son Prince Edward to be sent into France, there to remain in safety, till the next battle were tried; but they being of a contrary mind, and specially the Duke of Somerset, she at length consented, though afterward she repented it. From Bewly she with her son and the Earl of Somerset passeth on to Bristol, intending with what power they could raise in Glocestershire, to march into Wales, to join with I●sper Earl of Pembroke, who was there making preparation of more forces. King E●ward hearing of these things, resolves to cross this Conjunction, and follows Queen Margaret with a great Power so close, that near Tewksbury in Glocestershire he overtakes her forces, who resolutely turn and make head against him; where Somerset, on the Queen's part, leading the Vanguard, performed the part of a valiant Commander; but finding his soldiers through weariness begin to faint, and that the Lord Wenlock, who had the conduct of the battle on the Queen's part, moved no, the road unto him, and upbraiding him with cowardice or treachery, never stayed, but with his Pole-axe beat out his brains; and now before he could bring in his men to the rescue, their Vanguard was routed, and john Earl of Devonshire, with above three thousand of the Queen's part were slain: The Queen herself, john Beaufort the Duke of Somersets brother, the Prior of Saint john's, Sir Gervis Clifton and divers others were taken prisoners; all which except the Queen, were the next day beheaded. At which time Sir Richard Crofts presented to king Edward king Henry's Son Edward, whom he had taken prisoner; to whom king Edward at first showed no uncourteous countenance; but demanding of him, how he durst so presumptuously enter into his Realm with Arms? and he answering, though truly, yet unseasonably, To recover my Father's Kingdom and Heritage; King Edward with his hand thrust him from him, or (as some say) struck him with his Gauntlet, and then presently George Duke of Clarence, Richard Duke of Gloucester, Thomas Grey marquis Dorset, and William Lord Hastings standing by, fell upon him in the plac●, and murdered him. His body was homely interred with other ordinary Corpses, in the Church of the Monastery of the Blackfriars in Tewksbury. After the Victory thus obtained, king Edward repaired to the Abbey Church of Tewksbury, to give God thanks for his good success; and finding there a great number of his enemies, that were fled thither to save themselves, he gave them all free Pardon; only Edmuud Duke of Somerset, 〈◊〉 Longstrother Pryor of Saint john's, Sir Thomas Tressham, Sir Gervi● Clifton and divers other Knights and Esquires, who were apprehended there, and brought before the Duke of Gloucester, sitting that day as Constable of England, and the Duke of Norfolk as Martial, were all arraigned, condemned and judged to Die, and accordingly upon the Tuesday being the seventh of May, they were all, and twelve other knights more, on a Scaffold set up in the middle of the Town, beheaded, but not dismembred● and permitted to be buried. The same day Queen Margaret was found in a poor house of Religion, not far from thence, into which she was fled for safeguard of her life; but she was after brought to London, and there kept a Prisoner, till her Father ransomed her with great sums of money. This was the last pitched battle that was fought in England, in king Edward the fourth's days, which happened on the fourth of May, being Saturday, in the Eleventh year of his reign, and in the year of our Lord 1471. King Edward being assured, that as long as any partakers of king Henry lived and were at liberty, he should never be free from plots against his life; sent Roger Vaugha●, a Gentleman much reckoned of in his own Country, to entrape jasper Earl of Pembroke, who had escaped from the last encounter: but he having notice of the plot before, prevented it by striking off Vaughan's head. After these great Clouds were thus dispersed, there arose a little Cloud, which gave the Realm, at least the City of London no small disquiet. For now, Thomas bastard Fa●conbridge, who had been employed by the Earl of Warwick to scour the Seas, hearing of these defeats; having enriched himself by Piracy, gathered together an Army of seventeen thousand men, and coming to London, imperiously commanded admission into the City, and releasement of King Henry out of prison: but being denied entrance, and hearing that king Edward with a great power was coming towards him, he brings up his shipping to Saint Katherine's, and taking with him his most desperate men, with them he marcheth to Kingston-bridge, but finding that bridge broken down, and all the places of passage guarded, he withdrew his forces into Saint George's field, from whence he prepared to assault the City of London; for the effecting whereof, he landed all his ship Ordinance, and planted them all alongst the Banks-side, with which he battered down many houses, and much annoyed the City; but the Citizens on the other side, lodged their great Artillery against their Adversaries, with which they so galled them, that they durst not abide in any pla●e alongst the water side, but were driven even from their own Ordinance: Then he appointed his men to set fire on the bridge, and withal caused three thousand to pass over the Thames, and some of them to assault Aldgate, and some Bishopsgate, but were in all places, by the industry of the Citizens repelled, and chiefly by Robert Basset and Ralph jocelyne Aldermen: Upon this he retired to Black-heath and there encamped by the space of three days; but then hearing that king Edward was commming with a great Army, he got him to his ship, but the rest fled some one way, some another. The one and twentieth of May, the king coming to London, thanked the Citizens for their pains and care, and dubbed the Major, the Recorde● Vrsewicke, and B●sset and jocelyne Aldermen, Knights. And now the time was come for king Henry to be delivered out of all his troubles; for the bloody Duke of Gloucester entering the Tower, where he found king Henry, nothing at all troubled with all his Crosses, struck him into the heart with his Dagger and there slew him. And now we have had within the space of half a year, one Parliament Proclaiming king Edward an Usurper, and king Henry a lawful king; and another Proclaiming king Edward a lawful king, & king Henry an Usurper: that we may know in humane affairs, there is nothing certain, but uncertainty; nothing stable, but instability. King Edward presently after the interment of king Henry, draws his forces towards sandwich in Kent, where some of the followers of F●uconbridge, to the number of eight or nine hundred, had in the Castle there strongly fortified themselves, but upon their ask Pardon and submitting themselves to the king, with promise to be faithful Subjects ever after, they had their Pardon granted them, and then they delivered up both Castle and Ships to the number of thirteen, to the king's use. But how this Composition was observed, may be imagined; when Fauconbridge who was comprised in the same Pardon, was afterward taken and executed at Southampton Spicing and Quintine the Captains that affailed Aldgate and Bishopsgate, and were in Sandwich Castle, at the surrender thereof; were presently beheaded at Canterbury, and their heads placed on poles, upon those gates: and by a Commission of Oyre and Terminer, many both in Essex and Kent, were arraigned and condemned for this Rebellion, and more fined. And now king Edward, desiring to be secured from all suspected persons, sent the Archbishop of York, brother to the Earl of Warwick, over to Guisnes, there to be kept in safe custody; and there he remained a long time, till at length by friendship he was delivered, and shortly after died. Likewise john Earl of Oxford, who after Barnet Field yielded himself to king Edward, had his life pardoned; but yet was se●t over sea to the Castle of H●mmes, where for the space of twelve years he was shut up in strong prison, and narrowly looked too. As for the Earls of Pembroke and Richmond, who were fled out of the Realm, to the Duke of Britain, king Edward sent to the Duke, requiring to have them delivered up unto him, upon promise of great rewards; to which the Duke made answer, that he could no● with his honour deliver them up, whom he had taken into his Protection; but that for king Edward's sake, he would take such care of them, that he should need to take no care for them; and to that end, he sequestered their own servants from them, and appointed Britain's to attend upon them. It was now the thirteenth year of king Edward's reign; in which a Parliament was called at Westminster: wherein all acts formerly made by him, are confirmed or revived; and all their Lands and Goods confiscated, that had taken part against him and were fled and all their lands and goods restored to such as had taken part with him. King Edward being destined to be always in troubles; now that he had quietness at home, was drawn into new broils abroad; for the Duke of Burgoigne at this time having wars with France, thought he could no way make a better harvest to himself, then by sowing seeds of dissension between France and England; and to this end, he sends Ambassadors to king Edward, to solicit him to set on foot his Title to the Crown of France; making great offers, with Protestation to assist him in it, both with Purse and Person. This proposition being seriously debated by the King's Privy Counsel, is at last approved of, as being both lawful and behooveful, for the honour of the King, and good of the kingdom. Only means to bear the charges of the war, were wanting; to supply which by a Parliamentary course, would ask too much time: a new course therefore is devised, to procure money from the Subject by way of Benevolence; and this course was taken. About this time, Henry Holland Duke of Exeter and Earl of Huntingdon, disinherited by Act of Parliament, in the fourth year of this King, (though he had married King Edward's Sister; yet grew to so great misery, that passing over into Flanders, he was there forced all ragged and barefoot to beg his bread:) was found dead, and stripped naked, between Dover and Calais: but how he came to his death, no enquiry could bring to light. Provision for this French expedition being throughly made; and order taken for the quiet government of the kingdom in his absence, and the stop of incursions, if any by the Scots should be made: King Edward with an Army of fifteen hundred men at arms, all of the Nobility and Gentry, fifteen thousand Archers on horseback, eight thousand Common soldiers, and three thousand pioneers, came down to Dover; whither the Duke of Burgoigne had sent five hundred flat bottomed boats, to transport the Horse to Calais; yet for all that help, it was two and twenty days before the king's forces were all past over. Before the king's departure from Dover, (to the end he might not seem to surprise him) he sent an Herald named Garter, a Norman by birth, with a letter of Defiance to the French king, (so well written, saith Co●●●●s, that he thought it not of any English man's enditing; as though Englishmen could not indite aswell as the French) Requiring him to yield unto him the Crown of F●●●ce, his unquestionable Inheritance; which if he should dare to deny, ●e 〈◊〉 then endeavour to recover it by the Sword. This letter the French king read & thereupon withdrawing himself, caused the Herald to be brought to his presence● to whom in private he gave this answer: That the Duke of Burgoigne and the Earl of Saint Paul the Constable, (by whose instigation, he knew the king of E●gland was drawn to this Design) would but delude him, for that they were Dissembler●●nd Impostors; and therefore said, It would conduce more to the honour of the king of 〈◊〉 to continue in League with him, though an old Adversary; then to hazard th● fortune of the wars, upon the promised assistance of new-come Dec●ivers●●nd so commend me (saith he) to the king thy Master, and say what I have told ●he●; and then with an honourable reward of three hundred Crowns, dismissed him: The Herald promised to do all that in him lay, and (beyond his Commission) shewed the French king ways, (by working upon the Lords Howard and Stanley) by which he might enter into a Treaty for Peace, which he doubted not, would sort to a good Conclusion. The French king glad to he●r it, gave the Herald, besides the other reward, ● piece of Crimson Velvet of thirty yards long; and withal sent to king E●ward the goodliest Horse he had in his Stable, as also an A●●e, a Wolph, and a wild●●ore, beast's at that time rare in England: and then the Herald returning to Calais, delivered to king Edward the French kings answer. And now to make good the French kings a●●egation to the Herald; the Duke o● Burgoigne, who had promised in the word of a Prince, to bring to Calais by this time, two thousand Lances and four thousand Seradiots or ●ight ho●se, failed to come: whereupon the Lord Scales is by king E●ward sent to the D●ke, to put him in mind of his promise, and to ha●ten his coming with his promised forces: But the journey was to little purpose; only it occasioned the Duke with a small ●roop of horse to come to ●he king, formally to excuse himself for having been so backward; but the cause (he said) was, for that having been imbroiled in the siege of N●z, he could not depart thence without infinite disgrace, if neither composition nor submission were enforced; which now notwithstanding because he would not too much trespass upon his patience, he was enforced to do, by the obstinacy of the besieged: but promised to supply all defects, both with his presence and power, and that speedily. The Constable likewise by his letter persuades the king of England to proceed in the action, and not to doubt both from the Duke and himself, to be sufficiently every way accommodated. King Edward thus encouraged, passeth on, but in his way found no performance of promises, either on the Dukes or Constable's part; for the Duke did not accommodate the soldiers at their coming to Pero●●●, with victuals or lodging in such manner as was requisite and expected; and the Constable in stead of surrendering up Sain● 〈◊〉 according to agreement, made a sa●ly out upon such as were sent from the king of E●gla●d to take possession, and played upon them with his great Ordinance; whereupon k. Ed●ard began to suspect the truth of the French k. description of the Dukes and Constables conditions; and from thence forward stood upon his own guard, and gave no further credit to their Protestation; which the Duke of Burgoig●e resenting, pretended occasions for the hasting forward his forces● & promising speedy return together with them, taketh his leave and departeth, which did not a little increa●e the king's suspicion. The French king having intelligence of the Duke of Burgoignes departure, forecasting the danger, if they should unite their forces; resolved with himself, to 〈◊〉 what might be done to mediate a Peace in the Duke's absence; and yet so to 〈◊〉, that if it took not effect, he might disclaim the knowledge of the overture: whereupon he privately dispatcheth a messenger, in ●hew an Herald; but was indeed fellow of no office or estimation, and not known to any of the King's household, but to Villiers the Master of the Horse, who only was acquainted with the plot and party. This counterfeit Pursuivant at Arm●, with a coat made of a Trumpets Banne●towle, addressed himself to the king of E●gla●d, and upon admission to his presence, insinuates the French Kings desire, which was, to have Commissioners on both parts assigned, to confer of the means to reconcile the differences between the two Kings; or at least to conclude a cessation from arms fo● some time: And so well this Messenger delivered his errand, that it was credited, and the kings request granted; and thereupon letters of safe conduct, are sent of both sides, for such Commissioners as to this purpose should meet at A●ye●s. For king Edward, came the Lord Ho●●●d, Sir A●tho●y Se●tleger, and Doctor Mor●on, after made Lord Chancellor of E●gla●d. For king Lewis, came the Admiral of France, the Lord Saint Piers, and Heberg●●shop ●●shop of E●reux. After long Conference, Articles of Peace were concluded on ●o this effect: That the French king should pay presently to the king of E●gla●d, threescore and fifteen thousand Crowns, and from thence forth, annually, fifty thous●nd Crowns, during the life of king Edward: That within one year, the French king should send for the Lady 〈◊〉 the king of England's daughter, and join her in marriage to the Dolphin: That the Lord How●rd, and Sir john Cheyney Master of the Horse, should remain in hostage there, till the English army had quitted France, and ● general peace for nine yeer●; wherein the Dukes of Burgoigne and Britt●●●e, are ●●cluded, if they will accept thereof: This Conclusion was the more easily compassed, by the king of France his following the Herauld● Counsel; fo● he distributed sixteen thousand Crowns amongst king Edward's Counselors and Favourites; two thousand Crowns to the Lord Hastings the king's Chamberlain, and to the Lord 〈◊〉, Sir john Cheyn●y, Sir Anthony Sentleger, and Mo●●gomery, the residue; besides great store of Plate and Jewels, distributed amongst inferior Officers of the Court. The Duke of Gloucester only opposed this accord, as not suiting with his design; Nevertheless it proceeded, and notice thereof is presently sent to the Duke of 〈◊〉; who thereupon only with fifteen horse, comes posting to the English Camp, whom king Edward persuades to enter into the peace, according to the reservation; but he in a great chafe, reproacheth king Edward for entering into it himself; saying, that his predecessors had by many brave exploits gotten fame and reputation upon the French; and now he had brought his soldiers only to show them the Country, and return as they came; adding withal, that to make it appe●●e he was able without help of the English to subsist of himselfe● he utterly disclaimed any benefit by that Truce, until three months after the English were re●●●ned to their own Country; and so in a great snuff returned home. For the better Confirmation of what wa● agreed upon between the two kings, an 〈◊〉 is desired; but before the same is effectuated, the French king sends to the English army an hundred Ton of Gascoigne wine, to be drunk out amongst the private soldiers, and therewithal, free licence for Commanders and Gentlemen to recreate themselves in Amye●s, where they were lovingly entertained by the Burghers of the Town, by the kings express command. The place of interview of these two 〈◊〉 is agreed on to be at Picquency, a Town three miles distant from Am●e●s, seated in ●●ottome, through which the river of Some runneth, over which a strong bridge was bu●●t, and in the midst thereof a gra●e made overthwart with ●artes, no wider 〈◊〉 than a man might well thrust in his arm; covered with boards overhead● to avoid the rain●foure of the Bedchamber on both sides, are appointed to search the room●, to prevent traps of instruments of treachery: and being by them certified that ●ll as was clear, the kings advance themselves. King Edward being come in sight of the place, made a stand; being told, that the circumstance of coming f●r●t to th● place, was a matter of great disparagement in point of State: but the French king ●o●e regarding substance then circumstance, gave the king of England the advan●●●● to come at hi● pleasure, and went first to the bar appointed for conference, 〈◊〉 the●e did attend king Edward's leisure. He had in his Company, john Duke of 〈◊〉, with his brother the Cardinal, and eight hundred m●n at Arms. King Ed●●●● h●d with him, his brother the Duke of Clarence, the Earl of Northumberland, ●he Lords Chamberlain and Chancellor, and at his back his whole Army in b●t●e●●. The kings lovingly salute each other, and compliments of courtesy re●ipro 〈…〉 which finished, They with their Noblemen there present, take all ●heir 〈◊〉 upon the holy Evangelists, in all to their ●ower, to observe the Articles o● 〈◊〉 agreed on. After which, In private the French king impor●u●es king Ed●●●●, that the Duke of Britain might be left out of these Articles: but after much 〈◊〉 to that purpose, king Edward gave his resolute answers that if king Lewis 〈◊〉 the friendship of Engl●nd, he should not molest the Duke of Brittaine● for ●hat he was resolved, at any time to come in person to relieve him● if he were disturbed: King Edward pretended the many kindness he had formerly received of the Duke of Britain: but it was conceived, that the desire of compassing the Ea●les o● 〈◊〉 and Pembroke, now in the Duke of Britain's Country, were the greatest 〈◊〉 of his standing ●o firmly for him. The money to be paid to king Ed●●rd 〈◊〉 the Articles, is accordingly paid; and thereupon the French Hostages are delivered, and the English Army retires to Calais, and from thence is transported into 〈◊〉 and then the English Hostages are likewise delivered. This Peace was 〈◊〉 ●o be made only by the holy Ghost; because on the day of mee●ing, a white Dove came and sat upon the king of England's Tent: though the Dukes of Gloucester and Burgoig●e thought it was made by no good spirit. King Edward being returned into England, had his mind running still upon the dange● that might grow from the Earl of Richmond: he therefore dispatched D. Stillington and two other his Ambassadors to the Duke of Bri●aine, to send him over to him, under this subtle pretence, that he meant to match him in marriage with the Lady Cicill● his younger daughter; and withal, sent also no small store of Angels to speak for him: which so prevailed with the Duke, that he delivered the Earl o● Richmond to the Ambassadors, who conducted him thence to Saint Malo●, where whilst they stayed for a wind, the young Earl, by the cunning plotting of Peter Landoi● the Duke's Treasurer (more out of scorn that he was not gratified by the English Ambassador to the proportion of his place, than for any love to the Earl) escapes into Sanctuary; from whence neither prayers nor promises could get him cut: Nevertheless, upon Peter Landois his promise he should be safely kept there, the Ambassadors departed, and returned home, acquainted K. Edward with the Duke of B●●goig●●s courtesy in delivering him, and their own negligence in suffering him to escape, only making amends with the promise of Peter Landois; which might be to K. Edward some contentment, but was no satisfaction. At Christmas following, being the sixteenth year of his Reign, he created his eldest son Edward, Prince of Wales, Duke of Cor●wall, and Earl of Chester: his second son he made Duke of York; giving the order of knighthood to the son and heir of the Earl of Li●col●e, and many others. He created also four and twenty knights of the Bath, whereof Brian Chief Justice, and Littleton a Judge of the Common Pleas, were two. About this time, there were two examples of severity seen; not unworthy the relating, if but only to make us see how dangerous a thing it is Ludere cum sancti●, to speak words that may be taken as reflecting upon the king. The first was of one Walter Walker, a wealthy Citizen, dwelling at the sign of the Crown in Cheapside: This man one day when his child cried, bid him be quiet, and he would make him heir of the Crown: which words being subject to interpretation, he was called in question about them, arraigned, condemned, and put to death. The other was of Thomas Burdet of Arrow in Warwickshire Esquire: It happened that K. Edward hunted in his Park, he being from home; and there killed a white Buck, whereof Mr. Burde● made special account: so as coming home, and finding that Buck killed, he wished it horns and all in his belly that had counselled the king to kill it: and because none counselled the King to kill it but himself; it was thought those words were not spoken without a malignant reflecting upon the King: and thereupon Burdet was arraigned and condemned, drawn to Tyburn, and there beheaded: though M●rkh●● then Chief Justice, chose rather to lose his place, than assent to the Judgement. And now began ambition to boil in Richard Duke of Gloucester; whereof the first heat fell upon his brother the Duke of Clarence, how to rid him out of the way; to which end, he seeks to raise Jealousies in King Edward's head against him, telling him, that some of Clare●ce his followers were Sorcere●s and Necromancers, and had given forth speeches, that one whose name begun with G. should disinherit his Children and get the Crown: and for a colour of this suggestion, one of the Duke of Clar●●ce his servants, who came with him out of Ireland, from Dublin, where the Duke was born; is in his Master's absence, by the procurement underhand of the Duke of Gloucester, indicted, arraigned, condemned and executed at Tyburn for a Conjurer, and all within the space of two days: and the Duke of Gloucester, to make show that he had no hand in this fellows death, set on the Duke of Clarence to complain of it to King Edward; and in the mean time finds matter, at least colour of matter, to make him be committed to the Tower; ●nd then again, to make show he had no hand in his imprisonment, bids him be of good cheer, for it should not be long ere he would see him released: and he kept his word; for not long after, by his procurement, he was drowned in a But of Malmsey, (and this was his releasement) and then laid in his bed, to make the people believe that he died of discontent; whose death, King Edward though perhaps consenting to it, so much resented, that afterwards when he was sued unto for any man's Pardon, he would ●ighing break out into such words: Oh unfortunate brother● for whose life not one man would open his mouth. Being dead, he was buried at Tewksbury in Glocestershire, by the body of his Duchess, who great with child, died of Poison a little before. It was now the two and twentieth year of King Edward's Reign, when james King of Scotland sent Ambassadors to treat of a Marriage between his eldest son james Duke of Rothsay, and Cicely king Edward's second daughter. This overture for a March, was by the king and his Council readily embraced, and a great part of the Portion was delivered to the Scots, with this Proviso, That if the marriage di● not proceed, the Provost and Merchants of Edenbourgh should be bound to rep●y it again. But the Scotish king, who had other fantasies in his head, and would take counsel of none but his own will, and diverted also perhaps by the king of France; not only dallied the proceeding in the ma●ch, but affronted those of the Nobility th●t persuaded him to it; in so much that his Brother the Duke of Albany was enforced to abandon the Country, and to fly for refuge into England: by whom king Edward being informed of king james his fickle disposition, was so much incensed, that under the conduct of the Duke of Gloucester, accompanied with the Duke of Albany, he sent an Army of twenty thousand against Scotland; who in their way took in Barwick, and besieged the Castle; which being resolutely defended by the Earl Bothwell, the Duke left the Lord Stanley to continue the siege, whilst he, wi●h the rest of the Army, marched towards Edenbourgh; where within the Castle of Maidens, king james had immured himself. But the Nobility of Scotland, seeing the danger they were in, endeavoured by humble submission, to procure a peace, at least a cessation from war; which with much importunity they obtained, upon these Conditions: That full satisfaction should be presently given, for all damages sustained by the late incursions: That the Duke of Albany should be fully restored to grace and place, with an abolition of all discontents between his brother king james and him: That the Castle of Berwick, (which had been now out of the Possession of the English, one and twenty years) should immediately be surrendered into the General's hands; and from thence no reduction of that or the Town attempted: That all such sums of money as upon the proposition of the marriage, had been delivered, should be repaid. All which, except the first Article, were accordingly p●●formed. When this business with Scotland was indifferently accommodated; King Edward receives intelligence from his Ambassadour-Leidger in France, that the French King not only denied the payment of the annual Tribute of fifty thousand crowns, agreed upon and sworn to upon the ratification of the late concluded Peace; but had also married the Dolphin of France to the Lady Margaret, daughter of Maximill●n Son of the Emperor; which so much incensed K. Edward, that he resolves to revenge it; and by the advice of his Counsel, open war was presently Proclaimed against France: but whilst King Edward is making preparation, and intentive to the business, he is attached by the hand of death; and upon the ninth of April, in the year 1483, at Westminster ended this mortal life. Of his Taxations. IN his second year, he sent his Privy Seal through England, to move men to give him a certain sum of money towards resisting the Scots, wh●ch was granted and given liberally. In his seventh year, in a Parliament at Westminster, were ●●sumed all manner of gifts, which the King had given, from the first day he took possession of the Realm, to that time. In his eighth year, at a Parliament, were granted two Fifteen and a Demy. In his thirteenth year, a Parliament was holden, wherein, a Subsidy was granted; and the year following, towards war to be undertaken in France, a new way of raising money is devised, called a Benevolence, by which great sums of money were gotten of the Subject: and it is not unworthy the relating, what an old rich Widow at this time did; whom King Edward, amonstothers having called before him, merrily asked, what she would willingly give him towards his great charges? By my troth (quoth she) for thy lovely countenance, thou shalt have even twenty pounds. The King looking scarce for half that sum, thanked her, and lovingly kissed her; which so wrought with the old widow, that she presently swore, he should have twenty pound more; and paid it willingly. No● long before his death, he was by ill Counselors put upon a distasteful course for raising of money; which was, by fining men for delinquencies against Penal Statures by which course some money was gathered; but before it came to full execution, he dying, that also died with him. Of his Laws and Ordinances. IN his fourth year, he newly devised the Coin both of Gold and Silver, as a● this day it is; the Gold, he named Royals and Nobles; the Silver, Groats and 〈◊〉 Groats: the new Groat weighing scantly three pence; and the Noble of six shillings eight pence, appointed to go for eight shillings four pence. In his fifth year, it was Proclaimed in England, that the Beakes or Pikes of Shoes and Boots, should not pass two Inches, upon pain of Cursing by the Clergy, and forfeiting twenty shillings, to be paid one noble to the King, another to the cordwainers of London, and the third to the Chamber of London; and for other Countries and Towns the like order was taken. Before this time, and since the year 1382. the Pikes of Shoes and Boots were of such length, that they were fain to be tied up to the Knees with chains of Silver and gilt, or at least with silken laces. Affairs of the Church in his time. IN this King's time, the Jubilee which was before but every fiftieth year, was by Pope Six●●● the fourth, brought to be every five and twenty year. Also, where before this time, the Scottish Bishops had no Metropolitan, but the Bishop of York was Metropolitan and Primate of Scotland; now in this King's time, Pope Six●●● appointed the Bishop of Saint Andrews to be Metropolitan of Scotland, who had twelve Bishops under his obedience. Of Works of Piety done in his time. THIS King laid the foundation of the new Chapel at Windso●, and his Queen Elizabeth founded the Queen's College in Cambridge, and endowed it with large Possessions. About his fifteenth year, Doctor Woodlarke Provost of King's College in Cambridge, Founded Katherine-hall there. In his seventeenth year, the Wall of the City of London, from Cripplegate to Bishopsgate, was builded at the charges of the Citizens, also Bishopsgate itself was new built by the Merchant's 〈◊〉 of the Styliard. Also in this year died Sir john Crosby Knight, late Major of London; who gave to the repairing of the Parish-Church of St. Helen's in Bishopsgatestreet, where he was buried, 500 Marks: to the repairing of the parish Church of He●w●rth in Middlesex, forty pounds: to the repairing of London-wall, an hundred pounds: to the repairing of Rochester-bridge, ten pounds: to the Wardens and Commonalty of the Grocers in London, two large Pots of silver chased half gilded, and other Legacies. About this time also, Richard Rawson one of the Sheriffs of London, caused an house to be builded in the Churchyard of St. Mary Hospitalll without Bishopsgate, where the Major and Aldermen use to sit and hear the Sermons in Easterholy-days. In his nineteenth year, William Tailor Major of London, gave to the City certain Tenements; for the which the City is bound to pay for ever, at every Fifteen granted to the King, for all such as shall dwell in Cordwainers-street-ward, sessed at twelvepences apiece, or under. And about the same time, one Thomas 〈◊〉 Sheriff of London, builded at his own costs the great Conduit in Che●pside. In his three and twentieth year, Edmund Shaw Goldsmith, who had been Major of London, at his own costs re-edified Cripplegate in London, which gate in old time had been a Prison. Of Casualties happening in his time. IN his third year, the Minster of York, and the Steeple of Christ's Church in Norwich were burnt. In his seventeenth year, so great a Pestilence reigned in England, that it swept away more people in four months, than the Wars had done in fifteen years past. Also in his nineteenth year was another Pestilence; which beginning in the later end of September, continued till the beginning of November twelvemonth following; in which space of time innumerable people died. Of his wife and issue. KIng Edward had been contracted to Eleanor daughter of john Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury, married after to Sir Thomas Butler Baron of S●dely: but he married Elizabeth the widow of Sir john Grey, daughter of Richard Woodvile by his wife jaqueline Duchess of Bedford: she lived his wife eighteen years and eleven months; by whom he had three sons and seven daughters. Edward his eldest son, borne in the Sanctuary at Westminster: Richard his second son, borne at Shrewsbury: George his third son, borne also at Shrewsbury, but died a child. Elizabeth his eldest daughter, promised in marriage to Charles Dolphin of France; but married afterward to King Henry th● Seventh: Cicely his second daughter, promised in marriage to james Duke of ●othsay, Prince of Scotland; but was married afterward to john Viscount Wells, whom she outlived, and was again remarried, but by neither husband had any issue: she lieth buried at Quarena in the Isle of Wight. Anne his third daughter was married to Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk, Earl Martial, and High Treasurer of England; by whom she had two sons, both dying without issue: she lieth buried at Framingham in Norfolk. Bridget his fourth daughter, borne at Eltham in Kent, became a Nun in the Nunnery of Dartford in Kent, which king Edward had founded. Marry his fifth daughter, was promised in marriage to the King of Denmark, but died in the Tower of Greenwich, before it could be solemnised: she lieth buried at Windsor. Margaret his sixth daughter, died an Infant. Katherine his seventh daughter, was married to William Courtney Earl of Devo●shire; to whom she bare Lord Henry, who by King Henry the eighth was created marquis of Exeter. Concubines he had many, but three specially; and would use to say, that he had three Concubines, who in their several properties excelled: One, the merriest; another, the wyliest; the third, the holiest harlot in his Realm; as one whom no man could lightly get out of the Church to any place, unless it were to his bed; The other two were greater personages than are sit to be named: but the merriest was Shores wife; in whom therefore he took special pleasure: This woman was borne in London, worshipfully descended. and well married: but when the King had abused her, anon her husband (as he was an honest man, and did know his good, not presuming to touch a King's Concubine) left her up to him altogether. By these he had natural issue; Arthur surnamed Plantagenet, (whose mother, as is supposed, was the Lady Elizabeth Lucy) created Viscount Lisle, by King Henry the Eight, at Bridewell in London: And Elizabeth, who was married to Sir Thomas Lumley knight; to whom she bare Richard, afterward Lord Lumley, from whom the late Lord Lumley did descend. Of his Personage and Conditions. HE was (saith Comines) the goodliest Personage that ever mine eyes beheld; exceeding tall of statu●e, fair of complexion, and of most Princely presence: and we may truly say, he was of full age before he came to one and twenty; for being but eighteen years old when his Father died, he sued out his livery presently: so as he began the race of his for●●ne just like Augustus Caesar, each of them at the same age succeeding an Ancestor after a violent death; and each of them left to set on a roof, where but only a foundation was laid before. For his conditions, he was of an erected composure both of body ●nd mind, but something sagging on the Flesh's side; and never any man that did marry for Love, did so little love Marriage; for he took as much pleasure in other men's wives as in his own. He was never more confident, than when he was in danger; nor ever more doubtful, than when he was s●●ure. Of the four Cardinal virtues, For●●nde and Prudence were in him naturally; Temperance ●●d Justice, but to serve his turn. He was politic even to irreligion; for to compass his ends, he would not stick to swear what he never meant. Yet he was Religious beyond Policy; for before Battles, he used to make his Prayers to God; after Victories, to give him Thanks. He was far from being proud, yet very ambitious; and could use familiarity, and yet retain Majesty. He was a great Briber; and wha● he could not get by force, he would by Rewards; as much as what he could not get by Battery, he would by Mines. H● was too credulous of Reports, which made him be in error, sometimes to the h●rt of himself, oftentimes of others. He had made the White Rose to flourish as long as Henry the Fourth made the Red, if he had not made it change colour with too much blood. He had been fortunate in his children, if he had not been unfortunate in a brother: but he was well enough served, that would think a Wolf could ever be a good Shepherd. He had an excellent art in improving his favours; for he could do as much with a small courtesy, as other men with a great benefit: And that which was more, he could make advantage of disadvantages; for he got the love of the Londoners by owing them money; and the good will of the Citizens by lying with their wives. Of his Death and Burial. WHether it began from his mind, being extremely troubled with the injurious dealing of ●he King of France; or from his body, by intemperance of diet, to which he was much given; he fell into a sickness, (some say a Catarche, some a Fever) but into a sickness whereof he died. In the time of which sickness, & at the very point of his death, Sir Thomas Moor makes him to make a speech to his Lords; which I might think to be the speech of a sick man, if it were not so sound, and of a weak man, if it were not so long: but it seems, Sir Thomas Moor delivers rather what was fit for him to say, than what he said; the Contents being only, to exhort his Lords, whom he knew to be at variance, to be in love and concord amongst themselves; for that, the welfare of his children, whom he must now leave to their care, could not otherwise be preserved but by their agreement. And having spoken to this purpose as much as his weakness would suffer him, he found himself sleepy; and turning on one side, he fell into his long sleep, the ninth of April, in the year 1483. when he had lived one and forty years, Reigned two and twenty and one mo●eth; and was buried at Windsor, in the new Chapel, whose foundation himself had laid. Of men of Note in his time. MEN of valour in his time were many, but himself the chiefest, the rest may be observed in reading his story. For men of letters, we may have leave at this time to speak of some strangers, having been men of extraordinary fame; as johamnes de Monte Regi●, Purbachiu● and Bl●●chinu●, all great Astronomers; Ludovicus Pontanus, Paulus Castrensis, and A●thonius Rossellanus, all great Lawyers; Servisanus, Sava●arola, and Barzizius, all great Physicians; Bessarion and Cusanus, both great Cardinals; Argyr●pole, Philelphus, Datus, Leonardus Aretinus, and Poggius, all great men in humane literature. And of our own Countrymen; john Harding an E●quire, borne in the North parts, who wrote a Chronicle in English verse, and among o●her special points therein touched, hath gathered all the Submissions and Homages made by the Scottish kings, even from the days of King Athelstan: whereby it may evidently appear, how the Scottish kingdom, even in manner, from the first Establishing thereof here in Britain, hath been appertaining unto the kings of England, and holden of them as their chief and superior Lords. julian Beams, a Gentlewoman of excellent gifts, who wrote certain Treatises of Hawking and Hunting; also a book of the L●wes of Arms, and knowledge pertaining to Heralds. john For●●scue a Judge, and Chancellor of England, who wrote divers Treatises concerning the Law and Politic Government. Rochus a Charterhouse-Monk born in London, who wrote divers Epigrams. Walter H●nt a Carmelite Friar, who for his excellent learning, was sent from the whole body of the Realm, to the General Counsel h●ld●● fir●● at Ferr●ra, and after at Florence, by Pope E●genius the fourth; where ●e amongst others disputed with the greeks i● defence of the Order and Ceremonies o● the Latin Church. William Caxton, who wrote a Chronicle called Fructu● Temporum, and an Appendix unto Trevisa besides divers other books and translations. john Milverton, a Carmelit● Friar of Bristol, and provincial of his Order, who because he defended such of his Order as preached against endowments of the Church with Temporal possessions, was committed to prison in the Castle of Saint Angel● in Rome, where he continued three years. David Morgan a Welshman, who wrote of the Antiquities of Wales, and a description of the Country. john Tiptoft, a nobleman born, who wrote divers Treatises, but lost of his head in the year 1471. Robert Huggon born in Norfolk, who wrote certain vain Prophecies. Thomas Norto● born in Bristol, an Alchemists Scoga●● a learned Gentleman, and a Student for a time in Oxford; who for his pleasant wit and merry conceits, was called to Court. But most worthy of all to be remembered, Thomas Littleton a reverend Judge of the Common Ple●s, who brought a great part of the Law into a Method, whic● lay before confusedly dispersed; and his book called Littleton's Tenors. THE REIGN OF KING EDWARD THE FIFTH. KING Edward the Fourth being dead, his eldest Son Edw●●●, scarce yet eleven yee●● old, succeeded in the kingdom, but not in the Crown; for he was Proclaimed king, but never Crowned: and indeed it may not so properly be called the Reign of E●●●●d●he ●he fifth, as the Tyranny of Richard the Third; for from the time of king Edward● death, though not in Name, yet in effects he not only ruled as king, but raged as a Tyrant. Prince Edwa●● when his Father died, was at Ludlow in Wales, where he had lived some time before, the better by his presence, to keep the Welsh in awe; He had about him of his Mother's kindred many; but Sir Anthony Woodvile, the Earl Rivers his Uncle, was appointed his chief Counsellor and director. The Duke of Gloucester was at this time in the North, but had word presently sent him, from the Lord Hastings Lord Chamberlain, of his brother king Edward's death; who acquainted him withal, that by his Will, he had committed the young king, his Queen and other children, to his care and government; and thereupon putting him in mind, 〈◊〉 necessary it was for him speedily to repairs to London: But the Duke of Gloce●●er needed no spur to set him forward, who was already in a full career; for he had long before projected in his mind, how he might come to attain the Crown; and now he thought the way was made him. For as it is said, the very night in which king Edward died, one Misselbrooke, long ere morning, came in great haste to the house of one Potter dwelling in Red-crosse-streete without Cripplegate; where he showed unto Potter, that king Edward was departed: to whom Potter answered, By my troth man, then will my Master the Duke of Gloucester be king: what cause he had so to think, is hard to say; but surely it is not likely he spoke it of nought. And now the young king was coming up to London with a strong guard; partly to make a first expression of his greatness, and partly to oppose any disorders that might be offered. But the Duke of Gloucester finding this proceeding like to be a rub in his way, at least not fit for his designs, he presently falls to undermining; writes most loving letters to the Queen, protesting all humble and faithful service to the king and her, but withal persuading her, that this great guard about the king might be presently dismissed; which did but minister matter of suspicion, and would be apt to breed new jealousies in them who were now throughly reconciled. The Queen of a nature easy to be wrought upon, giveth credit to his glozing letters; and thereupon sends in all haste to her Son, and to her brother the Lord Ri●ers; requiring them by all means, for some causes to her known, to dismiss their g●●●d, (not ●en●●oning by whose advice she writ them; which if she had done, they would never have done) but now upon her letters, they presently did; and came forward with o●●ly a sober company. And now is Glocesters' first work 〈◊〉 but he knowing that the work yet behind was too great to be done by himself ●●one, gets the D●ke of Buckingham and the Lord Hastings; two of the greatest men of power at that time in the kingdom, to join with him in opinion, that it was not fit ●he 〈◊〉 kindred should be so wholly about the king; and others of better blood and d●●●rt, to be estranged from him; and therefore by all means, fi●●o endeavour to remove them: to which the Duke of Buckingham is easily wrought, upon a promise to have the Earldom of Hartford conferred upon him: and the Lord Hasting● not hardly, upon a hope by this means to cut off many, whom in king Edward's days 〈…〉 ●ustly offended. And now another great work was done; It remains in 〈…〉 place, to put it in execution, which was presently this effected: The 〈◊〉 king had been at Northampton, and from thence was gone to Stonystratford, 〈◊〉 the two Dukes of Gloucester and Buckingham arrived; but pretending the Town to be too little for the entertainment of their Comp●nies, they went back to ●●●thampton, and alighted at the same In●e where the Earl Ryver● had taken up h●s lodging for that night, intending the next morning early to overtake the king. Upon this their accidental meeting, great shows of courtesy passed between them; and supper ended, the Duke's pretending weariness, retire to their lodgings, the Earl to his; but the Duke's being entered into their Chambers, enter into consultation 〈◊〉 their private friends, in which they spent a great part of the night, and then secretly get the keys of the Inn gates, suffering none to pass either in or out; whereof the Earl having notice by his Host, though he suspected the worst, yet setting a good countenance upon the matter, and trusting to his own Innocency, he boldly went to the Duke of Glocesters' Chamber, where he found the Duke of Buckingham and the rest closely set in counsel; with whom he expostulates the reason of this co●●se, to imprison him in his Inn against his will? b●t they in stead of answer, command presently to lay hands on him, charging him with many crimes, whereof themselves were only guilty: And then taking order for his safe imprisonment, they speedily took horse, and came to Stonistratford, at such time as the king was taking horse, whom in all reverend manner they saluted: but presently in the king's presence, a quarrel is picked against the Lord Richard Grey, the kings half brother: The Duke of Buckingham making relation to the king, that he and the marquis his brother, with the Earl Rivers the Queen's brother, had endeavoured and almost effected to draw to themselves the whole managing the affairs of the kingdoms, and to set variance between the Peers of the Realm: and particularly, that the L●●d marquis without any warrant, had taken out of the Tower of London both Treasure and Armour, to a great quantity; but to what purpose, though they were ignorant, yet there was just cause to suspect it was to no good end: And therefore it was thought expedient by the advice of the Nobility, to attach him at Northamp●●●, to have him forthcoming to make his answer for these and many other his ev●●-b●ld actions; The king unable to sound the depth of these plots, mildly ●aid 〈◊〉 him: What my brother marquis hath done, I cannot say; but for my Uncle 〈◊〉 Brother here, I dare answer, that they are innocent of any unlawful practices 〈◊〉 against me or you. Oh (saith the Duke of Buckingham) that hath been their 〈◊〉, to keep their treachery from your ●races knowledge: and thereupon ●n●an●●y in the king's presence, they arrested the Lord Richard, Sir Thomas Vanghan, Sir Richard Hall, and brought the king and all his company back to Northampton, p●●●ing away a●l his old servants, and placing in their room● creatures of their own, whom they had power to command. At which ●ealing, the young king wept, but it 〈◊〉 nothing; and to colour the matter, the Duke of Gloucester at dinner, sent a dish from his own table to the Lord Rivers, bidding him ●e of good cheer, for all 〈◊〉 should be well: but the Lord Rivers thanking the Duke, prayed the Messenger to carry it to the Lord Richard, with the same message for his comfort, as one to whom such adversity was strange; but as for himself, he had all his days been acquainted with it, and therefore could the better bear it. But for all this comfortable courtesy of the Duke of Gloucester, he sent the Lord Rivers, and the Lord Richard, with Sir Thomas Va●g●●● into the North Country, into divers places to prison, and afterward to Po●fres, where in Conclusion they were all beheaded. And now the Duke of Gloucester having thus gotten the custody of the King, set forwards toward London, giving out by the way, that the marquis and the Queen's kindred had plotted the destruction of the king, and of all the ancient Nobility of the Realm, and to alter the Government of the Commonwealth; and that they were only imprisoned to be brought to their trial according to Law: and the better to settle these suggestions in the apprehension of the Vulgar, they brought along with them divers Carts laden with Armour, (of their own providing) with Dryfats and great Chests, wherein they reported to be treasure for the payment of soldiers; with which they so possessed the common-people, that all was believed for truth which was thus rumoured: But the finest devise of all was, to have five of the Duke of Glocesters instruments manacled and pinioned like Traitors; and these in every place where the King lodged● to be dispersed and given out to be men of great birth, drawn into this vile plot of Treason by the Queen's brother; who must seem to be penitent for their offence, and to confess their own guilt: and this devise continued acting till the king came to L●ndon, where their visards were pulled off, and the disguise was soon discovered. The Queen in the mean time having intelligence of these doleful accidents, and fearing there were worse to follow, with her second Son and five Daughters takes Sanctuary at Westminster: and the young king hearing of these things, with tears and sighs expressed his grief; but the Duke's making Protestation of their fidelity, and care of his safety, seemed only to marvel why he should be melancholy. At this time a messenger came from the Lord Chamberlain, to the Archbishop of York Lord Chancellor of England, to signify to him, that there was no fear of any thing, for that he assured him all should be well. Well (quoth the Archbishop) be it as well as it will; I assure him, It will never be so well as we have seen it. And thereupon, presently after the messenger's departure, he calleth up his servants (being then in the night) and taking the great Seal with him, came before day to the Queen, whom he found sitting alone aloe on the Rushes, all desolate and dismayed; whom he comforted the best he could, a●●uring her that if they Crowned any king but her Son whom they had with them, he would presently after Crown his brother whom she had with her; and therewithal delivering to her the great Seal, departed: but soon after, bethinking himself better, he thought he had done too rashly, to deliver the great Seal to the Queen; and therefore sent for it again, and had it delivered him; yet shortly after reproved for delivering it, by the Counsel Table, he had it taken from him, which was then delivered to Doctor Russell Bishop of Lincoln, the most learned man of that time. And now th● Duke of Gloucester so respectively carries himself towards the King, with so much show of care and faithfulness, that by a general consent of the Counsel he is appointed and established Protector of the king and kingdom; and by this means he hath the king in his custody: It remains now how to get his brother the Duke of York, for without having both, he were as good (as to his purpose) have neither: and to effect this, he makes the Effect to become a Cause: for where by his undue dealings he had made the king Melancholy, he now makes that Melancholy a cause to require his brother's company to make him merry; and therefore wishes some course may be taken, either by persuasion or otherwise, to procure the Queen to send the Duke of York to keep his brother the king company: Here the Archbishop of York the Lord Cardinal, the man thought most fit to be sent in this employment, riseth up and faith, He would do his best endeavour to persuade her; but if he could not, he then thought it was not to be attempted against her will, for that it would turn to the high displeasure of God, if the privilege of that holy place should now be broken, which had so many years inviolably been kept, which 〈◊〉 Kings and Popes so good had granted, so many had confirmed; and which holy ground was more than five hundred years ago, by Saint Peter in his own person, accompanied with great numbers of Angels, by night so specially hallowed and dedicated to God; and for proof whereof, there is yet in the Abbey Saint Peter's Cope 〈◊〉 show: that from that time hitherward, there never was so undevout a King that durst violate the sacred place, nor so holy a Bishop that durst presume to Consecrate it ● and therefore (saith he) God forbid, that any man for any earthly thing, should enterprise to break the immunity and liberty of that sacred Sanctuary; and I trust w●●h God's grace, we shall not need it, at least my endeavours shall not be wanting; if the Mothers' dread and womanish fear be not the let. Womanish fear, nay womanish forwardness (quoth the Duke of Buckingham) for I dare take it upon my Soul, she well knoweth there is no need of any fear, either for her son or for herselfe● and prosecuting his discourse, declareth at large, that as there was no just 〈◊〉 for the Queen to keep her Son, so there was great cause for them to require him; and that for breach of Sanctuary in this case there could be none; for that he had often heard of Sanctuary men, but never heard of Sanctuary children. And to this purpose having spoken much, It was all assented to by the Lords that were present, and with this Instruction is the Archbishop (upon whom the Queen specially relied) sent unto her; who after humble salutations, acquaints her with his message, earnestly persuading her not to oppose the Lord Protectors request, and giving her many reasons, first that she ought not, and then that she could not keep him in Sanctuary: she answered all his reasons, though with great mildness, yet with great earnestness; so as the Archbishop finding little hope to prevail with her by persuasion, turns the tenor of his speech another way; telling her plainly, that if she did not consent to send her Son, he doubted some sharper course would speedily be taken. This warning sank so deep into the Queen's mind, that after a little pausing, taking her Son by the hand, she said, My Lord Archbishop, here he is, for my own part I will never deliver him; but if you will needs have him, Take him, and at your hands I will require him; and therewith weeping bitterly, Dear child (saith she) let me kiss thee before we part, God knows whether ever we shall meet again; and so the child weeping as fast as she, went along with the Archbishop to the Star-chamber, where the Lord Protector and other Lords had stayed all the while looking for his coming back: and as soon as he was entered the room, the Protector spying the child, riseth up and embraceth him saying, Dear Nephew, Now welcome with all my heart: next to my Sovereign Lord your brother, nothing gives me so much contentment as your Presence: and we may believe him, he spoke as he thought; for now he had the prey which he so much desired. A few days after, pretending to have them lodged in a place of more security, until the distempers of the Commonwealth might better be quieted; he caused them in great pomp and state to be conveyed through London to the Tower, there at pleasure to remain, till the time of Coronation; whereof there was great show of preparation made. But now the great work is to be done; the Princes are to be made away: and how to have it done, Hoc opus, hic labor est: there must be potent Instruments; and none so potent as the Duke of Buckingham; and he, by a match to be concluded betwixt their children, and an equal partition of the Treasure of the Realm betwixt them two; not only is drawn to condescend, but is most forward to contrive and plot stratagems to effect it. The first rub in the way was the Lord Hastings; who being sound so firm to his old Master's King Edward's sons, that nothing could remove him, it was fit to remove him out of the way; which was done in this manner: All the Lords of the Privy Council, in the Protectors name, are convoked to the Tower; where ●itting preparations for the Coronation of the young King are proposed, until the Protector came in; who taking his chair, very affably saluted them, merrily jesting with some, and more than ordinarily pleasant with them all: when after a little talk, he said to the Bishop of Ely; My Lord, I hear you have very good Strawberries at your Garden in Holborn; I pray let us have a mess of them. Most gladly (said the Bishop) and presently sent for some: and then the Protector rising up, prayed the Lords to spare his absence a little; and so departed. Within the sp●ce of an hour he returned; but so changed in countenance, and with such inward perturbations, which with sigh and other passionate gestures he expressed so, that it made them all to marvel. After long silence (the better to prepare them to the more attention) he confusedly interrogates● What they deserved that ne●ariously had practised his destruction? This unexpected interrogation struck such amazement amongst the Lords, that they all sat gazing on one another, and were, as ●t were, stricken dumb: At length the Lord Hastings, by Buckingham's instigation, as one presuming of his intimacy with the Protector, boldly answered, That they deserved the punishment of Traitors; which all the rest by their silence approved: whereat the Protector riseth up, and with a stern look upon the Lord Hastings, replied: Why it is the old sorceress my brother's widow, and her partner that common Strumpet jane Shore, that have by incantation conspired to be●eave me of my life; and though by God's grace I have escaped the end of their malice, yet see the mischief they have done me; for behold (and then he bared his left arm to the elbow, and showed it) how they have caused this dear limb of mine to wither, an● grow useless; and so should all my body have been served, if they might have had their will a little longer. Those to whom the Queen's religious courses were not unknown, a●d who knew his withered arm to have been such from his birth, ●at● gazing one upon another, not knowing what to think or say; until the Lord Hastings, thinking thereby to leave all blame upon the Queen, and excuse his Paramour Mistress Shore, (whom ever since the death of King Edward, he had entertained for his bedfellow, and had but that morning parted from her) with a sober look submissly said, If the Queen have conspired—: which word was no sooner cut of the Lord Hastings mouth, when the Protector clapping his hand upon the board, and frowningly looking upon him, said: Tellest thou me of If & And? I tell thee, They, and none but they have done it; and thou thyself art partaker of the villainy. Who I my Lord, quoth he? yea Thou traitor, quoth the Protector; and therewith, upon a watchword given, those prepared before for that purpose, in the outer Chamber, cried, Treason, Treason! when presently a great number of men in arm● came rushing in as it were to guard the Protector; one of which with a Pole-axe struck a main blow at the Lord St●nley and wounded him on the head; and had slain him outright, if he had not avoided the stroke by slipping backward, and falling down to the ground. Forthwith the Protector arrested the Lord Hastings of high Treason; and wished him to make haste to be Confessed, for he swore by S. Paul (his usual Oath) that he would not touch bread nor drink till his head were off. It booted no● to ask, why? for he knew the Protectors actions were not to be examined. So he was led forth unto the Green before the Chapel within the Tower, where his head was laid down upon a long log of Timber, and there strucken off. His body afterward with his head were interred at Windsor, beside the body of King Edward. In this man's death we may see how inevitable the blows of Destiny are: for the very night before his death, the Lord Stanley sent a secret messenger to him at midnight, in all the haste, to acquaint him with a Dream he had, in which he thought that a Boar with his tusks so gored them both by the heads, that the blood ran about their shoulders: and forasmuch as the Protector gave the Boar for his Cognisance, this Dream made so fearful an impression in his heart, that he was throughly resolved to stay no longer; and had made his horse ready, requiring the Lord Hastings to go with him, and that presently, to be out of danger, before it should be day. But the Lord Hastings answered the messenger: Good Lord! leaneth your Master so much to such trifles, to put such faith in dreams, which either his own fear fanta●ieth, or else do rise in the night's rest, by reason of the day's thoughts: Go back therefore to thy Master, and commend me to him, and pray him to be merry, and have no fear; for I assure him, I am as sure of the man he wo●●eth of, as of my own hand. The man he meant, was one Catesby, well learned in the Laws of the Land; who by his favour was grown into good authority in Leicestershire, where the Lord Hastings Estate lay. Of this man he m●de himself so sure, ●hat he thought nothing could be plotted against him, which he would not presently reveal unto him. But this man deceived him; and was grown so inward with the Protector, that being set by the Protector to draw him to be a party in his designs, and finding he could not do it, was himself the first mover to rid him out of the way. Another warning the Lord Hastings had: the same morning in which he was beheaded, his horse twice or thrice stumbled with him, almost to falling; which though it often happen to such to whom no mischance is toward, yet hath it of old been observed as a token foregoing some great misfortune. Also at the Tower-wharf, near to the place where his head soon after was strucken off, he met with one Hastings a Pursuivant of his own name; to whom he said: Ah Hastings, dost thou remember I met thee here once with a heavy heart! Yea my Lord, saith he, I remember it well; and God be thanked, that time is past. In faith, man, said the Lord Hastings, I never stood in so great dread of my life, as I did when thou and I met here: and lo how the world is changed! now stand my Enemies in the danger, as thou mayest hap to hear hereafter; (for the Enemies he meant were the Lord Rivers, and other of the Queen's kindred, who that very day were beheaded at Pomfret) and I never so merry, nor in so good surety as now I am. That we may know, there is not a greater Omen or sign of ill fortune, than to presume of good. And indeed, such is the uncertainty of our estate in this life, that we seldom know when we are in a Tempest at Sea, nor when we are in a Calm on shore; thinking ourselves oftentimes most safe, when we are most in danger; and oftentimes to be in danger, when we are most safe: He only is in the true Haven, that can say as Christ teacheth us, Thy will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven. But this Lord being thus put to death; the Lord Protector, to colour the matter, immediately after dinner, in all haste sent for many substantial Citizens; at whose coming, himself with the Duke of Buckingham stood harnessed in old rusty Brigandines, to make a show they were forced by the sudden danger to take such as they could first come by: and withal, a Herald of Arms is sent with a Proclamation in the King's name, signifying, that the Lord Hastings with some others had conspired the same day to have slain the Lord Protector and the Duke of Buckingham, as they sat in Counsel; and after to have taken upon them to rule the King a●d Kingdom at their own pleasures. Now was this Proclamation made within two hours after the Lord Hastings was beheaded; and was so curiously indicted, and so so fair written in Parchment, and withal so long, that every child might perceive it was prepared before: which made one that was Schoolmaster of Paul's, standing by when the Proclamation was read, to say, Here is a gay goodly Cast, foul cast away for haste: To whom a Merchant answered, It was written by Prophecy. And now by and by, as it were in revenge of her offence, the Protector sent the Sheriffs of Lo●do● into the house of Shore's wife, and spoilt her of all her goods, above the value of three thousand marks; and then conveying her through London to the Tower, there left her Prisoner: where he laid to her charge, that she went about to bewitch him, and was of counsel with the Lord Hastings to destroy him. In conclusion, she was laid into Ludgate, and by the Bishop of London put to open Penance for incontinency; going before the Cross in Procession, upon a Sunday, with a Taper in her hand: in which, although she were out of all array, save her ki●tle only; yet went she so fair and lovely, and withal so womanly and demurely, that m●ny who hated her course of life, yet pitied her course usage, and were not a little grieved to see her misery. And indeed, this may be said in her behalf: that being in extraordinary favour with King Edward, yet she never used it to the hurt of any, but to the relief of many: and was ever a Mediator, an Oppressor never. Now it was so contrived by the Protector, that the very day in which ●he Lord Hastings was beheaded at London, and about the very same hour, there were beheaded at Pomfret, the Lord Rivers and the other Lords and Knights that were taken from the King at Northampton and Stonistratford; which was done in the presence, and by the order of Sir Richard Ratcliff knight, whose service the Protector specially used in that business; who bringing them to the Scaffold, and not suffering them to declare their innocency, lest their words might have inclined men to hate the Protector, caused them hastily without Judgement or Order of Process to be beheaded. When these were thus rid out of the way, than thought the Protector that now was the time to put himself in possession of the Crown: but all the study was, by what means this matter being so heinous in itself, might be broken to the people, in such wise, as that it might be well taken: for which purpose, It was thought fit to call to this Counsel Ed●●●d Sh●● knight the then Major of London; who upon promise of advancement, should frame the people's inclination to it. And because Spiritual men are best harkened to for matters of Conscience, some of them were used also; amongst whom, choice was made of john Shaw Clerk, brother to the Major; Friar Penker, Provincial of the Order of the Augustine Friars: both great P●●achers, both of more learning than virtue, of more fame than learning. These two were appointed to preach, the one at Paul's Cross, the other at the spital, in praise of the Protector: Penker in his Sermon so lost his voice, that he was sane to leave off and come down in the midst: Shaw by his Sermon lost his reputation, and soon after his life, for he never after durst come abroad, for very shame of the world. But now was all the labour and study, to find out some convenient pretext, for which the people should be content to have the Prince deposed, and the Protector be received for King; to which purpose many things were devised; the chief was to allege bastardy either in King Edward himself, or in his children, or in both● To ●ay bastardy to King Edward, sounded openly to the reproach of the Protectors own Mother, who was Mother to them both; he would therefore that point should more favourably be handled: but the other point concerning the bastardy of his children, he would have enforced to the uttermost: The ground whereof was, that King Edward had been formerly contracted to the Lady Elizabeth Lucy, by whom he had a child; though the said Lady, having been examined about it, confessed plainly, they were never assured. Yet upon this pretext, Doctor Shaw taking for his Text, Bastard Plants shall take no deep root; in his Sermon declared, that King Edward was never lawfully married to the Queen, but was before God, husband to the Lady Elizabeth Lucy, and so his children bastards. And besides that, neither King Edward himself, nor the Duke of Clarence were reckoned very sure for the children of the noble Duke Richard, as those that by their favours more resembled other known men; but the Lord Protector (saith he) is the fathers own figure● his own countenance, the very print of his visage, the plain express likeness of that noble Duke. Now, It was before devised, that just at the speaking of these words, the Protector should have come, to the end that th●se words meeting with his presence, might be taken among the hearers, as though the Holy Ghost had put them in the Preachers mo●th, and so should move the people even then to cry, King Richard, King Richard that it might be after said, he was specially chosen by God, and in a manner by Miracle: but this devise failed; for whither by the Protectors slackness in coming, or the Doctor's haste in Preaching, he had passed those words, and was gone to clean another matter, before the Protector came; so as afterward seeing him come, he was ●aine to leave the matter, he had in hand, and out of all order and frame begin to repeat those words again: This is the very noble Prince, the Fathers own figure, his own countenance, the very print of his visage, the plain express likeness of that noble Duke. While these words were in speaking, the Protector accompanied with the Duke of Buckingham, passed through the people into the place where the Doctors sit; and there sat to hear the Sermon: but the people were ●o far from crying King Richard, that they cried shame on the Preacher, for abusing his sacred function with so shameful a Sermon. The Tuesday following this Sermon, the Duke of Buckingham with divers Lords and Knights came to the Guildhall in London; and there before the Major and whole assembly of Citizens, made a very solemn and long Oration, wherein he recited many grievances of the late King Edward's Government, his many unnecessary Taxations and unjust severities; thereby to bring his children into hatred: and then remembered them of the late Sermon made at Paul's Cross, by a learned Doctor; who clearly showed the bastardy of King Edward's children; and that Richard Duke of Gloucester was the only rightful and indubitate heir to the Crown of England: which the Lords of the Kingdom having taken into their consideration, had thereupon agreed to accept him for their King; and now himself was come to acquaint them with it, and to require their consents. Which Oration ended, all men stood wondering at the motion, but no man offered to speak a word. At which the Duke marveling, as supposing the Major had prepared them before; he asked the Major privately, what this silence meant? who answered, that perhaps they had not heard or understood what it was he said. Whereupon the Duke with a more a●dible voice repeated the same matter again, in a more earnest and plain expression; yet neither did that move them to show any inclination to the motion. Then the Duke whispering with the Major, It was thought, that the Citizens being used to have such motions made them by their Recorder, they would better it from him; and thereupon the Recorder is commanded to move them in it: but the Recorder (called Fitzwilliams) being an honest man and newly come to his place; repeated only as near as he could the words of the Duke, but added nothing of his own; so as neither did this move the people to break their silence. At last, the Duke seeing their resolved ●ullennesse, told them plainly, that all the Nobility and Commons of the Realm were agreed to choose the Protector for their King, as the true and undoubted heir; so as he needed not to have moved them to it, but only for the great respect they all bare to this honourable City; and therefore required them plainly to speak their minds, whether they would join with them in this choice or no. At this, certain servants of the Dukes, and other of their procuring, standing at the lower end of the Hall, cast up their Caps, and cried aloud, King Richard, King Richard; whereat, though the whole multitude of Citizens marvelled what they meant; yet the Duke taking advantage of it, as of an unanimous conset: A goodly cry (saith he) and thanked them all for their universal approbation; promising he would acquaint the Protector with the great love they showed toward him: and then requiring the Major and chief Citizens to meet him the next morning at Baynard's Castle, where the Protector than lay; there to join with him, in Petitioning the Protector to accept of this their freely proffered subjection; he took his leave and so departed. The next morning according to appointment, they all meet at Baynard's Castle; where the Duke of Buckingham sends up word to the ●. Protector, th●● himself with the L. Major & his Brethren, were come to present a Supplication to him, concerning a business of great importance: but the Protector though (preacquainted with all passages, yet made it strange what their Supplication should be; and answered, that though he suspected nothing which the Duke of Buckingham presented to him; yet he desired at least some some slight intimation to what it might tend. To this it was answered, that the business they came about was to be made known to himself in Person; and therefore humbly besought him of admission in his presence: Upon this, as if not yet well assured of their well meaning towards him; he appears unto them in an upper Gallery, making semblance as though he would prevent all danger, by standing something aloof and in his Fort: To whom the Duke of Bucking●●●, in behalf of the Major and Nobility there present; in most respective and re●erent manner makes request, that his Grace would pardon what he should deliver to him: and much circumstance he used, before he would discover their cause of coming: but though long first, yet at last, he told it: That in respect of the urgent necessity's of the Commonwealth, they all humbly entreated him to take upon him the Government of the Kingdom, as in his own Right, to whom they all tendered their Allegiance. At which words, the Protector starting back, as if he had heard something most unpleasing to him, passionately answered: I little thought, good Cousin, that you of all men would have moved me to a matter which of all things in the world I most decline: far be it from to accept of that, which without apparent wrong to my dear deceased brothers sweet children, and my own upright Conscience, I cannot well approve of. And then being about to proceed in his premeditated dissimulation; the Duke in a seeming abrupt passion, kneeling upon his knee, said; Your Grace was pleased to give me free liberty to deliver unto you, in the name of this worthy assembly, the tender of their ●●tifull obedience to you: but I must further add, that it is unanimously resolved on, that your late brother King Edward's children, as being generally known to be Illegitimate, shall never be admitted to the Crown of England; and therefore if your Grace shall neither regard yourself, nor us so much, as to accept it, we are directly determined to confer it upon some other of the House of L●●caster, that will be more sensible of his own and our good. These words wrought so powerfully upon the Protectors passions; that with some change of Countenance, and not without a seeming reluctation, he said; Since I perceive the whole Realm is so resolved, by no mean● to admit my dear Nephews, being but children, to Reign over you; and seeing the Right of succession belongs justly to me, as the indubitate Heir of Richard Plantagenet Duke of York, my Illustrious Father: We are contented to condescend to your importunities, and to accept of the Royal Government of the Kingdom, and will to the uttermost of my power endeavour to procure and maintain the welfare thereof. And having so said, he came down from his Gallery, and very formally saluted them all: which so pleased the giddy multitude, that presently they fell to acclamations, Long live King Richard our dread Sovereign Lord● and then every man departed. THE REIGN OF KING RICHARD THE THIRD. IT was now the eighteenth day of june, in the year 1483. when Richard Duke of Gloucester took upon him the Crown: so as the imaginary Reign of Edward the fifth, continued but just ten weeks. The next day, King Richard with a great train went to Westminster-hall, and placed himself in the Court of the King's Bench, saying, he would take the Crown upon him in that place where the King himself sitteth and ministereth the Law; because he considered that it is the chiefest duty of a King to administer the Laws: And here to get the love of the people by a feigned clemency; he sent for one Fog out of Sanctuary, who for fear of his displeasure was fled thither; and there in the fight of all the people, caused him to kiss his hand. After his return home, he took to wife the Lady Anne, youngest daughter of the great Warwick, and the relict of Prince Edward, son of Henry the sixth; though ●hee could not be ignorant, that he had been the Author both of her husbands and 〈◊〉 death. But women's affections are Eccentrick to common apprehension; whereof the two Poles are Passion and Inconstancy. Against his Coronation he had sent for five thousand men out of the North; and these being come under the leading of Robin of Riddesdale, upon the fourth of Iuly● together with his new bride, he went from Baynard's Castle to the Tower by wa●●●, where he created Edward his Son a child of ten years old, Prince of Wales● 〈◊〉 Lord Howard Duke of Norfolk, his Son Sir Thomas Howard Earl of Surry● 〈◊〉 Lord Berckley Earl of Nottingham, Francis Lord Lovel Viscount Lovel, 〈…〉 Chamberlain, and the Lord Stanley (who had been committed prisoner to the ●ower, in regard his Son the Lord Strange was reported to have levied forces 〈…〉) not only that day was released out of prison, but was made Lord 〈◊〉 of his Househould. The Archbishop of York was likewise then delivered; but Morton B●shop of Ely (as one that could not be drawn to the disinheriting of 〈◊〉 Edward's children) was committed to the Duke of Buckingham, who sent him to his Castle of Brecknock in Wales, there to be in custody. The same night were made seventeen knights of the Bath, Edmund the Duke of Suffolk's son, George Grace the Earl of Kent's son, Willia● the Lord Zouches son, Henry Aburga●●●● Christopher Willoughby, Henry Babington, Thomas Arundel, Thomas Boleigne, Gerv●● Clifton, William ●ay, Edmund Bedingfield, William Enderly, Thomas Lewku●●, Th●m●● of Vrmond, john Bromne, and William Berckley. The next day, being the fifth o● july, the King road through the City of London to Westminster, being accompanied with the Dukes of Norfolk, Buckingham, and Suffolk; the Earls of Northu●b●rland, Arundel, Kent, Surrey, Wil●shire, Huntingdon, Nottingh●m, Warwick, and Lincol●● the Viscounts List and Lovel; the Lords Stanley, A●dely, D●cres, Pe●●ers of Chartley, Powis, Scroop of ●psale, Scroop of Bolton, Grace of Codner, Grey, of Wilton, Sturton, Cobham, Morley, Burgeveny, Zouch, Ferrer of Croby, Wells, Lumley, Matr●vers, Herbert and Beckham, and fourscore Knights. On the morrow, being the sixth of july, the King with Queen An●e his wife, came down out of the White-Hall, into the Great Hall at Westminster, and went directly to the King's Bench; and from thence, going upon Ray-cloath, barefooted, went unto St. Edward's shrine, all his Nobility going with him, every Lord in his degree. The Bishop of Rochester bore the Cross before the Cardinal: Then followed the Earl of Huntingdon, being a pair of gilt-spurres, signifying Knighthood: Then followed the Earl of ●●●ford, bearing St. Edward's staff, for a Relic: After him came the Earl of northumberland bareheaded, with the pointless sword naked in his hand, signifying Mercy: The Lord Stanley bore the Mace of the Constableship: The Earl of Ken● bore the second sword, on the right hand of the King, naked, with a point; which signified Justice to the Temporalty: The Lord Lovel bore the third sword on the King's left hand, with a point; which signified Justice to the Clergy: The Duke of Suffolk followed with the Sceptre in his hand, which signified Peace: The Earl of Lincoln bore the Ball and Cross, which signified Monarchy: The Earl of S●rry bore the fourth sword before the King, in a rich scabbard; which is called the sw●●d of Estate: Then went three together; in the midst went Gartar king of Arms, in his rich Coat; and on his right hand went the Major of London, ●earing a Mace; and on his left hand went the Gentleman-Usher of the Privy Chamber: Then followed the Duke of Norfolk, bearing the king's Crown between his hands: Then followed king Richard in his robes of Purple-velvet, and over his head a Canopy, bor●e by four Barons of the Cinque-Ports; and on each side of the king went a Bishop● on one side, the Bishop of Bath; on the other, of Durham: Then followed the Duke of Buckingham, bearing the king's train, with a white staff in his hand, signifying the office of High Steward of England. Then followed the Queen's train, before whom was borne the Sceptre, the Ivory rod, with the Dove, (signifying innocency) and the Crown: herself apparelled in robes like the kings, under a rich Canopy, at every corner thereof a bell of gold: On her head she wore a circlet, set full of precious stones, the Countess of Richmond bearing her train; the Duchess' of Norfolk and Suffolk in their Coronets, attending; with twenty Ladies of Estate most richly attired. In this order they passed the Palace into the Abbey: and going up to the High Altar, there shifted their robes; and having other robes open in divers places from the middle upward, were both of them Anointed and Crowned: and then after the Sacrament received, (having the host divided betwixt them) they both offered at St. Edward's shrine; where the king left St. Edward's Crown, wherewith he had been Crowned, and put on his own: and this done, in the same order and state as they came, they returned to Westminster-hall, and there held a most Princely feast: at the second course whereof, there came into the Hall Sir Robert Dymock the king's Champion, making Proclamation, that whosoever would say th●● king Richard was not lawful king of England, he was there ready to prove it against him; and thereupon threw down his Gauntlet: and then all the Hall cried, king Richard, king Richard. And thus with some other Ceremonies, the Coronation ended; and the king and Queen returned to their lodgings. Presently after this, king Richard sent a solemn Ambassage to Lewis king of France, to conclude a League and Amity with him: but the French king so abhorred him and his cruelty, that he would not so much as see, or hear his ●●b●ssadors; but sent them away with shame, in disgrace of their Master. At this t●me, with his Queen, he made a Progress of Gloucester, under colour to 〈…〉 of his old Honour; but indeed, to be out of the way, having a special 〈…〉 to be acted: for though he had satisfied his Ambition, by depriving his 〈◊〉 Nephews of their livelihoods; yet it satisfied not his Fear, if he deprived 〈…〉 also of their lives. For effecting whereof, his old friend the Duke of Buck●●●●●● was no fit instrument; it must be one of a base metal: and to find out 〈…〉 henceded not go far; For upon inquiry, he was told of two that lay 〈…〉 it Chamber to him; Sir Thomas and Sir Iames Tyrrell● two brothers, like 〈…〉, not more near in blood, than different in conditions; of equal 〈…〉 of personage both, but not of equal goodness of mind; Sir Thomas 〈◊〉 of in honest and sober disposition; but Sir james of a turbulent spirit, and one 〈…〉 after preferment, would not stick to make a fortune out of any villainy. 〈◊〉 told of this man, as he was sitting at the close-stool, he presently ro●e and 〈◊〉 to him: where being met, the ma●ch is soon made up between them; for he 〈◊〉 Sir james more ready to undertake the work, than he was himself to set him 〈◊〉 it. It only remained, to procure him free passage to the place where the 〈◊〉 was to be done: for King Richard had formerly sent a trusty Privado of his, 〈◊〉 john Greene, to Sir Robert Brackenbury then Lieutenant of the Tower; think 〈…〉, having been raised by him, would not have refused to do the deed himself, but when he heard how averse he was from it, Good Lord (saith he) whom 〈◊〉 man trust? Once he saw plainly, that whilst he was Lieutenant, there was 〈…〉 to effect it. To remove therefore this Rub, he sends his Letters Man●●●● to Br●ckenbury, to deliver presently the keys of the Tower to Sir james 〈◊〉: who being now Lieutenant for the time, and having the two innocent 〈◊〉 under his custody; gets two other, as very villains as himself; the one 〈…〉, the other james Dighton his horsekeeper, a big sturdy knave: and 〈…〉 makes his under-agents; who coming into the children's chamber in the 〈◊〉, (for they were suffered to have none about them, but one Black- Will, or 〈◊〉 ●●●●ghter, a bloody rascal) they suddenly lapped them up in their clothes, 〈…〉 down by force the featherbed and pillows hard unto their mouths, so 〈…〉, that their breath failing, they gave up their innocent soul; to God: 〈◊〉 when the murderers perceived, first by their struggling with the pains of 〈◊〉, and then by their long lying still, to be throughly dead; they laid their bodies out upon the bed, and then fetched Sir james to see them; who presently caused their bodies to be buried under the stairs, under a heap of stones: from whence they were afterward removed to a place of Christian burial, by a Priest of Sir Robert 〈◊〉; who dying within a few days after, and none knowing the place but 〈◊〉, was cause that it hath not been known to this day; and gave occasion afterwards the Imposture of Perkin Warbeck, in King Henry the Seventh's Reign. Some 〈◊〉, that king Richard caused their bodies to be taken up, and closed them in lead, and then to be put in a Cousin full of holes, hooked at the ends with Iron; and so 〈…〉 a place called the Black Deeps, at the Thames mouth, to be sure they should 〈◊〉 rise up, not be seen again. And now see the Divine revenge upon the actors 〈…〉 ●●cerable murder: Miles Forrest, at St. martin's le Grand, piecemeal rot●●● away: Dighton lived at Calais a long time after; but detested of all men, died 〈◊〉 misery: Sir james Tyrrell was beheaded afterward on the Tower-hill for 〈◊〉 and king Richard himself, after this abominable fact done, never had 〈◊〉 mind; troubled with fearful dreams, and would sometimes in the night 〈◊〉 of his bed, and run about the Chamber in great fright, as if all the Furies of 〈◊〉 were hanging about him: that it was verified in him, ●ltrix Tisiphone vocat 〈◊〉 seva sororum. Confederacies in evil are seldom long-lived, and commonly end in a reciprocal 〈◊〉: and so was it now with king Richard and the Duke of Buckingham: They had confederated together to the destruction of many; and now their confederacy dissolves in both their ruins: but what the cause was of their dissolving, is not so certain: whether it were that the Duke thought not himself so well rewarded, as his great services had deserved; or whether it were, that King Richard thought not himself absolute King, as long as the Duke, by whose means he came to be King, was in such a height of greatness; or whether it were (as was rather thought) that the Duke being a man ambitious and of an aspiring spirit; though he had himself been the means to bring King Richard to the Crown; yet when the Crown was put upon his head, so envied at it, that he turned his head another way, ●s not enduring the sight; and for the same ca●se, was willing not to have been present at the Coronation, pretending sickness in excuse of his absence; but that King Richard sent him a sharp Message, requiring him to come or he would fetch him: whereupon the Duke went, but with so ill a mind, that he bore it in mind ever after. Whatsoever it was, certain it is, that presently after the Coronation, there grew great jealousies between them; and the Duke retired himself to his Castle at Brecknock, where he had the Bishop of Ely in custody. And here we may observe the unsearchable depth of the divine Providence; the bottom whereof, the soundest judgement of Man can never sound, as working effects by contrary causes: for where King Richard had committed the Bishop to the Duke, as to one that would have a most watchful eye over him; This which the King did for the Bishop's greater punishment, proved a means afterward of the Bishop's greater advancement, and a means at the present of King Richard's ruin. For the Duke being retired home, and having his head so full of thoughts, that of necessity it required ●ent; for his own recreation, would sometimes fall in talk with the Bishop; with whose discourse (as he was a man of great wit and solid judgement) the Duke was so taken, tha● he grew to delight in nothing more than to be conferring with him. One time it happened, that the Duke had opened his mind something freely to him; and the Bishop following him in his own way, and cunningly working upon that humour of the Duke, which he found most working in the Duke; which he conceived to grow out of envy to king Richard: he said to this purpose; My Lord, you know I followed first the part of king Henry the sixth, and if I could have had my wish, his Son should have had the Crown, and not king Edward: But after that God had ordained king Edward to Reign; I was never so mad, that I would with a dead man strive against the quick. And so was I to king Edward also a faithful Chaplain, and glad would have been that his child had succeeded him: How be it, if the secret Judgement of God have otherwise provided; I purpose not to labour to set up that which God pulleth down. And as for the Lord Protector, and now King●; and even there he left: saying, he had already meddled too much with the world; and would from that day meddle with his Books and his Beads, and no further. Then longed the Duke exceedingly to hear what he would have said; because he ended with the king, and there suddenly stopped: and thereupon entreated him to be bold to say whatsoever he thought; whereof he faithfully promised there should never come hurt, and peradventure more good than he would think; and withal, that himself intended to use his secret Counsel; which (he said) was the only cause for the which he had procured of the king to have him in his custody. The Bishop humbly thanked him, and said: In good faith my Lord, I love not to talk much of Princes, as a thing not all out of peril, though the word be without fault, for so much as it shall not be taken as the party meant it, but as it pleaseth the Prince to construe it. And ever I think on Aesop's Tale, that when the Lion had proclaimed on pain of death, that no horned beast should abide in a certain Wood; one that had in his forehead a bunch of flesh, fled away a geart pace: the Fox that saw him run so fast, asked him whither he made all that haste? who answered, in faith I neither wot nor reck, so I were once hence, because of the Proclamation made of horned beasts: why fool, (quoth the Fox) thou mayest abide well enough, the Lion meant it not by thee, for it is no horn that is in thy head: No marrow (quoth he) that wot I well enough; but what if he call it a horn, where am I then? The Duke laughed at the Tale, and said; My Lord, I warrant you, neither the Lion not the Boar shall pick any matter at any thing here spoken; for it shall never come near their ear. Then said the Bishop, In good faith Sir, if it did, the thing I was about to say, taken as well as a fore God I meant it, could deserve but thank; and yet taken as I ween it would, might happen to turn me to little good, and you to les●e. Then longed the Duke much more, to hear what it was: whereupon the Bishop said, My Lord, as for the late Protector, sith he is now king in Possession, I purpose not to dispute his title; but for the weal of the Realm, I could wish he had in him those excellent virtues which God hath planted in the person of your Grace: and there left again. The Duke somewhat marveling at his sudden pause, said, My L. I cannot but note your sudden stopping in your speech, so as your words come not to any direct sentence, whereby I may have knowledge, either what your inward intent is now toward the king, or what your affection is toward me: I therefore entreat you to use no more such obscurity, but plainly to disclose your mind unto me, who upon mine honour will be as secret in the case, as the deaf and dumb person is to the singer, or the Tree to the Hunter. The Bp. then upon confidence of the D. promise, said● my Lord, I plainly perceive, the kingdom being in the case as it is, under such a King as now we have, must needs decay and be brought to confusion; but one hope I have, that when I consider and daily behold your noble Personage, your Justice, your ardent love towards your Country, and in like manner the great love of your Country towards you; I must needs think this Realm fortunate, that hath such a Prince in store, meet and apt to be a Governor; in whose person consisteth the very undoubted Image of true honour. And then taxing the present king with many cruelties and oppressions, he concluded, saying: And now my Lord, if either you love God, your Lineage, or your native Country, you must yourself take upon you the Crown and Imperial Diadem of this Realm; but if yourself will refuse to take it upon you, I then adjure you, by the faith you owe to God, and by the love you bear to your native Country, to devise some way, how the Realm may by your Princely policy be reduced to some convenient Regiment, under some good governor by you to be appointed: And if you could devise to set up again the Lineage of Lanc●ster; or advance the eldest daughter of King Edward to some puissant Prince: not only the new Crowned king should little enjoy the glory of his dignity, but all Civil War should cease, and Peace and Profit should again flourish. When the Bishop had ended his saying, the Duke sighed, and spoke not of a good while; which sore abashed the Bishop, and made him change colour: which the Duke perceiving, he said; Be not afraid my Lord, all promises shall be kept: so for that time they parted. The next day, the Duke sent for the Bishop, and having rehearsed unto him the Communication had between them the day before, he went on and said: My Lord of Ely, since I perceive your true heart and sincere affection toward me; I will now discover unto you, all that hath passed my own imaginations. After I had found the dissimulation and falseness of king Richard, and specially after I was informed of the murder of the two young Princes, to which (God be my Judge) I never condescended; I so much abhorred the sight, and much more the company of him, that I could no longer abide in his Court; but feigning a cause to depart, I took my leave of him (he thinking nothing less, then that I was displeased) and so returned to Brecknok to you; but in that returning, whether it were by inspiration, or els● through some melancholic disposition, I had divers imaginations how to deprive this unnatural and bloody Butcher of his Royal seat and dignity. First● I fantasied, that if I list to take upon me the Crown, Now was the time, when this Tyrant was abhorred and detested of all men; and knowing not of any that could pretend Title before me: In this imagination I rested two days at Tewksbury; in my journey from thence, I mused and thought, that it was not best nor convenient to take upon me as a Conqueror, for than I was sure that all men and specially the Nobility would oppose me; but at last there sprung up a branch in my head, which I surely thought would have brought forth fair flowers, but they turned indeed to dry weeds: For I suddenly remembered that the Lord Edmund Duke of Somerset, my Grandfather, was with king Henry the ●ixth, in two or three degrees of john of Gaunt Duke of Lanc●ster; so that I thought certainly, my Mother being eldest Daughter to Duke Edmund, that I was next heir to king H●nry the sixth, of the House of Lanc●ster: This Title pleased well such as I made of my Counsel, and much more it elevated my ambitious intent; but while I was in a maze, whether I were best suddenly to set this title open amongst the Common people, or else keep it secret a while, see what chan●ed: As I ●ode between Worcester and Bridgenorth, I met with the Lady Margaret Countess of Richmond, now wife to the Lord Stanley, who is the daughter and sole heir to john Duke of Summersault my Grandfathers elder brother (which was as clean out of my mind, as if I had never seen her) so that she and her son the Earl of Richmond h●ve both of them Titles before mine, and then I clearly saw how I was deceived: whereupon I determined, utterly to relinquish all such fantastical imaginations concerning the obtaining the Crown myself and found there could be no better way to settle it in a true establishment, then that the Earl of Richmond, very heir of the house of Lancaster; should take to wife the Lady Elizabeth, eldest Daughter to king Edward, the very heir of the house of York; that so the two Roses may be united in one: & now (saith the Duke) I have told you my very mind. When the Duke had said this, the Bishop was not a little glad, for this was the mark he had himself aimed at: and thereupon, after some compliments of extolling his device, he said: Since by your Grace's incomparable wisdom, this noble conjunction is now moved; It is in the next place necessary to consider, what friends we shall first make privy of this intention. By my truth (quoth the Duke) we will begin with the Countess of Richmond the Earl's Mother; who knoweth where he is, either in captivity or at large in Britain. And thus was the foundation laid of a league, by these two great men; by which the death of the two young Princes was fully revenged: and it was not talk● of only, but presently put in execution; for now is Reynold Bray employed by the Bishop, to his Mistress the Duchess of Richmond; Doctor Lewis the Duchess' Physician was employed by her to the Queen Elizabeth; Hugh Conway and Thom●● R●me were employed to the Earl of Richmond; to acquaint them, but in most secret manner, with the intended plot, and to procure their promises to the propounded marriage; which was no hard matter, to make them all willing to their own wishes. This done, Instruments are employed, to draw in parties to the confederacy; Bray by his credit drew in Sir Gyles Danbe●y, Sir john Cheyney, Richard Guildford, Thomas R●me and others; Urswick likewise drew in Hugh Conway, Thomas Colepepper, Thomas Roper with some others; Doctor Lewis drew in Edward Courtney and his brother Peter Bishop of Exeter. It is memorable, that Thomas Conway being sen● most part by Sea, and Thoma● R●me most part by Land; yet came to the Ea●le of Richmond in Britain, within the space of little more than an hour; upon whose information of the plot, the Earl acquaints the Duke of Britain with it, who, though by Hutton King Richard's Ambassador, he had by many great offers been solicited to detain him in prison; yet he both readily promised and really performed both his advice and aid to the Earls proceedings. In this mean time Bishop Morto●, not without ask the Duke's leave, though without obtaining it, secretly in disguise, gets him into his Isle of Ely; and there having done the Earl good Offices by procuring of friends, he thence passeth into Britain to him; from whence he returned no more, till afterward the Earl being king, sent for him home and made him Archbishop of Canterbury. But though all these things were carried closely, and Oath taken by all for secrecy, yet came it to King Richard's knowledge; who notwithstanding dissembling it, sends for the Duke of Buckingham to come unto him; and he putting off his coming with pretended excuses, is at last peremptorily sent for to come upon his Allegiance: when he returned this resolute answer, that he owed no Allegiance to such a perjured inhuman Butcher of his own Flesh and Blood: and so from that time, preparation for Arms is made on both sides. The Duke had gotten a good power of Welshmen; and the marquis Dorset having gotten out of Sanctuary, was labouring in Yorkshire to raise forces; the like did the two ●ourtneys in Devonshire and Cornwall, and Guildford and R●me in Kent. King Richard setting forward with 〈◊〉 forces; the Duke of Buckingham doth the like, intending at Gloucester to have 〈◊〉 Severn, and so to have joined with the two Courtneys; but such abundance o●●aine at that time fell, that the Severn was broken out, and impossible to be passed 〈◊〉; which the Welshmen seeing, and taking it for an ill sign, they secretly slept away: so as the Duke le●t well near alone, without either Page or so much as a Footm●●; repaired to the house of one Humphrey Bannister near to Shre●sbury; who having been raised by him, and his father before him; he thought himself safe under his roof: But Bannister, upon Proclamation made by king Richard, that whosoever could apprehend the Duke, should have a thousand pound for his labour; like an ungrateful and perfidious wretch, discovered him to john Milton High Sheriff of 〈◊〉, who took him in a peeled black Cloak, as h● was walking in an Orchard behind the house; and carried him to Shrewsbury, where king Richard then lay; ●nd there without Arraignment or Legal proceeding, was in the Market place beheaded. Whether Bannister received the Proclaimed reward from the hand of the King, is uncertain; but certain it is, that he received the reward of a Villain from the hand of Divine Justice; for himself was afterward hanged for manslaughter, his eldest daughter was deflowered by one of his Carters, or as some say, strucken with a foul Leprosy; his eldest Son in a desperate Lunacy murdered himself, and was ●ound to have done so, by the Coroners inquest; and his younger Son in a small puddle was strangled and drowned. Upon this disaster of the Duke of Buckingham, his complices shifted for themselves; s●me taking Sanctuary, some keeping themselves in unknown places, but many conveyed themselves into Britain to the Earl of Richmond● of whom the marquis Dorset, john Lord Wells, the Bishop of Exeter and his brother Sir Ioh● 〈◊〉, Sir Edward Woodvile brother to Queen Elizabeth, Sir Robert Willoughby● Sir Giles Da●beney, Sir Thomas Arundel, Sir john Cheyney and his two brethren, Sir Willia● B●rckly, Sir William Brandon and his brother Thomas, Sir Richard Edgecombe, Hollowell and Poynings Captains, were the chief. Whilst these things are in doing, king Richard receives intelligence from Hutton his Ambassador leiger in Britain; that the Duke not only refuseth to restaine the Earl of Richmond, but intendeth also to give him assistance: whereupon the king ●●oke present order for preparing his Navy to stop the Earls landing in any Port of England. Upon the twelveth day o● October in the year 1484. The Earl of Richmond with forty Ships, and five thousand waged Britain tooks, to sea; but that Evening, by tempest of weather, his whole Fleet was dispersed, so as only the Ship wherein the Earl himself was, with one little Bark, was driven upon the Coast of Cornw●ll; where discovering upon the shore great store of Armed Soldiers to resist his landing; he hoist sail, and returning toward France, arrived in Normandy; from whence sending Messengers to Charles the Eighth King of France, he was by him not only kindly invited to come to his Court, but was aided also with good s●mmes of money to bear his charges. After this, the Earl returning into Britt●i●e, received there the news of the Duke of Buckingham's death, and the disp●r●ing of the Confederates forces; with which though he was at first much troubled, yet was he as much comforted afterward, when he saw the marquis Dorset and those other Lords and Captains come unto him: soon after whose coming, upon Christ●●sse day before the high Altar in the great Church of Rheims, the Earl of Richmo●d gave Oath, to marry the Lady El●zabeth, as soon as he should be quietly ●e●led in the Government of England: and thereupon all the Lords and Knights there present, did him homage, and in the same place, each to other Religiously Vowed, taking the Sacrament upon it; never to cease prosecuting war against king Richard, till either his Deposition or Destruction. King Richard being informed of these things, makes diligent enquiry after all such as might be suspected to be favourers of Richmond's association; of whom Sir George Brown, and Sir Roger Clifford with four other Gentlemen are apprehended and executed at London: Sir Thomas Sentl●ge●, whom married Anne the Duke of Excet●rs widow, this kings own sister, and Thomas Rame Esquire were executed at Exeter. Thomas marquis Dorset, and all such as were with the Earl of Rich●●●d, were at a Parliament then holden attainted of Treason, and all their Good● a●d Lands seized on to the king's use: Besides these, a poor Gentleman called C●lli●gbor●●, for making a small rhyme of th●ee of his wicked Counsellors; the Lord L●●●ll, Sir Robert Ratcliff, and Sir William Catesby: which rhyme was thus framed: 〈◊〉 Cat, the Rat, and ●●vell the Dog; rule all Engla●● under a ●●og: was put to deat●, ●nd his body divided into four quarter●. At this time, a Truce is concluded betwixt England and Sc●●land, for three years● and for a se●ling a firmer Amity between the two kingdoms, a marriage it treated● of between the Duke of Rothsay, eldest Son to the king of Scots; and the Lady Anne de la Poole, daughter to john Duke of Suffolk, by Anne sister to king Ri●hard, which sister he so much favoured, that after the death of his own son, who died some time before; ●e caused john Earl of Lincoln, her son and his Nephew, to be proclaimed Heir apparent to the Crown of England. And now King Richard, to take away the Root of his fear, once again sent Ambassadors to the Duke of Britain, with order (besides the great gifts they carried with them) to make offer, that king Richard should yearly pay and answer the Duke of all the Revenues and Profits of all lands and possessions● as well belonging to the Earl of Richmond, as of any other Nobleman or Gentleman that were in his company; if he after that time would keep them in continual prison, and restrain the● from liberty. But the Duke of Brit●ine being at that time fallen into such infirmity, that the Ambassadors could have no audience; they addressed themselves to ●eter Landois, the Duke's chief Treasurer: and he taken with this golden hook, faithfully promised to satisfy their Request; and had done so indeed, but that B. Morto●, sojourning then in Fl●●ders, had by his friend's Intelligence of his purpose, and presently informed the E. thereof. The E. was then at Va●●e●● who, upon the Bps. information, taking with him only five servants, as though he went but to visit some friend; when he was five miles forward on his way, suddenly turned into a Wood adjoining; and there changing apparel with one of his servants, followed after as their attendant; and never rested, till by ways unknown he came to his company abiding at Angi●r●: yet was not his departure so secret nor so sudden, but that Peter Landois had notice of it; who sending Posts after him, was so near overtaking him, that he was scarce entered one hour into Franc●, when the Posts arrived at the Confines, and then durst go no further. In the mean time, Sir Edward Woodvile and Captain P●ynings, who with their companies were left behind in Vannes, had been in danger of Peter L●ndis his malice; but that the Duke being informed by the Chancellor of their case, not only protected them, but furnished them with all necessaries for their journey to the Earl: and was so incensed against L●●dois for this action of his, that for this and some other overbold presumptions, he was afterward hanged. The Earl having passed this danger in Britain, and being arrived in France, addresseth himself to the French king, imploring his aid; and hath it promised and performed: and in this time john Vere Earl of Oxford, who had long time been kept prisoner in the Castle of Hams, so far prevailed with james Blunt Captain of the Fortress, and Sir john Fortescue Porter of the Town of Calais; that not only they suffered him to be at liberty, but accompanied him also to the Earl of Richm●●●, to whom Captain Blunt gave assurance that the Fortress remained wholly at his devotion. At this time also there resorted to the Earl, divers young Gentlemen that were Students in the University of Paris, proffering him their service; amongst whom was Richard Fox, at that time famous for his learning; with whom afterward the Earl advised in all his affairs, made him one of his most Privy Counsel, and at last Bishop of Winchester. But now king Richard having been disappointed of his design in Britain, hath another way in his head, to disappoint the Earl of Richmond of his marriage with the Daughter of Queen Elizabeth: and to this end, he sent to the Queen (being still in Sanctuary) divers messengers, who should first excuse and purge him of all things formerly attempted and done against her; and then should largely promise promotions innumerable, not only to herself, but also to her son Lord Thomas marquis D●r●et● by ●or●e of which promises, the messengers so prevailed with her, ●hat no● only she began ●o relent, but 〈…〉 was content to submit herself wholly to th● king's pleasure. And thereupon putting in oblivion the murder of her inno●●●● Children, the butchering of her own Brother and Son, the infamy of her ●oy●ll Hu●●and, the aspersion of Adultery cast upon herself, the imputation of Bastardy laid to her Da●●hter●● forgetting also her Oath made to the Earl of Richmond's Mother; seduced by flattering words, she first delivered into king Richard's hands her ●ive Daughters, and after sent letters to the marquis her Son, being then at Pari● wit● the Earl of Richmond; willing him by any means to leave the Earl, and with all speed to repair into England● where for him were provided great Honours and Promotions: Assuring him further, that all offences on both parts were forgotten ●nd forgiven; and both he and she incorporated in the king's favour. If we wonder at this credulity in the Queen, we may conceive she was moved with the 〈…〉 motives of Fear and hope; she feared (no doubt) that if she denied the king's request, he would presently take some sharp course both against her and her Daughters; and she hoped that if she yielded to his request, he would undoubtedly perform his promise, seeing it was as easy for him to keep it as to break it. But now king Richard's purpose being to marry one of his brother king Edward's daughters: there was one impediment which directly hindered it; that he had a wife living; and how to be rid of her, that he might not bring new aspersions upon hi●selfe, he could not well tell; yet this he resolved, that be rid of her he would by some way or other: but before he would use extremity, he would first try milder ways; and first he abstained both from her bed and company, and complained to divers of her barrenness; which coming to her ●are, he hoped might cause her ●o die with grief: And when this device failed, he then caused a rumour to be s●●●●d among the people, that she was suddenly dead; hoping the very conceit thereof would kill her: when this device also failed, (for the Queen hearing of it, and mistrustring the worst, with a most sorrowful countenance came unto him, demanding what she had done, that he should judge her worthy to die? who answered with fair words, bidding her be of good cheer, for (to his knowledge) she should have no other cause:) he then made sure work; for within few days after, whether by poison or by what other ●eans, it is not certainly known, she departed this life; and with all solemnity, not without some formal tears of king Richard, was interred in St. Peter's Church at Westminster. King Richard now by his wife's death, having made himself way to marry another; 〈◊〉 all the alluring means he can devise, to win the love of the Lady Elizabeth his 〈◊〉, but meaning at last to purchase his desire by Rape, if he could not otherwise● and had perhaps done it, but that the storms threatened from beyond the seas, growing every day more strong than other, forced him to prorouge the execution of his desires, and look to the prevention of his present danger. The Lord Stanley is commanded presently to levy forces for the kingsayde, as he will justify his integrity to him; but yet is not permitted to go down into the Country, until he had left George Lord Strange his eldest Son, as a Pledge of his Loyalty, behind him. And now king Richard being informed (though the information was craftily suborned by his Enemies) that the Earl of Richmond was out of hope of any great assistance from France; dischargeth the ships which he had appointed to guard the seas, ●●d likewise all the soldiers; only order is given for diligent watching of the Beacons. At this time, one Morga● Kidwelly, a Student at the Inns of Court, with great ha●●d of his life, passed over to the Earl; Informing him, that King Richard by all means laboured to match himself with the Lady Elizabeth: which so wrought with the Earl, that he saw there was no lingering: and the more, being by him further informed, that Ric● ap Thomas and john Savage, two powerful men in their Country's, were ready with great forces to assist him: Whereupon not having above two thousand Mercenaries, and but indifferent shipping to convey him over: about the middle of August he put to sea, and by the advice of the said Kidwelly, steered his course for Wales, and on the seventee●●● day after his departure from Harflew, arrived at Milford Haven; and there landing his for●es without trouble or impeachment, from thence m●●●hed peacably 〈◊〉 Hereford, where by the Inhabitants he was joyfully received. Here he receiveth news by Captain Arnold Butler, that the Earl of Pembroke with all hi● reti●●●, was upon the way to join with him; also thither came to him R●chard Griffith and john Morgan, with a band of brave Welsh men; and the same day, Sir Gi●ber● T●lbo● with all the Earl of Shewsbury●s Tenants, (being about two thousand well appointed men) came unto him: with these he marched towards Shrewsbury; at which time word is brought him, that Sir Robert Herbert and Rice ap Thomas, were ready with a great power to stop his passage: which somewhat troubled him, that his friends so suddenly should revolt: but it was but a trick of R●ce ap Tho●●● to make his bargain the surer: for soon after, Rice ap Thomas meets him, and offers him his service, so as the Earl will pledge his faith to perform his promise formerly made; which was, that having once obtained the Crown, he would make Rice sole Governor of Wales: which was now assented to, and afterward performed● At this time the Lord St●●ley with five thousand men, had taken up his lodging at the Town of Leicester; but hearing of the Earls march that way, he le●t Leicester and went to Addebted, not daring to show himself openly for the Earl; for fear the King should put his Son the Lord Strange to death, whom he had left an Hostage with him. All this time King Richard lay at Nottigham, and was as it were fatally taken with a spirit of security, hearing that the Earl had but small assistance either from France or in England; and therefore slighting him as little able to do any great matter: but when he heard that part of his own forces was revolted to him, than he began to look about him, and sends present direction to the Duke of Norfolk, the Earls of Northumberland and Surry, with Sir Thomas Brackenbury Lieutenant of the Tower, with all speed to bring their forces to him at Lutterworth, from whence upon their arrival, hearing that the Earl was encamped at Lichfield: he marcheth thitherward: At which time, Sir Walter Hungerford and some others, withdrew themselves from King Richard's part: and Sir john Savage, Sir Bryan Sta●ford, and Sir Simon Digby, with their several Forces, joined with the Earl. King Richard took the advantage of a large Plain near Bosworth, adjoining to a Hill called Anne Beam; where he encamped: And observing by his Adversaries manner of approach, that they meant to give him battle; He the next morning put his Forces in order: The Vanguard was led by the Duke of Norfolk, which consisted of one thousand two hundred Bowmen, flanked with two hundred Cuyrassiers, under the conduct of the Earl of Surrey: The Battle King Richard led himself, which consisted of a thousand Billmen, empaled with two thousand Pikes: The Rearward was led by Sir Thomas Bracke●bury, consisting of two thousand mingled weapons, with two wings of Horsemen, containing fifteen hundred, all of them cast into square maniples; expecting the Lord Sta●ley's coming with two thousand, most of them Horsemen: But the Lord Stanley carried himself so warily, that he might neither give cause of suspicion to the King, nor yet cause of disadvan●tage to the Earl: that when, early in the morning, the Earl sent unto him, desiring his present repair; he answered, that he must look for no aid from him, till the Battles should be joined; and therefore advised him, with all possible speed to give the Onset. This Answer somewhat staggered the Earl, because his number did but little exceed one half of the Kings: Yet to make the best show he could● by the advice of his Counsel of War, he made his Vanguard open and thin; of which john Earl of Oxford had the leading: The Earl himself led the Battle: Sir Gilbert Talbot commanding the Right wing, and Sir john Savage the left: whose soldiers being all alike clad in white Coats and hoods of Freeze; by the reflection of the Sun upon them, made them appear in the view of their Enemies, double the number. The Rearward was governed by the Earl of Pembroke, which consisted most of ●orse, and some Pikes and Black bills. King Richard to encourage his soldiers, made a solemn speech unto them: but alas! what hope co●ld he have to put them in heart, whose hearts he had lost? or to rise alacrity in others, who had none in himself? For now the remembrance of his forepassed villainies, and specially a fearful dream he had the night before, (wherein it seemed to him he saw divers Images like Devils, which pulled and haled him, not suffering him to take any rest or quiet) so damped his spirits, that although he set a good face upon the matter, yet he co●ld not choose but have a presaging fear that the date o● hi● days was not far from expiring. The Earl of Richmond on the other side, having a clear conscience in himself, and speaking to men that followed him for love● had the easier means ●o give them encouragement: which he did with so cheerful a countenance; as though already he had gotten the victory. After their military exhor●ations ended, King Richard commanded to give the onset. Between both Armies, there was agreat Marsh; which the Earl left on his right-hand, that it might be a defence for his soldiers on that side; and besides by so doing, he had the Sun at his back, and in the faces of the enemy. When king Richard saw that the Earl's company wa● pa●●ed this Marish, he commanded with all speed to set upon them. Then were the Arrows let fly on both sides, and those spent, they came to handstrokes; at which encounter comes in the the Lord Stanley, and joins with the Earl. The Earl of Oxford in the mean time, fearing lest his company should be compassed in with the multitude of his enemies, gave charge in every rank, that no man should go above ten foot from the Standard: whereupon they knit themselves together, and ceased a while from fight: which the Enemy seeing, and mistrusting some fraud, they also paused and left striking. But then the E●rle of Oxford, having brought all his Band together, set on the Enemy afresh; which the Enemy perceiving, they placed their men slender and thin before, but thick and broad behind; and resolutely again began ●he Fight. While these two Va●ntgu●rds were thus contending, King Richard was informed, that the Earl of Richmond with a small ●●●ber was not far off: whereupon he presently makes towards him; and being of an invincible courage, whereof he was now to give the last proof, he made so furious an assault, that first with his own hands he slew Sir William Brandon, who bore the Earl's Standard; next, he unhorsed and overthrew Sir john Cheyny, a strong and stout man at Arms; and then assaulted the Earl of Richmond himself, who (●hough no man would have thought it, yet) for all the King's fury, held him off at his Lance's point, till Sir William Stanley came in with three thousand freshmen; and then oppressed with multitude, King Richard is there slain. It is said, that when the Battle was at the point to be lost, a swift horse was b●ought unto him, with which he might have saved himself by flight: but out of his undaunted courage he refused it, saying He would that day make an end of all Battles, or else lose his life. In this Battle, He●ry Earl of Northumberland, who led King Richard's Rearward, never struck stroke; as likewise many other, who followed King Richard more for Fear than Love: and so King Richard who had deceived many in his time, was at this time deceived by many: which was not unforeseen by some, who caused a Rhyme to be set upon the Duke of Norfolk's gate the night before the Battle; which was this: jack of Norfolk be not too bold, For Dickon thy Master is bought and sold. Yet notwithstanding this warning, the noble Duke continued firm to king Richard; and more considering what he was towards him, than what towards others; followed him to the last, and in his quarrel lost his life. This john Howard was the son of Sir Robert Howard knight, and Margaret eldest daughter of Thomas ●●●bray Duke of Norfolk, in who●e right he was created Duke of Norfolk by king Richard the Third, in ●he year 1483. having been made a Baron before by king Edward the Fourth. The whole number slain in thi● battle on kin● R●ch●rds par● was not above a thousand persons; whereof of the Nobility, besides the Duke of Norfolk, only Walter Lord Ferrer of Chartley, Sir Richard Rat●liffe, and Sir Robert ●rakenbury Lieutenant of the Tower, and not many Gentlemen more. Sir William Catesby, one of the chief Counselors of king Richard, with divers others, were two days after beheaded at Leicester. Amongst those that ran away, were Franci● Viscount Lovel, Humphrey Stafford, and Thomas Stafford his brother, who took Sanctuary in Saint john's at Gloucester. Of Captives and Prisoners there were great number. Henry Earl of Northumberland, who though on king Richard's side, intermitted not in the battle; was incontinently taken into favour, and made of the Counsel; But Thomas Howard Earl of S●rry, though he submitted himself, yet as having been specially familiar with king Richard, was committed to the Tower; where he remained a long time: but at last was delivered and highly promoted. On the Earl of Richmond's part were slain scarce a hundred persons; (some say, but ten) of whom the principal was Sir William Brandon, the Earl's Standard-bearer. This battle was fought at Rodmer, near Bosworth in Leicestershire, the two and twentieth day of August, in the year 1485. having continued little above two hours. Presently after the battle, the Earl knighted in the field, Sir Gilbert Talbot, Sir john Mortimer, Sir William Willoughby, Sir Rice ap Thomas, Sir Robert Points, Sir Humphrey Stanley, Sir john Turbervile, Sir Hugh Pershall, Sir R. Edgecombe, Sir john Bykenill, and Sir Edmund Carew: and then kneeling down, he rendered to Almighty God his hearty Thanks for the victory he had obtained; and commanded all the hurt and maimed persons to be cured: whereat the people rejoicing, clapped their hands and cried, king Henry, king Henry: which good will and gladness of the people when the Lord Sta●ley saw, he took the Crown of king Richard, which was found amongst the spoils in the field, and set it on the Earl's head, as though he had been elected King by the voice of the people. It may not be forgotten, that when king Richard was come to Bosworth, he sent to the Lord Stanley to come presently to his presence; which if he refused to do, he swore by Christ's Passion, that he would strike off his son's head before he dined: whereto the Lord Stanley answered, That if he did so, he had more sons alive, and he might do his pleasure; but to come to him, he was not then determined. Which answer when king Richard heard, he commanded the Lord Strange immediately to be beheaded; but being at the very time when both Armies were in sight of each other; his Lords persuaded him, it was now time to fight, and not to put to Execution: and so the Lord Strang● escaped. Of his Taxations. WE must not look for Taxations in kind, in this king's reign; for he drew from his Subjects not money so much as blood; and the money he drew was most by blood, which drew on confiscation: whereof, let never any Prince make a precedent: for where Taxations properly do but Tondere, the●e did Deglu●ere. Yet in his second year, he called a Parliament, wherein besides the great confiscations of those that were then attainted, he imposed upon the people a great Tax, which what it was, is not Recorded. Of his Laws and Ordinances. HAving gotten the Crown by Pestilent courses, he sought to Establish i● by wholesome Laws: for in no King's reign were better Laws made, then in the reign of this man. Amongst other of his Laws, It was enacted, that from thence forth, the Commonalty of the Realm should in no wise be charged by any imposition called a Benevolence, nor any such like charge; and that such exactions called a Benevolence, before this time taken, shall be taken for no example to make any such like charge hereafter; but shall be damned and annulled for ever. Many other good Laws were by him made; that we may say, he took the ways of being a good King, if he had come to be King by ways that had been good. Affairs of the Church in his time. IN his time, the troubles of the Temporalty kept the Clergy at quiet; and though there were complaining in the streets, there was none in the Church. Only ●hores wife might complain, why she should do Penance for offending lightly against only the seventh Commandment; and king Richard do none for offending heavily against all the ten; but that perhaps he had gotten some good fellow to be his Confessor. Works of Piety done by him. AS bad as this King was, yet some good works he did: he founded a College at Middleham beyond York; and a Collegiate Chantry in London, near unto the Tower, called our Lady of Barking: He endowed the Queen's College in Cam●●●●ge, with five hundred Marks of yearly revenue; and disforested the great field of Whitchwood, which king Edward his brother had enclosed for Dear. Of Casualties happening in his time. IN his second year, at the time when the Duke of Buckingham meant to pass with his Army over Severn; so great an inundation was of wa●er, that men were drowned in their beds, houses were overturned, children were carried about the fields swimming in Cradles, beasts were drowned on hills: which rage of water continued ten days; and is to this day in the Countries thereabout, called the great water, or the Duke of Buckingham● water. Of his wife and issue. HE married Anne the second Daughter of Richard Nevil the great Earl of Warwick, being the widow of Edward Prince of Wales, the Son of king He●●y the sixth: she lived his Wife to the last year of his reign; and then to make way for another, was brought to her end, and laid a● rest in the Abbey of Westminster: by her he had only one Son, born at Middleham near Richmond in the County of York; at four years old, created Earl of Salisbury by his Uncle king Edward the fourth; at ten years old, created Prince of Wales by his Father king Richard, but died soon after. Of his Personage and Conditions. THere never was in any man a greater uniformity of Body and Mind than was in him; both of them equally deformed. Of Body he was but low, crookebackt, hook-shouldred, splay-footed, and goggleeyed, his face little and round, his complexion swarsie, his left arm from his birth dry and withered: born a monster in nature, with all his teeth, with hair on his head, and nails on his fingers and toes. And just such were the qualities of his mind: One quality he had in ordinary, which was, to look fawningly when he plotted, sternly when he executed. Those vices which in other men are Passions, in him were Habits: and his cruelty was not upon occasion, but natural. If at any time he showed any virtue, it was but pretence; the truth of his mind was only lying and falsehood. He was full of courage and yet not valiant; valour consisting not only in doing, but as well in suffering, which he could not abide. He was politic and yet not wise, Policy looking but to the middle, wisdom to the end: which he did, and did not. And it was not so much ambition that made him desire the Crown, as cruelty, that it might be in his power to kill at his pleasure: and to say the truth, he was scarce of the number of men who consist of flesh and blood, being nothing but blood. One Miracle we may say he did; which was, that he made the truth of History to exceed the fiction of Poetry, being a greater Harpy than those that were feigned. He would fain have been accounted a good King, but for his life he could not be a good Man; and it is an impossible thing to be one without the other. He left no issue behind him: and it had been pity he should, at least in his own Image; One such Monster was enough for many Ages. Of his Death and Burial. BEing slain in the Battle at Bosworth, as before is related; his body was left naked and despoiled to the very skin, not so much as a c●out left about him to cover his privy parts: and taken up, was trussed behind a Pursuivant at Arms, one Bla●ch Senglyer or White-boare; his head and arms hanging on one side of the horse, and his legs on the other; and all besprinkled with mire and dirt, he was brought to the Gray-Friers Church within the Town of Leicester, and there for some time lay a miserable spectacle; and afterward, with small Funerall-pompe, was there interred. But after this, King He●ry the Seventh caused a Tomb to be made, and set up over the place where he was buried, with a picture of Alabaster representing his person; which at the suppression of that Monastery was utterly defaced: Since when, his Grave overgrown with nettles and weeds, is not to be found; only the Stone-chest wherein his Corpse lay, is now made a drinking-trough for horses, at a common Inn in Leicester, and retaineth the only memory of this Monarch's greatness. But his body (as is reported) was carried out of the City, and contemptuously bestowed under the end of Bow-bridge, which giveth passage over a branch of Stowre, upon the West side of the Town. Upon this bridge (the like report runneth) stood a stone of some height; against which king Richard, as he passed ●owards Bosworth, by chance struck his spur: and against the same stone, as he was brought back, hanging by the horse side, his head was dashed and broken; as a Wise-woman (forsooth) had foretell; who before his going to battle, being asked of his success, said, that where his spur struck, his head should be broken. But these are but Repo●●● He had lived seven and thirty years, Reigned two, and two months. Of men of Note in his time. OF men of Note for wickedness and villainy, enough have been mentioned i● the body of the Story: and for men of Valour and Learning, they will fitte● be placed in a better Kings Reign. THE REIGN OF KING HENRY THE SEVENTH. HENRY Earl of Richmond, borne in Pembrooke-Castle, son to Edmund Earl of Richmond, by his wife Margaret, sole daughter of john Duke of Somerset, which john was son of john Earl of Somerset, son of john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, by his third wife Katherine Swinford; and by this descent, Heir of the House of Lancaster: having won the Battle at Bosworth, against King Richard; is by public acclamations saluted King of England, on the 22 day of August, in the year 1485. and this was his first Title. And now to take away a Root of danger; before his departure from Leicester, he sent Sir Robert Willoug●by to the Castle of Sheriffehaton in the County of York, for Edward Plantage●et Earl of Warwick, son and heir to George Duke of Clarence, being then of the age of fifteen years, whom King Richard had there kept a prisoner all his time; who was thence conveyed to London, and shut up in the Tower to be kept in safe custody. In the same Castle also, King Richard had left residing the Lady Elizabeth eldest daughter to King Edward the Fourth: and her now King Henry appoints honourably attended to be brought up to London, and to be delivered to the Queen her mother. This done, he took his journey towards London; where at his approaching near the City, Thomas Hill the Major, Thomas Britain and Richard Chester Sheriffs, with other principal Citizens, met him at Shoreditch, and in great state brought him to the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, where he offered three Standards: in the one was the Image of St. George; in another was a red fiery Dragon, beaten upon white and green Sarsenet; in the third was painted a dun Cow, upon yellow Tarterne. After Prayers said, he departed to the Bishop's Palace, and there sojourned a season: And in the time of his stay here, he advised with his Council, and appointed a day for solemnising his marriage with the Lady Elizabeth: before which time notwithstanding, he went by water to Westminster, and was there with great solemnity Anointed and Crowned King of England, by the whole consent as well of the Commons as of the Nobility, by the name of Henry the Seventh, on the thirtieth day of October, in the year 1485: and this was his second Title. And even this was revealed to Cadwalloder last King of the Britain's, seven ●u●dred ninety and seven years past; That his offspring should Reign and b●a●e Dominion in this Realm again. On the seventeenth day of November following, he called his High Court of Parliament; where, at the first sitting, two scruples appea●ed: One concerning t●e Burgesses; for that many had been returned Burgesses and knights of Shires, who by a Parliament in king Richard's time, stood Attainted still: and it was thought incongruous, for men to make Law●●, who were themselves outlawed: For remedy whereof, an Act was presently passed for their restoring; and then they were admitted to sit in the House. The other concerning the King himself, who had been Attainted by king Richard: but for this, It was resolv●d by all the Judges in the Chequer Chamber, that the possession of the Crown takes away all defects; yet for Honour's sake, all Records of hi● Attainder were taken off the File. And so these scruples thus removed, the Parliament b●ga●; wherein were Attainted, first Richard late Duke of Gloucester, calling himself Richard the Third: Then, his Assistants at the Battle of Bosworth: john late Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Earl of Surrey, Francis Viscount Lovel, Walter Devereux late Lord Ferrer, john Lord Zouch, Rober● Harington, Richard Cha●leto●● Richar● Rat●liffe● William Ber●ley of Weley, Robert Middleton, james Haringto●●●obert Br●c●enb●●y, T●omas Pilkington, Wal●er Ho●ton, William Catesby, Roger W●ke, William Sapco●e, Humphrey Stafford, William Clerk of Wenlock, Geoffry St. German, Richard Watkins, Herald at Arms, Richard revel, Thomas Pul●er, john Welsh, john Ken●all l●te Secretary to the late king Richard, john Buck, Andrew Rat, and William Brampton of Burford. But notwithstanding this Attainder, divers of the persons aforesaid, were afterwards not only by King Hen●y pardoned, but restored also to their lands and livings. As likewise he caused Proclamation to be made, that whosoever would submit themselves, and take Oath to be true subjects, should have their Pardon: whereupon many came out of Sanctuaries and other places; who submitting themselves, were received to mercy. And now King Henry considering that ●aena & Praemio Respublica contine●uy; after Punishing for Offence, he proceeds to Rewarding for Service: and first, jasper Earl of Pembroke his Uncle, he created Duke of Bedford: Thomas Lord Stanley he created Earl of Darb●: the Lord Chendow of Britain, his special friend, he made Earl of bath: Sir Giles Dauben●y was made Lord Dawbeney: Sir Robert Willoughby was made Lord Brooke: and Edward Stafford eldest son to Henry late Duke of Buckingham, he restored to his Dignity and Possessions. Besides, in this Parliament, an Act was made, for se●●ing the Crown upon the person of king Henry and the heirs of his Body successively for ever. And then with all speed he sent and redeemed the marquis Dorset, and Sir john Bourchier, whom he had left Hostages in France for money: and called home Morton Bishop of Ely, and Richard Fox; making Morton Archbishop of Canterbury, and Fox Lord Keeper of the Privy S●ole, and Bishop of Winchester. Besides these, he made also of his Privy Counsel, jasper Duke of Bedford, john Earl of Oxford, Thomas Stanley Earl of Derby, john Bishop of Ely, Sir William Stanley Lord Chamberlain of his Household; Sir Robert Willoughby Lord Brooke, Lord Steward of his Household; Giles Lord Dawbeny; john Lord Dyn●●m, after made Lord Treasurer of England; Sir Reginold Bray, Sir john Cheyny, Sir Richard Guildford, Sir Richard Tunstall, Sir Richard Edgecombe, Sir Thomas Lovel, Sir Edmund P●ynings, Sir john Risley, with some other. These things thus done: as well in performance of his Oath, as to make his Crown sit the surer on his head; on the eighteenth day of january, he proceeded to the solemnising his marriage with the Lady Elizabeth; which gave him a third title: And indeed this conjunction made a wreath of three so indissoluble, that no age since hath ever questioned it: and it is fixed upon a Tree planted so happily by the water's side, and hath at this day so many flourishing branches, that there is good hope it will continue as long as the world continues. And now whether King Henry doubted any sudden attempt upon his person, or whether he did it to follow the example of France: in the very beginning of his reign, he ordained a band of tall personable men to be attending upon him, which was called the King's guard; which no King before, and all Kings since, have always used: But though he provided a guard for defence of his own body; yet for the bod●●● of his people he could provide none; for at this time a sickness (of the symploce called the sweeting sickness) seized so violently upon them, that within a ●●ort time many thousands perished; particularly in London, two Majors successively and six Aldermen within eight days died: and for this: sickness no Physic afforded any cure; till at last, this remedy was found: if a man were taken with the sweat in the day time, that then he should presently lie down in his clothes, and so lie still the whole four and twenty hours: if he were taken in the night, than ●e should not rise out of his bed for the space of four and twenty hours; not provoking sweat, nor yet eating or drinking at all, at least but very moderately. In 〈◊〉 sickness there was one good circumstance; that though it were violent, yet it lasted not long: for beginning about the one and twentieth of September, it cleared ●p before the end of October following. And now all things being set in good order in the South parts there ariseth a little s●o●me in the North, but was soon dispersed. For King Henry making a journey in●o the North parts, to show himself there where he had not yet been; and where 〈◊〉 respect to King Richard might have left some opposites: at his coming to Li●colne was certified that the Lord Lovel and Humphrey Stafford were gone out of Sanctuary in Colchester; but whither, no man knew. The King therefore not much regarding it, went forward to York; and being come thither, it was then plainly told him, that the Lord Lovel with a strong power was at hand, and would presently invade the City. This made the King in a great straight; for neither had he any Army r●●dy; no● if he had men, had he any weapons or Munition ●or them. Yet in this straight, he commanded the Duke of Bedford with three thousand men to ●et out against him, but so ill armed, that their armours for the most part were but of tanned l●●ther; who being come near the Camp of the Rebels, caused Proclamation to be made, that whosoever would submit themselves as loyal Subjects, should have their Pardons, and be received into grace: which Proclamation so prevailed, that i● made the Lord Lovel secretly in the night to fly away; and then the Army left without a head, submitted themselves to the King's mercy. The Lord Lovel fled into Lancashire; and there for a time lurked with Sir Thomas Broughton, a man powerful in those parts. Humphrey Stafford took Sanctuary in a village called Culnh●m two miles from Abington: but the Sanctuary being judged by the Justices of the King's Bench, to be no lawful defence for Traitors; he was taken from thence by force, and conveyed to the Tower, afterward to Tyburn, and there hanged. His brother Thomas was pardoned, because it was thought, he was drawn in by his brother Humphrey. In this year, john Persivall the Major of London's Carver, waiting at his Table, was chosen one of the Sheriffs of London, only by Sir john Collet's, then Major, drinking to him in a cup of Wine, (as the custom is, to drink to him whom he li●t to name Sheriff) and forthwith the said Persivall sat down at the Major's Table, ●nd covered his head, and was afterward Major himself. At this time a mean instrument attemped a great work; by which we may see, how far imagination may outgo reason: One Richard Symond a Priest, a man of base birth though some learning; had a scholar of base birth, the Son of a Shoemaker, (some say a Baker) named Lambert Symnell; but of a pregnant wit, and comely personage: Him he gives out to be Edward Earl of Warwick, lately (as was said) escaped out of prison; Both of them being of like years and stature: with this Scholar of his, he sails into Ireland; and so sets forth the matter: that not only the Lord Thomas Fitz-Gerard Earl of Kildare, and Deputy of Ireland; but many other of the Nobilty gave credit to his words; and as those that affected the house of York, were ready to take his part; and even already saluted the young Symnell King. Withal they sent into Flanders to the Lady Margaret, sister to the late King Edward, and widow of ●harles Duke of Burgoigne, requiring aid and assistance from her. This Lady being of the house of York, bore an inward grudge against King Henry, being of the house of Lancaster; and ●herefore though she well understood it was but a coloured matter, yet was willing to take advantage of it: and thereupon promised her assistance. King Henry being advertised of these things, advised with his Counsel; by whom it was agreed, that two things presently should be do●e. First, to grant ● Pardon to any that would submit themselves, for any offence whatsoever, though it were for High Treason; the next, that the Earl of Warwick should be openly showed abroad in the City, and other public places; whereby, the report spread abroad of his being in Irel●nd, might appear plainly to be false. Withal, the Queen Elizabeth, widow of King Edward the fourth, and Mother to the present Queen, was adjudged to forfeit all her Lands and Possessions, and to live confined in the Abbey of Bermondsey in Southwark; where in grea● pensiveness, within a few years she died. But for what cause this severity was used against this Queen, is not altogether certain: To say, (as was commonly said) that it was for rendering herself and her daughters into the hands of king Rich●rd, were manifest injustice, to punish her for doing a thing out of fear, which else she should have been compelled to do by force: and to say (as some also have said) that it was for giving aid underhand to Perki●, were a manifest unlikelihood, tha● she should aid a Counterfeit against her own Son in Law: we must therefore content ourselves with knowing the bare colourable pretext, and leave the true reason as a secret of State. But this showing abroad of the true Earl of Warwick, though it satisfied some, yet not all: for some gave out that it was but a trick of the King, and not the true Warwick. At least the Earl of Lincoln, son to john de l● Poole Duke of Suffolk, and Elizabeth sister to king Edward the fourth, would not omit to take the advantage, though he knew that Symnell was but a Counterfeit. And thereupon, assoon as ●he Parliament was dissolved, he fled secretly into Fl●nders, to his Aunt the Lady Margaret D●tchesse of Burgoigne; between whom it was concluded, that he and the Lord L●vell should go into Ireland, and there attend upon the Counterfeit Warwick, and honour him as kings and with the power of the Irishmen bring him into England: but it was concluded withal, that if their actions succeeded● then the Sergeant Warwick should be deposed, and the true be delivered out of prison, and anointed King. And to this purpose, the Earl of Lincol●, by the aid of the Lady Margaret, had gotten together two thousand Almains, with one Martin Swart a valiant and expert Captain to be their leader. With this power, the Earl sailed into Ireland, and at the City of Dublin, caused young Lambert the Counterfeit Warwick, in most solemn manner, first to be Proclaimed, and after to be Crowned king of E●gland: and then with a great number of beggarly and unarmed Irishmen, under the Conduct of the Lord Thomas Gerardine Earl of Kild●re, they sailed into England, and landed at a place called the Pile of Fowdray, not far from Lancaster; hoping there by the means of Sir Thomas Broughton, a powerful man in that Country, to have their Army both furnished and increased. King Henry hearing that the Earl of Lincoln was landed at Lancaster, assembled a great Army, Conducted by the Duke of Bedford, and the Earl of Oxford; and with these he marched to Nottingham, and there by a little wood called Bowers, he pitched his field; whither there came unto him, the Lord George Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury, ●he Lord Strange, Sir john Cheyney, and divers other Knights and Gentlemen. In which mean time, the Earl of Lincoln being entered into Yorkshire, passed quietly on his journey, without doing spoil or hurt unto any; trusting thereby to have won the people to come to his aid: but when he perceived few or none to resort unto him, he then determined to venture a battle with the Army he had already; and thereupon took his way from York to Newarke upon Trent. King Henry understanding which way he took, came the night before the battle to Newarke; and going three miles further, near to a little Village called Stoke, there waited the approach of the Earl of Lincoln; So the next day they joined battle; where after a long fight, of at the least three hours; though the Almains, and specially their Captain Martin Swart behaved themselves most valiantly; yet their Irish, being in a manner but naked men, were at last overthrown, four thousand slain, and the rest put ●o flight; but not one of their Captains; for the Earl of Lincoln, the Lord L●vell, Sir Thomas Broughton, Martin Swart, and the Lord Gerardine were all found dead in the very place where they had stood fight; that though they lost the battle, yet they won the reputation of hardy and stout soldiers. Only of the Lord Lovel, some report, that attempting to save himself by flight; in passing over the river of Trent, was drowned. On the king's part, though some were slain, yet not any m●n of note. This battle was fought on a Saturday (observed as always fortunate to king Henry) being the sixteenth of june, in the second year of king Henry's reign. The young Lambert, and his Master Simond the Priest, were both taken; and both had their lives saved: Lambert, because but a Child; S●mond, because a Priest: yet Symo●d was kept in prison, Lambert was taken into the king's kitchen, to turn the spit in the turn of his fortune, and at last made one of the king's Falconers. In the beginning of his third year, king Henry having been in Yorkshire, to settle the m●ndes of that people: about the midst of August, came to Newcastle upon Tine, and from thence sent Ambassadors into Scotland, Richard Fox lately before made Bishop of Exeter, and Sir Richard Edgecombe controller of his House, to conclude a Peace or Truce with james king of Scots: A Peace, by reason of the people's backwardness, could not be obtained: but a Truce was concluded for the term of seven years; with a promise from the king, that it should be renewed before the first seven years should be expired. At this time, Ambassadors came from the king of France● to king Henry; who declared, that their Master king Charles was now at war with Francis Duke of Britai●e, for that he succoured the Duke of Orleans and other Rebels against the Realm of France; and therefore requested, that for the old familiarity that had been between them, he would either a●●ist him, or not assist the Duke, but stand Ne●ter. King He●ry answered, that having received courtesies from them both, he would do his uttermost endeavour to make them friends: and to that end, as soon as the French Ambassadors were departed, he sent Christopher Urswick his Chaplain over into France; who should first go to the French king, and after to the Duke of Britain, to mediate a Peace between them. In the time of Vrswicks Ambassage, king Henry caused his Wife the Lady Elizabeth to be Crowned Queen, on Saint Katherine's day in November, with all solemnity; and at the same time delivered the Lord Thomas marquis Dorset out of the Tower, and received him again into his former favour. Urswick traveled between the two Princes, to procure a Peace; but they, though making a show to incline to Peace, yet prepared for war, and offers on neither side would be accepted. In which time, Edward Lord Wood●ile Uncle to the Queen, made suit to the king, for leave to go over with a power of men, in aid of the Duke of Britain; which su●e, though the king denied, yet the Lord Woodvile would venture it; and with a power of ●oure hundred able men, got secretly over, and joined with the Britaines against the French. This the French king took ill at king Henry's hand; but being informed that it was against the kings will, he seemed satisfied: and a Peace was concluded between Fr●●●e and England, to endure for twelve months. But in conclusion, king Henry finding that the French king dealt not r●ally with him, but only held him on with pretences● he called his high Court of Parliament, requiring their advice what was fit to be done: where it was concluded, that the Duke of Britain should be aided; and to that end great ●ummes of money were by Parliament granted. This Determination of the Parliament, king Henry signifies to the French king, hoping, it would have wrought him to some terms of Peace's But the king of France little regarding it, proceeded on in his violent courts against the Britain's; so as at last, on ●he eight and twentieth day of july, the Britain's gave battle to the French, near to a Town called 〈◊〉; having apparelled seventeen hundred of the Britai●●, in Co●● with ●ed ●rosse● after the English fashion, to make the Frenchmen believe ●hey were all English, although in ●eed they had no more English than the four hundred of the Lord Woodvile. But notwithstanding this device, the Victory fell to the French; so that all the Englishmen almost were slain, with the Lord Woodvile himself; besides six thousand Britaines● The Duke of Orleans and the Prince of Orange, who were there on the Britain●s part, were taken Prisoners. The French lost twelve hundred men; and amongst other● that valiant Italian Captain james G●le●t. This news being brought into England, caused king H●●●y to make haste to send forth his Army: and thereupon, the Lord Brooke, with Sir john Cheyny, Sir john Middleton, Sir Ralph Hilton, Sir Richard Corbet, Sir Thomas Leighton, Sir Richard Lacon, & Sir Edmund Cor●●all, are sent over with all speed into Britain; having with them eight thousand men, to aid the Duke of Britain against the French. But while this war was thus set forward, the Duke of Britain died; leaving in effect, one only Daughter, the Lady A●●e (for the other being the younger, died soon after) and then the chief Rulers of Britain falling at dissension amongst themselves, little regarded the defence of the Country: whereupon the English returned home, within five months after their setting forth: and the French king getting the upper hand of the Britain's, and marrying the Lady Anne sole daughter of the Duke of Britain, incorporated that Duchy to the Crown of France. In the last Parliament, a Subsidy was granted, for the furnishing out an Army into Britain; and it was agreed, that every man should be taxed after the rate of his substance, to pay the tenth penny of his goods: which Tax the most part of Yorkshire and the Bishopric of Durh●● refused to pay: whereof the Collectors complained to He●ry E. of Northumberland, Precedent of the North parts. The E. signifies it to the King; and the K. commands him to levy the same, by distress or otherwise (without sparing of any) as he should think most meet. The rude multitude, hearing of this Command from the King, with great violence set upon the Earl, by the exciting of a simple fellow named john a Chamber; and alleging all the fault to be in the Earl, as chief author of the Tax; they cruelly murdered both him and divers of his household servants. And to make good their seditious fact, they assembled a great number, and made one Sir john Egremond their Captain: Declaring, that in defence of their liberties, they would bid the King battle. In this bravery they stood, as long as none opposed them: but when Thomas Earl of Surry appeared with an Army, though they skirmished a while, yet they were soon discomfited, and their Ringleader john a Chamber was taken, and at York on a Gibbet set upon a square pair of Gallows, like an arch Traitor was hanged, and many of his Complices on a lower Gallows; the innocent people for the most part Pardoned. But Sir john Egremond fled into Flanders, to the Lady Margaret Duchess of Burgundy; the common and sure refuge for all Rebels against King Henry. After this, the king appointed Sir Richard Tu●st●ll to gather the Subsidy, and would not spare the payment of a penny. This year, notwithstanding this Tax, the king borrowed of every Alderman of London two hundred pounds, and of the Chamber nine thousand eighty two pounds seventeen shillings and four pence, which was paid again at the time with great thankfulness; which he did at a time he needed no●, to the end perhaps he might do it another time, when he needed. At this time, james the third, king of Scotland, having by some errors of Government incurred the hatred of his Nobility and people; laboured with king Henry, as also with the Pope, and the king of France, to make an Accord between him and his people, who had compelled Prince james his Son, to be the Titular head of those Arms which they assumed against him. The kings accordingly interposed their mediations by Ambassadors; but could receive no other but this outrageous answer, That there was no talking of Peace, unless he would resign his Crown. Which answer the kings protested against, declaring by their Ambassadors, that they thought it a common injury done to themselves, and that the Example was not sufferable, for Subjects to lift their hands against their Sovereign. Hereupon it came to a Battle, at B●nnocks-borne by Strivelin: where king james, rashly beginning the fight, before his whole Forces were come, was (notwithstanding the contrary commandment of the Prince his son) slain in the Mill of that field, whither he fled, after the Battle ended. About this time, a Difference fell out which grew to a War, between the Emperor Frederick, and some Towns of his in Flanders, especially Gaunt and Bruges: In this war, the Lord Ravenstein a principal person about Maximilian, not only forsook the Emperor and his son Maximilian his Lord, (corrupted as was thought from France) but made himself head of the popular party, seizing upon the Towns of Ipre and Sluice: and not this only, but forthwith sent to the Lord de Cordes Governor for the French king in Picardy, to aid him against some Towns in Flanders: To which the Lord de Cordes, willing of any occasion to set foot in Flanders, was easily drawn. But king Henry not liking to have the French so near his English pale, sent over the Lord Morley with a thousand men, who should join with the L. Dawbeney then Deputy of Calais, to resist them. Amongst other acts by them performed, this was chief; That the Lord Dawbeney, with the Lord Morley, Sir james Tyrrell Captain of Guisn●s, Sir Henry Willoughby, Sir Gilbert Talbot, and Sir Humphrey Talbot Marshal of Calais, and others to the number of two thousand, issued secretly one night out of Calais, and came to Newport, and from thence to Dix●●e; where the Lord Dawbeney commanded all men to send back their horses': wh●ch the Lord Morley only refusing to do, was cause that he only of all the Captains was slain with a Gun: for the rest, after their arrows discharged, fell prostrate to the ground; by which means the Enemy's Ordnance overshot them, k●lling only the Lord Morley that was on horseback. Here they slew of the Enemy, to the number of eight thousand; of the English part was slain the Lord Morley, and not above a hundred more. This Victory so enriched the English, that they who went forth in cloth, came home in silk; and they who went out on foot, returned back on horseback. Upon this Defeat, the Lord de Cordes lying at Ypre with twenty thousand men, and thinking to be revenged, besieged the Town of Newport; and so strongly assaulted it, that one day his men entered, and set up his Banner upon a Tower of the Town: when suddenly a Bark arriving with only fourscore ●resh English archers, so terrified them, thinking their number to be far greater, that the French were glad to leave their Banner behind them, and give over the assault; and the night following, the Lord de Cordes (who so much longed for Calais, that he would commonly say, he could be content to lie seven years in Hell, so that Calais were in the possession of the French) broke up his siege, and returned to Hilding with as much shame, as the English to Calais with honour. A little before this t●me, Francis Duke of Britain dying, left only one daughter, the Lady Anne, affianced to Maximilian King of the Romans; and in so solemn a manner, that she taking upon her to be the Bride, and being laid in her bed, was contented to permit Maximilians' Deputy, in presence of many Noble witnesses, as well men as women, to put his leg, stripped naked to the knee, between the spousal sheets; accounting that Ceremony to amount to a Consummation. The King of France likewise had been contracted to the Lady Margaret daughter to the foresaid Maximilian, and had received her to that end: Yet all this notwithstanding, out of a violent desire to join the Duchy of Britain to the Crown of Fr●●ce, he disannulled and made void both the Contracts. But to the end he might do it without opposition of the King of England, he sent Ambassadors, the Lord Francis of L●●zemburg, Charles Marignane, and Robert Gaguine, to King Henry; partly to conclude a Peace, but chiefly to procure king He●ries good will to make void the foresaid contracts: to which though king Henry was not willing to give consent, yet he consented willingly to have a Treaty for Peace: and to that end, sent over Tho●as Earl of Ormond, and Thomas Goldenston Prior of Christ's Church in Canterbury, to the French King about it. But during this Treaty, and before conditions of Peace could be agreed on, the French King had gotten into his possession the Lady Anne of Britain, and solemnly married her. Which underhand dealing so incensed King Henry, that he presently called his High Court of Parliament, and there declared the just cause he had of War with France, desiring their Benevolence towards the charge thereof; which was as readily granted as desired, and great sums of money were soon collected. In the year 1491, being the sixth year of the King's Reign, on the sixth of April, the Nobility of the Realm assembled in the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in London; where also was the Major and Aldermen, and principal Citizens in their liveries: to whom D. Morton Lord Chancellor made an Oration; declaring from his own letters, that the King of Spain had won the great and rich City and Country of Granado from the Moors, which had been in their possession above seven hundred years: and having in places of their superstition, built Churches to the honour of Christ, was thereupon entitled the Catholic King. For joy whereof, Te De●m was sung with great solemnity. In the month of May was holden a solemn just, at the king's Palace of Shee●e, now called Richmond, which continued the space of a month; sometimes within the Palace, and sometimes without, upon the green before the gate; in which jousts, Sir james Parker running against a Gentleman named Hugh Vaughan, by reason of a faulty Helmet, was strucken into the mouth at the first course; so that his tongue was borne to the hinder part of his head, in such sort that he died presently upon the place. And now Maximilian having received back his daughter from the king of France, was so displeased, that he presently sent an Ambassador, one james Contibald to king Henry, requiring him to take his part in a war against the French king; towards which he promised to provide ten thousand men, with pay for two years: king Henry consented to it; and having provided himself of a puissant Army, on the sixth day of October, sailed to Calais; but sending his Almoner Christopher urswick, and Sir john Resley to Maximilian, requiring his promised forces; they found him altogether unprovided of either men or money: which brought king Henry into a great straight what he should do: To proceed in the war with his own forces alone, would be ●ull of hazard; To return home without doing any thing, would bring an imputation upon him amongst his Subjects; as though he had used the pretence of war, but as a trick to get money: at last, he resolved to do something; and thereupon, went and besieged Boulogne, having in his Army of chief Lords, jasper Duke of Bedford, his Lieutenant General, Thomas marquis Dorset, the Earls of Arundel, Oxford, Suffolk, Shrewsbury, Derby, Ke●t, Devonshire and Ormond, sundry Barons, as D●wbeney, Aburgayny, De la Ware, Zouch, Hastings, Cobham and others. During his siege of Boulogne, (in which there were but few slain, and no man of note, but Sir john Savage, who riding to take view at what place the town might best be assaulted, was set upon by certain French men, and by them slain) King Henry was secretly dealt with by the Lord Cordes Governor of Heynault, on the king of France's behalf, to accept of certain conditions of Peace. Who thereupon sent Richard Fox Bishop of Exeter, and Giles Lord Dawbeney to conclude them; which amongst other Articles were, That king Henry without quitting his claim to France, should for a Peace to continue during the two kings lives, receive in present of Charles king of France, for his charges in that war, seven hundred forty and five thousand Dockets, which in English money amounts to one hundred eighty six thousand two hundred and fifty pounds; and five and twenty thousand crowns yearly, towards the expenses he had been at before in aiding the Britain's; which (by the English, called Tribute) was duly paid, during all the King's Reign, and also to king Henry his Son afterward, longer than it could continue upon any computation of charges. There were also assigned by the French king unto all king Henry's principal Counselors, great pensions, besides rich gifts for the present. Which whether the king did permit, to save his own purse from Rewards, or to communicate the envy of a business that was displeasing to his people, was diversely interpreted: for certainly, the King had no great fancy to own this Peace; and therefore a little before it was concluded, he had underhand procured some of his best Captains and Men of War, to advise him to a Peace under their hands, in an earnest manner, in the nature of a Supplication, that he might have it show for justifying himself, and to give some allay to the discontentments of many, who had sold and engaged their Estates, upon the hopes of the war. After the Peace thus concluded, he went to Calais, where he stayed some time, and the seventeenth of December following came to Westminster, where he kept his Christmas. Soon after his return, he elected into the order of the Garter, Alpho●sus Duke of Calabri●, Son and Heir to Ferdinand King of Naples: to whom Christopher Urswick the king's Almoner, was sent to Naples to carry it; which as soon as Alphonsus had received, he apparelled himself presently in the Habit, before a great assembly, indeed to show what favour he was in with the king of England. There had been disturbance in the Realm before, by a Counterfeit Son of the Duke of Clarence; but that device had two main imperfections: One, that the true Son of the Duke was forthcoming, and to be showed openly for convincing the false; the other, that though the counterfeit had been the true, yet he could have laid no claim to the Crown, as long as any Daughters of King Edward the fourth were living: Now therefore a device is found, by which those imperfections were both of them amended: for now a Counterfeit was set on foot, who pretended to be Richard the younger Son of king Edward the fourth; so that neither any other could be produced to convince him of being false, nor any Daughters of King Edward could hinder his Right for claiming the Crown. This device was first forged by Margaret Duchess of Burgundy; a woman that could never be quiet in her mind, as long as king Henry was quiet in his kingdom; and by this device she hoped, if not to put him clean out of his seat, yet foully at least to disturb him in it; and this was the purpose of the Pl●t: but by what instrument it was acted, by what abettors fomented, and what issue the device had, are worthy all to be related. The Duchess having formerly given out, that Richard the younger Son of king Edward, was not murdered, but in compassion spared, and sent secretly a way to seek his fortune; and having after long search gotten at last a fit Boy to personate a Prince; keeps him seretly a good time with her; in which time she so throughly instructed him in all Circumstances, and he afterward put them so gracefully in practice, that even those who had seen and known the young Prince while he lived, could hardly perceive but that this was he. It is true, though he were not King Edward's Son, yet he was his Godson; and might perhaps have in him some base blood of the house of York. This Perkin Warbeck, (for so was the youth's name, called Perkin, as a diminutive of Peter) when he so perfectly had learned his lesson, that he was fit to come upon the Stage; she sent him into Portugal, that coming from a strange Country, it might be thought, he had been driven to wander from one Country to another, for safeguard of his life, at least that she of all other might not be suspected. From Portugal she caused him to pass into Ireland, where the house of York was specially respected, in regard of the great love which Richard Duke of York, Father of King Edward the fourth, had won amongst them: by reason whereof, this Perkin as esteemed his Grandchild, was well entertained by them, and held in great estimation. He had not been long in Ireland, when the French king sent for him; for being at that time at variance with King Henry, he thought he might make good use of Perkin, as a pretender against King Henry for the Crown. Perkin being come to Paris, was entertained in a Princely fashion; and for his more honour, had a guard assigned him, over which the Lord Congreshall was Captain. He had not been long at Paris, when there resorted to him Sir George Nevil bastard, Sir john Taylour, Richard Robinson, and about a hundred other English: Amongst the rest, one Stephen Fryon, that had been King Henry's Secretary for the French Tongue; but discontented, fled, and became a chief Instrument in all Perkins proceedings. But this float of Perkins lasted not long; for as soon as Peace was concluded between the two Kings; the King of France dismissed Perkin and would keep him no longer. Then passed he secretly to his first foundress, the Lady Margaret; who at his first coming, made a show of suspecting him to be a Counterfeit. But causing him in great assemblies to be brought before her, as though she had never seen him before; and finding him to answer directly to all questions she put unto him: she openly professed, that she was now satisfied, and thought him verily to be her true Nephew; and thereupon assigned a gu●rd of thir●y persons, clothed in Murrey and Blue, and call●d him the White Rose of England. Upon report hereof, many in England were inclined to take his part; and Sir Robert Clifford and Robert bare were sent into Flanders, to acquaint the Duchess with the people's respect to Perkin: and indeed Sir Robert Clifford, upon sight and conference with him, wrote letters into England, wherein he affirmed, that he knew him to be true Son of king Edward, by his face, and other Lineaments of his body. King Henry hearing of these things, sent certain espials into Flanders, that should feign themselves to have fled to Perkin; and by that means the better search out who were of the Conspiracy with him. Whose name being returned to the King, he caused them ●o be apprehended and brought to his Presence; the chief of whom were john R●tcliffe Lord Fitzwater, Sir Simon Montford, and Sir Thomas Th●●y●● knights, William Dawbeney, Robert Ratcliff, Thomas Cressenor, and Thomas Astwo●d, also certain Priests, as William Richford D. of Divinity, Thomas Boyns, D. William Sutton, William Worseley Dean of Paul's, Robert Layborne, and Richard Lesley, of whom, some hearing of it, fled to Sanctuary, o●hers were taken and condemned, as Sir Simon Montford, Robert Ratcliff, and William Dawbeney, who were all three beheaded. The Lord Fitzwater pardoned of life, was conveyed to Calais, and there laid in hold; where seeking to make escape by corrupting his Keeper, he lost his head. Shortly after, Sir Robert Clifford returning out o● Flanders (not as some think, sent a spy from the beginning; but rather now at last either discerning the fraud, or wo● by rewards) and submitted himself to the king's mercy: discovering unto him, as far as he knew, all that were either open or secret abettors of the Conspiracy; amongst whom he accused Sir William Stanley Lord Chamberlain: his accusation was this that in Conference between them, Sir William had said, that if he certainly knew; that the young man named Perkin were the Son of king Edward the fourth, he would never fight nor bear Arms against him. These words being considered of, by the Judges, seemed to express a tickle hold of Loyalty; for who could tell how soon he might be persuaded that he knew it? and upon the matter, was to be Loyal to king Henry, but for want of better; and withal it struck upon a string which had always sounded harsh in king Henry's ears, as preferring the Title of York before that of Lancaster. Sir William being hereupon arraigned; whether trusting to the greatness of his favours, or the smallness of his fault, denied little of that wherewith he was charged, and upon confession was adjudged to die; and accordingly on the sixteenth day of February was brought to the Tower-hill, and there beheaded: after whose death, Giles Lord Dawbeny was made L. chamberlain. This was that Sir William Stanley, who came in to rescue the Earl of Richmond, when he was in danger of his life; who set the Crown upon his head, and was the cause of his being saluted King: And could it enter into his breast, to put him to death, that had saved his life, and done him so many great services besides? But it may be said, It was not the Earl of Richmond that did it, but the King of England; for certainly, in many cases, a King is not at liberty to show mercy, so much as a private man may. Though there be that affirm, the cause of his death was not words only, but real acts, as giving aid to Perkin underhand by money. And yet it seems, there was some conflict in the mind of King Henry, what he should do in this case; for he stayed six weeks after his Accusation, before before he brought him to his Arraignment. However it was, the Summer following, the King went in Progress to Latham, to the Earl of Derby, who had majied his mother, and was brother to Sir William Stanley: perhaps to congratulate his own safety; perhaps to condole with him his brother's death; but certainly to keep the Earl from conceiving any sinister opinion of him: For to think that Sir William's suing to be Earl of Chester, (an Honour appointed to the king's son) or his great wealth (for he left in his Castle at Holt, in ready money forty thousand marks, besides Plate and Jewels) were causes that procured or set forward his death; are considerations very unworthy of so just a Prince, against a Servant of so great deserving. But in this mean while, Perkin having gotten a Power of idle loose fellows, took to Sea, intending to l●nd in Kent; where though he were repelled, yet some of his Soldiers would needs venture to go on Land; of whom a hundred and sixty persons were taken Prisoners, whereof five were Captains; Mortford, Corbet, Whitebolt, Qu●●tyn and Gemyne: These hundred and sixty persons were brought to London, railed in ropes, like horses drawing in a Cart, who upon their Arraignment, confessing their offence, were executed, some at London, and some in Towns adjoining to the sea-coast. Perkin finding no entertainment in Kent, sailed into Ireland, and having stayed there a while, and finding them also, being a naked people, to be no competent assistants for him, from thence he sailed into Scotland, where he so moved the King of Scots with his fair words and colourable pretexts (made no doubt before by the Dutcesse of Burgoigne) that he received him in great state, and caused him to be called the Duke of York: and to persuade the World that he thought him so indeed, he gave to him in marriage the Lady Katherine Gourdon, daughter to Alexander Earl Huntley, his own near kinswoman; and soon after, in Perkins quarrel, entered with a puissant Army into England; making Proclamation, that whosoever would come in and aid the true Duke of York, should be spared; but none coming in, he then used all kind of cruelty, and the whole County of Northu●berland was in a manner wasted: whereat Perkin, at his return, expressed much grief, saying It grieved him to the heart to see such havoc made of his people: To whom the King answered, Alas, Alas, you take care for them, who for any thing that appears are none of yours; for not one of the Country came in to his succour. King Henry incensed with this bold attempt of the king of Scots, called his High Court of Parliament, acquainting them with the necessity he had of a present war to revenge this indignity offered him by the Scots, and thereupon requiring their aid by money, had a subsidy of sixscore thousand pounds readily granted him; and then in all haste a puissant Army is provided, and under the conduct of the Lord Dawbeney sent into Scotland, but before he arrived there he was suddenly called back, by reason of a commotion begun at Cornwall, for payment of the Subsidy lately granted, which though it were not great, yet they grudged to pay it. The Ringleaders of this commotion were Thomas Flammock, a gentleman learned in the Laws, and Michael joseph a Smith; who laying the blame of this exaction upon john Morton Archbishop of Canterbury, and Sir Reynold Bray, as being chief of the King's Council, exhorted the people to take arms; and having assembled an Army, they went to Taunton, where they slew the Provost Pery●, one of the Commissioners for the Subsidy, and from thence came to Wells, intending to go to London where the King then lay, who having revoked the Lord Dawbeney, appointed Thomas Howard Earl of Surrey (after the death of the Lord Dinham, made Lord Treasurer of England) to have an eye to the Scots, and if they made invasion, to resist them. In the mean time james Twychet Lord Audley confederated himself with the Rebels of Cornwall, and took upon him to be their Leader, who from W●lls went to Salisbury, and from thence to Winchester, and so to Kent, hoping there ●o have had great aid, but found none; for the Earl of Kent, the Lord of Aburg●●●, john Brook Lord Cobham, Sir Edmond Poynings, Sir Richard Guildford, Sir Th●●as Bourchier, john Peachy and William Scott were ready in Arms to resist them; whereupon the Rebels brought their Army to Black-heath, four miles distant from L●nd●n, and there in a plain on the top of a hill encamped themselves; whereof when the King had knowledge, he presently sent john Earl of Oxford, Henry Bou●●●ier Earl of Essex, Edmond de la Poole Earl of Suffolk, Sir Riceap Thomas and Sir H●●fry Stanley to environ the hill on all sides, that so all hope of flight might he tak●n from them; and then set forward himself, and encamped in St. George● fields, where for encouragement he made divers Banerets. The next day he sent the Lord Dawbeney to set upon the Rebels early in the morning, who first got the bridge at Deb●ford Strand, though strongly defended by the Rebels Archers, whose arrows were ●eported to be a full cloath-yard in length; but notwithstanding the Lord 〈◊〉 coming in with his Company, and the Earl's assailing them on every side, they were soon overcome: In which conflict were slain of the Rebels above 〈◊〉 thousand; taken prisoners a very great number, many of whom the King pardoned, but of the chief Authors none: for the Lord Audley was drawn from Newgate to Tower-hill, in a coat of his own Arms painted upon paper, reversed and all torn; and there, on the four and twentieth day of june was beheaded. Thomas Flammock and Michael joseph were hanged drawn & quartered, and their heads and quarters pitched upon stakes, set up in London and other places. Of the King's Army were slain not above three hundred. It is memorable with what comfort joseph the blacksmith cheered up himself at his going to execution, saying that yet he hoped by this that his name and memory should be everlasting: so dear even to vulgar spirits is perpetuety of Name, though joined with infamy, what is it then to Noble spirits, when it is joined with Glory? In the mean time the king of Scots taking advantage of these troubles in England, invaded the Frontiers, foraged the Bishopric of Durham, and at last besieged the castle of Norham, whereof Richard Fox then Bishop of Durham was owner; who thereupon sent presently to the Earl of Surrey, acquainting him with this Invasion: Whereupon the Earl, taking with him Ralph Earl of Westmoreland, Thomas Lord Barnes, Ralph Lord Nevil, George Lord Strange, and many other Lords and knights, and an Army of little less than twenty thousand men, besides a Navy, whereof the Lord Brooke was Admiral; set forward against the Scots, and not only forced the Scots to raise their siege of Norham Castle, but followed them also into Scotland, where he overthrew and defaced, the Castle at Cawdestraynes, the Tower of He●e●hall, the Tower of Edington, the Tower of Fulden, and at last by composition took the strong Castle of Hayton, and razed it to the ground. At the Earls being at Hayton, the King of Scots sent to him Marchemont and another Herald, requiring him, at his election, either to fight with him with their whole Armies, or else they two to fight in single combat; upon condition, that if the victory fell to the Scotish king, the Earl should deliver for his Ransom the Town of Barwick: Whereunto the Earl made answer, that the Town of Barwick was the King his Masters, and therefore not for him to dispose of; but for his offer of single combat, he willingly accepted it, and thought himself highly honoured by such a match: But King james of Scotland had no meaning to perform either one or other, but privily in the night fled back into Scotland; and then the Earl returned to Barwick. In the mean time, one Peter Hyal●s a man of great learning and policy, was sent Ambassador to the King of Scots, from the King of Spain, to mediate a Peace between the two kings of of England and Scotland; who finding the King of Scots conformable to his motion, found after the King of England (who was never averse from Peace upon honourable Conditions) no less inclining to it: and so a Truce was concluded for certain years; upon conditition, that Perkin Warbeck should be sent out of the Scotish Dominions. About this time, the Lord of Camphor and others sent from Philip Archduke of Austria and Duke of Burgundy, came to king Henry for a conclusion of Amity, and to procure the English merchant's resort again to his Country: for king Henry some time before, upon displeasure with the Flemings, but specially with the Lady Margaret, for abetting Perkin Warbeck; not only had banished all Flemish wares and merchandizes out of his Dominions, but had also restrained all English merchants from having any traffic in any of their Territories, causing the Mart for all English commodities to be kept at Calais: but now, upon this invitation, and having found it had been a great hindrance to his own Merchant-adventurers, and thereupon some insurrections had risen, he willingly condescended to their Request; and so the English resorted again into the Archdukes Dominions, and were received into Antwerp with general Procession; so glad was that Town of the Engglish-mens' return. In this eleventh year of the King's Reign, died Cicely Duchess of York, mother to king Edward the fourth, at her Castle of Berkhamstead, being of extreme age; who had lived to see three Princes of her body Crowned, and four Murdered: she was buried at F●dri●g●am by her Husband. Shortly after the Truce concluded between England and Scotland, Perkin Warbeck was commanded to depart out of the Scotish Dominions: who thereupon with his wife and family, sailed into Ireland: where understanding that the Cornish-men were ready to renew the war again, he thought best not to let p●sse so fair an occasion; and thereupon, having with him four small ships, and not above sixscore men, he sailed into Cornwall, and there landed in the month of September, and came to a Town called Bodmyn; where with fair words and large promises, he so prevailed with the people, that he had gotten to him above three thousand persons to take his part; and then made Proclamations in the name of King Richard the Fourth, as son to King Edward the Fourth: and by the advice of his three Counsellors, john Heron a bankrupt Mercer, Richard Skelton a Tailor, and john Astley a Scrivener, determined to attempt first the winning of Exeter; which with great violence he assaulted, and the Townsmen with as great valiantness defended: whereof when the King heard, he sent the Lord Dawbeny to their rescue: but before he came, the Lord Edward Courtney Earl of Devonshire, and the valiant Lord William his son, accompanied with Sir Edmund Carew, Sir Thomas Trenchard, Sir William Courtney● Sir Thomas Fulford, Sir john Hal●well, Sir john Croker, Walter Court●ey, Peter Edgecombe, William St. Maure with others came to their aid: upon whose coming, Perkin left the siege, and retired to Taunton; where he mustered his men, as though he meant to prepare for battle: but finding his number to be much diminished, (fo● of six thousand which he had at Exeter, many were fled from him, when they saw no Great ones to take his part) he began to distrust his case; and he●●ing withal, that the king with a great Power was at hand: about midnight, with threescore horsemen in his company, he departed in post from Taunton, and took Sanctuary in a Town called Beauly near to Southampton. When king Henry he●rd that Perkin was fled, he sent after him to the Seaside, to stop his passage and apprehend him: But the messengers that were sent, when they came to St. Michael's 〈◊〉, though they found not Perkin, yet there they found his wife the Lady Katherine Gourdon, whom they presently brought to the king; a beautiful young Lady: to whom, in honour of her birth, and commiseration of her beauty, the king allowed a competent maintenance, which she enjoyed during the king's life, and m●ny years after. king Henry being come to Exeter, stayed there a few days, about examination of the Rebellion, and execution of the chief Offenders: of whom there being a great multitude, and all of them craving pardon, the king caused them all to be assembled in the Churchyard of St. Peter, where they all appeared bareheaded in their shirts, and halters about their necks: whom the king viewing out of a window made for the purpose; after he had paused a while, made a speech unto them, exhorting them to obedience; and then, in hope they would afterward be dutiful Subjects, he pardoned them all: whereat they made a great shout, crying 〈◊〉, God save king Henry! though some of them afterward, like ungrateful wretches, fell into new Rebellions. All this whi●e Perkin was in Sanctuary: and the King thinking himself in danger as long as he was in safety, set a Guard about the place, to keep him for escaping; whereby Perkin was so restrained, that at last he submitted himself to the king's mercy, and was thereupon sent to the Tower to b● there in s●fe custody. This do●e, king Henry appointed Thomas Lord D●rcy, Sir Amyss Pawle●, and Robert Sherb●●●● Deane of Pauls● to be Commissioners, for ma●ing enquiry of the Offenders, 〈◊〉 for assessing their Fines; which they did with great severity to some, with great mildness to others, to all with equity. 〈◊〉 was now the fourteenth year of the king's Reign, when one Sebastian ●●bato, ● Ge●●●a's Son, born ●t B●iston, persuaded the king to man and victuals a ship at Bristol, ●o search for 〈◊〉 stand, which (he said) he knew to be replenished with rich Commodities; who setting forth with three other small sh●ps of London merchants, returned home two yeer● after, when he had made a large discovery westward, and would have gone to 〈◊〉, if the Mariners had not forced him to return: a likewise si● years before, one Christopher Columbus a Spaniard, made the first discovery of America. Perkin being in the Tower and carefully guarded, yet found me ●s to escape; and fled to the Priory of Sheen near Richmond; where discovering himself to the Prior of that Monastery, he begged of him for God's sake, to get the kings Pardon fo● his life; which the Prior effected: but then was Perkin brought to the Court at Westminster, and was one day set fettered in a pair of Stocks before Westminster-hall, and there stood a whole day; the next day he was set upon a like Scaffold in Cheapside, and there standing the whole day also, hethens read openly his confession, wr●tten with his own hand; wherein he declared his Parentage and the place of his Birth, and all the passages of his Life, and by what means he was drawn to make this attempt. After this, he was committed again to the Tower, and care taken, he should be better looked to than he was before. But all the care notwithstanding, once again Perkin attempted to escape, and drawing into a Confederacy with him the young Earl of Warwick; by fair words and large promises so corrupted his keepers, Stra●gwish, Bl●wet, Astwood and long Roger, servants to Sir john Digbie Lieutenant of the Tower, that they intended to have slain their Master, and set Perki● and the Earl of Warwick at liberty. But this practice was soon discovered, ●o that Perki● and john a Water, sometime Major of Cork in Ireland, one of Perki●s chief founders, were on the sixteenth day of November arraigned at Westminster and condemned, and both of them on the two and twentieth day were drawn to Tyburn and there hanged; where Perki● took it upon his death, that the Confession he had formerly made, was true: soon after also Blewet and Astwood, two of the Lieutenant's men, were in the same place executed. On the one and twentieth day of the same month, Edward Plantagemet Earl of Warwick was arraigned at Westminster, before the Earl of Oxford, then High Steward of England; not for consenting to break Prison, but for conspiring with Perkin to raise Sedition and destroy the king; and upon his Confession, had Judgement, and on the eight and twentieth day of the same month, in the year 1499. was brought to the Scaffold on the Tower-hill, and there beheaded. This Earl of Warwick was the eldest Son of the Duke of Clarence, and was the last Heir male of the name of Plantagenet, and had been kept in the Tower from his very Infancy out of all company of Men and fight of Beasts; so as he scarcely knew a Hen from a Goose, nor one beast from another; and therefore could never know how to practise his escape of himself, but by Perki●s subtlety: for which cause the king favoured him so far, that he was not buried in the Tower, but at Bissam by his Ancestors. And thus ended the designs of Perki● Warbeck, which had troubled both the Kingdom and the King, the space of seven or eight years, a great part of the King's Reign. But in the time of Perki●s being in the Tower, another like practice was set on foot; for an Augusti●e Friar called Patrick, in the County of Suffolk, having a Scholar named Ralph Wilford a cordwainers Son, he caused him to take upon him to be the Earl of Warwick, lately by great chance gotten out of the Tower; and they going together into 〈◊〉; when the Friar perceived some light credit to be given to him, he then stuck not to declare it openly in the Pulpit, desiring all men to assist him. But this practice was soon discovered, and both the Mr. and the Scholar were apprehended & attainted; the Scholar Wilford was hanged on Shrovetuesd●y at S. Thomas Water, and the Friar was condemned to perpetual Prison: for at that time so much reverence was attributed to holy Orders; that a Priest, though ●e had committed Treason against the king, yet had h●s life spared. And this pract●●e was some cause to exasperate the king against the Earl of Warwick, who though innocent in himself, yet was nocent in pretenders: and besides; king Ferdinand of Spai●e, with whom at this time there was a Treaty for marriage of his Daughter to Prince Arthur, had written to the king in plain terms, that he saw no assurance of his Son's succession, as long a● the Earl of Warwick lived: and thus all things unfortunately concurred to bring this innocent Prince to his end. In the fifteenth year of his Reign, partly to avoid the danger of the Plague, then reigning in England; but chiefly to confer with the Duke of Burgoigne about many important businesses: the King and Queen sailed over to Calais; where at an interview between him and the Duke, at Saint Peter's Church without Calais, the Duke offered to hold the king's stirrup at his alighting, which the king by no means would permit; but descending from horseback, they embraced wi●h great affection; ●nd after Communication had between them, the King and Queen in the end o● Iu●● returned into England. In his seventeenth year too great Marriages were solemnised: the Lady 〈◊〉 of Spain was sent by her Father king Ferdi●a●d, with a puissant, Army of S●●ps into E●gland; where she arrived at Plymouth, the second day of October; and on the fourteenth of November after● was espoused openly to Prince Ar●hur, both being clad in white; He of the age of ●●fteen years, she of eighteen: at night they were laid together in one Bed, where they lay as Man and Wife all that night: when ●o●ning appeared, the Prince (as his servants about him reported) called for drink, which before time he had not used to do; whereof one of his Chamberlains ask 〈◊〉 the cause● he answered merrily, saying, I have been this night in the midst o● Spa●●●, which is a hot Country, and ●hat make● me so dry: though some write, tha●● grave Matron was laid in bed between them, to hinder actual Consummation●● T●e Ladies portion was two hundred thousand Ducats; her jointure, the 〈◊〉 part of the Principality of Wales, Cornwall and Ch●ster. At this Marriage was gr●●● solemnity and Royal Justing; during which time, there came into London 〈◊〉 Earl, a Bishop, and divers other noble personages sent from the king of Scots 〈…〉 conclusion of a Marriage, (before treated of, between the Lady Margaret the 〈◊〉 eldest daughter, and him; where the Earl by Proxy, in the name of king james 〈◊〉 Mas●er, affied and contracted the said Lady, which Contract was published at 〈◊〉 Crosse● the day of the Conversion of Saint Paul; for joy whereof, Te Deum 〈…〉, and great fires were made through the City of London; and if such joy we●e made when the match was made, what joy should be made now at the issue of the match, when by the Union of those persons is made an Union of these kingdoms; and England and Scotland are but one great Britain? The Lady's portion was ten thousand pounds, her jointure two thousand pounds a year, after king james his death; and in present one thousand. When this match was first propounded at the Counsel Table, some Lords opposed it; objecting, that by this means the Crown of England might happen to come to the Scottish Nation. To which King He●ry answered, what if it should? It would not be an accession of England to Sco●la●d, but of Scotland to England: and this answer of the kings passed for an Oracle, ●nd so the match proceeded, and in August following was Consummate at Edi●b●rgh, conducted thither in great State by the Earl of Northumberland. Prince Arthur after his marriage, was sent again into Wales, to keep that Country in good order; to whom were appointed for Counselors, Sir Richard Poole, hi●●insman and chief Chamberlain, Sir Henry Vernon, Sir Richard Crof●s, Sir David 〈◊〉, Sir William Udall, Sir Thomas Englefield, Sir Peter Newton, john Walleston, 〈◊〉 Marton, and Doctor William Smith Precedent of his Counsel: but within five months after his marriage, at his Castle of Ludlow he deceased, and with great sole●●ity was buried in the Cathedral Church at Worcester. His Brother Henry Du●e of York, was stayed from the title of Prince of Wales, the space of half a year, till to women it might appear, whether the Lady Katherine, the Relict of Prince Ar●●●● were with child, or no. The towardliness in learning of this Prince Arthur is ve●y memorable; who dying before the age of sixteen years, was said to have read over al● or most of the Latin Authors, besides many other. And now Prince Arthur being dead, and the Lady Katherine of Spain left a young widow; King Henry loath to part with her dowry, but chiefly being desirous 〈◊〉 continue the Alliance with Spain: prevailed with his other Son Prince Henry, though with some reluctation, such as could be in those years (for he was scarce ●welv● years of age) to be contracted with the Princess Katherine his brothers' widow; for which marriage, a dispensation by advice of the most learned men at that 〈◊〉 in Christendom, was by Pope julius the second granted, and on the five and twentieth day of june, in the Bishop of Salisbury●s house in Fleetstreet, th● marriage was solemnised. A little before this time, 〈…〉 Earl of S●ffolke, Son to john Duke of Suffolk and Lady Eliz●b●t● Sister ●o king Edward the forth, had in his fury killed a mean person● and was thereupon Indicted of Murder; for which, although he had the kings Pardon, yet because he was brought to th● Kings-bench-b●rr●, and there arraigned; he took it for so great 〈…〉 his honour, that in great rage he fled into Flanders to his Aun● the Lad● M●●garet; where having stayed a while, when his passion was over, he returned again. ●ut after the marriage between Prince Arthur and the Lady 〈◊〉, w●●ther it were that in that solemnity he had run himself in debt; or 〈◊〉 he were ●rawn to do so by the Lady Margare●, he passed over the second time, with his b●other Richard, into Fl●nder●. This put the king into some doubt of his intentions whereupon he hath recourse to his usual course in such cases, and Sir 〈…〉 Captain of Hamme● Castle, to feign himself one of that Conspiracy, the●●by to learn the depth of their intentions: And to take away all susp●●ion of his employment; ●he first Sunday of November, he caused the said Earl and Sir Robert C●rson with five others to be accursed openly at Paul's Cross, as Enemies to him and his Realm. In conclusion, Sir Robert Curson acquainted the king with divers of that faction; amongst whom, Willia● Lord Court●ey, and Willia● de la Poole, brother to the foresaid Earl of Suffolk, who were taken but upon suspicion, yet held long in prison: but Sir james Tyrrell (the same that had murdered the two young Princes in the Tower) and Sir Io●● Windham, who were proved to be Traitors, were accordingly attainted, and on the sixth day of May at the Tower-hill beheaded. Whereof when the Earl heard, despairing now of any good success, he wandered about all Germany and Fr●●c●, where finding no succour, he submitted himself at last to Philip Duke of Austria, by whom afterward he was delivered to king Henry, by this occasion: Ferdi●a●d king of Arragon, by his Wife Isabel Queen of C●stile, had only two Daughters, the eldest whereof named joan, was married to this Philip Duke of Austria; the younger, named Katherine, to Arthur Prince of England: and now Queen Isabel being lately dead, by whose death the kingdom of Castille descended in Right of his Wife, to this Duke Philip; they were sailing out of Germany into Spline to take possession of the kingdom; but by tempest and contrary winds were driven upon the coast of England, and landed at Weymouth in Dorsetshire; where desiring to refresh themselves a little on shore, they were invited by Sir Thomas Tre●cha●d (a principal knight of that Country) to his house, who presently sent word to the king of their arrival. King Henry glad to have his Court honoured by so great a Prince, and perhaps upon hope of a courtesy from him, which afterward he obtained: ●ent presently the Earl of Arundel to wait upon him, till himself might follow; and the Earl went to him in great magnificence, with a gallant troop of three hundred Horse, and for more State came to him by Torchlight. Upon whose Me●●●ge, though king Philip had many re●sons of haste on his journey; yet not to give king He●ry distaste, and withal to give his Queen the comfort of seeing the Lady Katherine her Sister; he went upon speed to the king at Windsor, while his Queen followed by easy journeys. After great magnificence of entertainment, king Hen●y taking a fit opportunity, and drawing the king of Castille into a room, where they two only were private; and laying his hand civilly upon his arm, said unto him; Sir, you have been saved upon my Coast: I hope you will not suffer me to wrack upon yours. The king of Castille ask him, what he meant by that speech? I mean it (saith the king) by that hare-brained fellow the Earl of Suffolk; who being my subject, is protected in your Country, and begins to play the fool when all others are weary of it. The king of Cas●ile answered; I had thought, Sir, your felicity had been above those thoughts; but if it trouble you, I will banish him: king Henry replied, that his desire was to have him delivered to him: with this, the king of Castille a little confused said, That can I not do with my honour: Well then (said the king) the matter is at an end: at last the king of Castille, who held king Henry in great estimation, composing his countenance, said, Sir you shall have him; but upon your Honour, you shall not take his life: I promise it upon mine Honour, said King Henry: and he kept his promise; for he was not put to death during all his Reign; but yet he took such order, that in the Reign of his Son K. Henry the Eighth, he had his head cut off. During the king of Castile's being here, a Treaty was concluded, and bears date at Windsor; which the Flemings term Intercursus malus, for that the Free fishing of the Dutch upon the Coasts and Seas of England, granted in the Treaty of Vndecimo, was not by this Treaty confirmed, as all other Articles were. And now, when king Henry had received the king of Castille into the Fraternity of the Garter, and had his Son Prince Henry admitted to the order of the Golden fleece; and that the Earl of Suffolk was brought over and committed to the Tower; the king of Castille departed home. In this king's time were two Calls of Sergeants at Law: One in his eleventh year, in which were called nine Sergeants, Mordant, Higham, Kingesmill, Conisby, Butler, ●●xely, Frowick, Oxenbridge, and Constable; who kept their feast at the Bishop of Ely's Place in Holborn, where the King, the Queen, and all the chief Lords dined. The other Call, in his twentieth year; in which were called ten Sergeants, Robert Brudnell, William frevill, Thomas Marrow, George Edgore, Lewis Pollard, Guy Palms, and William Fairfax; who kept their feast at the Archbishop's house in Lambeth. King Henry having gotten as much honour as the Estimation of neighbouring Princes could give him, began now to be intentive to getting of wealth; wherein he quickly found Instruments fit for his purpose, but specially two, Empson & Dudley both Lawyers; Dudley of a good family, but Empson the son of a Sieve-maker. These two persons being put in Authority, turned Law and Justice into Rapine. For first, their manner was, to cause divers Subects to be indicted of Crimes, and then presently to commit them; and not produce them to their answer, but suffer them to languish long in Prison; and by sundry artificial devices and terrors, extort from them great Fines, which they termed Compositions and Mitigations. Neither did they (towards the end) observe so much as the half face of Justice, in proceeding by Indictment; but sent forth their Precepts to attach men, and convent them before themselves and some others at their private houses, and there used to shuffle up a Summary proceeding by examination, without trial of Jury; assuming to themselves, to deal both in Pleas of the Crown, and controversies Civil. Then did they also use to enthrall and charge the Subjects lands with Tenors in Capite, by finding false Offices; refusing upon divers pretexts and delays, to admit men to traverse those false Offices, as by Law they might. Nay the King's Wards, after they had accomplished their full age, could not be suffered to have livery of their lands, without paying excessive Fines, far exceeding all reasonable rates. When men were outlawed in personal actions, they would not permit them to purchase their Charters of Pardon, except they paid great and intolerable sums; standing upon the strict point of Law, which upon Outlawries gives forfeiture of goods. Nay, contrary to all Law and colour, they maintained, the King ought to have the half of men's lands and rents during the space of full two years, for a Pain in case of Outlawry. They would also ruffle with Jurors, and enforce them to find as they would direct; and if they did not, than convent, imprison, and fine them. These and many other cours●s they had of preying upon the people: but their principal working was upon Penal Statutes; wherein they considered not whether the Law were obsolete, or in use; and had ever a rabble of Promoters and leading Jurors at their command, so as they could have any th●ng found, either for Fact or Valuation. There remaineth to this day a Report, that King Henry was on a time entertained very sumptuously by the Earl of Oxford, at his Castle of Heningham: and at the Kings going away, the Earl's servants stood in their livery-coates with cognisances, ranged on both sides, to make the King a lane: Whereupon the King called the Earl to him, and said: My Lord, I have heard much of your Hospitality, but I see it is greater than is spoken; These handsome Gentlemen and Yeomen whom I see on both sides of me, are sure your Menial servants. At which the Earl smiled, and said: It may please your Grace, that were not for mine ease; They are most of them my Retainers, and are come to do me service at such a time as this, and chief to see your Grace. Whereat the King started a little, and said: By my faith (my Lord) I thank you for my good cheer; but I may not endure to have my Laws broken in my sight: my Attorney must speak with you about it. And it is part of the Report, that it cost the Earl for a composition, fifteen thousand marks. And to show further the King's extreme diligence: I remember (saith Sir Francis Bacon Lord of Virula● in his History) to have seen long since a Book of Account of empson's, that had the king's hand almost to every leaf, by way of signing; and was in some places postilled in the Margin with the kings own hand likewise, where was this Remembrance: Item, Received of such a one five marks; for the Pardon to be procured; and if the Pardon do not pass, the money to be repaid, except the party be some other way satisfied. And over against this Memorandum (of the kings own hand,) Otherwise satisfied. This (saith he) I do the rather mention, because it shows in the king a Nearness, but yet with a kind of Justness. In his three and twentieth year, there was a sharp prosecution against Sir William Gapell now the second time, for misgovernment in his Majoralty: The great matter was, that in some payments he had taken notice of false moneys, and did not his diligence to examine who were the Offenders: for which and some other things ●aid to his charge, he was condemned to pay two thousand pounds; whereof, being a man of stomach, he refused to pay a farthing; and thereupon was sent to the Tower, where he remained till the King's death. Knesworth likewise, that had been lately Major of London, and both his Sheriffs, were for abuses in their offices questioned and imprisoned, and not delivered but upon payment of one thousand four hundred pounds. Sir Laurence Ailmer, who had likewise been Major of London, and his two Sheriffs, were put to the Fine of one thousand pounds; and Sir Laurence, for refusing to pay it, was committed to prison, where he stayed till Empson himself was committed in his place. By these courses he accumulated so great store of Treasure, that he left at his death, most of it in secret places, under his own key and keeping at Richmond, (as is reported) the sum of near eighteen hundred thousand pounds sterling. But though by this course he got great store of Treasure, yet by it he lost the best treasure (the people's hearts) but that he something qualified it by his last Testament, commanding that Restitution should be made of all such moneys as had unjustly been levied by his Officers. It seems king Henry, after the death of his Queen the Lady Elizabeth, had an inclination to marry again; and hearing of the great beauty & virtue of the young Queen of Naples, the widow of Ferdinando the younger; he sent three confident persons, Francis Marsyn, james Braybrooke, and john Style, to make two inquiries; one of her person and conditions, the other of her Estate: Who returning him answer, that they found her Beauty and Virtues to be great, but her Estate to be only a certain Pension or Exhibition, and not the kingdom of Naples as he expected, he then gave over any further meddling in that matter. After this, another Treaty of Marriage was propounded to the king, between him and the Lady Margaret Duchess Dowager of Savoy, only daughter to Maximilian, and Sister to the king of Castille; a Lady wise and of great good fame: In which business was employed, for his first piece, the kings than Chaplain, and after the great Prelate, Thomas Woolsey. It was in the end concluded, with ample conditions for the king, but with promise de Futuro only. Which marriage was protracted from time to time, in respect of the Infirmity of the king; which held him by ●its till he died. He left Executours, Richard Fox Bishop of Winchester, Richard Fitz james Bishop of London, Thomas Bishop of Durham, john Bishop of Rochester, Thomas Duke of Norfolk & Treasurer of England, Edward Earl of Worcester and Lord Chamberlain, john F. knight, chief Justice of the King's Bench, and Robert R. knight chief Justice of the Common Pleas. A little before his death, he had concluded a marriage (in which negociation Fox Bishop of Winchester was employed) between his younger Daughter the Lady Mary, of the age of ten years; and Charles king of Castille, not much elder: but though concluded, yet not solemnised; and she was afterward married to Lewis the French king. Of his Taxations. IN his third year, there was by Parliament granted toward the maintaining an Army in Britain; that every man should pay the tenth penny of his Goods: which Tax though at first withstood in Yorkshire and Durham; yet was afterwad levied to the uttermost. In his seventh year, towards his wars in France, a Benevolence was by Parliament granted; by which great sums of money were collected of the richer sort only. In his eleventh year, a Subsidy of sixscore thousand pounds was granted him by Parliament, towards his wa●s with Scotland, which caused afterward the insurrection in Cornwall. In his nineteenth year a Subsidy was granted him by Parliament. In his one and twentieth year, ●e raised great sums of money from offenders against Penal Statutes: the greatest, but the unjustest way for raising of money, that every any king of England used: and not content with this, he required and had at the same time a Benevolence both from the Clergy and Laity. To the Clergy was employed Richard Fox, than Bishop of Winchester; who assembling the Clergy before him, exhorted them to be liberal in their contribution; but the Clergy being of two sorts, rich and poor, made each of them their several excuses: The rich and such as had great livings, said, they were at great charges in keeping hospitality and maintaining their families, and therefore desired to be spa●ed: The poorer sort alleged, that their means were small, and scarce able to find them necessaries, and therefore desired to be forborn. But the Bishop answered them both with a pretty Dilemma, saying to the rich, It is true, you live at great charges in hospitality, in apparel and other demonstrations of your wealth; and seeing you have store to spend in such order, there is no reason but for your Prince's service you should do it much more, and therefore you must pay. To the poorer sort he said, though your livings be small, yet your frugality is great, and you spend not in house-keeping and apparel as other do; therefore be content, for you shall pay. Of his Laws and Ordinances. THIS King was the first that ordained a company of tall strong men, (naming them Yeomen of the Guard) to be attending about the person of the king; to whom he appointed a Livery by which to be known, and a Captain by whom to be chosen. In his time, the authority of the Star-chamber, which subsisted before by the Common Laws of the Realm, was confirmed in certain cases by Act of Parliament. In his time were made these excellent general Laws: One, that from thenceforth sins should be final, and conclude all strangers rights: Another for admission of poor suitors, In forma pa●peris, without paying Fee to Counsellor, Attorney or Clerk. Another, that no person that did assist by Arms or otherwise the King for the time being, should after be Impeached therefore or Attainted, either by course of the Law, or by Act of Parliament; and that if any such Act of Attainder did happen to be made, it should be void and of none effect. Another for the Benevolence, to make the sums which any had agreed to pay, and were not brought in, to be leviable by course of Law. Another, that Murderers should be burnt on the Brawn of the left hand, with the letter M. and Thiefs with the letter T. so that if they offended the second time, they should have no mercy, but ●e put to death; and this to ●each also to Clerks Convict. In his fifth year, It was ordained by Parliament, that the Major of London should have Conservation of the river of Thames, from the bridge of Stanes, to the waters of Yendal● and Midway. In his seventeenth john Shaw Major of London, caused his brethren the Aldermen to ride from the Guild-hall to the waters-side, when he went to Westminster to be presented in the Exchequer: ●e also caused the kitchens and other houses of office ●o be builded at the Guild-hall; where since that time, the Major's feast ha●h been kept, which before, had been in the Grocers or Taylours-hall. In his eighteenth year king Henry being himself a brother of the Tailor's Company, as divers kings before had been, namely, Richard the third, Edward the fourth, Henry the sixth, Henry the fifth, Henry the fourth, and Richard the second; also of Duke's 11. Earls 28. Lords 48. he now gave to them the Name and Title of Merchant Tailors; as a name of worship to endure for ever. Affairs of the Church in his time. IN the tenth year of his Reign, joan Boughton widow, was burnt in Smithfield, for holding certain opinions of john Wickliff. In his seventh year, king Henry finding great inconvenience by the privilege of Sanctuaries; wrote to Pope Alexander, desiring him by his authority, to adjudge all English men being fled to Sanctuary for the offence of Treason, to be Enemies to the Christian Faith; and to prohibit the privilege of Sanctuary to all such as once had enjoyed it before: which request the Pope granted, to the great contentment of the king, and quiet of the Realm. In his sixteenth year being the year 1500. a Jubilee in Rome was celebrated; whereof Alexander the then Pope, by his messenger Gaspar Pons a Spaniard, gave notice to the king: offering withal, that those who could not come to Rome, should notwithstanding at a certain price have Pardons, and as full a benefit of the Jubilee, as if they came; and to the end the king should not hinder his purpose, both offered part of his gains to the king, and also promised to bestow it upon a war against the Turk; by which course he gathered great sums, for which he had other use, than to spend it so idly. In the two and twentieth year of this king's Pope Alexander the sixth died of Poison, by this accident: He went to supper in a Vineyard near the Vatican, where his son Valentionis meaning to poison Adria● Cardinal of Cornetta, sent thither certain flagons of Wine, infected with poison, and delivered them to a servant of his, who knew nothing of the matter; commanding him, that none should touch them, but by his appointment: It happened, the Pope coming in something before supper, and being very dry through the immoderate heat of the season, called for drink, his own provision being not yet come: The servant that had the poisoned wine in keeping; thinking it to be committed to him as a special wine, brought of it to the Pope; and while he was drinking, his son Valentinois came in, and drank also of the same; whereby they were both poisoned, but the Pope only overcome of the poison, died; his son by the strength of youth bore it out, though with long languishing. Works of Piety and other structures by him● and others. THIS King magnificently enlarged Greenwich, which Humphrey Duke of Gloucester had formerly builded, calling it Placentia. In his sixteenth year, ●e new builded his Manor of Shee●, and named it Richmond: He also new builded Baynard's Castle in London. In his two and twentieth year, he finished the goodly Hospital of the Savoy near to Charing-cross, to which he gave lands for the relieving of two hundred poor people: This was first called Savoy place, built by Peter Earl of Savoy Father to Boniface Archbishop of Canterbury, about the nine and twentieth year of Henry the third, who made the said Peter Earl of Richmond. The house belonged since to the Duke of L●●caster; and at this time was converted to an Hospital, retaining still the first name of the Savoy. In this King's time, john Morton being Bishop of Ely, bestowed great cost upon his house at Hatfield in Hartfordshire, now the house of the Right Honourable the Earl of Salisbury; and at Wesbich Castle in Cambridgeshire, a house belonging to that See; all the Brick building was of his charge: Being afterward Bishop of Canterbury, he bestowed great sums in repairing and augmenting his houses at M●idstone, Alington-Parke, Charing, Ford, L●mbeth, and specially at Knoll in Kent, where he died. King Henry also builded three houses of Franciscan Friars, which are called observants; one at Richmond, ●n other at Greenwich, a third at Newark; and three other of Franciscan Friars, which are called Conventuals, one at Canterbury, another at Newcastle, and a third at South●amp●on. And drawing near his end, he did these works of charity: He granted a general Pardon to all men, for any offence committed against any of his Laws, Thiefs and Murderers only excepted: He paid also all Fees of all Prisoners in all Goals in and about London, abiding there for that cause only: He paid also the Debts of all such persons as lay in the Counters or Ludgate for forty shillings or under, and some also for ten pounds. In his eighteenth year, the Chapel of our Lady, abo●e the East-side of the high Altar at Westminster Church, with a Tavern called the White-rose near adjoining, was taken down; in which place a most beautiful Chapel was then presently begun to be builded, by King Henry; the charges whereof amounted to the sum of fourteen thousand pounds (as Stow witnesseth.) In his second year, the great Conduit in Cheapside, at the charges of Thomas Il●m Alderman of London, was new made; and the Cross also in Cheap was new builded, toward the charges whereof, Thomas Fisher Mercer gave five hundred Marks. In his seventh year, the Conduit in Grace-street was begun to be builded by the Executors of Sir Thomas Hill Grocer, late Major of London. Also this year, Hugh Cl●pton Major of London builded the great bridge of Stratford upon A●o●, as likewise a fair Chapel toward the South end of that Town; and near unto the same, a pretty house of B●rick and Timber, where he lay and ended his life: He glazed also the 〈◊〉 of the Parish Church in that Town; and made a Way of four miles long, 〈◊〉 miles from Alisbury towards London, and one mile beyond Ali●bury. In his ●●nth year, john T●le Major of London, builded the Church of Saint Antho●●es, with a Free-school, and certain Almshouses for poor men. In his time, his Mother the Lady Margaret Countess of Richmond, builded two Colleges in Cambridge, one called Christ's College, the other St. john's; and endowed them with large possessi●ns, for the maintenance of learning. Richard Fox Bishop of Winchester founded Corpus Chirsti College in Oxford; and William Smith Bishop of Lincoln, Brazen-nose College: He also builded at Lichfield an Hospital, for a Master, two Priests, and ten poor men, as likewise a Free-school, with a Shoole-master and an Usher. Anne A●eling gave a hundred Marks towards the building of the Church in Cicester. In his time also john Alcock Bishop of Ely, builded jesus College in Cambridge: and in his two and twentieth year, Thomas Knesworth Major of London, builded the Conduit at Bishopsgate at his own charge; and gave to the Fishmongers certain Tenements; for which they are bound to allow to four Scholars, two at Oxford, and two at Cambridge, to each of them four pounds a year: also to poor people and Prisoners in Ludgate something yee●ly. In his twentieth year, Sir William Capell Major of London, caused all Hounseditch to be paved over; which till that time, had 〈◊〉 very noyously to all travellers that way. In his fourteenth year, all the Gardens without Mooregate (which had continued time out of mind) were destroyed; and of them was made a plain field, for Archers to shoot in. In this King's time also, 〈◊〉 Savege Archbishop of York, repaired the Castle of Cawood, and the Manor of 〈◊〉, and founded the Chapel at Maclesfield in Cheshire, where he was borne. Also in his time, Stephen Granings Major of London, founded a free Gramm●r School 〈◊〉 Wolverhampton in Staffordshire where he was borne; and gave lands sufficient for a Master and an Usher, leaving the oversight to the Merchant-taylours' in London. Thi● Town of Wolverhampton, commonly so called, is originally and rightly called 〈◊〉- hampton, upon this occasion: The Town was anciently called Hampton, to which a noble woman named Wilfrune, a widow, sometime wise of Athel●s Duke of Northampton; obtained of King Ethelred, to give lands to the Church there, wh●ch she had founded; and thereupon the Town took the addition of the said Wilfrune. In this King's time also, john Coll●t Deane of Paul's, founded Paul's School in the Churchyard there. Casualties happening in his time. IN his first year happened the Sickness called the Sweating-sickness, which though it continued not long, yet took away many thousands: and in his two and twentieth year, the like Sweating-sickness happened again; but by reason of Remedies found in the former, took away fewer. In his second year, Wheat was sold for three shillings the Quarter, Bay-salt at the like price: In his seventh year, Wheat was sold at London for twenty pence the Bushel; which was counted a great dearth. In his tenth year, Wheat was sold at London for six pence the Bushel, Bay-salt for three pence half penny, Nantwich●salt ●salt for sixpence, white Herrings nine shillings the Barrel, red Herrings three shillings the Cade, red Sprats six pence the Cade, and Gascoigne wines for six pounds the T●●. In his fifteenth year, Gascoigne wine was sold at London for forty shillings the Tun, a Quarter of Wheat four shillings, and Bay-salt four pence the Bushel. The two and twentieth of August 1485. the very day that King Henry got the victory of King Richard; a great fire was in Bread-street in London, in which was burnt the Parson of Saint Mildred's, and one other man in the Parsonage there. In his tenth year, in digging to lay a new foundation in the Church of Saint Mary Hill in London, the body of Alice Hackney, which had been buried in the Church a hundred seventy five years before, was found whole of Skin, and the joints of her Arms pliable; which Corpses was kept above ground four days without annoyance, and then again buried. In his twelveth year, on Bartholomew day, at the Town of Saint Ne●des in Bedfordshire, there fell Hailstones that were measured eighteen Inches about. In his thirteenth year, on the one and twentieth of December; suddenly in the night broke out a fire in the King's lodgings, being then at his Manor of Shee●; by violence whereof, a great part of the old building was burnt, with hangings, beds, Apparel, Plate and m●ny Jewels. In his fifteenth year, the Town of Babra● in Norfolk was burnt: Also this year, a great Plague happened; whereof many people died in many places, but specially in London, where there died in that year thirty thousand. In his twentieth year, Alum which for many years had been sold for six shillings a hundred, rose to five nobles a hundred, and after to four marks. In his two and twentieth year, the City of Norwich was well near consumed with fire. Also in the same year in july, a gallery new builded at Richmond, wherein the King and the Prince his Son had walked not an hour before, fell suddenly down, yet no man hurt. The great Tempest which drove king Philip into England, blew down the Golden Eagle from the Spire of Paul's; and in the fall, it fell upon a sign of the Black-Eagle, which was in Paul's Churchyard, in the place where the School-house now standeth; and battered it, and broke it down. This the people interpreted to be an ominous Prognostic upon the Imperial House, as indeed it proved; for this king Philip being the Emperor's son, arriving in Spain, sickened soon after; and being but thirty years of age, deceased: upon whose decease, his wife Queen john out of her tender love to him, fell distracted of her wits. Of his wife and children. HE married Elizabeth elder daughter of King Edward the Fourth, being of the age of nineteen years; whom two years after his Marriage he caused to be Crowned: She lived his wife eighteen years, and died in Childbed in the Tower of London, the eleventh of February, the very day on which she was borne; and is buried at Westminster, in the magnificent Chapel and rich Monument of Copper and Gild, which her Husband had erected. He had issue by her, three Sons and four Daughters: his eldest son Arthur was born at Winchester, the twentieth day of September in the second year of his Reign; and died at Ludlow, at fifteen years old and a half: and of this short life some cause may be attributed to his Nativity, being borne in the eighth month after conception: He was buried in the Cathedral Church of St. Mary's in Worcester, where in the South side of the Choir he lies en●ombed in Touch or Jet, without any remembrance of him by Picture. His second son Henry was borne at Greenwich in ●ent, on the two and twentieth day of june, in the seventh year of his Father's Reign; and succeeded him in the kingdom. His third son Edmund was borne in the tenth year of his Father's Reign, and died at five years of age, at Bishops Hatfield, and lies buried at St. Peter's in Westminster. His eldest daughter Margaret was born the nine and twentieth day of November, the fifth year of her Father's Reign; and at fourteen years of age was married to james the fourth King of Scotland; unto whom she bore three Sons, james the fifth, Arthur and Alexander, and one Daughter, which three last died all of them young; and after the death of her husband king james, (slain at Flodden field in 〈◊〉 against the English) she was remarried to Archib●ld Dowgl●sse Earl of Augus, in the year 1514. to whom she bare Margaret, espoused to Matthew Earl of Lenox, Father of the Lord Henry, who died at the age of nine months, and lieth interred in the upper end of the Chancel in the Parish Church of Stepney near London: Her second Son was Henry Lord D●●nley, reputed for personage the goodliest Gentleman of Europe; who married Mary Queen of Scotland, the Royal Parents of the most Royal Monarch james the first, King of great Britain: Her third Son was Charles Earl of Lenox, Father to the Lady Arbella. King Henry's second Daughter the Lady Eliz●beth was borne in the year 1492. at three years of age, died; and was buried at Westminster: His third Daughter the Lady Mary, had been promised to Charles King of Castille; but was married to Lewis the twelveth, King of France; who dying three months after, she was then married to Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk: His fourth Daughter, the Lady Katherine, was borne in the year 1503. in the eighteenth year of her Father's Reign, and died ●n Infant. Of his Personage and Conditions. HE was of Body lean and spare, yet of great strength; of statu●e somewhat higher than the common sort, his Eyes grey, his Teeth single, his Hair thin, of a fair complexion and pleasing countenance. Concerning his Conditions, ●e had in him the virtue of a Prince, and of a private man; affable, yet reserved. We might say he was Politic; if not rather, that he was Wise: for though he used 〈◊〉 of Cunning sometimes, yet solid Circumspection more. He loved not War, but in case of necessity; always Peace, but with conditions of Honour. Never ●●y Prince was less addicted to bodily pleasures of any kind, than he. Three pleasures he had, but in three Cares; One for Safety; another for Honour; and the third for Wealth: in all which he attained his end. His great respect of the Church, was seen by his great employment of Churchmen; for through the hands of Bishop Morton, Bishop Fox, and his Chaplain Urswick, the greatest part of all his great negotiation passed. He was Frugal from his youth, not Covetous till ancient and sickly; and therefore what defect he had in that kind, must be attributed to age and weakness. This City of London was his Paradise, for what good fortune 〈◊〉 befell him, he thought he enjoyed it not, till he acquainted them with it. His Parliament was his Oracle; for in all matters of importance he would ask their advice; and he put his very Prerogative sometimes into their hands. He was no great lover of women; yet all his great fortune both Precedent and Subsequent came by women: His own title to the Crown, was by a woman; His Confirmation in the Crown, was by a woman; His Transmission of the Crown to his Posterity, was by a woman: The first by the Lady Margaret, descended from Ioh● of Gaunt; the second by the Lady Elizabeth, eldest Daughter of King Edward the fourth; the third by the Lady Margaret, eldest Daughter of himself King of England, and married to james the Fourth, King of Scotland; by means whereof, as he was the Prince that joined the two Roses in one, so he was the Founder of joining the two Kingdoms in one. And lastly, it may be said of him, as was said by one of August●● Caesar,— Hic ●ir hic est ti●i quem promitti saepius audis: for Cadwalloder last king of the Britain's, seven hundred years before, had Prophesied of him; and of later time, King He●ry the Sixth plainly fore-shewed him. Of his Death and Burial. IN the two and twentieth year of his Reign, he began to be troubled with the Gout; but a Defluction also taking into his Breast, wasted his Lungs, so that thrice in a year, and specially in the Spring, he had great fits and labours of the Phthisic, which brought him to his end, at his Palace of Richmond, on the two and twentieth day of April in the year of 1508. when he had lived two and fifty years, Reigned three and twenty and eight months: Being dead, and all things necessary for his Funeral prepared; his Corpse was brought out of his Privy Chamber, into the great Chamber, where it rested three days; and every day, had there a Dirge and Mass sung by a Plelate, Mitred: and from thence it was conveyed into the Hall, wherein it remained also three days, and had a like service there; and so three days in the Chapel: Upon Wednesday the nineth of May, the Corpse was put into a Chariot, and over the Corpses was a Picture of the late King, laid on Cushions of Gold; and the Picture was apparelled in the King's rich Robes, with a Crown on the head, and a Ball and Sceptre in the hands: when the Chariot was thus ordered, the King's Chapel and a great number of Prelates set forward, praying; then followed all the king's Servants in Black; then followed the Chariot, and after the Chariot nine Mourners, and on every side were carried Torches, to the number of six hundred, and in this order they came from Richmond to St. George's field; where there met with it all the Priests and Religious men within the City and without; the Major and Aldermen, with many Commoners, all clothed in Black, met with the Corpses at London-bridge; and so the Chariot was brought through the City to the Cathedral of St. Paul, where the Body was taken out and carried into the Choir, and set under a goodly Hearse of Wax; where after a solemn Mass, was made a Sermon by the Bishop of Rochester: The next day, the Corpse in like manner was removed to Westminster; Sir Edward Haword bearing the king's Banner. In Westminster was a curious Hearse full of lights, which were lighted at the coming of the Corpse; and then was the Corpses taken out of the Chariot by six Lords, and set under the Hearse, which was double railed: when the Mourners were set, Garter king at Arms, cried, For the Soul of the Noble Prince king Henry the seventh, late king of this Realm: The next day were three Masses solemnly sung by Bishops, and after the Masses was offered the king's Banner and Courser, his Coat of Arms, his Sword, his Target and his Helm, and at the end of the Mass, the Mourners offered up rich Palls of Choath of Gold and Bodkin; and when the Choir sang Liber● me, the Body was put into the Earth; then the Lord Treasurer, Lord Steward, Lord Chamberlain, the Treasurer and controller of the king's household, broke their Staves and cast them into the Grave: Then Gartar cried with a loud voice; Vive le ●oy, Henry le ●●itiesme; Roy d'Angleterre & de France, sire d' Irlande: and thus ended the Funeral. Of men of Note in his time. OF Men of Valour and Arms, they are to be seen in the History of this King's Reign. For men of letters in his time, of foreigners were Sancts Pagui●●s a great Hebrician; Leonicenus, Gattinaria, Cabellus and Optatus Physicians; Augustinus Niphus, jacobus Faber, Stapulensis and Pighius Philosophers; Petrus Bembus● and the famous Clerk Rheudin, who restored again the knowledge of the Hebrew Tongue. Of our own Country, there lived in his time, George Rippley a Carmelite Friar of Boston, who wrote divers Treatises in the Mathematics; and after his death was accounted a Necromancer. john Erghom borne in York, a Black-Frier, studious in Prophecies, as by the Title of the works he wrote, may appear. Thomas Mallorie a Welshman, who wrote of King Arthur, and of the round Table. john Rouse borne in Warwickshire, a diligent searcher of Antiquities, and wrote divers Treatises of Historical Argument. Thomas Scroop surnamed Bradley, of the Noble family of the Scroope's, entered into divers orders of Religion, and after withdrew himself to his house, where for twenty years he lived the life of an Anchorite; and after, coming abroad again, was made a Bishop in Ireland, and went to the Rhodes in Ambassage; from whence being returned, he went barefooted up and down in N●rfolk, teaching the ten Commandments; and lived till near a hundred years old. john Ton●eys an Augustine Friar in Norwich, who wrote certain Rules of Grammar, and other things printed by Richard Pinson. Robert Fabian a Sheriff of London, and an Historiographer. Edmund Dudley, the same man whom king Henry used to take the forfeitures of Penal Statutes; who wrote a Book entitled Arbour Re●-publicae. john Bockingham an excellent Schoolman: and William Blackeney a Carmelite Friar, a Doctor of Divinity, and a Necromancer. THE REIGN OF KING HENRY THE EIGHT. KING Henry the seventh being deceased, his only son Prince Henry, Heir by his Father of the house of Lancaster, and by his Mother of the house of York: by unquestionable right succeeded in the Crown, at the Age of eighteen years, on the two and twentieth of April, in the year 1509. who having been trained up in the study of good letters all his Father's time● he Governed at first, as a man newly come from Contemplation to Action, as it were by the Booke● in so regular and fair a man●er, that as of Nero's Government, there was said to be Quinquennium Neronis; so of this Kings, there might as justly be said, Decennium Henrici; and perhaps double so long a time, comparable with so much time of any King's Reign, that had been before him. How he came to alter, and to alter to such a degree of change as he did, we shall then have a fit place to show, when we come to the time of his alteration. King Henry having learned by Books, that the weight of a Kingdom is too heavy to lie upon one man's shoulders, if it be not supported by able Counsellors; made it his first care, to make choice of an able Council; to which he called William Warham Archbishop of Canterbury, and Chancellor of England, Richard Fox Bishop of Winchester, Thomas Howard Earl of Surry, and Treasurer of England, George Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury, and Lord Steward of his Household, Charles Summerset Lord Chamberlain, Sir Thomas Lovell● Sir Henry Wyatt, Doctor Thomas Ruthall, and Sir Edward Poynings; by advice of these Counsellors, his first Act after the care of his Father's Funeral; was the care to perform his Father's Will, in marrying the Lady Katherine of Spain, the Relict of his Brother Prince Arthur; to which perhaps but in respect of filial pierie, he had not the greatest devotion; and for relinquishing whereof, he might (no doubt) more easily have obtained a Despensation from the Pope, than his Father had done, for getting it to be allowed: but obsequiousness to his Father's desire, and respect to his Counsels advice, so far prevailed with him, that he would not be Crowned, till that were performed, that one Coronation might serve them both: and so on the third day of june following, he married the said Lady, at the Bishop of Salisburies' house in Fleetstreet; where of many great solemnities, I will remember but this one; that though the Bride were a Widow, yet to show she was a Virgin Widow, she was attired all in white, and had the hair of her head hanging-downe behind at the full length: and then (having made in the Tower four and twenty Knights of the Bath) two days after being Midsummer day, he was Crowned at Westminster, together with his Queen, by the hands of William Warham Archbishop of Canterbury; with all Circumstances of State, in such cases usual; and then all the Nobility Spiritual and Temporal, did him Homage; and the people being asked whether they would receive him for their King, they all with one voice, cried, yea, yea. This done, his next Act was another part of performing his father's Will, which was to proclaim Pardons for all offences, (Treason, Murder, and Felony only excepted) and to have restitution made of all goods unjustly taken from any; and because the Instruments of such injustice, are always most odious, and nothing gives the people so much contentment, as to see their Persecutors punished; he therefore caused Empson and Dudley the two chief Actors of the late unjust proceedings, to be committed to the Tower, and divers of their inferior Agents, called Promoters, as Canby, Page, Smith, Derby, Wright, Simpson, and Stockton, to be set on the Pillory in Cornhill, with papers on their heads, and then to ride through the City, with their faces to the horse tails; with the shame whereof within seven days after, they all died in Newgate. Shortly after a Parliament was called; whereof Sir Thomas Ingleby was chosen Speaker; and therein Empson and Dudley were attainted of High Treason, and after arraigned; Edmund Dudley in the Guildhall, on the seventeenth of july, and Sir Richard Empson at Northampton in October following, and on the seventeenth of August the year following, they were both of them beheaded on the Tower Hill; and their Bodies and Heads buried, the one at the White Friars, the other at the Black. On Midsummer Eve at night, King Henry came privily into Westchester, clothed in one of the Coats of his Guard, to behold the same: and this first year King Henry spent in Justs and Masks, which were almost perpetual, performed with great Magnificence always; and sometimes with great Acts of Valour, on the King's part specially. In February the same year, Ambassadors came from the King's Father in law, the King of Arragon; requiring Aid against the Moors; in which service, the Lord Thomas Darcy, a Knight of the Garter, making suit to be employed; he was sent thither, and with him the Lord Anthony Grace, brother to the marquis Dorset, Henry Guilford, Wolstan Browne, and William Sidney Esquires of the King's House, Sir Robert Constable's Sir Roger Hastings, Sir Ralph Elderton and others; who on the Mund●y in the Rogation Week, departed out of Plimot● Haven, with four ships Royal, and on the first of june, arrived at the Port of Cadis in south Spain; of whose coming the King of Arragon hearing sent to bid them welcome, but advertising them withal, that he had now by reason of new troubles with France, taken truce with the Moors; and therefore they might return again into their own Country, to whom yet he allowed wages for all his soldiers. Whereupon the Lord Darcy and all his men went aboard their ships, but Henry Guildford, Wol●tan Br●wne, and William Sidney, desirous to see the Court of Spain, went thither and were honourably entertained. Henry Guildford, and Wolstan Browne were made Knights by the King; who gave to Sir Henry Guil●ord a Canton of Granado; and to Sir Wolstan Browne an Eagle of Sicily on a Chief, to the augmentation of their Arms: William Sidney so excused himself, that he was not made Knight. After this they returned to their ships, and their ships into England. During the time that the Lord Darcy was in Spain, the Lady Margaret Duchess of Sa●oy, Daughter unto Maximilian the Emperor; and Governess of Flande●s and other the Low-countryes', pertaining to Charles the young Prince of Ca●tile, sent to King Henry for fifteen hundred Archers, to aid her against the Duke of Gelder's, which the King granted; and thereupon Sir Edward Poynings Knight of the Garter, and controller of the King's House appointed to go, accompanied with his son in law the Lord Clinton, Sir Matthew Browne, Sir john Dig●y, john Werton, Richard Wetherill, and others, to the number of fifteen hundred, took shipping at Sandwich, and passing over to the said Lady Regent, did her there great service; for which john Norton, john Fog, john Scott, and Thomas Lind were knighted; and then with many thanks and rewards, returned, not having lost in all the Journey, by war or sickness, above an hundred men. In the third year of King Henry's Reign, one Andrew Barton a scottish Pirate, was grown so bold, that he rob Englishmen no less than other Nations● till the King sent his Admiral, Sir Edward Howard to repress him, who in a fight, so wounded the said Barton, that he died; and then taking two of his ships, brought the men prisoners to London; and though their offence deserved no less than death, yet the King was so mecifull as to pardon them all; provided, they departed the Realm within twenty days. The King of Scots hearing the death of Barton, and taking of his ships; sent to King Henry, requiring restitution; but King Henry answered his Herald, that he rather looked for thanks for sparing their lives, who so justly had deserved death. In the third year also of King Henry's Reign, the French King made sharp War against Pope julius the second; whereupon King Henry wrote to the French King, requiring him to desist from his War against the Pope being his friend and confederate; but when the King of France little regarded his request, he then sent him word, to deliver him his Inheritance of the Duchy of Normandy and Guienne, and the Countries of Angiou and maine; as also his Crown of France, or else he would recover it by the sword. But when the King of France was not moved with this threatening neither; King Henry then joining in league with the Emperor Maximilian, with Ferdinand King of Spain, and with divers other Princes; resolved by advice of his Council to make war on the King of France, and to that end made preparation both by Sea and Land. This year the King kept his Christmas at Greenwich in a most Magnificent manner. On Newyears day was presented one of his Jovial Devises, which only for a Pattern what his shows at other times were, I think fit to set down at large. In the Hall was made a Castle, garnished with Artillery and weapons in a most warlike fashion, and on the Front of the Castle was written, lafoy fortress Dangerense: within the Castle were six Ladies, clothed in russet Satin, laid all over with leaves of gold: On their heads Coifs and Caps of gold. After this Castle had been carried about the Hall, and the Queen had beheld it; in came the King with five other, apparelled in Coats, one half of russet-Satten, with spangles of fi●e gold; the other half of rich cloth of gold: on their heads Caps of russet Satin, embroidered with works of fine gold. These six assaulted the Castle, whom the Ladies seeing so lusty and courageous, they were contented to solace with them; and upon further communication, to yield the Castle; and so they came down, and danced a long space: after that the Ladies led the Knights into the Castle, and then the Castle suddenly vanished out of their sights. On Twelfth day at night, the King with eleven more were disguised, after the manner of Italy, called a Mask; a thing not seen before in England. They were apparelled in garments long and broad, wrought all with gold, with Vysors and Caps of gold. And after the banquet done, these Maskers came in, with six Gentlemen disguised in silk, bearing staff Torches; and desired the Ladies to dance, and after they had danced and communed together; took their leave and departed. The five and twentieth of january began the Parliament, of which was speaker Sir Robert Sheffield knight, where the Archbishop of Canterbury showed the wrong which the King of France did to the King of England, in withholding his Inheritance from him; and thereupon the Parliament concluded that War should be made on the French King and his Dominions. At this time King Ferdinand of Spain, having War with the French King, wrote to his Son in law King Henry, that if he would send over an Army into Biskey, and invade France on that side; he would aid them with Ordnance, Horses, and all other things necessary; whereupon Thom●s Grace, marquis Dorset was appointed to go, and with him the Lord Howard Son and hei●e to the Earl of S●rry, the Lord Brooke, the Lord Willoughby, the Lord Ferrer, the Lords john, Anthony, and Leonard Grey, all brothers, to the marquis; Sir Grisseth ap Rice, Sir Maurice Barkeley, Sir William Sands, the Baron of B●r●ord, and Sir Richard Cornwall his brother, William Hussey, john Melton, William Kingst●n Esquires, and Sir Henry Willoughby, with divers others, to the number of ten thousand, who taking ship at Southampton, o● the sixteenth of Ma●● the third of june they landed on the coast of Biskey, whither within three days after their arrival, came from the King a marquis and an Earl to welcome them; but of such necessaries as were promised, there came ●one; so as the English being in some want of victuals, the King of Navarre offered to supply them, which they accepted; and promised thereupon not to molest his Territories. After the Army had lain thirty days, looking for aid and provision from the King of Spain, at last a Bishop came from the King, desiring the● to have patience a while, and very shortly he would give them full contentment. In the mean time, the Englishmen forced to feed much upon Garlic, and 〈◊〉 drink of ho●t Wines; fell into such sickness, that many of them died, at least eighteen hundred persons; which the Lord marquis seeing, he sent to the King to know his pleasure, who sent him answer, that very shortly the Duke of Alv● should come with a great power, and join with him; and indeed the Duke of Alva came forward with a great Army, as if he meant to join with him as was promised; but being come within a day's Journey, he suddenly turned towards the Realm of Navarre; and entering the same, chased out the King, and Conquered the Kingdom to the King of Spain's use. This Spanish policy pleased not the English, who finding nothing but words from the King of Spain, and being weary of lying so long idle; they fell upon some small Towns in the border of Guienne, but for want of Horses as well for service as draught; were unable to perform any great matter; at which time, being now October, the Lord Marques fell sick, and the Lord Howard supplied his place of General, to whom the King of Spain once again sent, excusing his present coming, and requiring him, seeing the time of year was now past, that he would be pleased to break up his Army, and disperse his Companies into Towns thereabouts, till the nex● spring, when he would not fail to make good all his promises: Hereupon the Lord Howard and his Company went to Rendre, the Lord Willoughby to Gorscha●g, and Sir William Sands with many other Captains to Fontarely. King Henry in the mean time, hearing what the King of Spain's intention was; sen● his Herald Windsor with Letters to the Army, willing them to tarry there●for that very shortly he meant to send them a new supply of Forces, under the conduct of the Lord Herbert his Chamberlain; but this message so incense● the Soldiers, that in a great fury they had slain the Lord Howard if he had ●o● yielded presently to return home; who thereupon was forced to hire shippe●● and in the beginning of December they landed in England; being taught ●●y this experience what trust is to be given to Spanish promises. About the same time that the marquis went into Spain, Sir Edward H●●ard Lord Admiral of England, with twenty great ships made forth towards Br●ttaine; where setting his men on land, he burned and wasted divers Town● and Villages, and being threatened by the Lords of Britain to be encountered, to encourage his Gentlemen, he made divers of them Knights; as Sir Edwa●● Brook brother to the L. Cobham, Sir Grif●eth Down, Sir Thomas Windham, Sir Thomas Lucy, Sir john Burdet, Sir William Pirton, Sir Henry Sherburne, and Sir Stephen Bull. The Britain's were ten thousand, the English but five and twenty hundred; yet the Britons' not contented with this advantage of number, would needs use policy besides, for by the advice of an old experienced Captain, their General commanded his men that assoon as Battles were joyned● they should retire a little, meaning thereby to draw the English into some disadvantage; but the common Soldiers not knowing their General's purpose, and supposing he had seen some present danger, instead of retiring taken their heels and fled; so giving the English by their British policy, if not a Victory, at least a safety to return to their ships. After which the Britons sued for truce, and could not obtain it; for the English Admiral pursued his foraging the Country, till fearing there were many French ships abroad at Sea, he came and lay before the Isle of Wight. King Henry in the mean time followed his pleasures; and in june kept a solemn Just at Greenwich, where he and Sir Charles Brandon took up all comers; and the King showed himself no less a King at Arms, then in Estate. After this, King Henry having prepared men and ships ready to go to Sea; under the Governance of Sir Anthony Out●read, Sir Edmund Ichingham, William Sidney and divers other Gentlemen; appointed them take the sea, and to come before the Isle of Wight, there to join with the Admiral; which altogether made a Fleet of five and twenty fair ships: and to Portesmouth he we●t himself to see them, where he appointed Captains; for one of his chiefest ships called the Regent, Sir Thomas Knevet master of his horse, and Sir john Carew of Devonshire, and to another principal ship called the Sovereign, he appointed for Captain's Sir Charles Brandon, and Sir Henry Guildford; and then making them a banke●, sent them going. The French King likewise had prepared a Navy of nine & thirty ships in the Haven of Breast, whereof the chief was a great Carrick, called the Cordelyer, pertaining to the Queen his wife. These two Fleets met at the Bay of Britain, and there entered a tirrible fight; The Lord Admiral made with the great ship of Deep, and chased her; Sir Charles Brandon and Sir Henry Guildford being in the Sovereign, made with the great Carack of Breast, and laid stem to stem to her but whether by negligence of the Master, or by reason of the smoke from the Ordnance, the Sovereign was cast at the ster●e of the Carack; whereat the Frenchmen shoured for joy; which Sir Thomas Knevet seeing, suddenly he caused the Regent in which he was, to make to the Carack, and to grapple with her a long board; and when they of the Carack perceived they could not get a sunder, they let slip an Anchor, and so with the stream the ships turned, and the Carack was on the Wether side, and the Regent on the Lee side; at which time a cruel fight passed between these two ships: but in conclusion the Englishmen entered the Carack, which when a Gunner saw, he desperately set fire on the Gunpowder (as some say) though others affirmed, that Sir Anthony Outhread following the Regent at the stern, bowged her in divers places, and set her powder on fire; but howsoever it chanced, the Carack and the Regent both were consumed by fire. In the Carack was Sir Piers Morgan, and with him nine hundred men: in the Regent were Sir Thomas Knevett, and Sir john Carew, and with them seven hundred men, all drowned and burnt. King Henry to repair the loss of the Regent, caused a great ship to be made, such a one as had never been seen in England; and named it Henry Grace de Dieu. Though King Henry had hitherto followed his pleasures, as well agreeing with his youth and constitution; yet he neglected not in the mean time severer studies; for he frequented daily his Council Table, and no matter of importance was resolved on, till he had heard it first maturely discussed: as was now a War wi●h France, which he would not enter into upon his own head, nor yet upon advice of his private Council, till he had it d●b●ted and concluded in Parliament; whereupon he called his High Court of Parliament, wherein it was resolved; that himself in person with a Royal Army, should invade France; and towards the charges thereof, an extraordinary Subsidy was willingly granted. On May even this year, Edmund de la Poole, Earl of Suffolk, was beheaded on the Tower Hill: This was that Earl of Suffolk whom King Philip Duke of Austria, had delivered up into the hands of King Henry the seventh, upon his promise that he would not put him to death; which indeed he performed, but his son King Henry the eight was not bound by that promise, and by him he was; and shortly after, to bring another Lord in his place, Sir Charles Brandon was created Viscount Lisle. For all the great preparation for France, King Henry forbore not his course of Revelling, but kept his Christmas at Greenwich, with divers curious devises, in most magnificent manner. In March following, the King's Navy Royal, to the number of two and forty ships was set forth, under the conduct of Sir Edward Howard Lord Admiral, accompanied with Sir Walter Deveraux Lord Ferrer, Sir Wolston Browne, Sir Edward Ichingham, Sir Anthony Poynings, Sir john Wallop, Sir Thomas Windham, Sir Stephen Bull, William Fits Williams, Arthur Plantagenet, William Sidney esquires; and divers other Gentlemen, who sailing to Britain, came into Bertram Bay, and there lay at Anchor in sight of the French Navy, whereof one Prior john was Admiral, who keeping himself close in the Haven of Breast; the English Admiral intended to assail him in the Haven, but because his ships were to great to enter the Bay; he caused certain Boa●es to be manned forth, thinking thereby to toll out the French; but when this neither would draw them to come abroad, he then called a Council, where it was determined, that first they should assail Prior john and his Galleys, lying in Blankesable Bay, and after set upon the rest of the French Fleece in the Haven of Breast; and it was further appointed, that the Lord Ferrer, Sir Stephen Bull, and others should go on land, with a convenient number, to assault the Bulwarks, which the French had there made; while the Admiral with Row B●rges and little Galleys entered into the Bay, that so the Frenchmen might at once be assailed both by sea and land. But though this were determined by the Council of War ●et, the Lord Admiral had a trick by himself, for by the advice of a Spanish Knight called Sir Alphonso Charunt, affirming that he might enter the Bay with little danger; he called to him William Fi●s-Williams, William Cook, john coley, and Sir Wolston Browne, as his most trusty friends, making them privy to his intent, which was to take on him the whole enterprise with their assistance only; and so confident he was of success, that he wrote to the King to come thither in person, to have the honour of the enterprise himself; but it seems the King had better Fates, at least went not; and thereupon, on Saint Marks day the Admiral put himself in a small row B●rge; and appointing three other small row Ships, and his own Ship-boat to attend him: and therewith on a sudden rowed into the Barnes, where Pryor john had moored up his Galleys just to the ground; which Galleys with the Bulworks on the land shot most cruelly; yet the Admiral went on, and coming to the Galleys, drove out the Frenchmen. The Bay was shallow, and the other ships by reason the Tide was spent, could not enter; which the Frenchmen perceiving, they entered the Galleys again with Morris Pikes, and began a new fight; whereupon the Admiral attempting to return back into his row B●rge; which by violence of the Tide, was driven down the stream; with a Pike was thrown over board, and drowned; the just issue of his headstrong enterprise; the forenamed Alphonso was also there slain: upon which sorrowful accident, the Lord Ferrer with the rest, returned into England. After whose departure, Prior john came forth with his Galleys; and coasting over the borders of Sussex, burnt certain poor Cottages● but the King made suddenly a new Admiral, the Lord Thomas Howard, eldest Brother to him that was drowned; son and heir of the Earl of Surrey: who so skowrd the seas, that the French were no more to be seen on any coast of England. King Henry had hitherto performed Acts of Arms, though in Jest, yet with great magnificence; he will not perform them with less, being now in earnest and especially to deal with so potent aa adversary: and therefore when it was concluded by Parliament, that he should make a War in France himself in p●rson; he sent before to prepare the way for him, George Talbot, Earl of Sh●ewsbury, high Steward of his Household; accompanied with the Lord Thomas Stanley Earl of Derby, the Lord Dowckeroy Pryor of Saint john's, Sir Robert Ratcliff, Lord Fitswater, the Lord Hastings, the Lord Cobham, Sir Riceap Thomas, Sir Thomas Blunt, Sir Richad Sacheverell, Sir john Digby, Sir john Askew, Sir Lewis Bagot, Sir Thomas Cornwall and others, to the number of eight thousand; who arrived at Calais about the middle of May; after him in the end of May, followed Sir Charles Somerset, Lord Herbert, Lord Chamberline, accompanied with the Lord Percy Earl of Northumberland, the Lord Grace Earl of Kent, the Lord Stafford Earl of Wiltshire, the Lord Dudley, the Lord Delaware, Sir Edward Hussey, Sir Edward Dimmock, Sir David Owen, with others, to the number of six thousand: These General's joining together, issued out of Calais, and on the two and twentieth day of june, sat down before the strong Town of Terwin, which City was strongly fortified; and in it was Governor the Lord Poultreny, who had with him six hundred Horsemen, and five and twenty hundred Almans, besides the Inhabitants. Here at the very first happened two disasters to the English; one, that the Baron Carew was slain with a shot from the Town; the other, that Sir Nicholas Va●x, and Sir Edward Belknappe coming from Guys●es with four and twenty Carts of Provision, were set upon by the Duke of Vendosme, Lieutenant of Picardy, and many of the English slain, and the Provision taken. In this state was the English Camp at Terwin; when King Henry the last day of june came himself to Calais, and on the one and twentieth of july took the field, having in his Army of fight men, not above nine thousand, but with Pioneers, and others that attended the Carriages, eleven thousand and three hundred men: His forward was led by Charles Brandon Viscount Lisle, his main Battle by himself, and Sir Henry Guildford carried his Standard; and in this order he marched forward to the siege of Terwin, entering upon the French ground, the five and twentieth of july. On the morrow after, by negligence of the Carters, that mistook the way, a great Gun called the john Evangelist, was overthrown in a deep Pond of water, and could not at that time be recovered; but a few days after, the Master Carpenter taking with him a hundred labourers, went and weighed it up; but having carted it ready to bring away, was set upon by eight hundred French; and the most of his company slain: the Gun was taken by the French, and carried to Bulloyne. In the French Army were to the number of eleven thousand footmen, and four thousand Horse; whereof were Captains, the Lord De la palace, the Lord De Priennes, the Duke De Longuevyle, the Earl of Saint Paul, the Lord of Floringes, the Lord of Clermont, and Richard De la Poole an English man, son to john Duke of Suffolk. The Armies were come within two miles one of another, and some light skirmishes passed between them, specially one; on a day called the dry Wednesday, for the day was wonderful hot, and the King with his Army stood in order of battle, from six a clock in the morning, till three in the afternoon: after this, the King removed towards Terwyn; and as the Army marched, another of the King's Bombards of Iron, called the Red Gun, was overthrown in a lane, and there left; which the French understanding, went with a great power to fetch it away, as they had done the other; but the Lord berner's, Captain of the English Pioneers, prevented them; and though set upon by the French, to the number of nine or ten thousand, yet by the valour of the Earl of Essex, and Sir Riceap Thomas, with the bold adventures of Sir William Tyler, and Sir john Sharpe, they recovered it and brought it safe to the Campe. On the fourth of August K. Henry came before the city of Terwyn, where he strongly fortified his Tents with Ordnance, and other Warlike defences. In which mean time, the Captain of Boulogne, knowing that many of the Garrison of Calais were gone with the King, thought to take advantage of ●heir absence, and do some great exploit upon Calais; and thereupon with a thousand men, came to New●ha● Bridge, and killing the watchmen, took it; but afterward some of his company going to fetch Booties, and coming so near the walls of Calais, that they were descried; about sixscore Cooper's and other Artificers issued forth, and driving them back, recovered again Newnham Bridge, and took divers of them prisoners; especially when the gate of Calais, called Bulloign gate was opened, & that Colepepper the under Marshal, with two hundred Archers issued forth, and joined with them. The French prisoners were brought to Calais, and there sold in open Market; amongst others, a Cooper of the Town of Calais, bought a prisoner that dwelled in Boulogne, and had of the prisoner for his ransom, a hundred Crowns; when the money was paid, the French man prayed the Cooper to see him safe delivered, and to conduct him out of danger; the Cooper was content, and went himself alone with the French man, till he came beyond the Causeway, and there would have departed; but the French man perceiving that the Cooper was aged, and that no rescue was night by force took the Cooper prisoner, ●●d carried him to Boulogne; making him pay two hundred Crowns, before h● was delivered. Whilst King Henry lay thus at the siege of Terwyn, on the eleventh of Au●●●●, the Emperor Maximilian was come to Air; which King Henry understanding, went and met him between Air and the Camp; where with great compliments they saluted each other; but their compliments were broken off, by ●●e extreme foul weather which happened that day: the morrow after, the Emperor Maximilian came from Air to the King's Camp, wearing a Cross of Saint George, as the King's Soldier, and receiving wages of him for service; an honour never done to any King of England before; and yet was no disparagement to the Emperor, for he was royally received, and lodged in a Tent of cloth of gold; that as no Emperor before, had ever been soldier to a King; so no soldier before was ever lodged in such a Tent. At this time the City of Terwyn, being in some distress for want of victuals; the French King appointed all his horsemen to the number of eight thousand, to see victuals by any means convoyed into it; the charge of which Convoy was committed to Monsieur De Priennes: but King Henry by advice of the Emperor Maximilian, had made Bridges to pass his men over the river, to the other side of the Town, where was easiest access; in such sort, that when the French Convoy came with their victuals, and thought to have entered the Town, they found the English Army there ready to resist them; whereupon a fierce battle was fought between them: but in conclusion the French were put to flight, and fled so fast, that from thence it was called the battle of Spurs, for that they used more their spurs in running away, than their Lances in fight. In this battle, the Duke of Longuevyle, the Lord of Clermont, Captain Bayard, and others to the number of twelve score were taken prisoners, and all brought to the King's presence; with six Standards that were likewise taken. After the battle, the King made Sir john Pechye Banneret, and john Car Knight, who had both of them done great service in this encounter. King Henry having obtained this victory against the French horsemen, and hindered the Town of Terwyn from relief of victuals, and withal plying his battery more fiercely than before; made the Townsmen soon fall to desire composition, and upon condition that the soldiers might depart with Horse and Armour, they yielded up the Town into the King's hands. This was done on the eighteenth of August, and the Earl of Shrewsbury entered the Town the same night; and set up the Banner of Saint George in the highest place of it, in sign of victory, and swore all the Townsmen to be true subjects to the King of England. The four and twen●eth of August, the King himself entered the Town, and dined in the Bishop's Palace, where it was resolved, that the Walls and Fortifications of Terwyn should be razed, and the Town burned all but the Cathedral Church and the Palace, all the Ordnance was sent to Air, to be kept there to the King's use. After this it was concluded, that the King should lay siege to the City of Tourney; whereupon he set forward in three battles, the Eeale of Shrewsbury led the Vanguard; the King and the Emperor, the Battle; and the Lord Chamberlain the Rearward. In this order the King's Army marched forwards towards Tourney; by the way, he went and visited the young Prince of Castille, and the Lady Margaret, Governess of the Prince, in the Town of Lisle, where with all Magnificence; or rather indeed Reverence, he was entertained; and after he had stayed there three days, he took his leave, and being gone a mile and somewhat more out of the town, he asked where his Camp lay, and no man there could tell the way, and guide they had none; the night was so dark and misty, by chance at last they met with a victualler coming from the Camp, who was their guide and conducted them to it. By which we may see, to what distress a great Prince may be brought by a little oversight. On the one and twentieth day of September, the King removed his Camp towards Tourney; and being come within three miles of the town, he sent Garter king of Arms to summon the town; but they, though they had but few men of war amongst them, yet stood upon their guard; whereupon the King begin it on all sides, and made such fierce batteries upon it, that though it were written on the gates of the town, graven in stone, jamais tu ne as perdu ton Pucellege; thou hast never lost thy Maidenhead; yet now they were glad to lose it: and in conclusion, they sent a trumpet to require a Parley, and then sued for mercy, and yielded it up, and paid ten thousand pounds sterling besides, for redemption of their liberties: and then Master Thomas Woolsey the King's Almoner, calling before him all the Citizens young and old, swore them to the King of England; the number of whom was fourscore thousand. This done, the King entered into Tourney, and calling into his presence Edward Guildford, William Fitzwilliams, john Dansie, William Tyler, john Sharpe, William Hussey, john Savage, Christopher garnish, and some other valiant Gentlemen; he gave to them the order of knighthood; and then remembering the great entertainment the Prince of Castille and the Lady Margaret had given him at Lisle, he would not be behind them in such courtesy; and thereupon in●ited them solemnly to his city of Tourney, whom at their coming he brought into the town in great triumph: during their abode in Tourney, amongst other compliments of entertainment, there was had a Justs, where the King and the Lord Lisle answered all comers: after the Justs, was a sumptuous Banquet; after the Banquet, the Ladies danced, and then came in the King, and eleven other in a Mask, all richly apparelled with Bonnets of gold: and when the● had passed the time at their pleasures, the garments of the Maskers were cast off; amongst the Ladies take them that could. This was King Henry's disposition, that he could not forbear Revelling in the midst of his Arms; and Ladies must be entertained as well as soldiers. After this, finding the French not willing to come to a Battle, and the winter drawing on, he left Sir Edward Poynings Governor of Tourney, and then returned to Calais, and from thence passed into England, and road in post to Richmond to the Queen. Whilst King Herry was thus busied in his war with France, the King of Scots, though his Brother in law, yet instigated by the French King, and taking advantage of King Henry's absence, assembled his people to Invade England; but before his whole power could come together, the Lord Humes his Chamberlain, with seven or eight thousand men entered the borders; but as he was returning with a great booty of Cattle, in a field overgrown with Broome, called Milfield, he was encountered by Sir Edward Bulmer, having with him not above a thousand men; who lying in that field in ambush, broke out upon him, and put him to flight, with the slaughter of five or six hundred of his company, and four hundred taken prisoners, the Lord Humes himself escaped by ●light, but his Banner was taken; and this, by the Scots was called, the ill Rode. In the mean time the whole power of Scotland was assembled, no fewer than one hundred thousand men; though Buchanan in favour of his Country, ●aith, not the fifth part of that number; and with these, King james approaching the borders, and coming to Norham Castle, laid siege unto it, which for want of Powder, was soon delivered up unto him. But by this time the Earl of Surrey, Lieutenant of the North parts, had assembled an Army of six and twenty thousand men; to whom also soon after, his Son the Lord Admiral, with one thousand expert soldiers came and joyned● and now having many great Lords and Knights in his Army, he appointed to every one their station; and then was informed, that King james being removed six miles from Norha●, lay embattelling upon a great Mountain called Floddon, where it was impossible to come near him, but with great disadvantage; for at the foot of the hill, o● the left hand, was a great ma●ish ground full of reeds and water, on the right hand was a river called Till, so swift any deep that it was not possible; on the backside were such craggy rocks and thick woods, that there was no assailing him on that part; the forepart of his Camp he had fenced with his great Ordnance. Being in such a hold, the Earl of Surry found there was no possibility of a Battle, unless he could draw him from the hill; whereupon he called a counsel, by which it was determined to s●nd Roug-Cross● Pursuivant at Arms with a trumpet, to the K. of Scots, to let him know, that he was ready on Friday following to give him Battle, if he would abide it; whereunto the King of Scots by his Pursuivant Ilay, made answer, that at the day prefixed he should find him ready for Battle as he desired, that he would willingly have come to such a ma●ch if he had been at Edinburgh; but though he made this answer, yet he would not leave the strong Hold he was in, but kept himself still upon the Hill; at last, Thomas Lord Howard, son and hei●e to the Earl of Surrey, having viewed the Country round about, declared to his Father, that if he would but fetch a small compass, and come with his Army on the back of his Enemies, he should enforce the Scottish King to come down out of his strength, or else stop him from receiving of victuals o● any other thing out of Scotland. This council of the Lord Howard his Father followed, and King james perceiving what their meaning was, thought it stood not with his honour to be forestalled out of his own Realm, and thereupon immediately raised his Camp, and got to another Hill, but not so steep as the other; which the Earl of Surrey perceiving, he determined to mou●t it, and to fight with the Scots, before they should have leisure to fortify their Camp; and herewith making a short Speech, for encouragement of his Soldiers, he divided his Army into Battles; the Vanguard was led by the Lord Howard, to whom was joined as a Wing, Sir Edward Howard; the middle-ward was led by the Earl himself, and the Rear-ward by Sir Edward Stanley; the Lord Dacres with a number of horsemen was set apart by himself, to succour where need should be; the Ordnance was placed in the Front, and in other places, as was thought most convenient: and in this order they March forward, towerds the Scots. On the other side, King james reckoning upon the benefit of the Hill, thought the English half mad, to venture a Battle upon such disadvantage; and thereupon making a Speech to encourage his Soldiers, who were of themselves so forward, that they needed no encouraging. He divided his Battles in this manner; the main Battle he led himself, to which he appointed two Wings; the right led by the Earls of Huntley, Cr●wford and Mountrosse; the left by the Earls of Lenox and Argyle, together with the Lord H●mes Lord Camberlain: and so confident they were of victory, that the King first, and after all the Lords and meane● me●, put away their Horses, as thinking they should not need them; which confidence was afterward their undoing; for when the Battle being joined, Sir Edward Howard in getting up the Hill, was so assaulted by the Earls of Lenox and Argyle, that he was left almost alone, and in manifest peril to be slain; in comes the Lord Dacres with his Horsemen, and trod under foot the Scottish Battle of speeres on foot, which he could not have done, if they had kept their Horses. And this part of the Scottish A●my being led by the Earls of Crawford and Mountrosse, they were both of them slain, and the whole Battle but to flight. In another part also Sir Edward Stanley did the like, upon the Battle led by the Earls of Lenox and Argyle, putting it to flight, with the slaughter also of these two Earls. King james notwithstanding, maintained the fight still, with great resolution, till Sir Adam Forman his Standard-bearer was beaten down; and then not fainting, though despairing of success, he rushed into the thickest of his Enemies, amongst whom he was beaten down and slain; and to make his death the more honourable, there died with him three Bishops (whereof one was Alexander, Archbishop of Saint Andrew's, the King's base Son) two Abbots, twelve Earls, and seventeen Lords, of Knights and Gentlemen very many, in all about eight thousand, and almost as many taken prisoners (as Paulu● jovius saith) amongst whom was Sir William Scot, Chancellor to the said King, and Sir George Forman his Sergeant Porter; the Lord Hume and the Earl Huntley got horses and escaped. Neither was the Battle without blood to the English, for there was slain at lest a thousand, and (that which in a Defeat was strange) many also taken prisoners; for many in pursuing the Scots, went rashly so farre● that they knew not which way ●o return, and by Bands of Scots that had not fought that day, were set upon and ●aken. When the field was done, the Lord General called to him certain Lords and Gentlemen, and made them Knights, as Sir Edward Howard his Son, the Lord Scroop, Sir William Percy, Sir Edward Gorge, and others. This Battle was fought on Friday the ninth of September, in the year 1513. called by some Bramston, by some, flodden Field. King james here slain was the same that had married the Lady Margaret eldest Daughter of King Henry the seaventh; and sister to the present King Henry; and might have enjoyed many happy days, if he had kept himself firm to his alliance, but being carried away with the inveterate spleen between the two Nations, and propension to France; he ended his life, though honourably, yet miserably under many wounds. It is a very memorable, but s●arce credible thing; which, (from the mouth of a very credible person who saw it) George Buchanan relates concerning this King; that intending to make a war with England; a certain old man of venerable aspect, and clad in a long blue garment, came unto him, and leaning familiarly upon the chair where the King sat, said, I am sent unto thee O King, to give thee warning, that thou proceed not in the war thou art about; for if thou do, it will be thy ruin: and having so said, he pressed thorough the company, and vanished out of sight; for by no inquiry it could be known what became of him. But the King was too resolute to be frighted with Phantosmes, and no warning could divert his Destiny, which had not been Destiny if it could have been diverted. The day after the Battle, his Body, though disfigured with wounds, was known by the Lord Dacres and others, to be his; and thereupon bowelled, embalmed and wrapped in lead, was brought to the Monastery of Sheen in Surrey, and there interred; but at the dissolution of that House, was taken up and thrown into a waste room amongst timber and stone; which john Stow saith, he so saw; and further relateth, that the servants of Lancelot Young, Glazier to Queen Elizabeth being at Sheen, in new Glazing the windows, either upon a foolish pleasure, or desire of the lead, cut the head from the rest; but smelling the sweet perfums of the Balms, gave it to their Master; who opening the lead, found therein the head of a man, retaining favour, though the moisture were clean dried up, whose hair both of head and beard was red: which afterward, he caused to be buried, at Saint Michael's Church in Woodstreet, where he dwelled. But notwithstanding this relation of Stow; john Lesly Bishop of Rosse affirmeth, that it was held for certain, the Body thus found, was the Body of the Lord Bouchard slain in that B●ttaile. Buchanan saith, of Alexander Elfinston, who in countenance and statu●e was like the King; and that King james was seen alive the same night at Kelso, whence he passed to Jerusalem, and there spent the rest of his days in holy contemplation: but howsoever it was, he was never seen any more in Scotland. King Henry being now returned from Tourney into England, and finding the great services done in his absence against the Scots; on the day of the Purification of our Lady, at Lambeth he created the Earl of Surrey Duke of Norfolk, with an augmentation of the Arms of Scotland; Sir Charles Brandon Viscount Lisle, he created Duke of Suffolk, the Lord Howard high Admiral, he made Earl of Surry, Sir Charles Somerset Lord Herbert his chief Chamberlain Earl of Worcester, and shortly after Sir Edward Stanley he made Lord Monteagle; and in March following, Master Thomas Woolsey his Almoner, was made Bishop of Lincoln. Here before we go further, it will be fit ●o ●ay something of this man, that he be not a rub afterward in the way of the Story: He was borne at Ipswich in Suffolk, the son of a Butcher, sent to Oxford by reason of his pregnancy of wit, so soon, that taking there the first degree of Art, he was called the Boy Bachelor; proceeding in learning, he was made Fellow of Magdalen College in Oxford, and afterward Schoolmaster of the School there, at which time the marquis Dorset committed three of his Sons to be Instructed by him; and having a Benefice fallen in his gift, sent for him one Christmas, and bestowed it upon him; whereof Woolsey going to take possession, at his being there, for what misdemeanour is not delivered, he was by Sir Amyas Pawlet set by the heels, which afterward he remembered to Sir james his no small trouble, for he made him attend his pleasure five or six years; all which time lying in the Middle-Temple, where he re-edified the Gatehouse next the street very sumptuously, setting the Cardinal's Arms upon it, to appease him. After this disgrace he went over-sea, where he fell in acquaintance with Sir john Naphant treasurer of Calais, and by him was preferred to be King Henry the sevenths' Chaplain: and now being by this means in the King's eye, he so diligently carried himself, that he soon got into the King's heart. One time it happened, the King had occasion to send a Messenger to the Emperor Maximilian, about a business that required haste; for which employment no man was thought more fit than Woolsey; whereupon, the King called him, gave him his Errand, and bade him make all the speed he could; Woolsey departed from the King at Richmond about noon, and by the next morning was got to Dover, and from thence by noon that day was come to Calais, and by night was with the Emperor; to whom declaring his Message● and having a present dispatch, he road that night back to Calais, and the night following came to the Court at Richmond. The next morning he presented himself before the King, who blamed him for not being yet gone, the ma●ter requiring haste; to whom Woolsey answered, that he had been with the Emperor, and had dispatched the business, and for proof showed the Emperor's lines; the King wondered much at his speed, but then asked him if he met not his Pursuivant, whom he sent after to advertise him of a special matter he had forgotten; whereto Woolsey answered, May it please your Grace I met him yesterday upon the way, but that business I had dispatched before, taking the boldness so to do without commission, as knowing it to be of special consequence; for which boldness I humbly entreat ●our Grace's pardon. The King not only pardoned him, but bestowed presently upon him the Deanery of Lincoln, and soon after made him his Almoner. In this state King Hen●y the eight found him, with whom also he grew into such favour, that he made him of his Council; and having won Tourney, made him Bishop of that City; and returning into England, (the Bishopric of Lincoln falling void by the death of Doctor Smith) made him Bishop of that Diocese. And thus far the story hath now brought him, but soon after he was raised higher; for Doctor Bambridge Archbishop of York dying, he was translated from Lincoln to that See; and that he might not be inferior to the Archbishop of Canter●ury, he procured of the Pope to be made Cardinal, and Legate a Latere; and after, by the King was made Lord Chancellor of England: and being come to this height of dignity, he so carried himself in Expenses of Household, in number of Retinve, and in all circumstances of State, that no Subject before or since, hath in any degree come near him. And if we may say it, he was the first Debaucher of King Henry; for to the end he might have the managing of all matters himself, he persuaded the King that he should not need trouble himself with frequenting the Council Table as he did, but take his pleasure, and leave those things to his Council, whereof himself would alwa●es give him ●nie Information. This was plausible Council, and no marvel if it were embraced of a young King, coming from the mouth of so great a Prelate. In this fifth year of the King, the Citizens of London finding themselves grieved with the Enclosures of the common fields about Islington, Hogsdon and Sh●rdich, and other places adjoining; went one morning, and threw down all the Hedges, and filled up all the Ditches; whereat though the King's Council were at first offended, yet the Mayor and City showed them such reason's, that they rested satisfied, and the fields were never since hedged. On the nineteenth of May, this year Pope julius the second sent to King Henry a Cap of Maintenance and a Sword; and being angry with the King of France, transferred by Authority of the Lateran Council, the title of Christianissimo from him, upon King Henry, which with great solemnity was published the sunday following, in the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul; but this solemnity must not pass without Revelling, Masks, and Justs; wherein the King and the Duke of Suffolk were defendants against all comers; who having the Duke of Longuevyle, and the Lord of Clermont to be spectators, spread the fame of their Chivalry into foreign Nations. And now the great love that had been long between King Henry and the Flemings, began to abate; upon this occasion, King Henry the seventh had concluded a match between his daughter Mary, and Charles Prince of Spain: but by reason of her young years, and for want of assurance of Jointure, the match was deferred during his time; but now King Henry the eight seeing his sister of convenient years, began to call upon it, and signified so much to the Council of Flanders; but they, whether having other ends, or out of Spanish delays, put him off with excuses, and at last sent him word plainly, they could do nothing in it that year. The King of France had soon Intelligence how much King Henry distasted these Spanish dealings, and meant to make some good use of it, for the ends he began to propose to himself, which were, to get the Lady Mary for himself, and thereby procure peace with England, being now old, and weary of the War. And for this purpose he got the new Pope Leo the tenth to be his mediator, and both of them send Ambassadors to King Henry, the Pope to persuade him to have peace with France, the French King to treat about a Marriage with the Lady Mary: upon whose Embassages, King Henry partly to satisfy the Pope, and partly to advance his sister; did not unwillingly hearken to the motions: but whilst this was in working, Pryor john (who knew nothing of these intentions) began again to play his Pranks; and coming with his Galleys on the coast of Sussex, burnt Bhighthem-steed, and took away the goods he found in the Village, whereupon the Lord Admiral sent Sir john Wallop to sea, with divers ships and eight hundred men, who for one Village that Pryor john burnt in England, burned one and twenty Villages and Towns in France, to the great honour of himself, and his country. And now King Henry by advice of his Council, and specially of Woolsey Bishop of Lincoln, concluded both the peace with France, and the Marriage of his Sister the Lady Mary, with the French King; but yet it stuck a while upon some differences, King Henry demanding Boulogne, and the King of France Tourney: in conclusion these demands were waved, and the principal conditions were● first concerning the Lady's Jointure, that she should have two and thirty thousand Crowns of yearly revenues if she survived the King; and then concerning this peace, that the French King should pay yearly to King Henry for five years one hundred thousand Crowns, and the peace to continue between them during their lives, and a year after, and bound reciprocally to assist each other with ten thousand foot, if the war were by land, with six thousand if by sea. All things thus concluded, the Lady Mary was brought to Dover by King Henry and his Queen: and on the second of October taking shipping, was conducted by the Duke of Norfolk, the marquis Dorset, the Bishop of Durham● the Earl of Surry, the Lord De la ware, the Lo●d berner's, the Lord Monteagle, Sir Maurice Berkely, Sir john Pechye, Sir William Sands, Sir Thomas Bulleyne● Sir john Car, and many other Knights and Ladies; but being not past half way over the sea, their ships by tempest were dispersed, and the Lady with some jeoperdy landed at Bullen, where Sir Christopher Garnish was fain to stand in the water and take her in his arms, and so set her on shore, and there the Duke of Vendosme with a Cardinal and many other great States received her. From Bullen the eight of October, she came to Abbevyle where the dolphin received her: on the morrow being Saint Dennis day, she came to Saint Dennis, where the marriage between the King of France and her, was solemnised (though some write it had been solemnised before at Abbevyle.) The fifth of November she was Crowned Queen of France, at which time the dolphin held the Crown over her head, as being too massy for her to wear; and the day following she was received into Paris in most magnificent manner. In honour of whose Marriage and Coronation, the dolphin had caused a solemn Justs to be proclaimed, which should be kept in Paris the seventh of November. Upon report of this Proclamation in England, the Duke of Suffolk, the marquis Dorset and his four Brothers, the Lord Clinton, Sir Edward Ne●●ll, Sir Giles Capell, Thomas Cheiney and others, obtained leave of the King to be at the challenge, where they all behaved themselves with great valour, but specially the Duke of Suffolk; whose glory the dolphin so much envied, that he got a Dutchman the tallest and strongest man in all the Court of France, secretly as another person to encounter him, with a purp●e to have the Duke foiled; but indeed it turned to his greater honour, for he foiled the Dutchman in such sort, that when they came to the Barriers, the Duke by main strength took him about the neck, and so prommeled him about the head, that he made the blood issue out at his nose: many other Princes and Lords did bravely; and after three days the Justs ended. King Henry was not long behind to solemnize it in England also; for at Greenwich the Christmas following, on Newyears' night, and Twelfth night; he presented such strange and magnificent devices, as had seldom been seen; and the third of February following he held a solemn Justs, where he and the marquis Dorset answered all comers, at which time the King broke three and twenty spears, and threw to the ground one that encountered him both man and horse. At this time preparation was making for King Henry in person to go to Calais, there to meet with the French King and Queen, but death hindered the design; for before the next spring, the first of january the French King died at the City of Paris, fourscore and two days after his marriage; teaching others by his example, what it is for an old man to marry a young Lady. King Henry hearing of the French Kings death, sent the Duke of Suffolk, Sir Richard Winkefield, and Doctor West, to bring over the Queen Dowager, according to the Covenants of the marriage. Whereupon the Queen was delivered to the Duke by Indenture, who obtaining her good will to be her husband, (which was no hard matter, that had been her first love:) wrote to the King her brother for his consent; whereat the King seemed to stick a while, but at last consented; so as he brought her into England unmarried, and then marry at his return; but the Duke for more surety married her secretly in Paris, and after having received her Dower, Apparel and Jewels; came with her to Calais, and there openly married her with great solemnity. At their coming into England, King Henry to show his conten●ment with the marriage, in the company of the Duke of Suffolk, the marquis Dorset, and the Earl of Essex, all richly apparelled; held a new kind of Justs, running courses on horseback in manner Volant, as fast as one could follow another, to the great delight of the beholders. This year the King at his Manor of Oking; Woolsey Archbishop of York came and showed him letters, that he was elected Cardinal; for which dignity he disabled himself, till the King willed him to take it upon him, and from thenceforth called him Lord Cardinal, but his Hat and Bull were not yet come: after which Doctor Warham Archbishop of Canterbury, and Lord Chancellor of England; finding Woolsey being now Cardinal, to meddle more in his office of Chancelourship, than he could well suffer● resigned up the Seal, which the King presently gave to Woolsey. About this time, Cardinal Campejus was sent by Pope Leo to King Henry, to solicit him to a War against the Turk, with whom Cardinal Woolsey was joined in Commission, who hearing of the ragged retinue of his fellow Cardinell; sent store of red cloth to Calais to make them fit followers of so great a Lord: and when Campejus was landed at Dover, Cardinal Woolsey caused the gentry of Kent to wait upon to Black-heath, where he was met and received by the Duke of Norfolk and many Prelates, & there in a Tent of cloth of gold shifted himself into his Cardinal's robes. Eight Mules he had laden with necessaries; but Woolsey not thinking them enough for his honour, sent him twelve more. But now see the shame of pride, for in Cheapside his Mules by some mischance overthrew their Carriages and Coffers on the ground, whose lyds flying open, showed the world what treasure it was they carried, old Breeches, Boots, and broken Shoes, broken Meat, Marybones and crusts of Bread; exposing him to the laughter of all the people: yet the Cardinal went joging on afore with his Crosses, guilt Axe and Mace, unto Paul's Church; and by the way had an Oration made him by Sir Thomas Moor, in name of the City, and then waited on with many Bishops, was conducted to Bath Place, where he was lodged for his own particular: he got well by the Journey, for the King gave him the Bishopric of Salisbury; but the errand he came about, which was to have Aid by money, for a War against the Turk, he could not obtain, for it was well known to be but a devise to get money, without any intention of what was pretended. In his seventh year, King Henry kept his Christmas at his Manor of Eltham; where on Twelfth night according to his custom, was a stately Mask of Knights and Ladies, with solemn Dancing and a most Magnificent Banquet. It was now the eight year of King Henry's Reign, when the new league between him and the French King was Proclaimed in the City of London: and this year Mageret Queen of Scots eldest Sister to King Henry, having before married Archibald Douglas Earl of Angus; by reason of dissension amongst the Lords of Scotland, was glad with her husband to fly into England, and to seek succour at her brother's hands; who assigned to her the Castle of Harbottell in Northumberland to reside in; where she was delivered of a daughter named Margaret. From thence the King sent for her and her husband to come to his Court; and thereupon the third of May, Queen Margaret riding on a white Palfrye (which the Queen of England had sent her) behind Sir Thomas Parr●, came through London to Baynard's Castle, and from thence went to Greenwich: but her husband the Earl of Angus, was secretly before departed into Scotland; which when King Henry heard, he only ●aid it was done like a Scot And now in honour of his sisters coming, King Henry the nine and twentieth of May, appointed two solemn days of Justs; where the King, the Duke of S●ffolke, the Earl of Essex, and Nicholas Carew Esquire: took upon them to answer all comers, amongst others, the King and Sir William Kinston ran together, which Sir William though a strong and valorous Knight, yet the King overthrew him to the ground: all the rest was performed with no less valour than magnificence. This year died the King of Arragon, Father to the Queen of England, for whom was kept a solemn Obsequy in the Cathedral Church of Paul's; and Queen Margaret after she had been a year in England, returned into Scotland. In this year were sent twelve hundred Carpenters and Masons, with three hundred Labourers, to the City of Tourney in France, to build a Castle there, to keep the City in Awe. And now the Cardinal being weary of hearing so many Causes himself, as were daily brought before him; ordained by the King's Commission (aftet the pattern of Mases, divers under Courts to hear co●mplaints of Suitors: whereof one was kept in the Whitehall, another before the King's Almoner Doctor Stokesley, a third in the Lord Treasurer's lodging near the Star-chamber, and the fourth at the Rolls in the afternoon: these Courts for a time were much frequneted; but at last, the people perceiving that much delay was used in them, and that sentence given by them bound no man by Law: they thereupon grew weary of them, and resorted to the common Law. By occasion of this Government of the Cardinal, who under colour of Justice, did what he pleased: many great men withdrew themselves from the Court; as first the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Bishop of Winchester, who went and lived in their Dioceses; then the Duke of Norfolk, and at length the Duke of Suffolk, who being run deep into the King's debt, by reason of his many Employments into France, and his great House-keeping since his marriage with the King's Sister, hoped the King would have forgiven it, and would no doubt have done it, but that the Cardinal opposed it, to the end the Duke should be the more at his command. In October this year, Matthew Bishop of Zion commonly called the Cardinal of the Swissers came into England from the Emperor Maximilian; by whose soliciting, and Cardinal Woolseys' persuasion, the King lent the Emperor a great some of money, for Woolsey being angry with the King of France, for detaining the revenues of his Bishopric of Tourney, persuaded King Henry that the best way to abate the French Kings power, was to furnish the Emperor money, the better to maintain war against him: and what Woolsey said, was in those days to King Henry an Oracle. This year the King kept his Christmas at his manner of Greenwich; where on Twelfth night according to his custom, rare devices with great magnificence were presented; after which time the King exercised himself much in Hawking, which was like to have proved no good sport to him; for one time following his Hawk, and leaping over a Ditch with a Pole, the Pole broke, so that if one Edmund Mody a footman had not leapt into the water and lift up his head which was fast in the clay, he had been drowned. In this year also there happened in the City of London, an Insurrection against strangers, specially of Artificers, complaining that strangers were permitted to resort hither with their Wares, and to exercise Handicrafts, to the great hindrance and impoverishing the Kings own Subjects; and not only so, but that they were borne out in many great Insolences, and wrongs they offered to the English, as one time it happened, a Carpenter in London called Williamson, had bought two Pigeons in Cheapside and was about to pay for them, when a Frenchman took them out of his hand, saying, they were no meat for a Carpenter: well (said Williamson) I have bought them, and I will have them; nay (said the Frenchman) I will have them for my Lord Ambassador; hereupon they grew to words, and complaint was made to the French Ambassador, who so aggravated the matter to the Major, that the Carpenter was sent to prison, and when Sir john Baker sued to the Ambassador for him, he answered, by the body of God, the English knave was worthy to lose his life for denying any thing to a Frenchman, and other answer he could have none. Matry like and worse Insolences were offered by changes; which one john Lincoln a Broker drew into a Bill, and prevailed with Doctor Beale, Preacher on Easter Tuesday at the spittle to read it openly in the pulpit, which so stirred up many, that strangers could hardly pass the streets, but were strucken, and sometimes beaten down. At last, one evening, many Prentices and others assembling, rifled some stranger's houses, and much mischief was like to be done: but by the tore of the Mayor and Aldermen and by the industry of Robert Brook Recorder, and Sir Thomas Moor, ●hat had been under sheriff of London; they were gotten to be quiet and many of the disturbers were sent to prison, whereof Lincoln and twelve other were hanged, four hundred more in their shirts, bound in ropes and halters about their necks (and thereupon called the black waggon) were brought to Westminster, where the King himself sat that day; and when the Cardinal had charged them with the greatness of their offence; they all cried, mercy, mercy: and then the King by the mouth of the Cardinal, pardoned them all which clemency purchased the King no small love amongst the people. In this ninth year, in june King Henry had divers Ambassadors at his Court; for whose entertainment he prepared a costly Justs; himself and twelve more against the Duke of Suffolk and other twelve. The King had on his Head a Lady's sleeve full of Diamonds, and perhaps something else of the Ladies in hes heart, which made him perform his courses with the applause of all beholder's. This year by reason of a sweeting sickness, Michaelm●s Term was adjourned; and the year following, Trinity Term was held one day at Oxford, and then adjourned again to Westminster. About this time Cardinal Woolsey obtained of Pope Leo, authority to dispense with all Offences against the spiritual Laws; by virtue whereof he set up a Court, and called it, The Court of the Legate; in the which he proved Testaments, and heard Causes, to the great hindrance of all the Bishops of the Realm; and to the debauching of Priests and Religious persons, who relying upon his greatness, took ●uch a liberty of licentiousness, to themselves, that none was more disorderly, than those that were in orders: and supposii●g perhaps, they might lawfully commit such sins themselves, as they forgave to others. And indeed the Cardinal's carriage exceeded all bounds of moderation; for when he said mass, he made Dukes and Earls to serve him of wine, with a say taken, and to hold the basin at the Lavatory: and when the Archbishop of Canterbury, writing a letter to him, subscribed, your brother William of Canterbury, he took it in great dudgeon, to be termed his brother. It was now the tenth year of King Henry's Reign, when the Kin● of France, longing much, to have Turney restored to him: by great gifts and greater promises● won ●he Cardinal Woolsey, to move the King in it; who upon his persuasions, was contented to be treated withal about it: to which the King of France sent the Lord Bonquet high Admiral of France: and the Bishop of Paris, who in there attendance, having above fourscore Gentlemen, and with their servants and all above twelve hundred, arrived in England; and on Monday the seven and twentieth of September, were met at Black-heath by the Ea●le of Surrey high Admiral of England, attended likewise with above five hundred Gentlemen and others, who conducted them to London, where they were lodged at Marchantailors' Hall: The last of September, the Ambassadors went to the King at Greenwich, where after long communication, an Agreement was at last concluded under pretence of a marriage to be had, between the Dolphin of France, and the Lady Mary Daughter to the King of England, that in name of her marriage money, Tourney should be deliveted to the French King: he paying to the King of England, for the Castle he had made in that City, six hundred Thousand C●ownes in twelve years, by fifty Thousand Crowns yearly: and if the marriage should chance not to take effect, then that Tourney should be again restored to the King of England; for performance of which article, Hrstages shotld be delivered: namely, Monsi●ur de Memorancye, Monsieur de Monpesac, Monsieur de Moy, and Monsieur Morett, and moreover the French King should pay to the Cardinal of England a thousand marks yearly, in recompense of his Revenues, received before of his Bishopric of Tourney: All things thus concluded, the Cardinal made to the Ambassadors a solemn Banquet, and after presented them with a stately Mummery. The eighth of October, the King feasted them at Greenwich, and at night presented a stately Mask of Knights and Ladies, with rear devises and great magnificence: The next day, Sir Thomas Exmew Major of London, feasted them at Goldsmiths-Hall, and then delivering their four Hostages, they took their leave. At whose departure, the King gave to the Admiral of France, a Garnish of guilt vessel, a pair of covered Basins, gilt, twelve great guilt Bowles, four pair of great guilt Pots, a standing Cup of Gold, garnished with great Pearls, and to some other he gave Plate, to some other cheins of Gold, to some rich Apparel: to the great commendation of his liberality. Shortly after their departure, the Earl of Worcester Lord Chamberlain, the Bishop of Ely, the Lord of Saint john's, Sir Nicholas Vaux, Sir john Pechy, and Sir Thomas Bullen, as Ambassadors from the King of England, accompanied with Knights, Gentlemen, and others, to the number of above four hundred, passed over to Calais, and from thence went to Paris; where after Royal Entertainment by the King, with divers Masks and stately shows, they took their leaves and road to Tourney to see the City delivered to the French men, on the eighth of February to the great grief of the English Garrison. After the English Ambassadors were returned, King Henry to cheer up the four French Hostages, left here for performance of covenants, on the seaventh of May, presented a solemn and stately Mask, wherein himself, the Duke of Suffolk and the French Queen were Actors, and on the eight of March following was a solemn Just holden, and with great magnificence performed. In the eleventh year of King Henry's Reign died the Emperor Maximilian, for whom, the King caused a solemn obsequy to be kept in Paul's Church. After whose death the French King and the King of Spain, endeavoured by sundry plots, each of them to get the Empire, but in conclusion, Charles King of Castille, (afterwards called Charles the fifth) was elected Emperor; for joy whereof, a solemn Mass was sung at Paul's, the seaventh of july, at which were present the Cardinal Campeius, the Cardinal of York, the Duke of Buckingham, Norfolk and Suffolk, with the Ambassadors of Spain, France, Venice, and Scotland; and this year the King kept Saint George's feast at Windsor, with great solemnity. At this time, divers young Gentlemen that had been in France, after the manner of that Country, carried themselves so familiarly with the King; that the Lords of his counsel thought it a disparagement to him: and thereupon, with his leave first obtained, they banished them the Court: and in their places, brought in more stayed and graver men: namely, Sir Richard Winkefield, Sir Richard jerningham, Sir Richard Weston and Sir William Kingston. In the summer of this year, the Queen lying at her Manor of Havering in Essex, desired the King to bring thither the four Hostages of France to whom she made a Royal Banpuet and in September following the King lying at his Manor of Newhall in Essex, otherwise called Beaulieu; where he had newly built a stately Mansion, invited the Queen and the French Hostages thither, where after a sumptuous Banquet, he presented them with an extraordinary Mask, for the Maskers were the Duke of Suffolk, the Earl of Essex, the marquis Dorset, the Lord Aburgaveny, Sir Richard Winkfield, Sir Richard Weston and Sir William Kingston, the youngest of whom was fifty years old at least, that the Ladies might see, what force they had to make age young again. At this time, the French King was very desirous to see the King of England with whom he had entered into such a league of alliance, and to that end made means to the Cardinal, that there might be an Interview between them at some convenient place: to which the Cardinal, no● so much to satisfy the French King as to show his own greatness in France; easily condescended, and thereupon persuaded King Henry, how necessary it was, that such an Interview should be: and then were sent unto Guysnes, under the rule of Sir Edward Belknap three thousand artificers, who builded on the plain before the Castle of Guysnes, a most stately Palace of timber, curiously Garnished without and within: whither both the Kings in june next following, agreed ●o come and to answer all comers at the Tilt, Tourneys and Barriers, whereof proclamation was made in the Court of England, by Orleans King of Arms of France and in the Court of France by Clarentius, King of Arms of England: whilst these things were preparing on Candlemas Even, as the King and Queen were come from Evensong at their Manor of Greenwich; suddenly there blew a Trumpet, and then entered into the Queen's Chamber, four Gentlemen, who brought with them a waggon, in which sat a Lady richly apparelled; which Lady, acquainted the King, that the four Gentlemen there present, were come for the love of their Ladies, to answer all comers at the Tilts on a day by the King to be appointed; which day was thereupon appointed on Shrove-tuesday next ensuing, where they all behaved themselves with great valour, to the great delight of the King and Queen. By this time King Henry was ready for his journey into France, and so removing from his Manor of Greenwich, on Friday the five and twentieth of May he with his Queen arrived at Canterbury, where he meant to keep his Whitsuntide. At which time, the Emperor Charles returning ou● of Spain arrived on the coast of Kent, where by the vice Admiral of England, Sir William Fitz-Williams, he was conducted to land, and there met and received by the Lord Cardinal in great state. After which the King himself road to Dover, to welcome him: and on Whitsunday early in the morning conducted him to Canterbury, where they spent all the Whitsuntide in great joy and solace. The chief cause that moved the Emperor at this time, to come on land, was to have dissuaded the King from any Interview with the French King: but when he saw him ●o forward in that journey, he then only endeavoured to perswad● him, that he should put no trust in the French Kings words, and with great guilts and promises, prevailed with the Cardinal to join with him in this persuasion. The last of May, the Emperor took his leave, and the same day, the King made sail from Dover and landed at Calais, together with the Queen and many Lords and Ladies. The fourth of june the King and Queen removed from Calais to his Princely lodging beside the Town of Guysnes, the most Royal Building that was e●er seen; likewise Francis the French King had his lodging prepared close to the Town of Ard, in a strange but most magnificent fashion. Both Kings had given authority and power to the Cardinal to affirm and confirm, ●o bind or unbind, whatsoever should be in difference between them; no less an honour to the Cardinal than a confidence in the Kings. On Thursday the seaven●h of june, the Kings met in the vale of Andren so magnificently attired, both themselves, and all their followers, that from thence it was called ●he camp of cloth of Gold. here they spent that day in loving compliments; and at night departed, the one to Guysnes, the other to Ard. On Satureday the ninth of june were set up in a place, within the English pale two Trees of honour, with stately rooms and stages for the Queens, and thither the two Kings came, most Royally accompanied; wherein most magnificent manner, they performed Acts of valour, both on foo●e and horseback; and after them all the great Lords both of France and England did the like: this solemnity of Justs and Masks was continued to the four and twentieth day of june; at which time, the Kings and Queens took leave of each other, the French King and Queen removed to Ard; the King and Queen of England to Calais, where he remained till the tenth of july, and then ridings ●oward Gravelling, was by the way met by the Emperor, and by him conducted thithet, and there in most royal manner entertained; whereof when the French King heard, he began from that day forward, to have King Henry in a kind of jealousy, as though to love him and the Emperor both were inconsistent, and could not stand together. On Wednesday the eleventh of july, the Emperor and his Aunt the Lady Margaret, Duchess of Savoy, came with the King of England to the town of Calais, and there continued with Feasting, Dancing and Masking, till the fourteenth of july. In which time, all the Articles of the league tripartito, between the Emperor and the Kings of England and France were reviewed; to which the King of France had so fully condescended, that he had sent Monsieur de Roche to the Emperor with Let●ers of credence; that in the word of a Prince, he would inviolably observe and keep them all: all which notwithstanding, he dispensed with his conscience afterward, in breaking them all. On Saturday, july 14. the Emperor took his leave and went to Gravelling; the King with his Queen returned into England. It was now the twelfth year of King Henry's reign; when being returned from Calais, he kept his Christmas at Greenwich with great magnificence; & on twelfth day he and the Earl of Devonshire maintained a solemn Justs against all comers. The Cardinal had long born a grudge against the Duke of Buckingham, for speaking certain words in his disgrace, and now hath made his way for revenge: for the Earl of Surrey, Lord Admiral, who had married the Duke's daughter, the Cardinal had caused to be sent Deputy into Ireland, and the Earl of Northumberland, the Duke's special friend he had caused upon certain suggested crimes to be Imprisoned; so as the Duke having his friends sequestered from him, he lay now open to accusations, and accusations shall not long be wanting; for the Duke having some time before put from him in displeasure, one Charles Knevet, that had been his Surveyar, and inward with him; him the Cardinal gets to him, to see what he could get out of him against the Duke. And whether it was out of desire of revenge, or out of hope of reward, or that the matter was so indeed, this Knevet confessed to the Cardinal, that the Duke had once fully determined to make away the King; being brought into a hope to be King himself by a vain Prophecy, which one Nicholas Hopkins (a Monk of an house of the Chartnar Order, besides Bristol, called Henton) sometimes his Confessor, had opened to him; and as for the Cardinal, that he had often heard the Duke swear, he would punish him sound for his manifold misdoings. And now had the Cardinal matter enough for Accusation, which he so aggravated to the King, that the King bid him do with him according to Law. Hereupon the Duke is apprehended and brought to the Tower by Sir Henry Marney, Captain of the Guard, the fifteenth of April, and shortly after in Guildhall before Sir john Brugge, than Lord Major, was indicted of divers points of High-treason; the substance whereof was, that in the second year of the King's reign, and at divers times before and after, he had imagined and compassed the King's death at London and at Thornbery in Glocestershi●e; and that in the sixth year of the King's reign, he went in person to the Priory of Henton, and there had conference with the foresaid Nicholas Hopkins, who told him he should be King; and that he had often said to the Lord Aburgayne who had married his daughter, that if King Henry died without issue, he would look to have the Crown himself. Upon these points he was arraigned in Westminster-hall, before the Duke of Norfolk, sitting then as high Steward of Engla●d, the Duke of Suffolk, the marquis Dorset, the Earls of Worcester, Devonshire, Essex, Shrewsbury, Kent, Oxford and Derby, the Lords of Saint john's de la ware, Fitz-water, Willoughby, Brook, Cobha● Herbert & Morley. The Duke pleaded for himself till he sweat again, but all booted ●ot, for by these Peers he was found guilty and condemned, and so on Friday the seventeenth of May was led by john Keyme and john Skevington Sheriffs of London to the scaffold on Tower-hill, and there beheaded. The Augustine Friars took his body and head and buried them. This Edward Bohun Duke of Buckingham was the last high Constable of England (the greatest place, next the high Steward in the kingdom) whose Power extended to restrain some actions of the King. He was also Earl of Hereford, Stafford and Northampton, he married Elinor the daughter of Henry Earl of Northumberland, and had issue Henry Lord Stafford (Father to Henry Lord Stafford la●e living) and three daughters, Elizabeth married to Thomas H●ward Earl of Surrey, Katherine married to Ralph Nevil Earl of Wes●merland, and Mary married to George Nevil Lord of Abu●ga●enie. In this mean while, a new War was begun between the Emperor and the King of France; for composing whereof, the Cardinal of York was sent attended with the Earl of Worce●ter, Lord Chamberline, the Lord of Saint john's, the Lord Ferrer, the Lord Herbert, the Bishop of Du●ham, the Bishop of Ely, the Primate of Armagh, Sir Thomas Bullen, Sir john Pechye, Sir john Hussey, Sir Richard Winkfield, Sir Henry Guild●ord, and many other Knights, Gentlemen and Doctors. On the twelfth of july he arrived at Calais, whether came to him the Chancellor of France, and the Count de palace attended with four hundred horse, as Ambassadors from the French King; and from the Emperor the like, with Commissions to treat and conclude of Peace. There were also Ambassadors from the Pope, whom the Cardinal moved to have the Pope be a party also in their League, but they wanting Commission. Letters were presently sent to Rome about it, and in the time till answer might be had, the Cardinal went to Bruges, to speak with the Emperor, with whom having stayed thirteen days, after most Royal entertainment, he returned back to Cullis, and then fell presently to the treaty of Peace, with the French Commissioner, but was colder in the matter than he was before, as having had his edge taken off, by some dealings with the Emperor, so as nothing was concluded; but that Fishermen of both the Princes might freely Fish on the Seas without disturbance, till the end of February following; whereof he sent advertisement to both the Princes; to the Emperor by the Lord of Saint john's and Sir Thomas Bullen; to the French King by the Earl of Worcester and the Bishop of Ely. During all which time of the Cardinals stay in Calais, all Writs and Pa●ents were there by him sealed, and no Sheriff could be chosen for lack of his presence, having the Great Seal there with him, and full power in things, as if the King had been there in person. Before he returned he made a new League with the Emperor, and intimated to the French King, that he doubted the King of England would not hereafter be so much his friend, as heretofore he had been; whereat, though the King of France were much offended, yet he signified by his Letters (perhaps dissemblingly) that he would continue the King of England's friend as much as ever: only he enveighed against the Cardinal, as a man of no truth, & withdrew many Pensions which he had before given to some English. Presently upon this, was Tourney besieged, by the Lord Hugh de Moncada a Spaniard; and though the French King sent great Forces to succour it; yet it was rendered up to the Emperor the last of November, in the thirteenth year of King Henry's Reign. This year Pope Leo died the first of December, suspected to be poisoned by Barnaby Malespina his Chamberlain, whose office was always to give him drink. After whose death, Doctor Pace was sent to Rome, to make friends in behalf of the Cardinal of York; who was brought into a hope through the King's favour to be elected Pope, but that hope was soon quailed; for before Doctor Pace could get to Rome, Adrian the sixth was chosen Pope. This Doct. Pace was a very learned and religious man, yet thorough crosses in his employment, fell mad and died; in whose place of Employment succeeded Doct. Stephen Gardyner. On the second of February, King Henry being then at Greenwich, received a Bull from the Pope, whereby he had the Title given him to be defender of the Christian Faith, for him and his successors for ever; which Title was ascribed ●o him, for writing a Book against Luther, of which Book (saith Holings●eard) I will only say ●hus much, that King Henry in his Book, is reported to rage against the Devil and Antichrist, to cast out his foam against Luther, to race out the Name of the Pope, and yet to allow his Law; which Book Luther answered with as little respect to the King, as the King had done to him. In this mean time, many displeasures grew between the two Kings of England and France, specially two: one that Frenchmen seized upon English ships as they passed: for remedy whereof, one Christopher Cee an expert seaman, was sent with six ships to safeguard the Merchants. Another, that the Duke of Albany was returned into Scotland, contrary to that which was Covenanted by the league, which though the King of France denied to be done with his privity, yet King Henry knew the Duke of Albany had Commission from the French King to return, which did the more exasperate him; and hereupon were Musters made in England, and a note taken of what substance all men were. This year died the Lord Brooke, Sir Edwad Poynings Knight of the Gar●er, Sir john Pechy, and Sir Edward Belknappe, all valiant Captains, suspected to have poisoned at a Banquet made at Ard, when the two Kings met last. At this time, Owen Dowglas Biship of Dunkell, fled out of Sco●lnad into England, because the Duke of Albany being come thither, had taken upon him the whole Government of the King and Kingdom; whereupon Clarentiaux the Herald was sent into Scotland, to command the Duke of Albany to avoid that Realm; which he refusing, the Herald was commanded to defy him. Thereupon the, French King seized all English-mens goods in Bordeaux, and impisoned their persons; and retained not only the money to be paid for the restitution of Tourney; but also withheld the French Queen's Dower: whereof when King Henry understood; he called the French Ambassador residing in England, to give account thereof; who though he gave the best reasons he ●ould to excuse it, yet was commanded to keep his house, and the French Hostages remaining here, for the money to be paid for the delivery of Tourney, were restrained of their liberty, and committed to the custody of the Lord of Sa●t john's, Sir Thomas Lovel, Sir Andrew Windsor, and Sir Thomas Nevyle; each of them to keep one; and withal, all Frenchmen in London were committed to prison, and put to their Fines; and all Scots-men much more. There were then also sent to sea under the conduct of Sir William Fitz-Williams Vice-admiral, eight and twenty great ships, and seven more towards Scotland; who set fire on many Scottish-ships in the Haven, and at length took many prisoners, and returned. King Henry hearing that the Emperor would come to Calais, so to pass into England, as he went into Spain; appointed the Lord marquis Dorsett, to go to Cullis, there to receive him● and the Cardinal to receive him at Daver● The Cardinal taking his Journey thither on the tenth of May, rode thorough London accompanied with two Earls, six and thirty Knights, and a hundred Gentlemen, eight Bishops, ten Abbots, thirty Chaplains, all in Velvet and Satin; and Yeomen seven hundred. The five and twentieth of May being Sunday, the marquis Dorset with the Bishop of Chichester, the Lord de Law●re and divers others, at the water of Gravelling, received the Emperor, and with all honour brought him to Calais, where he was received with Procession, by the Lord berner's Lieutenant of the Town. On Monday he took ship at Calais, and landed at Dover, where the Cardinal with three hundred Lords, Knights and Gentlemen received him, and in great State brought him to the Castle, where he was lodged. On Wednesday being Ascention Even, the King came to Dover, and there with great joy and gladness, the Emperor and he met. On Friday in the afternoon they departed from Dover, and came that night to Canterbury, and from thence next day to Greenwich, where the Queen received her Nephew with all the joy that might be. Here to honour the Emperor's presence, Royal Justs and Attorneys were appointed; where the King, the Earl of D●vonshire and ten Aids, kept the place against the Duke of Suffolk, the marquis Dorset and other ten Aids, on their part. On Friday the sixth of june, the Emperor and the King with all their companies went to London, where the City received them with Pageants, and other as rare devices, as at a Coronation, and the Emperor was lodged at the Blackfriars, and all his Lords in the new Palaces of Bridewell. On Whitsunday, the King and the Emperor road to the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, where the Cardinal sung M●sse, and had his Traverse and his Cupboard. Before Mass, two Barons gave him water, and after the Gospel, two Earls, and at the last Lavatory two Dukes, which pride the Spaniards much disdained. After many Feast in other places, at last they road to Windsor, where they stayed a whole week; and there on Corpus Chris●i day, the Emperor wore his Mantle of the Garte●, and sat in his own Stall. On the same day, both the Princes received the Sacrament, and took their oaths to observe the League concluded between them. On the morrow after, they came to Winchester: before whose coming thither there was come to Hampton, the Earl of Surrey Admiral of England, with all the King's Navy, and with him the Lord Fitz-Water, the Baron Curson, Sir Nicholas Carew, Sir Richard Wink●●eld Sir Richard Ierning●am, Francis Brian, Sir William Barentine, Sir Adrian Foskew, Sir Edward Donne, Sir Edward Chamberlain, Sir Richard Cornwall, Sir Antony Poynes, Sir Henry Shirborn, and the Vice-admiral, Sir William Fitz-Williams, Sir Edmund Bray, Sir Giles Capell, Sir William Pirton, john Cornwallis, Sir john Wallop, Sir Edward Ichingham, Sir William Sidney, Anthony Browme, Giles Hus●ey, Thomas Moor, john Rus●el, Edward Bray, Henry Owen, George Cobham, Thomas Old●all, Thomas Lovel, Robert Ichingham, Anthony Knevet, Sir john Tremaile, Sir William Skevington, Master of the Ordinance, and john Fabian Sergeant at Arms, by whom chiefly a design was moved, though now noised only that it was but to scour the seas for the safe conducting of the Emperor. For the Earl of Surrey having wafted the Emperor over to the co●st of Biskay; upon his return, made to the coast of Britain; and there landing seven thousand of his men, marched to the Town of Morleys, and by assault took it: having ●onne this Town, the E●rle called to him certain Gentlemen and made them Knights; as Sir Francis Brian, Sir Anthony Browne, Sir Richard Cornwall, Sir Thomas Moor, Sir Giles Hus●ey, Sir john Russell, Sir john Rainsford, Sir George Cobham, Si● john Cornwallis, Sir Edward Ridgley, and some others; and after the Earl had lain a while on the Coast of Britain, he was commanded home by the King's letters: who thereupon brought back his whole fleet, to a place ca●led the Cow under the Isle of Wight, and then went on land, leaving divers of of his ships, under the Governance of the Vide-admiral Sir William Fitz-williams'. In this mean time, divers exploits were achieved between them of the Garrison in the marches of Calais, and the French men of Boulogne, where the French commonly had the worst: but being of no great moment, may well be passed over without relating. Likewise at the same time the Lord Rosse, and the Lord Dacres of the North, appointed to keep the Borders against Scotland, burned the Town of Kelsie, and fourscore Villages, and overthrew eighteen Towers of stone, withal their Bulwarks. King Henry intending now to go seriously on with his wars in France, levied an Army, which under the conduct of the Earl of Surrey, he sent over to Cullis; whither the Earl being come, he divided his Army into three battles; the first was led by Sir Robert Ratcliff Lord Fitz-water, the middle-ward by himself and his brother the Lord Edmund Howard, the rearward by Sir William Sands and Sir Richard Winkfield, both of them Knights of the Ga●ter: and Sir Edward Guildford was Captain of the horsemen. In this order the Earl entered the French ground the second of September, and took his Journey ●owards Hedring. By the way there came to him a great Power of ●●rgognias, sent by the Lady Margaret, according to the Articles of the League. All the Towns, Villages and Castles, in the Country through which they passed, they burned and sacked; as the Town and Castle of Selloys, the Town of Brun●rigge, Senekerke, Botington and Manstier, with divers others. On the sixteenth of September, they came before the Castle of Heding, and laid siege unto it; but the Castle being well fortified, & the Earl having not battering Ordnance, which by reason of the foul weather, he could not bring with him: after eleven days he raised his siege, and passing from thence to Dorlens, burned the Town and razed the Castle, as also the Town of Dortyer, and then the year being far spent, came back to Calico the sixteenth of October. At this time, the Duke of Albany being established Governor of Scotland, raised an Army of fourscore thousand men, with which he approached the b●●ders, but made no Invasion, as thinking perhaps that the only report of his great Army, would fright the English; but yet this stayed not the Lord marquis Dorset, Warden of the east and middle Marches; to enter into Tividale, and so forward ten miles into Gallaway, burning all towns and Villages on every side as he passed. All that night he tarried within the Scottish ground, and the next day being good-Friday, withdrew back into England, with a head of four thousand cattle; having burned Grimseley, Mowhowse, Donford, Miles, Ackforth, Crowling, and many other Towns and Villages. In King Henry's fourteenth year, on the fifteenth of April began a Parliament, which was holden at the Blackfriar's, whither the King came, and there sat down in his Royal Seat; at his feet on the right side sat the Cardinal of York, and the Archbishop of Canterbury; and at the Rail behind, stood Doctor Tunstall Bishop of London, who making an Oration, told there the causes of calling this Parliament; which were (as he said) for remedying of mischiefs by the common Law, as Recoveries, Foreign Vouchers and corrupt Trialls● and for making new Laws for the good of the Commonwealth: whereof notwithstanding, no one word was spoken all the time of the Parliament, nor any other thing done, but a subsicy granted; but howsoever, being commanded to choose their Speaker, they chose Sir Thomas Moor, who at first disabling himself, at last made two Petitions to the King; one for himself, that if he should be sent by the Commons to the King on a Message, and mistake their inten●, he might then with the King's pleasure resort again to the Commons to know their meaning. The other, for the House of Commons, that if in communication and reasoning, any man should speak more largely then of duty he ought to do, yet all such offences should be pardoned, and that to be entered of Record. Which Petitions were granted, and then the Parliament began; where at first a Subsidy was demanded, but as there was much ado in the House of Commons about it, so there was no less amongst the Clergey in the Convocation House; for Richard Bishop of Winchester, and john Bishop of Rochester were much against it, but most of all, one Rowland Philip's, Vicar of Croyden, and a Canon of Paul's, but the Cardinal taking him aside, dealt so with him, that he took him off, so as he came no more to the House● and then the Bell-wether (as one saith) giving over his hold, the rest soon yielded; and so was granted the half of all their spiritual yearly Revenues, to be paid in five years following. The Clergey being thus brought on, on the nine & twentieth of April, the Cardinal came into the House of Commons, to work them also; and there showing the great charges the King was necessarily to be at in his present Wars: demanded the sum of eight hundred thousand pounds, to be raised of the fifth part of every man's Goods and Lands, which was four shillings of every pound. This demand was enforced the day after by the Speaker Sir Thomas Moor; but the Burgesses were all against it, showing that it was not possible to have it gathered in money; for that men of Lands had not the fifth part thereof in Coin. And further alleged, that there be not many parishes in England one with another, able to spare a hundred Marks, except Cities and Towns; and seeing there were not above thirteen thousand Parishes in the Kingdom, (at this day there are but 9285.) how could such a sum be raised? Hereupon certain of the House were sent to move the Cardinal, to be a means to the King to accept of a lesser sum, but the Cardinal answered, he would rather have his tongue plucked out of his mouth with a pair of Pinsors, then make to the King any such motion. Whereupon the Cardinal came again in●o the House, and desired that he might reason with them that were against the demand; to which it was answered, that the order of that house was to hear, and not to reason, except amongst themselves. When the Cardinal was gone, the Commons after long debating the m●tter; at last, agreed of two shillings in the pound, from twenty pounds upward, and from forty shillings, to twenty pounds; of every twenty shillings, twelve pence, and under forty shillings, of every head of sixteen years and upwards, four pence, to be paid in two years: when this was told to the Cardinal, he was much offended; so that to please him, the Gentlemen of fifty pound Land and upward, by the motion of Sir john Hussey, a Knight of Lincolnshire, were charged with twelve pence more in the pound, to be paid in three years. The Cardinal to move them to it, bore them in hand, that the Lords had agreed to four shillings of the pound; which was untrue, for the Lords had granted nothing, but stayed to see what the Commons would do; whereof when the King heard, he reproved the Cardinal for it; saying withal, that ere it were long he would look to things himself, without any Substitute. Which speech of the Kings, though it darted the Cardinal for a while, yet he soon recovered his Spirits, and now as peremptory afterwards as he had been before. After this, the Parliament was prorogued till the tenth of june; during with prorogation, the Common people said to the Burgesses, we hear say, you will grant four shillings of the pound, we advise you ●o do so, that you may go home; with many like threatenings. At this time, the Cardinal by his power Legant me, dissolved the Convocation at Paul's, convoked by the Archbishop of Canterbury, call him and all the Clergy, to his Convocation at Westminster: which was never seen before in England (saith Hall.) The one and thirtieth of july, the Parliament was adjourned to Westminster, and there continuing till the thirteenth of August, was that day at nine of the clock at night dissolved. About this time, the Bishop of Durham died, and the King gave that Bishopric to the Cardinal; who resigned the Bishopric of Bath to Doctor john Clerk, Master of the Rolls, and Sir Henry Marney, that was Vice-chamberlain, was made Lord Privy Seal, and shortly after, was created Lord Marney: also during this Parliament, Sir Arthur Plantagenet, bastard son to King Edward the fourth at Bridewell, was created Viscount Lisle; in right of his wife who was wise before to Edmund Dudley, Beheaded. The fifteenth of june; in the fifteenth year of the King's Reign, Christian King of Denmark with his Queen; driven out of his own Country, came into England, and was lodged at Bath place; who after, he had been feasted by the King and by the City of London, and received great gifts of both, returned again into Flanders, where he remained as a banished man: some years after, King Henry sent Doctor Henry Standish, Bishop of Saint Assaph, and Sir john Baker Knight, into Denmark, to persuade the people to receive him again into his Kingdom; but they could not prevail, he was so much hated for his cruelty. About this time, the Earl of Kildare having recovered again the favour of the Cardinal, was sent Deputy into Ireland, as he had been before, where he reduced the wild Irish to indifferent conformity. All this while had England wars both with the French and with the Scots. In Scotland the marquis of Dorset threw down the Castles of Wederborne, of Nesgate, of Blackater, of Mackwals, and burnt to the number of seven and thirty Villages, yet never came to skirmish. In France, the Lord Sands, Treasurer of Calais, with twelve hundred men went before Boulogne, where he skirmished with the Enemy; and after taking divers Churches and Castles in the Enemies Countre●, returned back to Calais, with the loss only of a dozen men. King Henry being advertised that the Duke of Albany was providing of Forces in France, with which to return into Scotland, sent forth his Vide-admiral Sir William Fitz-williams, with divers great Ships to intercept him; but when he could not meet with him, he then landed in the Haven of Trepor●; where with seven hundred men, he beat six thousand French that sought to impeach his landing, took their Bulworks and much Ordnance in them● burned the suburbs of the town of Treport, and all in five hours, and then returned. All this while King Henry had but played with the French, but ●ow he means to be in earnest, and therefore sends over the Duke of Suffolk with an Army, the four and twentieth of August; attended with the Lord Montacute and his b●other Sir Arthur Poole, the Lord Herbert, son to the Earl of Worces●er, the Lord Ferrer, the Lord Marney, the Lord Sands, the Lord Barkley, the Lord ●owis, and the Baron Curson, Sir Richard Wink●●eld, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Sir john Vere, Sir Edward Nevile, Sir William Kings●on, Sir Richard Weston, Sir Andrew Winsore, Sir Robert Winkfield, Sir Anthony, Winkfield, Sir Edward Guildford, Sir Edw: Grevile, Sir Edw: Chamberlain, Sir Thomas Lucy, Sir Everard Digby, Sir Adrian Foskew, Sir Richard Cornwall, Sir William Courtney, Sir William Sidney, Sir Henry Owin, sand many other Knights and Gentlemen. In the whole Army were six hundred Demylaunces, two hundred Archers on Horseback, three thousand Archers on foo●, and five thousand Billmen. Also seventeen hundred taken out of the Garrisons of Hams, Guysnes, and Calais, in all, ten thousand and five hundred, besides two thousand six hundred labourers and pioneers. With this Army the Duke of Suffolk took the field, his vanguard was led by the Lord Sands; Captain of the right wing, was Sir William Kingston; of the left, Sir Everard Digby, Captain of all the Horsemen was Sir Edward Guildford, Martial of Calais; the Duke himself led the Battle, and Sir Richard Winkfield the Rearward. The Duke's first enterprise was the winning of Bell Castle, which the Lord Sands and the Lord Ferres assaulted, and had it yielded to them: and then Sir William Skevington was placed Captain in it. At this time, the Duke of Bourbon, high Constable of France, began to have his mind alienated from the King of France, and ●o draw him the more on, the Duke of Suffolk sent Sir john Russel (afterward created Duke of Bedford) to him, who passing in disguised apparel, so prevailed with him, that he professed to take part with the Emperor, and the King of England, who having ten thousand Almans in his pay: it was thought fit (for encouragement of the English) to proclaim in the Army, the access of so powerful an assistant: and thereupon the Duke of Suffolk removed to Ard, and so forward into Picardy. At Cordes between Terwyn and Saint Omers, there came to him the Lord of Isilst●yn, and with him of Spaniards, Almans and others, three thousand Footmen, and five hundred Horse. With these forces, the Duke marching on, took first the rich Town of Anchor, than the Castle of Bounguard, and then by assault the Town of Bray, though two thousand good men of war were in it. After this, the Towers of Cap and Roy, Lihome and Davenker, and then came before ●he Town of Mount-Dedyer, in which were a thousand foot and five hundred horse; yet upon Sir William Skevingtons' Batteries, was yielded to him. From hence he removed to Roy, where he rested a while with hi● whole Army: and there on Alholland-day, in the chief Church of Roy, made Knights, the Lord Herbert, the Lord Powis, Oliver Manners, Arthur Poole, Richard Sands, Robert jerningham, Robert Salisbury, Edward Beningfield, Richard Corbet, Thomas Wentworth, William Storton, Walter mantle, George Warram and Edward Seymour (that was after Duke of Somerset.) The day after, the Army removed to a place called Needle, from thence to Veane, and then ●o Beauford, where the Duke made john Dudley, and Robert Vtreight Knights, and from thence on the eighth of November to a place called Mount Saint Martin; here the Welshmen began to murmur, that they might not return home, the winter being so far spent; but there was to the number of a thousand persons, under the leading of Sir john Wallop, who having no wages, but what they could got by booties, and were therefore called Adventurers, and by some Kreekers, and these had more desire to stay, than the Welshmen had to be gone; for the great gains they made, by the spoils of so many Towns that were taken. The thirteenth of November, the Duke removed to a place within two miles of Boghan Castle, defended by great Marshes, that lay before it, but the frost being at that time so great that many lost their fingers and toes with cold, and some died; Sir Edward Guildford acquainted the Duke, that he thought the marshes were hard enough frozen to bear great Ordnance; whereupon, the Duke bid him venture it then and go on, which he resolutely did, and had the Castle presently delivered up to him. In this mean time, the King hearing in what state the Army stood, had prepared six thousand men to be sent to the Duke for a relief, under the leading of the Lord Montjoy; but before they could be put in order to pass the Sea, the Duke, partly by extremity of the weather, and partly by the murmuring of the Soldiers, was constrained to break up his Army, and return to Cullis. In this mean time, the Scots knowing that the strength of England was gone into France, took boldness to invade the Marshes; but then the Earl of Surrey, Treasurer and high Admiral of England, with six thousand men, being sent against them, took divers of their Castles and Holds; and at Yedworth, skirmishing with a great Garrison of Scots, overthrew them, and took and burned both the Town and Castle. And now the French King finding that the Scots did not work any great trouble to the English, whereby to keep them from molesting of France, and thinking it to be for want of the Duke of Albanies' presence, whom they accounted their Governor; he therefore prepared a Navy of Ships to transport him into Scotland; but when the Duke of Albany heard that Sir William Fitz-williams was sent with a great Fleet to stop his passage, he brought his Ships into the Haven of Breast, and gave it out that he would not go into Scotland that year; which being told to the King of England, he commanded that his Ships also should be laid up in Havens, till the next spring. And now see the cunning of the Scot; for when he saw the King's Ships discharged, he then boldly took shipping himself, and sailed into Sc●tland; whither being come, he presently levied a great Army, and approached the English Borders; but when he heard the Earl of Surrey was coming against him with a mighty power, he then sent a Herald to him● promising of his honour, to give him Battle; and if he took him prisoner, to give him good quarter. To whom the Earl answered, that he would not fail to abide his Battle; but if he took him prisoner, the quarter he would give him, should be to cut off hi● head, and send it for a Present to his Master the King of England. At this time, to the Earl of Surrey being at Alnewicke, came the Earls of Northumberland and Westmoreland, the Lords Clifford, Dacres, Lumley, Ogle and Darcye, with many Knights, Gentlemen and other Soldiers, to the number of forty ●housand; and from the Court, came the Master of the Horse, Sir Ni●holas Carew, Sir Francis Bryan, Sir Edward Baynton, and others. The last of October, the Duke of Albonye sent two or three thousand men over the water to besiege the Castle of Work; who by battery of their Ordnance won the outermost Ward, called the Barnekins; and continuing their battery, won the second Ward; but then Sir William Lisle, that was Captain of the Castle, issuing forth with those few he had left, drove the Frenchmen from the place, and slew of them to the number of three hundred: a memorable service, and for which the Earl of Surrey afterwards gave him great thanks. The Earl would gladly have followed his enemies in●o their own Borders, but that his Commission was only to defend England, and not to invade Scotland. Shortly after the Queen of Scots, Mother to the King, sent to her Brother the King of England, for an abstinence from War, till a further communication might be had; which being gra●●ed, the English Army broke up, and the Earl of Surrey returned to the Court. And now for a while we must be co●●ent to hear of pet●y Occurrences, because greater did not happen; which if it make us like the Story the worse, it may make us like the times the better; seeing they are ever the best times that afford lest matter to be talked of: but this time will las● but a while; for shortly we shall come to hear Occurrences, that have been matter of talk to this day, whereof the like have never scarce been seen, and will hardly be believed, when they are heard; a Marriage dissolved after twenty years' consummation; houses built in Piety; under pretence of Piety demolished; a King made a captive● a Pope held a prisoner's Queens taken out of love, put to death out of loathing; and the Church itself so shaken, that it hath stood in distraction ever since. At this time, the Emperou● Charles sent to the King of England two M●ses trapped in crimson Velvet, richly embridered; also eleven goodly Je●its, trapped with russe● Velvet, richly wrought; four Spears and two Javelins of strange timber, and work richly garnished; and five brace of Greyhouds. To the Queen he sent two Mules richly trapped and high Chairs after the Spanish fashion: which Presents were thankfully received both of the King and Queen. At this time in the month of October, the Cardinal sent out Commissions, that every man being worth forty pounds, should pay the whole subsicy before granted, out of hand; which he called an Anticipation: which fine new word, he thought would make them pay their money the more willingly; but they loved their money better than any words he could devise. In this year the King sent the Lord Morley, Sir William Hussey, knight, and Doctor Lee his Almoner, to F●rdinand Archduke of Austria, with the Order of the Garter; which he received in the town of Norimberg, to his great contentment. In this year, through Books of Prognosticat●ons, foreshowing much hurt to come by waters and ●●oods, many persons withdrew themselves to high grounds, for fear of drowning; specially one Bolton, Prior of Sain● Barthol●mewes in Smithfield, builded him an House upon Harrow on the Hill, and thither wen● and made provision for two months. These great waters should have fallen in February, but no such thi●● happening, the Astronomers excused themselves, by saying, that in the computation they had miscounted in their number an hundred years. In this mean time, many enterprises were attempted, between the Englishmen of Calais, and Gifts, and the Frenchmen of Boulogne, and the Fro●●tiers of Picard●●, and still Sir William Fitz Williams, Captain of Guysnes, Sir Robert I●rningham, Captain of Newnham Bridge, Sir john Wallop, and Sir john Gage, were the men that did the French most hurt. This year, the first of September, was Doctor Thomas Hannibell Master of the Rolls, received into London, by Earls, Bishops, and divers Lords and Gentlemen, as Ambassadors from Pope Clement: who brought with him, a Rose of gold for a present to the King● & on the day of the Nativity of our Lad● after a solemn Mass sung by the Cardinal of York, the said present was delivered to the King, which was a Tree forged of fine Gold, and with branches, leaves, and flowers resembling Roses. About the beginning of Winter, the adventurers called Kr●ekers, being not above two hundred; and of them, five and twenty horsemen, made an attempt to fetch some booty from a Village not far from Mattrell, whereof the Earl of D●mmartine having notice, he set upon them with a far greater number, and slew most of them, and this was the end of the Kreekers, as brave men as ever served any Prince. In December this year, there came to London divers Ambassadors, out of Scotland, about a peace to be had● and a marriage to be concluded, between the King of Scots, and the Lady Mary daughter to the King of England. At this time, the Lord Leonard Grace, and the Lord john Gr●y, brothers to the Lord marquis Dorset, Sir George Cobham son to the Lord Cobham, Willia● Carry, Sir john Dudley, Thomas Wyatt, Francis Points, Francis Sid●●y, Sir Anthony Browne, Sir Edward Seymor, Oliver Manners, percival Hart, Sebasti●● Nudigat●, and Thomas Calen, Esquires of the King's Household; made a challenge of Arms against the Feast of Christmas, which was proclaimed by Windsor the Herald, and performed at the time appointed very Nobly; at Tilts, Turneys, Barriars, and the assault of a Castle erected for that purpose, i● the Tiltyard at Greenwich, where the King held his Christmas that year, with great State and magnificence. About this time, john jokyn Steward of the Household to the French Kings Mothe●, came into England, and was received in secret man●er into the House of one Doctor Lark, a Prebrendary of Saint Stephens; who oftentimes talked with the Cardinal, about a Peace to be concluded between the two Kings of ●ngland and France, of whose often meetings, Monsieur de Brate the Emperor's Ambassador, grew very jealous. The four and twentieth of january, Monsie●r Brynion Precedent of Rouen, came to London as Ambassador from the French King, and was lodged with the said john jokyn, which small things should not be related, but that they were preparatives to great matters afterward. On Sunday the fifth of March, were received into London Monsieur de Beaver Lo●d of Camphor, Admiral of Flanders, Monsieur john de la Coose Precedent of 〈◊〉, & Master john de la Gache, as Ambassadors from the Lady Margaret in the name of the Emperor, who required three things. First they demanded the Lady Mary the King's only daughter, to be presently delivered, and she to be n●●ed Empress, and as Governess take possession of all the Low-Countryes. Secondly, that all such sums of money as the King should give with her in marriage, should be paid incontinently. Thirdly, that the King of England should pass the sea in person, and make War in France the next Summer. The ●●rst two demands were not agreed too for certain causes; and as to the third, the King said, he would take time to advise. On Thursday the ninth of March, a Gentleman came in Post from the Lady Margaret, with Letters signifying, that whereas the King of France had long lain at the siege of Pavia; he had now been forced to raise his siege, and was himself taken prisoner by th● Imperialests● for joy whereof, Bonfires and great Triumph was made in 〈◊〉, and on the twentieth of March being Sunday, the King himself came to Paul's, and there heard a solemn Mass. But for all this show of joy, it was thought if the King of France had not now been taken prisoner; that the King of England would have joined in amity with him, as being angry with the Flemings, for Enhancing his Coin in Flanders, which caused much money to be con●ayed out of England thither. The King of France being taken prisoner, was after some time conveyed into Spain, and at last brought to Madrill, where he ●ell so sick, that the Physicians had little hope of his life, unless the Emperor would be pleased speedily to visit him; upon whose visitation he recovered his health, though not presently his strength. In which time, many propositions were made for his delivery, but the Emperor would accept of ●one, without restitution of the Duchy of Burgoigne. At last, the French King weary of imprisonment, and longing for liberty, was content to agree to any conditions● the chief whereof were, that the French King by a certain day should be set at liberty, and within six weeks after should resign to the Emperor the Duchy of Burgoigne, with all Members pertaining to it; and at the ●ame ●●stant, should put into the Emperor's hands, the dolphin of France, ●nd with him, either the Duke of Orleans his second son: or else twelve principal Lords of France, whom the Emperor should name; and that there should be between them a League and perpetual confederation fo● defence of their estates. Of whose atonement when King Henry heard, as before he had expressed gladness, that he was taken prisoner, so now he sent Sir Thomas Cheiney to him, to express his joy for being set at liberty; so sudden is the interchange of love and hate amongst great Princes. The French King being thus delivered, the Emperor married the Lady Isabel, Daughter to Emanuel King of Portugal; and ●ad with her in Dower eleven hundred thousand Ducke●s● though three years before being at Windsor, he had covenanted to take to wife the Lady Mary King Henry's Daughter. At this time Cardinal Woolsey obtained licence of the King to erect a College at Oxford, and another at Ipswich; and towards the charge of them, got leave also, to suppress certain small Monasteries, to the number of forty; and after, got a confirmation of the Pope, that he might employ the Goods and Lands belonging to those Houses, to the maintenance of those two Colleges; a pernicious precedent, and that which made the King a way afterward, to make a general suppression of all religious Houses, though indeed there be great difference between converting of Monasteries into Colleges, and utter subverting them. In March King Henry sent Cuthert Tunstall Bishop of London, and Sir Richard Winkfield Chancellor of the Duchy of Lanc●ster into Spain, to confer with the Emperor, about matters of great importance, and particularly about War to be made in France, and yet were these two Princes at this time in League: but he that shall observe the carriage of these three Princes towards one another, and how convertible their Leagues were into War, and their War into Peace; shall find it a strange Riddle of Ragion di stat●, and their Leagues to have been but mere compliments, where the scale was turned with the least grain of a circumstance; and though they were bound by Oath, yet that Oath made the Leagues but little the firmer, seeing the League might be broken, and yet the Oath kept: for while one gave the occasion, and the other took it, though they were both accessaries, yet neither was principal; and where there is not a principal, the Oath remains inviolate. And upon those Hinges did the friendship of these Prince's turn, as at this time; the Emperor, though not long before, he had parted with the King of England, in the greatest kindness that could be; yet gave not the English Ambassadors so kind entertainment now, as he had formerly done; but for what cause was not apparent, unless upon some sinister report made to him, by Monsieur de Prate; who having been his Ligier with the King of England, was without taking leave of the King departed, and come to the Emperor before the English Ambassadors came. But howsoever, King Henry being determined to make War in France himself in person, his Council fell into consideration how the charge of the War should be maintained: which care the Cardinal takes upon him; and thereupon appoints Commissioners in all Shiers, to sit and draw the people to pay the sixth part of every man's substance, in plate or money: but the people opposed it, alleging that it was against the Law of the Realm, for any man to be charged with such payments, unless by Parliament: and as the Cardinal continued to press it, so the people continued to deny it; and when some for denying it were committed to prison, the Commons in many Countries, made great assemblies for their defence: the report whereof at last came to the King, who thereupon came to Westminster and protested openly, that it was done without his knowledge, and that it was never his meaning, to ask any thing of his Subjects but according to Law: and therefore desired to know by whose Authority it was done. Here the Cardinal excused himself and said, that it was the opinion of all the Judges, and of all his Council, tha● he might Lawfully demand any sum, so it were done by Commission, and thereupon it was done. But the King liked not to take advantage of a distinction to draw money from his Subjects; and thereupon gave warning for doing any such thing hereafter: and signified so much by his Letters into all the Shiers of England giving also a general pardon to all that had offered to rise upon it; which though he did of his own free grace, yet the Cardinal to win a good opinion in the Commons, gave out, that it was by his means the King granted the pardon. King Henry's seventeenth year, was honoured with the advancing of many in honour, for on the eighteenth of june, at his Palace of Bridewell, the King's son (which he had by Elizibeth Blunt daughter to Sir john Blunt Knight) called Henry Fitz-Roy, was created first Earl of Nottingham, and after on the same day Duke of Richmond and Somerset, Henry Courtney Earl of Devonshire was created Marquis of Excetur, the Lord Brandon, son to the Duke of Suffolk and the French Queen (a child of two years old) was created Earl of Lincoln, Sir Thomas Manners Lord Rosse, was created Earl of Rutland, Sir Henry Clifford, was created Earl of Cunberland, Sir Robert Ratcliff Lord Fitz-Water, was created Viscount Fitz-water, and Sir Thomas Bullen Treasurer of the King's Household, was created Viscount Roch●ord. At this time the French Kings mother, as then Regent of France, procured by her Ambassadors, at first a Truce, and afterward a peace with England, which was proclaimed in London, the eighth of September. By the covenants of which peace, the King of England should receive at certain days, twenty hundred thousand Crowns, which in sterling money amounted to the sum of four hundred thousand pound; whereof fifty thousand was to be paid in hand. Sir William Fitz-Williams and Doctor Talour, was sent to the Lady Regent, to take her corporal oath, and likewise King Henry the four and twentieth of April, at Greenwich, in presence of the Ambassadors of France, Rome and Venice, took his corporal oath, to observe the peace between him, and his loving brother the French King, during his life, and one year after. In this winter was great mortality in London, so as the Term was adjourned, and the King kept his Christmas at Eltham, with a small number, and was therefore called the still Christmas. At which time, the Cardinal coming to the Court, took order for altering the state of the King's House: many officers and other servants were discharged, and put to their pensions, in which number were four score and four Yeomen of the Guard: who before having had twelve pence the day with check, were now allowed but six pence the day without check, and commanded to go into their Countries. On Shrove-tuesday this year, a solemn Justs was held at Greenwich, the King and eleven other on the one part, the Marquis of Excetur and eleven other of the other part. In his nineteenth year, King Henry kept a solemn Christmas at Greenwich, with Revels, Masks, disguise, and Banquets, and the thirtieth of December and third of january were solemn ●usts holden, when at night the King and fifteen other with him, came to Bridewell, and there putting on masking apparel, took his Barge, and rowed to the Cardinal's place, where were at supper many Lords and Ladies, who danced with the maskers, and after the dancing was made a great Banquet. This Christmas was a play at Grays-inn, made by one Master Roe a Sergeant at Law, the effect whereof was, that Lord Gouvernance was ruled by dissipation and negligence, by whose evil order Lady Publick-Weale was put from governance. This the Cardinal took to be meant by him, and thereupon se●t the said Master Roe to the Fleet, though the Play were made long before the Cardinal had any authority: by which we may see how inseparable a companion suspicion is to a guilty conscience. The fourteenth of january came to the Court Don Hugo de Mendoza, a Grandee of Spain, as Ambassadors from the Emperor to the King, with a large commission, to make King Henry Judge; how just the conditions were, which the Emperor required of the King of France, and about this negotiation ●arried two years in England, so desirous the Emperor was to continue good correspondence with the King of England. On Shrove-tuesday the King and the Maquesse of Excester with others, in most sumptuous attire came to the Tilt, and ran so many courses, till two hundred fourscore and six Spears were broken; and then disarming themselves went into the Queen's Chamber, where a sumptuous Banquet was provided. But this Banquet was one of the last of the Queen's preparing; for hitherto there had been no exception taken to the lawfulness of her marriage, but now came over Ambassadors from the King of France, requiring to have the King's Daughter the Lady Mary, to be given in marriage to the Duke of Orleans second Son to their Master the French King, wherein they that were the suitors for it, were the hinderers of it; for amongst them was the Precedent of Paris, who made a doubt, whither the marriage between King Henry and the Lady Katherine of Spain, having been his Borthers' wife, were lawful or no: But howsoever, the French Ambassadors at Greenwich on Sunday the fifth of May, in the name of their Master the French King, took their Outhes to observe the League concluded between them during their lives. And shortly after were sent Sir Thomas Bullen Viscount Rochfort, and Sir Anthony Browne Knight, as Ambassadors to the King of France, to take his Oath in person for performance of the League. But enough of small Occurrences, and indeed there will be Occurrences now more worthy to be related, but more lamentable to be heard; for now the Duke of Bourbon General of the Emperor's Army in Italy, was slain by a shot from the Walls of Rome, as he was passing by; upon whose death, the Army entered and sacked the City, made the Pope fly to the Castle of Saint Ang●lo, and there cooped him up; abused the Cardinals, and put them to grievous ransoms, spared neither Sacred places, nor Religious persons, but committed all manner of barbarous and inhuman cruelty. These insolences of the Emperor's Army committed against the Pope; together with the hard conditions the Emperor had imposed upon the King of France, for setting him at liberty; and the Emperor's breach of promise, in not marrying the Lady Mary King Henry's Daughter, were the apparent causes of King Henry's breaking League with the Emperor Charles: but a more enforcing though concealed cause perhaps was the growing greatness of the Emperor, by his acquests in Italy and other places; enough to breed a jealousy in all neighbouring Princes; and indeed King Henry had some cause to think the Emperor's spirits were grown higher with his Victories, seeing where before he was wont always to write letters to King Henry with his own hand, and subscribe them, your son and faithful friend, now after his Victories in Italy, he caused his Secretaries to write them, subscribing only Charles. And yet a more pressing cause though not avowed, might be the Cardinal's spleen against the Emperor, for denying him the Bishopric of Toledo in Spain. But which soever of these was the predominant cause, all of them together made a cause sufficient for King He●ry to fall off from amity with the Emperor; and his falling off from the Emperor, cause sufficient ●o fall in with the King of France: and thereupon, the two Kings send their several Heralds to the Emperor: King Henry Clarentiu●, the French King his Herald Guienne, to expostulate their grievances with the Emperor, and he refusing to return a satisfactory answer, to defi● him as their enemy. The Emperor heard the Heralds with great temper, and answered Clarentius very mildly; that he knew his Master's grievance was grounded upon misinformation, wherein he would shortly rectify him by his Letters, as desiring nothing more than to continue his friend; but quyen he answered rougly, bidding him tell his Master that he had broken his faith, in not performing the Covenants agreed upon for his liberty; and with these answers dismissed them, only Guienne not thinking it fit to deliver his answer, being in such terms by word of mouth, obtained to have it sent in writing. The Heralds being returned home, and delivering the answers; the King of France was so incensed, to be charged with breach of faith, that soon after he sent another defiance to the Emperor, telling him in plain terms, that he lied in his throat; and thereupon challenged him the Combat, requiring him to appoint the field, and himself would the weapons. The Emperor accepted the challenge, but other occurrences intervening, hindered the performance. In this mean time, the Cardinal was appointed to go Ambassador to the King of France; carrying with him twelve score thousand pounds, to be employed by the French King, and other the confederates; in a War against the Emperor, who the eleventh of july took shipping at Dover, and landed that day at Calais; with whom was Cut●ert Tuns●all Bishop of London, the Lord Sands Chamberlain to the King, the Earl of Derby, Sir Henry Guild●ord, Sir Thomas Moor, with other Knights and Gentlemen, in all to the number of twelve hundred horse. At Amynes he was received by the French King himself, and by his Mother, and by all the chief Peers of France. By whom it was agreed, that Articles of Accord should be offered to the Emperor; which if he refused, than the French King should marry the Lady Mary King Henry's Daughter, and they both to be enemies to the Emperor. These things concluded, the Cardinal returned, and on the last of September came to the King at Richmond. In October following, there came Ambassadors from the French King, to take King Henry's Oath, for observing the League with the King of France: and on Sunday the tenth of November, King Henry at Greenwich received the Order of Saint Michael, by the hands of the Lord Ann●s de Memorancye great Master of the King's Household; and Monsieur Humieres: as likewise the same day at Paris the French King received the Order of the Garter by the hands of the Lord Li●le, Doctor Taylor Master of the Rolls, Sir Nicholas Carew Master of the King's horse, Sir Anthony Browne and Sir Thomas Wriothslye Knight, otherwise called Garter king of Arms, who were sent thither with the whole Habit, Choler and other habiliments of the Order. Upon King Henry's defiance of the Emperor in the French Kings quarrel, English Merchant● their ships and goods were attached in Spain, and in the Low Countries, as likewise all Spanish & Flemish Merchants were attached here; which being very detrimental to both Nations; at last, by mediation of Hugo de Mendoza, the Emperor's Ambassador Legier, a reconcilement was made, and free traffic between the Nations was revived. In this twentieth year, on the two and twentieth of February: Sir Piers Butler of Ireland, was created Earl of Oscry. And now King Henry began to be troubled in mind about his marriage with Queen Katherine, but whether his trouble of mind grew for scruple of conscience, or from desire of change, was by many men doubted; some thought he had set his affection upon the Lady Anne Bullen whom afterward he married, and to make way for that marriage, moved his scruple, that he might be divorced; but this is not likely, for he married not the said Lady, till above three years after this doubt had been moved; and three years was a long time to have affection be delayed, which commonly is impatient of any delay: if King Henry's own protestation may be taken, it was very scruple of conscience that troubled his mind; but then by what means this scruple came first into his ●ead, is another doubt; some thought it was first moved by his confessor, Doctor Longland telling him, that the marriage with the relict of his Brother, could not be lawful; but neither is this likely, for Doctor Longland was not like to tell him so, who knew the marriage had been made by dispensation from the Pope, an authority in that time beyond exception; some thought it was a plot of Woolseis, thereby to make variance between King Henry and the Emperor, with whom he was at variance himself, and for spleen to the Nephew, he revenged upon the Aunt; but neither is this likely or else the Cardinal was much deceived in his plo●; for though the Emperor laboured Milan and some other Universities, to forbear giving sentence against the marriage, yet he continued amity with King Henry, as much afterward as before; if we will believe the King himself, it was the Precedent of Paris, coming Ambassador from the King of France, that ●irst moved it, upon a proposition of marriage between the Lady Mary, King Henry's daughter, and the Duke of Orleans, second son to the French King: but by what means his scruple had beginning, King Henry's desire was now it should have an ending, and that the matter might be debated with indifferency; he allowed the Queen to make choice of what council she thought best; who thereupon chose William Warham Archbishop of Canterbury, and Nicholas West Bishop of Elye, Doctors of the Law; john Fisher Bishop of Rochester, and Henry Standish Bishop of Saint Assaph, Doctors of Divinity, with many other; and in the mean time, sent to all the Universities in Italy & France to have their opinions, but specially to the Court of Rome, desiring the Pope ●o send his Legate to hear the cause; who thereupon sent Cardinal ●ampeius, and joined Cardinal Woolsey in Commission with him. The place appointed for the Cardinals to sit and to hear the cause, was at the Blackfriars: where in the great Hall preparation was made of seats, and all things necessary for such a session. Amongst other Officers of the Court, Stephen Gardiner (afterward Bishop of Winchester) ●ate as chief scribe. The Court being set, the Judges comm●nded silence, whilst their Commission was read; which done, the Scribes commanded the Crier to call the King, by the name of King Henry of England, come into the Court; who answered, Here: then called he the Queen, by the name of Katherine Queen of England, come into the Court: the Queen though present, yet answered not, but rising from her seat, went to the place where the King sat, and kneeling down, said in effect; Sir, I humbly desire you to take pity upon me, for I am a poor woman & a stranger, & have here no indifferent Council, where all are your Subjects, and less assurance of friendship when they all depend upon your favour; I have been your wife these twenty years, and have borne you divers children, if you can charge me with dishonesty or undutifulness, I am content to depart from you to my shame; but if you cannot, I then desire you to do me justice, and to spare me until I may know what council my friends in Spain will give me; but if you will not, than your pleasure be fulfilled: and having so said, she rose up, and making a low curtsy, departed. The King being advertised that she was going out of the House, commanded the Cryar to call her again; who there upon called her, saying, Katherine Queen of England come into the Court, which her Gentleman-usher Master Griffith hearing, told her, Madam, you are called; well (said she) it makes no matter, I will not tarry, go your way: and thus she departed, and never after would appear in any Court, but appealed from the Cardinals to the Pope himself. The Queen being gone, the King said, I confess she hath been to me, the most dutiful and loving wife, that ever Prince had; and if it were ●ot for this scruple of my conscience, I would not leave her for any woman living: and having now referred the judgement of the cause to these Commissioners, I should be most glad they could find the marriage between us to be in such sort lawful, that with obedience to the Law of God, we might continue together; for I take God to witness, there is nothing I more desire. This said, the King rose, and the Court was adjourned to another day; for notwithstanding the Queen's Appeal (from which she would by no means be drawn) the Cardinals continued their Session weekly, & heard all of both sides: the Point that was chiefly stood on, was, whether Prince Arthur had ever had carnal knowledge of her, or no; the King's Council alleged, he had, and proved it; first, by Prince Arthur's speech, the nex● morning after his marriage, that ●e had been that night in the midst of Spain; and then by the words of the last Dispensation, Vel forsan Cognitam: the Queen's Advocates alleged the contrary; appealing to the Kings own conscience; whom the Queen charged that he knew her to be a Virgin when he married her; (though, to say the truth, i● were strange, Prince Arthur and she having lain five month together, and he no less than almost sixteen years old.) But whilst Arguments were thus urged on both sides, and no certainty could appear; the King sent the two Cardinals to the Queen, lying then in Bridewell, to persuade her, she should submit herself to the King's pleasure, and not stand so peremptorily to her Appeal. The Cardinals coming to her found her at work amongst her Maids, with a skaine of white thread about her neck: who having heard their message, answered, That in all other things she would willingly submit herself to the Kings will, but in this which concerned her honesty, and the legitimateness of her children, she durst not, but would rely upon the wisdom and piety of both their Fathers, who (she knew) would never have assented to the marriage, if there had been the least scruple of unlawfulness in it; and other answer she would not give. Upon their return to the King, when he perceived she could not be removed from her opinion; he commanded the Court to go on; so that at last it came to judgement, which every man expected should be the next day. At which day the King came thither (but in so secret manner that he might hear and not be seen) where the King's Council at the Bar calling for Judgement; Cardinal Campeius, as being chief Commissioner, stood up and said; I find the case very doubtful, and the party Defendant standing to her Appeal, I will therefore give no Judgement, till I have conferred with the Pope; and therefore I adjourn the Court for this time, according to the order of the Court of Rome, which hears no Causes judicially from the last of july till the fourth of October; at which protraction of time, King Henry was not a little angry, and the Duke of Suffolk being present, in a great rage said; it was never merry in England, since we had Cardinals amongst us. Soon after this, the Cardinal took his leave of the King, and returned to Rome: he was indeed commanded so to do by the Pope, who would else most willingly have gratified King Hen●y, that had bestowed upon him the Bishopric of Salisbury. Whilst these things were in acting, Cardinal Woolsey had an inkling of the King's affection to Anne Bullen, daughter of the Viscount Rochfort; and that the Divorce once passed, he meant to marry her; which Match, because for many reasons, he misliked; one perhaps, because she was a Lutheran, he sent privily to the Pope, that by no means he should give sentence for the Divorce, till he had framed the King's mind another way; for his desire was, that the King should marry the Duchess of Alencon, the French Kings sister. This packing of Woolsey was not so closely carried, but that it soon came to the King's knowledge; and the King finding him a rub in his way, whom he expected to have expedited his proceeding, began to think it necessary to remove him, and to take him off from that greatness which had made him so presuming; and indeed he made short work with him; for soon after he sent the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk to him for the Seal, which yet he would not deliver to them, till they brought him a Warrant under the Kings own hand. When the Seal was brought to the King, he delivered it to Sir Thomas Moor, Speaker then of the Parliament (the first Layman that bore that Office in any memory;) and in his room was chosen Speaker Thomas Audley, Attorney of the Duchy. Woolsey now removed from his Chauncellourship; was in the Parliament then holden, charged with points of treason; but that charge was so clearly taken off by his servant Thomas Cromwell, who was then of the House, that the Cardinal was acquitted, to the great commendation of Cromwell, both for abilities in himself, and faithfulness to his Master. After this, the King being informed, that all those things which the Cardinal had done by his power Legantine, were within the case of Praemenire; he caused his Attorney Christopher Hales to sue out a Praemunire against him; and thereupon the two Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk were sent unto him, to let him know, the King's pleasure was, he should go to Asher, a House near to Hampton-Court, belonging to his Bishopric of Winchester, and there to reside: whereupon, the Cardinal having first delivered up all his Movables to the King's use; (the greatest store and richest that was ever known of any Subject) went presently to Putney by water, and from thence rode to Asher, where he and his Family continued three or ●oure weeks, without either Bed, Sheets, Table-loathes or Dishes to eat their meat in, or money wherewith to buy any, but what he was forced to borrow of the Bishop of Carlisle. After this, his matter for the Praemunire being called upon in the King's Bench, his two Attorneys confessed the Action, and thereupon had Judgement to forfeit all his Lands and Goods, and to be out of the King's protection; but the King of his clemency, sent him a sufficient Protection, and left him the Bishoprics of York and Winchester, with Plate and stuff convenient for his dignity. His Bishopric of Duresme was given to Doctor Tunstall, Bishop of London; his Abbey of Saint Alban to the Prior of Norwich, and the Bishopric of London to Doctor Stokestey, Ambassador then beyond the Seas. In this mean while, Margaret Duchess of Savoy, aunt to the Emperor, and the Lady Loyis Duchess of Angoulesme, Mother to the French King, met at Cambray to treat of a Peace between the Emperor, the Pope and the Kings of England and France, where were present Doctor Tunstall Bishop of London, and Sir Thomas Moor, than Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Commissioners for the King of England: after long debating, through the diligence of the said Ladies, a Peace was concluded; and was thereof called, The Woman's Peace; and was indeed as fickle as women, for it was soon broken, and neither of the Princes trusted the other ere the more for it. King Henry before this time had been wholly ruled by the Cardinal and by the Clergy, but now growing sensible of that error, he called his high Cour● of Parliament; in which the Commons complained sharply of their grievances against the Clergy, specially in six things. The first, for that they exacted unreasonable sums of money, as due fees, for the probate of men's last Wills and Testaments: in so much, that Sir Henry Guildford Knight of the Garter, and controller of the King's House declared openly, that he and others being Executers to Sir William Compton; paid for the pro●ate of his Will to the Cardinal, and the Archbishop of Canterbury a thousand marks. The second, the extreme exaction, which spiritual men used in taking of corpse, or mortuaries. The third, that spiritual men became Farmours of great Granges and Farms: to the prejudice of Husbandmen and Graziers. The fourth, because many Abbots, Pryors, and other spiritual men, kept Tan-houses, and bought and sold wool, cloth, and other wares, as temporal Merchants. The fifth, because such Clergy men as had the best livings, would take the uttermost of their right, and yet live in the Court or in Noble men's or Bishop's houses, where they spent nothing. The sixth, because divers ignorant men amongst them, held ten or twelve Benefices to themselves severally, and yet lived not upon any one of them, but kept great scholars at small pension. These things before this time might not be touched, because the Bishops were Chancelours, and had all the rule about the King: but now the King looking better into ●he matter, gave way to these complaints: whereupon the Burgesses drew up three Bills; one of the probate of Testaments, another for Mortuaries: and the third, for Nonresidence, pluralities, and taking of farms by spiritual men. The bill of Mortuaries, passed first the House of Commons, and was sent up to the Lords: within two days after, was sent up the Bill of probate of Testaments, at which the Archbishop of Canterbury, and a●l the Bishops much frowned, but specially john Fisher Bishop of Rochester who rose up and said; my Lords, you see what Bills come daily from the Common House, and all is to the destruction of the Church, for God's sake, consider what a realm Bohemia was, and when the Church went down, then fell the glory of that Kingdom. Now with our Commons is nothing but down with the Church; and all this me seemeth, is for lack of faith only. When these words were reported to the House of Commons, they took the matter very heinously, and thereupon sent their sp●aker Thomas Audeley, with thirty of the House, to the King, complaining what a dishonour to the King and to the whole Realm it was to say, that they which were elected for the wisest men of all Shires, should be charged to lack faith, which was all one as to say, they were Infidels and no christians, so as what Acts or Laws soever they made should be taken as Laws made by Paynims and Heathen, and not worthy to be kept by Christian men. And therefore humbly besought his Majesty, to call the said Bishop of Rochester before him, to give account of the words he had spoken. Whereupon within few days after, the King sent for the Bishop, and acquainted him with the Commons complaint against him; who excused himself, by saying he meant the doings of the Bohemians was for lack of faith, and not the doings of the House of Commons; of which excuse, the King sent word to the House by Sir William Fitz-Williams Treasurer of his household, but it pleased the Commons nothing at all. After divers meetings between the Lords and the Commons, about the Bills of probate of Testaments and Mortuaries, the temporalty laid to the spiritualty their own laws and constitutions, and the spiritualty defended them, by prescription and usage; to whom a Gentleman of Grays-Inne made this answer, the usage hath ever been of thiefs, to rob on shooters hill; is it therefore lawful? whilst these Bills were in debate, an Act was passed, which released to the King all such sums of money as he had borrowed at the Loane, in the fifteenth year of his Reign; which Bill at first was much opposed, but the most part of the House being the King's servants, it was at last assented to, which once known in the Country abroad, made much murmuring, and the Parliament to be ill spoken of; for every man counted it as a sure debt, so as some made their Wills of the money, and some turned it over in satisfaction to their creditors. To qualify which grievance, the King granted a general pardon for all offences (certain excepted) and was a means also to have the three Bills passed; one for probate of Testaments, another for Mortuaries; and the third, against plurality of Benefices; Nonresidence, buying and taking of farms by spiritual persons, though this last with some qualifying. During this Parliament, the King created Viscount Rochfort, Earl of Wiltshire, the Viscount Fitz-water Earl of Sussex, and the Lord Hastings Earl of Huntingdon. By this time, the Lords of the upper House, had drawn certain Articles against the Cardinal, and sent them down to the House of Commons, the chief whereof were these. First, that without the King's assent, he hath procured himself to be made a Legate, by reason whereof he took away the right of all Bishops and spiritual persons. Secondly, that in all his writings which he wrote to Rome, or to any foreign Prince he wrote Ego et Rex meus, I and my King; so preferring himself before the King. Thirdly, that without the King's assent, he carried the great Seal of England with him into Flanders. Fourthly, that having the French-pox, he presumed to come and breath upon the King. Fifthly, that he caused the Cardinals-hat to be put upon the King's Coin. Sixthly, that he would not suffer the King's Clerk of the Market to sit at Saint Albans. Seventhly, that he had sent infinite store of treasure to Rome, for purchasing of his dignity. These Articles were read in the House, and if not otherwise proved, yet confessed afterward under the Cardinals own hand, which added to the former Praemunire; all his Lands and goods were seized on to the King's use. This Parliament being ended, the King removed to Greenwich, and there kept his Christmas with his Queen Katherine in great state; for though this matter of making void the marriage between them, was hotly pursued by the King; yet abstaining only from her bed, he conversed with her still, and they kept Court together, in as loving manner as they had done before. And now King Henry understanding that the Pope and the Emperor was to meet at Bologna, he sent Ambassadors thither, the Earl of Wiltshire, Doctor Stokesley Elect of London, and Doctor Lee, to declare both to the Pope and to the Emperor, the opinions of divers learned men in the matter of his Marriage; who all agreed that it was against the Law of God; and thereupon requiring the Pope to do him Justice; and showing to the Emperor, that the King moved this matter for discharge of his Conscience only, and to no other end. To which the Pope answered, that when he came to Rome, he would hear the matter disputed, and do the King right. The Emperor answered, that he would in no case be against the Law of God, and if this marriage were Judged such by the Court of Rome, he would rest contented: with these Answers the Ambassadors returned. It was now the two and twentieth year of King Henry's reign, when the Emperor gave to the Master of Saint john's of Jerusalem the Island of Maltas, in supplying of the Island of Rhodes, which the Turk sometime before had won from that Order. In this year, the New Testament having been Translated into English, by tindal, joy, and others, was forbidden to be read; and many for reading it, were sharply punished by command of the Bishops and Sir Thomas Moor then Lord Chancellor; but none was more violent in the matter then the Bishop of London, who caused all the Books to be brought into Paul's Churchyard, and there burned. King Henry having heard by good information, that when Campeius was sent Legate into England, he had brought with him a Bull of Divorce; but was afterward upon change of the Pope's mind, commanded to burn it; saw plainly by this, that the Pope had no meaning of proceeding really in the matter, but to keep it a foot for his own ends; neither to displease the Empour by granting it, nor King Henry by not granting it, but promising expedition to keep him in expectance; yet using delays to keep him in dependence; and therefore resolved now to take such a course, that he should not need to care whether the Pope granted it or no; and thereupon caused a Proclamation to be published, that no person of what estate or condition soever should Purchase, or attempt to purchase from the Court of Rome, any thing prejudicial to the Jurisdiction, or Prerogative of this his Realm, upon pain of imprisonment, and other punishments at his Grace's pleasure; and shortly after an Act was made, that Bishops should pay no more Annats, or money for Bulls to the Pope; for as much as it was proved, there had been paid for Bulls of Bishops, since the fourth year of King Henry the seventh, an hundred and threescore thousand pounds, besides what had been paid for Pardons and other dispensations. Another Act was then also made, that no person, should appeal for any cause, out of this Realm to the Court of Rome, but from the Commissary to the Bishop, and from the Bishop to the Archbishop, and from the Archbishop to the King: and all Causes of the King, to be tried in the upper House of the Convocation. At this time, the Cardinal lying still at Asher, and his Adversaries doubting lest lying so near the King, he might one time or other get access to the King's presence, and come again into favour; they using means to have him sent further off, and thereupon the King appointed him to go to his Diocese of York, and not to come Southward without special licence, whereupon in Lent he made great preparation for his journey, and having in his train to the number of an hundred and threescore persons: by easy journeys came to Peterborrow, and there kept his Easter; the week after he went to Stamford then to Newark, and so to Southwell, where he continued most part of all that summer: and then road to Seroby, where he stayed till Michaelmas and then came to Cawood Castle, within seven miles of York where he kept a plentiful house for all comers: and repaired the Castle, being greatly in decay, having above three hundred Artificers in daily wages. At last, he determined to be installed at York, the next Monday after Alhallan-day; against which time great preparation was made, and the Cardinal sent to the King, to lend him the Mitre and Pall, which he used to wear at any great solemnity. At which presumption the King marvailed not a little; saying to those that were about him, what a thing is this, that pride should thus reign in a man that is quite under foot? but before the day of Instalment came; he was arrested in this manner; Sir Walter Walsh one of the King's Privy-chamber, was sent down to the Earl● of Northumberland, with whom he was joined in Commission to arrest the Cardinal; whereupon they go together to Cawood, where the Cardinal lay: and being entered into the house, it was told the Cardinal, that the Earl of Northumberland was come, and in the Hall; then (quoth the Cardinal) I am sorry we have dined, for I doubt our Officers are not provided of any good cheer. With that, he went and brought the Earl up, welcomming him in a complemental manner, as if he had come but only to visit him: but being come into the Chamber, the Earl with a soft voice, laying his hand upon the Cardinal's arm, said; My Lord, I arrest you of high treason: the Cardinal somewhat astonished, asked to see his Commission, which the Earl denying to show; then (saith the Cardinal) I will not obey your arrest; at that instant Master Walsh came in, and kneeled down to the Cardinal; who asked him if he were joined in Commission with the Earl; who answered, he was● well then, said the Cardinal, I trow you are one of the King's Privy Chamber, your name is Walsh; I am content to yield to you, but not to my Lord of Northumberland, unless I see his Commission: the meanest of the King's Privie-chamber is sufficient to arrest the greatest Peer of the Realm, by the King's commandment, without any Commission. Then the Earl took the Cardinal's keys from him, and put him in custody of his Gentlemen: some few days after, he was conveyed from Cawood to Pomfret, and after to Sheffield Park, where he had kind entertainment, and stayed with the Earl of Shrewsbury and his Lady eighteen days; till at last sitting one day at dinner, his colour was observed to change, and being asked how he did; not well (saith he) I have something suddenly at my stomach, as cold as a whetstone, which I know is wind; I desire to have something from the Apothecary, to break wind; which was brought, and the Earl seeing the say taken, he took it, and thereupon broke wind indeed; but whether it were he took it in too great a quantity, or that there was some foul play used, he fell soon after into such a looseness, that the night following he had above fifty stools; yet the next day he road to Nottingham, and the day after to Leicester Abbey; being so sick by the way, that he was ready to fall off his Mule; coming to the Abbey gates, the Abbot with all the Covent met him; to whom he said, Father Abbot, I am come hither to lay my bones among you; and then was led up into his chamber, and went to bed; where growing sicker and sicker; the next morning Master Kingston Lieutenant of the Tower, who had been sent to bring him up, coming to him, and a●king him how he did; I do but tarry (saith he) the pleasure of God, to render up my poor soul into his hands; for this is my case, I have a flux with a continual fever, the nature whereof is, that if there be no amendment within eight days, either excoriation of the entrails will ensue, or frenzy, or else present death; and the best of them is death; and (as I suppose) this is the eight day. Sir (said Master Kingston) you are afraid of that you have no cause; for I assure you, the King commanded me to say unto you, that you should be of good cheer, for that he beareth you as much good will as ever he did; No, no (Master Kingston) said the Cardinal, I see how it is framed; but if I had served God as diligently as I have done the King, he would not have given me over in my grey hairs; but it is a just reward for my study to do him service, not regarding the service of God, to do him pleasure; and having so said, his speech failed, and incontinent the clock struck eight, and then he gave up the Ghost; which made some about him to remember, how he had said the day before: that at eight of the clock they should lose their master. Being dead, he was buried in the Abbey of Leicester. This man held at once the Bishoprics of York, Winchester, and Durhan, the dignities of Lord Cardinal Lega● and Chancellor of England, the Abbey of Saint Alban, divers Priories, and sundry great Benefices in Commendum: he had also in his hands, as it were in Farm, the Bishopric of Bath, Worcester and Here●ord, which having been given by King Henry the seventh to strangers, that lived out of the Realm, they suffered Woolsey to enjoy them, receiving of him a Pension only. The Retinue of this Pre●ate is scarce credible, a thousand persons daily in his household, of whom many Knights and some Lords; all which greatness as it came by the King's favou●, so by the withdrawing of his favour, it was overthrown: so true is that saying of Solomon, The King's favour is as due upon the grass; but his wrath is as the roaring of a Lion, and as a messenger of death. After this the King removed from Hampton-Court to Greenwich, where with his Queen Katherine he kept a solemn Christma●, and on twelfth night he sat in state in the Hall, where was divers Interludes; costly Masques, and a sumptuous Banquet. After Christmas he came to his Manor of Westminster, which before was called York Place; for the Cardinal had made a Feoffment of it to the King, which the Chapter of York confirmed, and then it was no more called York Place, but the King's Manor of Westminster, now Whitehall. At this time the whole Clergy of England was charged by the King's learned Council, to be in a Praemunire, for supporting and maintaining the Cardinal's Legatine power; and were thereupon called by Process into the King's Bench to answer; but before their day of Appearance came, they in their Convocation concluded an humble submission in writing, and offered the King an hundred thousand pound to have their pardon by Parliament; which offer, after some labour, was accepted, and their pardon promised. In which submission the Clergy called the King supreme Head of the Church. This Pardon was signed with the King's hand, and sent to the Lords, who assented to it; and then sent it to the Lower House: but here, divers of the House excepted against the Pardon, unless themselves also might be included in it; who (they said) having had something to do with the Cardinal, might be brought into the same case as the Clergy were. Hereupon their Speaker Thomas Audeley, with a convenient number of the House, was sent to the King about it; to whom the King made answer, that he was their Sovereign Lord, and would not be compelled to show his mercy; and seeing they went about to restrain him of his liberty, he would grant a Pardon to the Clergy, which he might do by his great Seal without them; and for their Pardon, he would be advised before he granted it: with this Answer the Speaker and Commons returned, much grieved and discontented; and some said that Thomas Cromwell, who was newly come into the King's favour, had disclosed the secrets of the House, which made the King give this unpleasing Answer. But soon after the King of his own accord, caused their Pardon also to be drawn, and signed it● which easily passed both Houses, with great commendation of the King's judgement, to deny it at first when it was demanded as a right, and to grant it afterward, when it was received as of grace. In this Parliament time, on the thirtieth of March, Sir Thomas Moor Lord Chancellor, with twelve of the Lords, came into the Lower House, acquainting them, that though in the matter of the King's Divorce, he might sufficiently rest upon the judgement of learned men in his own Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, yet to avoid all suspicion of parciality, he had sent into France, Italy, the Pope's Dominions, and the Venetians, to have their opinions; and then causing them to be read, Sir Bryan Tuke took out of a box certain writings sealed, which were the determinations of the Universities of Orleans, of Paris, of Anjou, of Burges, of Bolonia, of Milan, and of Thoulouse: all which were peremptory in these two Points; that the Brother, by the Law of God, might not marry the Relict of his brother; and then, being against the law of God, that it is not in the power of the Pope to dispense with it: and now (said they) you may know, that the King hath not sought this Divorce for his pleasure; but for discharge of his conscience; and this said, they departed. The King himself, when he heard of these determinations, was so far from rejoicing at it, that he rather mourned, as for the loss of so good a wife; yet he conversed with her as he had done before, in nothing altered but in abstaining from her bed. But being willing the Queen should know these Determinations; in Whitsonweeke after, he sent divers Lords to acquaint her with them; requi●ing her thereupon to recall her Appeal, and to refer the matter to eight indifferent Lords; which she utterly refused, using her usual Answer, that she was his lawful wife, and would abide the Determination of the Court of Rome, but of no other. After Whitsuntide, the King and Queen removed to Windsor, and there continued till the fourteenth of july, on which day the King removed to Woodstock and left the Queen at Windsor, where she remained a while, and after removed to Easthamsted, whither the King sent to her divers Lords, first to persuade her to be conformable to the law of God; which if they could not do, then to let her know, that his pleasure was, she should be at either of these three places, his Manor of Oking, or of East-hamstead, or the Monastery of Bisham, and there to continue without further molesting him with her suits. And now came Cranmer in to play his part. It chanced that Doctor Stephe●s, Doctor Fox and he met at Waltham one day at dinner; where falling into discourse, about the case then in agitation, of the King's marriage with Queen Katherine; the other Doctors thought the marriage might be proved unlawful by the Civil Law: (but (said Cranmor) ● it may better be proved by the Law of God, and it is no hard matter to do it; which words of his being made known to the King● Cranmor is sent for, and commanded to set his reasons down in writing: which having done, and showed them to the King; he was asked whether he would stand to that which he had written: who answered, he would, even before the Pope himself, if his Majesty pleased: marry (said the King) and to Pope you shall go; and thereupon sent him to the Court of Rome, and with him Thomas Bullen Earl of Witshire, Doctor Stokesley Elect of London, Doct. Lee the King's Almoner, and others: who coming to Bolonia where the Pope was, had a day of audience appointed, but was hindered by a ●●diculous accident; for the Pope holding out his foot for them to kiss his toe, as the manner is, a dog of the Earls, by chance in the room, ran and caught the Pope's foot in his mouth, & made it for that time unfit to kiss. After this, when Cranmor had made his Proposition, he was told, it should be answered when the Pope came to Rome: so the Ambassadors were dismissed, and Cranmor went to the Emperour● Court; where in private conference he satisfied Cornelius Agrippa, the most learned at that time about the Emperor, and brought him to be of his opinion. Cranmor returning home, and giving the King this satisfaction; the King's marriage with Queen Katherine was soon after dissolved by Parliament, and the Bishop of Canterbury accompanied with Doctor Stokesley Bishop of London, Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester, the Bishop of bath and Lincoln, and other learned men, rode to Dunstable where Queen Katherine then lay; where being cited to appear, and making default fifteen days togethers, for lack of appearance, she was divorced from the King, and the marriage declared to be void and of none effect; and from thenceforth it was decreed, she should no more be called Queen, but Princess Dowager: after which time, the King never saw her more. At this time, being the four and twentieth year of King Henry's reign, Sir Thomas Moor, after long suit, delivered up the great Seal, which was then delivered to Thomas Audeley Speaker of the Parliament; and he made first Lord Keeper, and shortly after Chancellor; in whose room of Speaker, H●nfrey Wing●eld of Grays-inn was chosen on the first of September this year: the King being at Windsor, created Anne Bullen marchioness of Pembroke, giving her a thousand pounds' land a year: and then being desirous to talk with the King of France in person, on the tenth of October, taking the said Lady with him, and divers Lords, as the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk, the marquis of Dorset and Excester, the Earls of Arundel, Oxford, Surrey, Essex, Derby, Rutland, Sussex and Huntingdon, with divers Viscounts, Barons and Knights, he sailed over to Calais; and on the twentieth of October me● with the King of France at Bolloigne, with whom he stayed four days; in which time, to do him honour, the King of France honoured the two Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk with the Order of Saint Michael, and then both Kings went to Calais, where the French King stayed certain days; in which time to do the King of France honour, King Henry honoured two of his great Lords with the Order of the Garter, and then after great magnificence in revelling & feasting, on the twentieth of Ostob. the French King departed from Calais, and King Henry returned into England, where on the fourteenth of November following, he married secretly the Lady Anne Bulle●● which marriage was not openly known till Easter after, when it was perceived she was with child; at which time William Warham Archbishop of Canterbury died, Thomas Cranmor was elected Archbishop in his room. After that the King perceived his new wi●e to be with child, he caused all Officers necessary to be appointed to her; and so on Easter eve she went to her closet openly as Queen, and then the King appointed her coronation to be kept on Witsunday following; and writings were sent to all Sheriffs, to certify the nams' of men of forty pounds, to receive the order of Knighthood, or else to mak● fine: the assessment of which ●ines was appointed to Thomas Cromwell Master of of the Jewelhouse, and of the King's Council; a man newly come in the King's favour, by whose industry great sums of money were by such fines gathered. In the beginning of May, the King caused Proclamation to be made, that all men who claimed to do any service at the Coronation, by the way of tenure, gran●, or prescription, should put in their claim three weeks after Easter in the Star-chamber, before Charles Duke of Suffolk, for that time high Steward of England, the Lord Chancellor and other Commissioners. Two days before the Coronation were made Knights of the Bath, the Earl of Dorset, the Ea●le of Der●y, the Lord Clifford, the Lord Fitzwater, the Lord Hastings, the Lord Monteagle, the Lord Vaux, Sir john Mordant, Sir Henry Parker; Sir William Windsor, Sir Francis Weston, Sir Thomas Arundel, Sir john Hurlson, Sir Thomas Poynings, Sir Henry Savill, Sir George ●itzwilliams, Sir john tindal, and Sir Tho: I●rmey. On Whitsunday the Coronation was kept in as great state & 〈◊〉 for all circumstances as ever an● was, and the day after a solemn Just● was ●olden. In May this year Pope Clement sent a messenger to King Henry, requiring him personally to appear at the general Council, which he had appointed to be kept the year following; but when his Commission was showed, there was neither time nor place specified for keeping of the said Council; and so with an uncertain Answer to an uncertain Demand, the Messenger departed. It was now the five and twentieth year of the King's reign, when on Midsummer day, Marry the French Queen, and then wife to Charles Duke of Suff●lke, died; and was buried at Saint Edmund-berry; and on the seaventh of September following, between three and four a clock in the afternoon, the Queen was delivered of a daughter that was named Elizabeth; the Godfather at the christening was the Archbishop of Canterbury; the Godmother the old Duchess of Norfolk, and the old marchioness Dorset widow; and at the Confirmation, the Lady marchioness of Excester: the Christening was performed with exceeding great state, and great gifts were given by the Gossips. This year, one Pavier the Town-clerke of London hanged himself, (whom Hollinshead saith) he heard once swear a great oath; that if he thought the thought the King would set forth the Scripture in English, rather than he would live to see that day, he would cut his own throat: which I therefore relate, that the judgement of God may be seen upon such unhallowed oaths. A little before this time one Elizabeth Barton, named the Holy Maid of Kent, came to be discovered; whose abettors were Richard Master a Priest, Parson of Aldington in Kent, Edward Bocking Doctor of Divinity, a Monk of Canterbury, Richard Deering a Monk, Edward Thwayts Gentleman, Henry Gold Parson of Aldermary, Hugh Rich a Friar observant, Richard Risby and Thomas Gold, Centlemen. This Maid had learned to counterfeit falling into Trances; in which she would deliver many strange things, and amongst others, said, that by Revelation from God and his Saints she was informed; that if King Henry proceeded to the Divorce, and married another, he should not be King of England one month after. And here we may see how credulous oftentimes great Scholars are in believing Impostures, when Warham Archbishop of Canterbury, and Fisher Bishop of Rochester were thought to give credit to this Counterfeit, that we need not wonder at Saint Austin; who though he gave credit to many lying Miracles, yet they were such as had more probability in them then this; which consisted in nothing but making of faces, as upon Examination of the Maid and her Abettors was confessed; and thereupon she and most of them were condemned, drawn to Tyburn and there hanged. In this mean time the Scots had been troublesome, and made Intodes upon the Borders; till at last, Commissioners being sent to treat of agreement; a Peace was concluded, to continue both the King's lives; which on the twentieth of May this year, was openly Proclaimed. About this time, at the suit of the Lady Katherine Dowager, a Bull was sent from the Pope, which cursed both the King and the Realm; which Bull was set up in the Town of Dunkirk in Flanders, the Messenger not daring to come nearer: and because it was known that the Lady Dowager had procured this Curse to be sent, the Duke of Suffolk was sent to her, lying then at Bugden besides Huntingdon, to discharge a great part of her household servants; yet leaving her a convenient number, like a Princess. It was now the six and twentieth year of King Henry's reign, when in a Parliament holden, an Act was made for establishing the succession in the Crown, upon the Lady Elizabeth; to which, first all the Lords, Knights and Burgesses were sworn; and after Commissioners were sent into all parts of the Realm, to take the oath of all men and women to the said Act. Another Act was also made, which authorised the King to be Supreme Head of the Church of England, and the Pope's authority to be utterly abolished. But Doctor john Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, Sir Thomas Moor Knight, and Doctor Wilson Parson of Saint Thomas Apostles in London, expressly denied at Lam●eth, before the Archbishop of Canterbury, to take the Oaths; of whom Doctor Wilson recanted, but the other two persisting in their opinion, were both of them beheaded. Of these two Bishop Fisher was much lamented, as reputed a man both of great learning and good life. The Pope had elected him Cardinal, and his Hat was come as farr● as Calais, but before it could come into England his head was off. Sir Thomas Moor was both learned and very wise, but so given to a vain of jesting and merry scoffing, that he could not refrain it at the very time of his death: as when he was carried to the Tower, being demanded his upper garment (meaning his Gown) you shall have it, said he, and gave them his cap; saying, it was the uppermost garment he had: also, when being upon the Scaffold, the Hangman kneeled down and asked him forgiveness; I forgive thee (said he) but I promise thee, thou wilt never have credit by cutting off my Head, my neck is so short: and when he was to lay his head down upon the block, having a great grey beard, he stroked it out, and said to the Hangman, I pray you let me lay my beard over the block, lest you should cut it; for though you have Warrant to cut off my head, you have none to cut my beard. But his Devotion was no jesting matter, for he used to wear a shirt of hair next his skin, for a perpetual pen●ance; and oftentimes in the Church he would put on a Surplice, and help the Priest to say Mass; which he forbore not to do even when he was Lord Chancellor of England; as one time the Duke of Norfolk coming to the Church found him doing it. Two memorable things are recorded of him; one, which shows his great integrity, and the small reckoning he made of riches; that having passed through so many great employments, and borne so many great Offices; yet in all his time, ●e never Purchased above one hundred pounds land a year, nor left any great stock of money behind him, when he died. The other, which shows his filial piety, that being Lord Chancellor of England, at the same time that his Father wa● a Judge of the King's Bench, he would always at his going to Westminster, go first to the King's Bench and ask his Father blessing, before he went to sit in the Chancery. The ninth of july, this year, the Lord Dacres of the North was arraigned at Westminster of high treason, before the Duke of Norfolk, as high Steward of England; his Indictment being read, he so answered every part and matter therein contained, that by his Peers he was found Not guilty; a rare thing to stop a currant that ran with such violence. The one and twentieth of September Doctor Taylour Master of the Rolls, was discharged of that Office; and the ninteenth of October following, Thomas Cromwell was sworn in his place. This year the King of Scots was installed Knight of Garter, by his Deputy the Lord Erskin and Stephen Gardiner, who after the Cardinal's death, was made Bishop of Winchester, was sent Ambassador Legier, into France, where he remained three years. Also in january, of this year, Katherine Princess Dowage●, fell into her last sickness; to whom the King sent the Emperor's Ambassador Legier, desiring her to be of good comfort; but she finding her death to approach, caused only one of her Gentlewoman to write a Letter to the King; commending to him her Daughter and his, and beseeching him to be a good Father to her; and then desiring him further, to have some consideration of her Servants. On the eighth of january, at Kimbolton, she departed this life, and was buried at Peterborough. A woman of so virtuous a life, and of so great obsequiousness to her husband, that from her only merit, is grown a reputation to all Spanish wives. Also the nine and twentieth of january, this year, Queen Anne was delivered of a child before her time, which was borne dead. And now King Henry began to fall into tho●e great disorders, which have been the blemish of his life, and have made him be blotted out of the Catalogue of our best Princes; for first, in October this year, he sent D●ctor Lee and others, to ●isit the Abbeys, Priories, and Nunneries in England; who set at liberty all those Religious persons, that would forsake their habit, and all that were under th● age of four and twenty years; and in December following, a survey was taken of all Chantries, and the names of such, as had the gift of them. After which, in a Parliament holden the fourth of February, an Act was made, which gave to the King all Religious houses, with all their lands and goods, that were of the value of three hundred marks a year and under: the ●●mber of which Houses, was three hundred seventy and six: the value of their lands yearly, above two and thirty thousand pounds, their movable goods, one hundred thousand, the Religious persons put out of the same houses above ten tho●sand. This year, William tindal, was burnt at a Town in Flanders, between Brussels and Mechlyn, called Villefort, for translating into English the New Testament, and divers parts of the old; who having been long imprisoned, was upon the Lord Cromwel's writing for his Deliverance, in all haste, brought to the fire, and burnt. It was now the eight and twentieth year of King Henry's Reign, when on Monday, there were solemn Justs holden at Geeenwich, from whence the King suddenly departed, and came to Westminster, whose sudden departure struck great amazement into many, but to the Queen especially, and not without cause; for the next day, the Lord Rochfort her brother, and Henry Norris were brought to the Tower of London, prisoners, whither also the same day at five a clock in the afternoon, was brought Queen Anne herself, by Sir Thomas Audeley Lord Chancellor, the Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Cromwell Secretary, and Sir William Kingston Lieutenant of the Tower, who at the Tower-gate, fell on her knees before the said Lords, beseeching God to help her, as she was innocent of that whereof she was accused: on the ●ifteenth of May, she was arraigned in the Tower, before the Duke of Norfolk, sitting as high Steward of England. When her Indictment was read, she made unto it so wise and discreet answers, that she seemed fully to clear herself of all matters laid to her charge: but being tried by her Peers, whereof the Duke of Suffolk was chief; she was by them found guilty, and had Judgement pronounced by the Duke of Nor●olke; immeadiatly the Lord Rochfort her brother, was likewise arraigned and condemned: who on the seaventeenth of May, together with Henry Norris, Mark Smeton, William Briorton, and Francis Weston, all of the King's Privy-chamber, about marters touching the Queen, were beheaded on the Tower-hill, Queen Anne herself on the nineteenth of May, on a Scaffold upon the Green within the Tower, was beheaded with the sword of Calais by the hangman of that Town; her body with the head, was buried in the Choir of the chapel there. This Queen Anne, was the daughter of Thomas Bullen Earl of Wiltshire, and of Lady Elizabeth daughter of Thomas Howard Duke of Nor●olke; the Earl's Father was the son of Sir William Bullen, whose wife was Margaret the second daughter and Coheir of Thomas Butler Ealre of Ormond, and the said Sir William, was the son of Sir Godfrey Bullen, Lord Major of London, who lieth buried in Saint leonard's Church in the jewry, whose wife was Anne eldest daughter & coheir to Thomas Lord Hoo and Hastings: and his descent was out of the house of the Bullens in the County of Norfolk; thus much for her Parentage: for her Religion, she was an ●arnest Professor, and one of the first Countenancers of the Gospel: in Almsdeeds so liberal, that in nine month's space; It it is said, she distributed amongst the poor, to the value of fifteen thousand pounds: now for the crimes for which she died, (Adultery and Incest:) proofs of her guiltiness there are none recorded: of her Innocency, many; first, her own clearing of all objections, at the time of her arraignment: then Cromwel's writing to the King, after full examination of the matter; that many things have been objected, but none confessed, only some circumstances had been acknowledged by Mark Smeton: (and what was Mark Smeton, but a mean fellow, one that upon promise of life, would say any thing; and having said something, which they took hold of was soon after executed lest he should retract it:) last, they that were accused with her, they all denied it to the death: even Henry Norris, whom the King specially favoured, and promised him pardon if he would but confess it. It was a poor proof of Incest with her brother, that coming one morning into her chamber before she was up, he leaned down upon her bed, to say something in her ear; yet this was taken hold of for a proof: and it need be no marvel if we consider the many adversaries she had; as being a Protestant, and perhaps in that respect, the King himself not greatly her friend: (for though he had excluded the Pope, yet he continued a Papist still: and than who knows not, that nature is not more able of an Acorn to make an oak, than authority is able of the least surmise, to make a certainty. But howsoever it was, that her death was contrived: certain it is, that it cast upon King Henry a dishonourable Imputation; in so much, that where the Protestant Princes of Germany had resolved to choose him for head of their League; after they heard of this Queen's death, in such a manner, they utterly refused him as unworthy of the honour: and it is memorable what conceit Queen Anne herself had of her death; for at the time, when she was led to be beheaded in the Tower● she called one of the King's Privy-chamber to her, and said unto him, commend me to the King, and tell him; he is constant in his course of advancing me, for from a private Gentlewoman, he made me a marquis, from a marquis, a Queen; and now, that he had left no higher degree of worldly honour for me, he hath made me a Martyr. Immediately after her death, in the week before Whi●●on●ide, the King married jane Seymour, daughter to Sir john Seymour, who at Whitsuntide was openly showed as Queen: and on the Tuesday in the Whitsonweeke her brother Sir Edmund Seymour, was created Viscount Beauchamp, and Sir Walter Hangerford, was made Lord Hangerford. The eight of june, the Parliament began; during the which, the Lord Thomas Howard, without the King's assent, had affianced the Lady Margaret Douglas, daughter to the Queen of Scots, and Niece to the King: for which he was attainted of treason, and an Act was made for like offenders hereafter; and so he died in the Tower, and she long time remained there a prisoner; yet afterward was set at liberty, and married Matthew Earl of Lenox, who by him had Henry, Father of james the first King of Great Britain. In the time of this Parliament, the Bishops and all the Clergy had a solemn Convocation at Paul's Church in London; where after much disputation and debating of matters, they published a book of Religion; entitled, Articles devised by the King's Highness: in which book are specially mentioned but three Sacraments: namely Baptism, Eucharist, and Penance; also certain Injunctions were set forth, whereby many of the old Holidays were abrogated, specially those that fell in Harvest time. The two and twentieth of july, Henry Duke of Richmond and Somerset, base son of King Henry by Elizibeth Blunt, died at Saint james, and was buried at Thets●one in Norfolk. The nine and twentieth of june the King held a great Justs and Triumph at Westminster, but a disastrous Sea-fight on the water; where one Gates a Gentleman was drowned in his harness, and by the breaking of a Gun two Mariners were sore maimed: in july following, Thomas Cromwell, Secretary to the King, and Master of the Rolls, was made Lord Keeper of the Privy-seal: and the ninteenth of july the Lord Fitz-Warren was created Earl of Bath; and the day after, the said Cromwell was made Lord Cromwell; and on the eighteenth of july, Vicar General under the King over the Spiritualty; who sat divers times in the Convocation House, amongst the Bishops as head over them: and now was the state of Religion in England come to a strange pass; because always in passing, and had no consistence; for at first, the authority of the Pope was excluded in some cases only, a while alter in all; but yet his Doctrine was wholly retained. Afterward, his Doctrine came to be Impugned, but in some few points only: a while after, in many more: that the fable of Proteu● might no longer be a fable, when the Religion in England might be his true Moral: and indeed, it could be no otherwise; the distance between the two Religious being not possible to be passed Per saltum; but must be done by degrees, which degrees may be observed in the progress of the story: for where at first, it was permitted only to read the Bible in English, now it came to be permitted, to pray in English; for now in September, the Lord Cromwell set forth Injunctions, to have the Lords prayer, the Ave, the Creed, the ten Commandments, and all Articles of the Christian-faith translated into English, and to be taught by all Parsons and Curates to their Parishioners: which Innovation so stirred up the people, that in Lincol●shire they assembled to the number of twenty thousand; against whom the King himself went in person, who win●●ng by persuasions their chief leaders, brought the rest upon pardon to submit themselves: but when he had himself done the work of mercy; he afterward sent the Duke of Suffolk, with Sir Francis Brian, and Sir john Russell to do the work of Justice; who caused Nicholas Melton, and a Monk naming himself Captain Cobbler, and thirteen others (Ringleaders of the sedition,) to be apprehended, and most of them to be executed. But this Commotion was scarce appeased, when presently there rose another in the North-parts, where forty thousand were assembled, giving themselves out for an holy Pilgrimage, where on one side of their Ensigns, they had Christ hanging on the cross, on the other side, the Cup and Bread of the Sacrament, as taking Arms only for maintenance of the Faith of Christ, and deliverance of the holy Church now oppressed: but these were opposed by George Earl of Shrewsbury, who having raised an Army without Commission, though to resist the Rebels, yet began to be much troubled, whither in so doing he had not committed Treason, and was never quiet till he had se●t to the King for pardon and commission to proceed: at which time a rumour being raised amongst his soldiers, that the Earl so well liked the Rebel's cause, that what show soever he made, yet when it should come to the trial, he would not stick to join with them and take their parts: to remove which Opinion out of their mind●, he caused all his soldiers to come before him, and made his Chaplain give him an oath; by which he swore in their hearing, to be true to the Crown, and never to be assisting to any Rebels: to his aid were sent the Duke of Norfolk, with the Marquis of Excetur● the Earls of Huntingdon and Rutland: who with a mighty Army approaching the Rebels, beyond Doncaster, in the way towards York, attempted first to have pacified them without bloodshed; but when no persuasions would serve, it was resolved of both sides to come to a battle; but see here the great goodness of God, for the night before the day appointed for battle, it happened that a little Brook called Dun, running between the two Armies, upon a small rain grew to such a height, that it was not passable by either foot or horse; so as the Armies having time to consider, and considering perhaps this miracle as sent of God, they came to agreement, and upon pardon disbanded and returned to their houses: but in the mean time they had besieged the Castle of Scarborough where the resolute carriage of Sir Ralph Evens is memorable; who held the Castle by only his own servants and Tenants, and that, when for twenty days together, he had no other sustenance but bread and water: but all Comotions were not yet appeased, for at this very time, there was another great Army assembled out of Cumberland, Westmoreland, and the North-parts of Lancashire, marching Southwards; but by the diligence of the Earl of Derby, to whom also the Earl of Sussex was sent, they were suppressed, and their chief Leader●, as the Abbot's of waly, Sauly, and others, apprehended and hanged: but neither is there yet an end of comotions, for now in February Nicholas Musgrave, Thomas Til●y, with o●hers to the number of twelve thousand, began a Rebellion, and besieged Carlisle, but by the power of the City were first beaten back, and then were encountered by the Duke of Norfolk, who caused seventy four of them, by martial-law ●o be hanged on the walls of Carlisle: but neither was there yet an end of Comotions, for now in Setrington, Pickering, L●igh and Scarborough, began a new Rebellion, by procurement of Francis Bigot; who had raised a great power, and meant to have taken Hull, but by the industry of Sir Ralph Ellarker, and the Major of the Town, threescore a● the Rebels were taken and hanged, and the rest put to flight, and glad to be quiet: but neither yet was there an end of Commotions, for in the latter end of this eight and twentieth year, the Lord Darcy, the Lord Hussey, Sir Robert Constable Sir john Bulmer and his wife, Sir Thomas Percy brother to the Earl of Northumberland, Sir Stephen Hamilton, Nicholas Tempest Esquire, and others began to conspire, although each of them before had been pardoned by the King: but this as being but the fag end of Commotion; was soon suppressed, the Lord Darcy was beheaded on the Tower-hill, the Lord Hussey at Lincol●e, Sir Robert C●nstable was hanged in cheins at Hull, Sir john Balmers Paramout was burnt in Smithfield, and most of the other were executed at Tyburn: Tantae molis erat, so great a matter it was● to make the Realm be quiet, in so great innovations of Religion. This year on Saint Georges-feast, the Lord Cromwell was made Knight of the Garter, and on the twelfth of October, which is Saint Edwards-eve●, at Ha●ton-Court, the Queen was delivered of a son; (but with so hard a labour that she was fain to be ripped) the child was named Edward, whose Godfathers at the Christening were the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Duke of Norfolk, his Godmother was his sister the Lady Mary: at his Bishoping, his Godfather was the Duke of Suffolk: on the eighteenth of October, he was made Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall and Earl of Chester: but the birth of his son brought not so much joy to the King, as the death of his Queen brought him sorrow; for within two days after she died, and was buried at Windsor, and ●o much was the King's grief for her death, that he continued a widdawer two years after. It is not unworthy the relating, what a miserable dissolation befell the family of the Geraldynes or Fitzgarrets, (Earl of Kildare in Ireland) about this time; for Gerald Fitzgarret, who had been ten year's Deputy in Ireland; upon complaint of some fault, was sent for over into England, where not making a satisfying answer, he was committed to the Tower; but before his coming over, had with the King's leave, left Deputy there his own son, a Youngman of not above twenty years of age, but yet ripe of understanding and fit for the pla●e: this young Lord, hearing that his father was committed prisoner to the Tower; and soon after, as the rumour increased, that he was put to death; in rage to be revenged, rose up in Arms; and having five Uncles in the Country (men of great estimation) drew them (though some of them unwillingly) to take his part; amongst other outrages he committed, the Archbishop of Dublin was slain in his presence● the Father in the Tower hearing hereof, with very grief died; the Son and his Uncles, upon the Kings sending a● Army, were all either taken or submitted; and being sent for over into England, those of his Uncles, that against their wills had been drawn into the Action, had good hope of their lives, till entering the ship of passage, which was called the Cow; they then presently dispaired, because of a Prophecy, that five sons of a certain Earl should be carried into England in the belly of a Cow, and never after return: and indeed it fell out true, for through the malice of their adversaries, (exasperating the King against them and saying, there would never be quietness in Ireland, as long as any of the Geraldines were left alive,) they were all put to death: one only son of the family remained, a youth of thirteen years of age, who though at that time sick of the smallpox, yet made shift to save himself by flight; fled first into France, and frighted from thence, afterwards into Flanders, and driven from thence, at last into Italy, where pr●oected by Regin●ld Poole, are that time made Cardinal, by Pope julie the third, he was afterward, by this meane●, restored to his dignity and his patrimony. This year Edward Seymour, Viscount Beauchamp the Queen's brother, was created Earl of Hartford, and Sir William Fitz-williams' Lord Admiral, was created Earl of Southamton, Master Paulet was made Vice Treasurer, Sir john Russell was made Controller of the King's House, and divers Gentlemen were made Knights. In February divers Rood were taken down by the King's commandment, as the Rood of Boxeley, called the Rood of grace, which was made with vices to move the eyes and lips, also the Rood called Saint Saviour at Bermondsey Abbey in Southwark, a●d divers others: in May a Friar Observant, called Friar Forrest, who had taken the oath of Supremacy himself, yet privately persuaded others, that the King was not supreme head of the Church; was thereupon examined, and for his defence said, that he took the oath with his outward man, but his inward man never consented to it; but this answer served not his turn from being condemned; and on a pair of Gallows prepared for him, in Smith●●eld, he was hanged by the middle, and armholes, all quick, and under the Gallows was made a fire wherewith he was consumed: a little before his execution, a huge great Image was brought to the Gallows, fetched out of Wales, which the Welshmen had in great reverence, called Darvell Gatherens, of which there went a Prophecy, that thi● Image should set a whole Forest on fire, which was thought to take effect, in ●erring this Friar Forrest on fire, and consuming him to nothing. In September, by the special motion of the Lord Cromwell, all the notable Images, unto which were made any special Pilgrimages and offerings, were taken down and burnt; as the Images of Walsingham, Ipswic●, Worcester, the Lady of Wilsdon, with many other, and forthwith by means of the said Cromwell all the orders of Friars and Nuns, with theirs Cloisters and Houses were suppressed and put down: also the shrines of counterfeit Saints; amongst others, the shrine of Thomas Becket in the Priory of Christ-church was taken to the King's use, and his bones, scull and all which was there found, with a piece ●roken out by the wound of his death, were all burnt in the same Church by command of the Lord Cromwell: and the one and twentieth of October, the Church of Thomas Becket in London, called the Hospital of Saint Thomas of Acres was suppressed: the sixteenth of November the Blackfriars in London was suppressed; the next day the White-friers, the Gray-friers, and the Monks of the Charter-house, and so all the other immediately after, 〈◊〉 three Abbots resisted, the Abbot of Colechester, the Abbot of Reding, and the Abbot of Glastenbury, who therefore were all taken and executed. The four and twentieth of November the Bishop of Rochester Preached at Pauls-crosse, and there showed the blood of Hales, affirming it to be no blood, but honey clarified and coloured with sa●●ron, as it had been evidently proved before the King and Council. The number of Monasteries suppressed, were six hundred forty five, besides fourscore and ten Colleges, one hundred and ten Hospitals, and of Chantries and free Chapels two thousand three hundred seventy four. But now to make amends for the suppressing of so many Monasteries, the King instituted certain new Bishoprickes, as at Westminster Oxford, Peterborough, Bristol, Chester and Gloster; and assigned certain Canons and prebend's to each of them. The third of November Henry Courtney marquis of Exeter, and Earl of Devonshire, Henry Poole Lord Montacute, Sir Nicholas Carew of Bedington, Knight of the Garter, and Master of the King's Horse, and Sir Edward Nevil, brother to the Lord of Aburgeiney, were sent to the Tower, being accused by Sir Geoffry Poole, the Lord Montacutes brother, of high treason; the● were indicted for devising to promote and advance one Reinold Poole to the Crown, and put down King Henry. This Pool was a near kinsman of the Kings (being the son of the Lady Margaret Countess of Salisbury, daughter and heir to George Duke of Clarence) he had been brought up by the King in learning, and made Deane of Excetur; but being sent after, to learn experience by travail, he grew so great a friend of the Popes, that he became an enemy to King Henry, and for his enmity to the King, was by Pope julius the third made Cardinal; for this man's cause, the Lords aforesaid being condemned, were all executed, the Lord Marquis, the Lord Montacute, and Sir Edward Ne●ill, beheaded on the Tower-hill, the ninth of january, Sir Nicholas Carew the third of March, two Priests condemned with them were hanged at Tyburn, Sir jeoffry Poole though condemned also yet had his pardon. About thi● time one Nicholson alias Lambert, being accused for denying the Real presence in the Sacrament, appealed to the King, and the King was content to hear him; whereupon a Thron● was set up in the Hall of the King's Palace at Westminster, for the King to si●: and when t●e Bishops had urged their arguments, and could not prevail, than the King took him in hand, hoping perhaps to have the honour of con●erting an Heretic, when the Bishops could not do it, and withal promised him pardon if he would recant; but all would not do, Nicholso● remained obstinate, the King missed his honour, the delinquent missed his pardon; and shortly after was drawn to Smithfield and there burnt. About this time King Henry being informed that the Pope, by instigation of Cardinal Poole, had earnestly moved divers great Princes to invade England; He as a provident Prince, endeavoured a●●arn●stly to provide ●or defence; a●d to that end, road himself to the Seacoasts 〈◊〉 them fortifi●●, and in needful places Bulwarks to be erected: He c●used hi● Na●●e●● be rigged, and to be in readiness at any short warning: he c●●sed Musters ●● be raken in all shee●es; and lists of all, able men in e●ery Count●, in L●●●don specially; where Sir William Forman the ●hen Mayor, ●●●●ified the number of fifteen thousand; not that they were 〈…〉, but that so many were ready prepared; and these on the eight of May, the King himself saw Mustered in james Park; where the Citizens' ●●●ove in such sort to exceed each other in bravary of arms, and forwardness of service, a● if the City had been a Camp, and they not men of the gown●, but all professed Soldiers; which they performed to their great cost, but greater commendation. It was now the one and thirtieth year of King Henri●s reign, and the nine and fortieth of his age; when having continued a widower two year, he began to think of marrying again; and be needed not be a suitor for a wife, for he was sued unto take one. The Emperor solicited him to marry the Duchess of Milan; but to marry her he must first obtain a Licence from the Pope, and King Henry was resolved rather to have no wife, then to have any more to do with the Pope. Then the Duke of Cleve made suit unto him, to marry the Lady Anne hi● Sister, and he was a Protestant Prince; and so, though differing in points of Doctrine, yet in the main Point of excluding ●he Pope, both of one min●e. Many about the King were forward for thi● Ma●ch, but the Lord Cro●well specially; and indeed it concerned him more than any other, that the King should take a Protestant wife, seeing 〈◊〉 actions h●d been such as none but ● Protestant Queen would ever like; and if the Queen should not like them; the King, though done by his leave, would ●ot like them long. Hereupon such means was used, that Ambassadors came from the Duke of Cleve to conclude the March; and the●, the elev●nth of December, the Lady herself in gr●at state was brought, first to Calais, and then over to Dover; and being come to Rochester, the King secretly came to see her, afterward she was conducted to London, me● by the way in several places, by all the great Lords and Ladies of the Kingdom. The third of january she was received into London by Sir William Hollice, than Lord Major, with Oration●, Pageants, an● all compliments of Sta●e, the greatest that ever had been seen. On Twelfth day the Marriage was solemnised, the Archbishop of Canterbury did the office, the Earl of Oversteine, a Germane Lord ga●e her. In April following the Lord Cromwell, as though he had won the King's heart for ever by making this march, was made Earl of Essex; for in March before, Henry Rourchie● Earl of Essex● and the ancientest Earl of England, had broken his neck by seeking to break a young Horse, leaving only one Daughter, and the dying without issue, the Earldom came to the Family of Devereux, which yet enjoyed not the honour, till afterward in Queen Elizabeth's time, and then made but not restored. The ninth of March, the King created Sir William Paulet Treasurour of his House, Lord Saint john, Sir john Russell Controlour, Lord Russell, and shortly after Sir William Par was created Lord Par. The eight and twentieth of April began a Parliament at Westminster, in the which Margaret Countess of Salisbury, Gertrude wife to the marquis of Exeter, Reynold Poole Cardinal, brother to the Lord Montacute, Sir Adrian Foskew, Thomas Dingley Knight of Saint john's; and divers others were attainted of high treason; of whom Foskew and Dingley the tenth of july were beheaded, the Countess of Salisbury two years after: and in this Parliament the Act of the six Articles was established, and Sir Nicholas Hare was restored to his place of Speaker in the Parliament. It was now five months after the King's marriage with the Lady Anne of Cleve; and though the King at the first sight of the Lady, did not like her person; yet, whether as respecting the honour of Ladies, he would not disgrace her at the first meeting; or whether he meant to try how time might work him to a better liking; or indeed, that he would not give distaste to the Germane Princes at that time, for sole ends he had a working, he dissembled the matter, and all things went on in a show of contentment on all hands. But for all these shows; the crafty Bishop of London Stephen Gardiner, finding how the world went with the King's affection towards his Queen; and for her sake with Cromwell; to neither of whom he was greatly affected (not to the Queen, as misliking her religion; not to Cromwell, as envying his greatness;) he so wrought upon the King's inclination; what by suggesting, and what by aggravating, that the Lord Cromwell the ninth of july, sitting in the Council Chamber, was suddenly apprehended and committed to the Tower; and the ninteenth of the same month was attainted by Parliament, and never came to his Answer; by a Law, which (as some reported) he himself had caused to be made; and the eight and twentieth of july was beheaded on the Tower-hill; for crimes (as appears in Record) of Heresy and Treason. This Lord Cromwell was borne at P●tney, a Village in Surrey near the Thames side; son to a Smith, after whose decease, his Mother was married to a Sheereman; for the pregnancy of his wit he was first entertained by Cardinal Woolsey, and by him employed in many great affairs; the Cardinal falling, the King took him into his service; and finding his great abilities, first advanced him for his worth, and then for his pleasure overthrew him. But the greatest part of Stephen Gardiner's practice had been done before; for at Midsummer before, the King caused the Queen to remove to Richmond, as for her health and pleasure; and and in the time of her absence, on the sixth of july, sent certain Lords to the Lower House of Parliament, who there declared certain causes, for which the King's marriage with the Lady Anne of Cleve, was not to be counted lawful; and so carried the matter, that the Convocation clearly determined, the King might marry any other; and so might she. Being thus Divorced; it was further Enacted, she should no more be called Queen, but the Lady Anne of Cleve. The fault for which this Divorce was decreed, is not expressly delivered● some say, a precontract of the said Lady with a Lord of Germany was pretended; but it seems to have been for some womanish defect in her body; as she spared not to affirm that she had never been carnally known by the King in all the time of their lying together: and as it is said, when her Ladies, one time said unto her, that they looked now every day to hear of her great belly; she should answer, they might look long enough, unless, saying, how dost thou sweerest, God morrow sweetheart, and suc● like words, could make a great belly; for (said she) more than this, there never passed between the King and me. How ever it was, she willingly submitted to the Decree, whether out of fear, or perhaps as little liking the King as the King did her; and afterward led a private life here in England, well respected of the King, and dying sixteen years after, in the fourth year of Quee● Mary, was buried at Westminster. About this time Leonard Grace Deputy of Ireland, was on the Tower-hill beheaded, for suffering his Nephew Gerald Fitzgarret to escape, who had been declared an enemy to the state, and then also was Thomas Fines Lord Dacres, a young m●n of four and twenty years of age, hanged at Tyburn, ●or killing a mean peson upon a sudden affray; also the fourth of A●gust, Thomas Epson a Monk of Westminster, for denying to take his oath, to be true to the King, had his Monk's garment plucked from his back, the last Monk that was seen in such habit in England till Queen mary's days. The sixth of july in the two and thirtieth year of his Reign, King Henry had been divorced from the Lady Anne of Cleve, and now the eighth of August following, the Lady Katherine Howard, Niece to the Duke of Norfolk and daughter to the Lord Edward Howard was showed openly as Queen at Hampton-Court. On the tenth of june the year following, Sir Edmund Knevet of Norfolk, Knight, was arraigned before th● Officers of the Green-cloath, for striking one Master Clear of Norfolk, within the Tennis-court of the Kings House● being found guilty, he had judgement to lose his Right hand, and to forfeit all his lands and goods; whereupon there was called to do execution, first, the Sergeant Surgeon, with his Instruments pertaining to his office, than the Sergeant of the Woodyard, with a mallet and a block to lay the hand upon, than the King's Master-cook with the knife ●o cut off the hand, than the Sergeant of the larder to set the knife right on the joint, than the Sergeant Farrier with searing●irons to sear the veins, than the Sergeant of the ●oultry with a Cock, which cock, should have his head smitten off upon the same block, and with the same knife; then the Yeoman of the Chandry with seare-cloaths, than the Yeoman of the Scullery, with a pan of fire to hear the irons, a chaffer of water to cool the ends of the irons, and two forms for all Officers to set their stuff on, than the Sergeant of the Cellar with wine, Ale and Beer, than the Sergeant of the Ewery, with Basin, Ewer, and towels: all things being thus prepared Sir William Pickering Knight Martial, was commanded to bring in his prisoner, Sir Edmund Knevet, to whom the chief Justice declared his offence, which the said Knevet confessed, and humbly submitted himself to the King's mercy, only he desired, that the King would spare his Right hand and take his left, because (said he) if my right hand be spared, I may live to do the King good service: of whose submission, and reason of his suit, when the King was informed, he granted him to lose neither of his hands, and pardoned him also of his lands and goods. The summer of his three and thirtieth yeer● King Henry with his Queen Katherine, made a progress into the North-parts, and returning at Alhallantide to Hampton-court he was there informed, of the Queen's dessolute life first before her marriage with one Francis Deerham, a Gentleman of N●rfolke, whom employed afterward in Ireland; she had lately again at Pomfret received into her service, and now since her marriage with one Thomas Colepepper, of the King's Privy-chamber; whereupon the thirteenth of November, Sir Thomas Wriothsley Knight secretary to the King, was sent to the Queen at Hampton-Court, to charge he● with these crimes, and discharging her household, to cause her to be conveyed to Zion, there to remain, till the King's pleasure should be further known: the delinquents being examined, Deerham confessed, that before the King's marriage with the Lady Katherine, there had been a precontract between himself and her; but when he once understood of the Kings liking towards her, he then waved and consealed it for her preferment: so the first of December, the● Gentlemen being arraigned at the Guild-hall, they confessed the Indictment, a●● had Judgement to die, as in cases of treason: the tenth of December, they we●e drawn from the Tower to Tyburn, where Colepepper was beheaded, and Deerham was hanged and dismembered; Colepeppers body was buried in Sepulchers Church in London, but both their heads were set on London-bridge: the two and twentieth of December, there were arraigned at the Kings-bench, the Lord William Howard and the Lady Margaret his wife, Katherine Tilney and Alice Restwold Gentlewomen, joan Bulmer, wife to Anthony Bulmer Gentliman, Anne Howard wife to Henry Howard Esquire, and brother to the Queen, with divers others, who were all condemned for misprision of treason, for concealing the Queen's misdemeanour, and adjudged to forfeit all their lands and goods during life, and to remain in perpetual prison. The sixteenth of january the Parliament began at Westminster, where the Lords and Commons petitioned the King, that he wo●ld not vex himself with the Queen's offence, and that both she and the Lady Rochfort might be attainted by Parliament; and that to avoid protracting of time, he would give his royal assent un●o it, under the great Seal, without staying for the end of the Parliament. Also, that Derham and Colepepper having been attained before by the Common-Law, might be attainted likewise by Parliament: all which was assented to by the King; and after, on the thirteenth of February, the Queen and the Lady Roch●ord were beheaded on the-greene within the Tower, where they confessed their offences, and died penitently: yet something to take off the offences of this Queen; it is certainly said, that after her condemnation, she protested to Doctor White Bishop of Winchester, her last Confessor, that as for the Act for which she was condemned, she took God and his holy Angels to witness, upon her soul's salvation, that she died guiltless. Before this, on the three and twentieth of january, King Henry was proclaimed King of Ireland; where as before this ●ime, the Kings of England were only entitled Lords of Ireland: and this title was given him both by the Parliament here, and by the Parliament holden in Ireland, before Sir Anthony Seintleger knight, the King's Deputy there. About this time Arthur Plantagenet Visconnt Lisle, base son to King Edward tha fourth; having been imprisoned upon suspicion of a practice, for betraying of Calais to the French, whilst he was the King's Lieutenant there, was now found to be innocent of the Fact: and thereupon, the King to make him some reparation for his disgrace, sent him a Ring and a very gracious message, by Sir Thomas Wriothsley his Secretary; whereat the said Viscount took so great joy, that the night following, of that very joy he died: so deadly a thing is any passion, even joy itself, if it be extreme. After his death Sir john Dudley, his wife's Son, was crea●ed Viscount Lisle. This Sir john Dudley was son to Edmund Dudley, beheaded in the first year of this King's reign, and was made Viscount Lisle in right of his Mother. During this Parliament, one George Ferrer Gentleman, servant to the King and Burgess for the town of Plymouth in Devonshire, in going to the Parliament House, was arrested in London by a Process out of the King's Bench, for a Debt wherein he was late afore condemned, as surety for one Welden, at the suit of one White; which arrest being signified to Sir Thomas Moyle knight, speaker then of the Parliament, and to the Knights and Burgesses there; order was ●aken, that the Sergeant of the Parliament, called Saint john, should be sent to the Counter in Bredstreet (whither the said Ferrer was carried) and there demand to have him delivered: but the Officers of the Counter not only refused to deliver him, but gave the Sergeant such language, that they fell at last to an affray; at which time the Sheriffs coming, they also took their Officers part; so as the Sergeant was fain to return without the prisoner; which being signified to the Speaker and the Burgesses, they took the matter in so ill part, that they would sit ●o more without their Burgess; and thereupon rising up, repaired to the Upper House, where the whole Case was declared by the Speaker, before Sir Thomas Audeley Lord Chancellor, and the Lords and Judges there assembled: who judging the contempt to be very grea●, referred the punishment thereof to the House of Commons itself: whereupon returning to their places against upon new debate of the Case, they took order that their Sergeant should once more repair to the Sheriff of London, and demand ●●e prisoner, without carrying any Writ or Warrant for the matter. It is tru●● the Lord Chancellor offered to grant a Writ, but the House of Common● refused it; being of a cle●re opinion, that all Commandments from the nether House were to be executed by their Sergeant without Writ, only by showing his Mace, which is his Warrant: but before the Sergeants return into London, the Sheriffs better advised, became more mild, and upon the second demand, delivered the prisoner without any denial, but then the Sergeant had further in charge, to command the Sheriffs and Clerks of the Counter, to appear personally the next morning before the House of Commons: where appearing, they were charged by the Speaker, with their contempt, and compelled to make immediate answer, without being admitted ●o any counsel, Sir Roger Chomley Recorder of London, offered to speak in the cause, but w●s not suffered, nor any other but the party's themselves: in conclusion, the Sheriffs and White who had caused the Arrest, were committed to the Tower, the Officer that did the Arrest, with four other Officers to Newgate; but after two or three days, upon the ●umble sui●e of the Major, were set at liberty; and because the said Ferrer being in execution upon a condemnation of debt, and set at large by privilege of Parlaiment, was not by law to be brought again into execution; and so the creditor without remedy for his debt, against him as his principal debtor; therefore after long debate, by the space of nine or ten days together, they at last resolved to make an Act of purpose, to revive the execution of the said debt, against Welden who was principal debtor, and to discharge Ferrer that was but surer●: wherein notwithstanding, the house was divided, and the Act passed but by fourteen voices: the King being advertised of this proceeding, called before him the Lord Chancellor and the ●udges, the Speaker and divers of the lower House, to whom he declared his Opinion to this effect: first commending their wisdom, in maintaining the privileges of their house, (which he would ●o● have to be infringed in any point) he alleged, that ●e being head of the Parliament, and attending in his own person upon the business thereof, aught in reason, to have Privilege for himself and all his servants attending upon him, so as if the said Ferrer had been no Burgess, but only hi● servant; yet in that respect, he was to have the privilege as well as any other: for I understand (saith he) that you, not only for your own persons, but also for your necessary servants, even to your Cooks and Horsekeepers enjoy the s●me p●i●iledge● i● so much, as my Lord Chancellor here present, hath informed u●, that whilst he was Speaker of the Parliament, the Cook of the Temple was Arrested i● London, and in execution upon a statute of the S●aple, and for so much, as the said Cook during all the Parliament served the Speaker in t●at office; he was taken out of execution by privilege of Parliament; the Prerogative of which Court, (as our learned Counsel informeth us) is so great, that all Acts and processes coming ou● of any other Court, must for the time ce●se and give place to it: and touching the party himself, though for his presumption he was worthy to have lost his debt, yet I commend your Equity, that have restored him to hi● debt against him that was the principal: when the King had said this, Sir Edward Montacute Lord chief Justice, rose up, and confirmed by many reasons, all that the King had said, as likewise did all the other Lord●, none speaking any thing to the contrary. It was now the four and thirtieth year of King Henry's Reign, when in May he took a loan of money of all such as were valued at fifty pounds and upwards in the Subsidy book, the Lord Privy-seal, the Bishop of Winchester, Sir john Baker, and Sir Thomas Wriothsley were commissioners, that the loan in London, who so handled the matter, that of some chief Citizens they obtained a thousand marks in pressed to the King's use: for which Privy Seals were delivered to repay it again within two years. At this time, were many complaints made by the ●●gli●h, against the Scots, partly for receiving and maintaining divers English Rebel's, 〈◊〉 into Scotland, and partly for invading ●he English Borders; but still w●en the King of Englan● was preparing to oppose them, the Scottish King would send Ambassadors to tre●t of reconcilement, till at last, ●fter m●n● delusory pranks of the Scots; the King of England, no longer ●nduri●g such abuses, sent the Duke of Norfolk his Leivtena●● General, accompanied with the Earls of Shrewsbury, Derby, Cumberland, Surrey, Hart●o●d, A●●us, Rutland, the Lords of the North parts, Sir Anthony Browne Master of the King's horse, and Sir john Gage Controller of the King's House, with others, to the number of twenty thousand men; who on the one and twentieth of Oc●ober entered Scotland, where staying but eig●t daye● only he burned above eighteen Towne●, Abbeys, and Castles, and then without ●aving battle offered, for want of victuals returned to Barwick; ●● soon as ●e was returned, comes abro●d the King of Scots, raiseth a power of fifteen thous●nd men, and using great threatenings what he would do, invaded the west Borders, but the edge of his threatening was soon taken off, for the bastard Da●●es, with jack of Musgrave setting upon them with only an hundred Light●horse, and Sir Thomas Wharton with three hundred, put them to flight; upon a conceit, th●● the Duke of Norfolk with all his Army had been come into those part●; where were taken prisoner's of the Scots, the Earl of Cassill and Glenc●●ne, the Lord Maxwell Admiral of Scotland, the Lord Fleming, the Lord So●erwell, the Lord Oli●ha●t, the Lord Grace, Sir Oliver Sinclee●e, the King's Minion, john Rosse Lord of Gragy, Robert Erskin son to the Lord Erskin, Car Lord of Gredon, the Lord Maxwells two Brothers, john Lesloy bastard son to the Earl of Rothus, George Hame Lord of Hemetton, with divers other men of account, to the number of above two hundred, and more than eight hundred of meaner calling; so as some one English m●n, and some women also, had three or four prisoner's in their hands: at which overthrew, the King of Scots took such grief, that he fell into a burning Ague, and thereof died, leaving behind him one only daughter; and here King Henry began to apprehend a greater matter than the victory, for he and his Counsel conceived, that ●hi● daughter, would be a fit match for his son Prince Edward, thereby to make ● perpetual union of the two Kingdoms; and to ●his purpose they conferred with the Lord whom they had taken prisoners, who exceeding glad of the proposition, and promising to further it by all the possible mean they could, were ●hereupon s●t at liberty, and suffered ●o return home. Coming into Scotland 〈◊〉 acquainting the Earl of Arraine wi●h the motion, who was chosen Governor of the young Queen and of the Realm; t●e matter with great liking was entertained, and in Parliament of the three estates in Scotland, the marriage was confirme●, and ● peace between the two Realm's, for ten yeer● wa● proclaimed, and Ambassadors sent into England, for sealing the conditions. But Beton Archbishop of S●int Andrews being Cardinal, and at the Pope's devotion, and therefore an utter enemy to King Henry, so crossed the business that it came to nothing, but ended in a war between the two Kingdoms; so as in March the year following, the Lord Seymour Earl of Hartford, with an Army by Land and Sir john Dudley Lord Lisle, with a Fleece by Sea, me● at Newcastle, and there joined together, for invading of Scotland; with the Earl of Hartford, were the Earl of Shrewsbury, the Lords Cobham, Clinton, Conyers, Stinton, the Lord William Howard, with Knights and others, to the number of ten thousand, with Sir john Dudley the Admiral, were two hu●dred s●ile of ships: on the fourth of May, the whole Army was landed two miles from the Town of Lieth, at a place called Granther Crag; and there the Lord Lieutenant putting his men in order, ma●ched toward the Town of Lieth: the Lord Admiral led the forward, the Lieutenant the Battle, and the Earl of Shrewsbury the Rearward. Before they came to the Town of Lieth, the Cardinal with six hundred ●orse, besides foot, lay in the way to impeach their passage; but they were so assailed by the, Harqu●butars, that they were glad to fly, and the first man that fled was the Cardinal himself, and then the Earls of Huntley, Murrey & Bothwel; hereupon the English made forward to Lieth, and entered it without any great resistance: the sixth of May they marched towards Edenbrough, and as they approached the Town, the provost with some of the Burghers, came and offered the keys of the Towen, to the Lord Lieutenant, upon condition they might depart with bag and baggage, and the Town to be preserved from fire; but the Lord Livetennant told them, their falsehood had been such, as deserved ●o favour, and therefore unless they would deliver the Town absolutely without any condition, he would proceed in his enterprise, and burn the Town. Here we may see, what it is to make men desperate, for to this the Provest answered, they were better then to stand upon defence, and so indeed they did, and made the English glad to retire, for the Castle shot so fiercely upon them, that having burnt only a part of the Town, they returned to Lieth; but whilst they lay there, they so wasted the Country, that within seven mile● every way of Edenbrough, there was not a Town, nor Village, nor house t●at was left unburnt: at Lieth, the eleveth day of May, the Lord General made Knights, the Lord Clinton, the Lord Conyers, Sir William Wroughton, Sir Thomas Holecraft, Sir Edward Dorrell, Sir Francis Hothome, and other●, to the number of at least threescore: in Lieth Haven, they seized upon all the Scottish Ships; whereof two were of notable fairness, the one called the Salamander, given by the French King, at the marriage of his daughter into Scotland, the other called the Unicorn, made by the late Scottish King; the ballast of which two ships was Canonshot, whereof they found in the Town, to the number of fourscore thousand. On the fiftee●th of May, their Army and their Flee● departed from Lieth, both in one hour, having first set the Town on fire and burned it to the ground: from Lieth the English Army marched to Seaton, from thence to Haddington, from thence to Dunbar, from thence to Ranton, all which Towns and Castles with divers others they burned and utterly defaced; and on the eighteenth of May came to Barwick, not having lost in all the journey above fourteen men● In the mean time, in King Henry's five and thirtieth year, on Trinity sunday a new league was entered into and sworn, between the King and the Emperor at Hampton-court, to be both offensive and defensive. In this year, Proclamation was made, whereby the people were licenced to eat white meats in Le●t, but straight forbidden the eating of flesh; whereupon shortly after, the Earl of Surrey with divers other Lords and Knights, were imprisoned for eating of flesh contrary to the proclamation. The third of june this year, there came ou● of Ireland three Lord●, of whom Obrine was here created Earl of Thonmo●d, (which ho●our his posterity enjoyeth to this day) Mack William a Bary, was created Ea●le of Clanrinckford, and Mack Gilparick, was made Baron of Ebranky. King Henry had already had five wives all of them Maids, and no good luck with any of them, he will now therefore try his fortune with a Widow, a●d thereupon the twelveth of june, in the five and thirtieth year of his Reign he took to wife the Lady Katherine Par, widow of the Lord Latimer late deceased, who was then proclaimed Queen; but how lucky would this ma●ch have proved, if the King had longer lived, God knows, seeing in the short time of three years they lived together, it was no small danger she escaped, which though it hapenned not till a year or too after this time, yet will not unfitly be spoken of in this place, that so her story may come together; this Queen as being an ●arnest Protestant, had many great adversaries, by whom she was accused to the King, to have Heretical books found in her closet; and this was so aggravated against her, that they prevailed with the King, to sign a warrant to commit her to the Tower, with a purpose to have her burnt for Heresy; this warrant was delivered to Wriothsley Lord Chancellor, and he by chance, or rather indeed by God's providence, letting it fall from him, it was taken up and carried to the Queen; who having read it, went soon after to visit the King, at that time keeping his chamber, by reason of a sore leg; being come to the King, he presently fell into talk with her, ●bout some points of Religion, demanding her resolution therein; but she knowing that his nature was not to be crossed, specially considering the case she was in, made him answer, that she was a woman accompanied with many imperfections, but his Majesty was wise and judicious, of whom she must learn as of her Lord and Head; not so by Saint Mary (said the King) for you are a Doctor Kate to instruct us, and not to be instructed by us, as often we have seen heretofore: indeed Sir (said she) if your Majesty have so conceived, I have been mistaken, for if heretofore I have held talk with you touching Religion, it hath been to learn of your Majesty some point, whereof I stood in doubt, and sometimes that with my talk, I might make you forget your present infirmity: a●d is it even so Sweet heart (quoth the King) why then we are friends, and so kissing her, gave her leave to depart. But soon after, the day was appointed by the Kings warrant, for apprehending her; on which day, the King being disposed to walk i● the Garden, had the Queen with him, when suddenly the Lord Chancellor with forty of the Guard● c●me into the Garden, with a purpose to apprehend her: when as soon as the King saw, he stepped to him, and calling him knave and fool, bid him avaunt out of his presence: the Queen seeing the King so angry with him, began to entreat for him, to whom the King said; ah poor soul, thou little knowest what it is he came about, of my word sweet heart, he hath been to thee a very knave; and thus by God● providence was this Queen preserved, who else had tasted of as bitter a c●p, as any of his former wives had done. About this time King Henry and the Emperor sent Garter and Toyson d●or, kings at Arms, to demand performance of certain Articles of the French King: which if he denied, they were then commanded to defy him: but the French King would not suffer them to come within his land, and so they returned: whereupon King Henry caused the s●id demands to be declared to the French Ambassador at Westminster; and in july sent over six thousand men, under the leading of Sir john Wallop accompanied with divers Knights & Gentlemen, Sir Thomas Seymour was Marshal of the Army, Sir Robert Bowes Treasurer, Sir Richard Cronwal Captain of the horse, and Sir George Carew his Lieutenant. There were likewise Sir Thomas Palmer, Sir john Rainsford, Sir john St. john, and Sir john Gascoigne Knights, that were Captains of the foot. Their Commission was to join with the Emperor, and together to m●ke war upon France. The third of August open wa● was proclaimed in London, between the Emperor & the King of England on the one part, and the F●e●ch King on the other, as mortal enemy to them both; and to all other christian Princes besides, as he that had confederated himself with the Turk. Sir john Wallop marching forth of Calais with his Army, joined with ●●e Emperors Forces, who together went and besieged Landersey a Town lately fortified by the French, lying within the borders of the Emperor's dominions: to raise this siege, the French King had raised a mighty army; with which he came on, as if he meant to give the Emperor battle; and thereupon the Emperor raising his siege, with a purpose to encounter him, the French King took the opportunity to put men and victuals into the town, which was the thing he intended: and having done this, the night following departed with his army; and then the Emperor seeing him gone, and finding the winter coming on, and no hope of sudden ge●ting the Town, being now newly supplied, he also broke up his Army, and returned home. This year, the sunday before Christmas, the Lord William Parr, brother to the Queen, who had married the daughter and heir of Henry Bourchier Earl of Essex, was at Hampton Court created Earl of Essex, & Sir William Parr knight uncle to them both, was made Lord Parr of Horton and Lord Chamberlin to the Queen; and on New-yeers-day Sir Thomas Wriothsley, the King's Secretary, was made Lord Wriothsley of Tichfield. In june this year, Matthew Earl of Lenox fled out of Scotland and came into England, whom King Henry received kindly, and gave him in marriage the Lady Margaret his Sister's daughter, by whom he had Henry, Father of our late King james of blessed memory. Thomas Audley Lord Chancellor, being lately dead, Thomas Lord Wriothsley succeeded him in the place; and now was an Army levied to go for France; the Duke of Norfolk and the Lord Privy Seal, accompanied with the Earl of Surrey the Duke's Son, the Lord Grace of Wilton, the Lord Ferrer of C●artley and his Son Sir Robert Devereux, Sir Thomas Chainey Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, the Lord Montjoy, Sir Francis Byran, Sir Thomas Poynings Captain of Guysnes, with many other Knights and Gentlemen, about Whitsuntide passed over to Calais; and marching toward Muttrel, joined with the Emperor's forces, under the leading of the Count de Buren; which two Armies laid siege to Muttrel, whereof Monsseur de Bies, one of the Marshals of France was Captain, but being then at Bulloign, and hearing of the siedg of Muttrel, he left Boulogne and with his forces came thither, which was the thing that was desired, to draw him from Bnlloign; and thereupon was the Duke of Suffolk appointed to pass over with the King's army, accompanied with the Earl of Arundel. Martial of the Field, the Lord St. john, the Bishop of Winchester, Sir john Gage Controlor of the King's house, Sir Anthony Browne Master of the King's horse, with divers others; who the ninteenth of july came and encamped before Boulogne; the four and twentieth of july the King in person, accompanied with divers of the Nobility, came to Calais; and the six and twentieth encamped before Bulloign on the north side; many batteries and assaults were made, so long, till at last the Town upon composition yielded, and the Duke of Suffolk entered and took possession, suffering six thousand French, as was agreed, with bag and baggage to depart. The eight of September King Henry entered the town himself, and then leaving the Lord Lisle Lord Admiral, his Deputy there, he returned into England, landing at Dover the first of O●tober. Many enterprises after this were made by the Dolphin of France, and by Monsieur de Bies for recovery of Boulogne, but they were still repulsed, and the English kept the town in spite of all they could do; although at one time there came an Army of eighteen thousand foot, at another time an Army, wherein were reckoned twelve thousand Lance-knights, twelve thousand French footmen, six thousand Italians, four thousand of legionary soldiers of France, a thousand men of Arms, besides eight thousand light Horse; great Forces certainly to come and do nothing. Whilst these things were doing about Bulloign, the ships of the west Country and other places wa●ted abroad on the Seas, and took above three hundred French ships; so that the Gray-friers Church in London was laid full of wine, the Austin-friars-s and Blackfriars full of herrings and other fish, which should have been conveyed in France. About this time the King demanded a Benevolence of his Subjects, towards his wars in France and Scotland, to which purpose, the Lord Chancellor, the Duke of Suffolk, and other of the King's Counsel sat at Baynard's Castle, where they first called before them the Major and Aldermen, and because Richard Read Alderman, would not agree to pay as they set him, he was commanded to serve the King in his wars in Scotland, which the obstinate man rather choose to do, than he would pay the rate he was required, but being there, he was taken prisoner by the Scots, to his far greater damage, then if he had agreed to the Benevolence required. For at this time, Sir Ralph Evers Lord Warden of the Marches, after many fortunate Roads into Scotland, assembled four thousand men, and entering Scotland now again, was encountered by the Earl of Arraign by whom he and the Lord Oagle, and many other Gentlemen were slain, and divers were taken prisoners, of whom Alderman Read was one. It was now the seven and thirtieth year of King Henry's Reign, when on Saint George's day Sir Th●mas Wriothsley Lord-Chancelour, was made Knight of the Garter, also Trinity Term was adjourned, by reason of the wars but the Exchequer and the Court of the Te●thes were open. At this time, the English fleet went before New-haven, but being there encountered by a far greater fleet of French, they returned; with whose retreat, the French Admiral emboldened, came upon the Coast of Sussex, where he landed Soldiers, but upon firing of the Beacons was driven back, after which he landed two thousand men in the Isle of Wight, but was there repelled, though reported to have in his ships threescore thousand men. In Angust this year, died the valiant Captain, the Lord Poynings, the King's Lieutenant of his Town of Boulogne, and the same month also, died at Guildford, the noble Duke of Suffolk, Charles Brandon, Lord great Master of the King's House, whose Body was honourably buried at Windsor at the King's cost. About this time, the Scots having received aid out of France, approached the English Borders, but durst attempt nothing, whereupon the Earl of Hertford, Lieutenant of the North parts, raising an army of twelve thousand men, English and strangers, entered Scotland and burned a great part of Mers and Tividale, as Kelsay Abbey and the Town, the Abbeys of Medrosse, Driborne, and Yedworth, with a hundred Towns and Villages more; when on the sixteenth of September, an Army of Scots and French attempted to enter into England on the East borders, but in a straight were set upon by the English, who slew and took of them to the number of seven score, amongst whom was the Lord Humes son, and a principal French Captain; in another road, which they made into the West Borders, the Lord Maxwels son, and divers other were taken, but then at another time (such is the chance of war) five hundred English entering the West Borders of Scotland were discomfited, and the greatest part of them either taken or slain. And now to revenge the presumptuous attempts of the French upon the Isle of Wight, the Lord Admiral with his fleet approached the Coasts of Normandy landed six thousand men at Treport, burned the Suburbs of that Town with the Abbey, destoryed thirty ships there in the Haven, and then returned, not having lost above fourteen persons in the whole voyage. At this time the Earl of Hartford lying at Boulogne, had in his Army above fourscore thousand men, and many skirmishes passed between him and the French, till at last, by mediation of the Emperor and divers other Princes a meeting was appointed to treat of a peace, between the two Kings of England and France; hereupon there came to Guisnes for the King of England, the Earl of Hertford, the Bishop of Winchester, Sir john Dudley Viscount Lisle, Baron of Mawpas and high Admiral of England, Sir William Paget the King's Secretary & Doctor Nicholas Wootton Dean of Canterbury. For the French King, there came to Ard, Claude Danebolt Admiral of France, the Bishop of Eureux, Monsieur Reymond chief Precedent of Rouen, and the Secretary Bouchetell. Divers times they met betwixt Ard and Guisnes, and after long debating of matters, and divers break off● at length, the seventh of june, a Peace was concluded, and proclaimed in the City of London on Whitsunday the thirteenth of june, by sound of trumpet; and the same day in like manner at Paris and Rouen; the chief Article of which Peace was this; that the French King paying to the King of England eight hundred thousand Crowns, within the term of eight years, should have Boulogne again restored to him, which in the mean time should remain in possession of the King of England, as a pledge for assurance of the said money; and now for a full establishment of this Peace, the Viscount Lisle Lord Admiral, with the Bishop of Duresme and divers other Lords, were sent into France to take oath of the French King and of the Dolphin; as likewise at the same time, divers Lords came from the French King to take oath of King Henry; who by the way were met by the young Prince and many Lords, and conducted to the King at Hampton-Court. In his seven and thirtieth year, the three and twentieth of November, a Parliament began at Westmins●er, wherein was granted to the King, a Subsidy both of Spiritualty and Temporalty, and all Colleges, Chanteries and Hospitals were given to him to dispose of: the four and twentieth of December the Parliament was prorogued, on which day the King coming to the Parliament House, the Speaker made to him an Oration, which the Lord Chancellor was used to answer, but at this time the King would answer himself, the effect whereof was, that where Master Speaker had commended him for many excellent qualities that were in him, he thanked him for it, not that he had them, but for putting him in mind, how necessary it was, he should have them; then he thanked the whole House for their Subsidy, and for giving him the Colleges and Chanteries, which he promised to see bestowed, to the glory of God and good of the Realm; lastly, he ackowledged their love to himself, but found fault with want of love to one another; for what love, where there is not concord? and what concord, when one calleth another Heretic and Anabaptist, and he again calleth him Papist and Hypocrite: and this not only amongst those of the Temporalty, but even the Clergy men themselves preach one against another, inveigh one against another, without Charity or Discretion; some be so stiff in their old mumpsimus, and others so curious in their new sumpsimus, that few or none Preacheth truly and sincerely the word of God; now therefore let this be amended, fear and serve God, be in Charity amongst yourselves, to the which I as your supreme Head and Sovereign Lord, exhort and require you: and this said, the Acts were openly read, to some he gave his Royal assent, and to divers assented not. Whilst oath for the peace was thus taken by both Kings, Boulogne remaining still in King Henry's possession, Monsieur de Chatillon Captain of Mont-pleasier began to make a new Bastillion at the very mouth of the Haven of Boulogne naming it Chatillous Garden: hereof the Lord Grace of Wilton as then Deputy of Boulogne advertised the King by Sir Thomas Palmour, requiring to know his pleasure whither he should raze it, as a thing very incommodious to the Town, or let it stand; the King asked advice of his Counsel, who all agreed, that the conditions of the peace ought in no wise to be infringed, and therefore to let the Bastillian stand; whereupon the King caused his Secretary the Lord Paget, to write a letter to the Lord Grace, to that purpose, but then called Sir Thomas Palmour secretly to him, bidding him tell the Lord Grace, that whatsoever he had written in his letter, yet with all speed possible, he should raze the fortification to the ground; Sir Thomas Palmour replying that a message by word of mouth being contrary to his letter, would never be believed, well (said the King) do you tell him as I bid you, and leave the doing it to his choice; upon the coming back of Sir Thomas Palmour, the Lord Grace called a counsel, showing them th● King's letter, and withal Sir Thomas Palmours message, and then asked their Advise, what in this case he should do? who all agreed without any question, that the letter was to be followed, and not the message, to which the Lord Grace himself said nothing, but caused the message to be wtitten verbatim from Sir Thomas Palmours mouth, and those of the Counsel, to set their hands to it: this done, the night following he issued forth with a company of Armed men and pioneers, and overthrew the fortification to the ground, a●d then sent Sir Thomas Palmour with letters to the King, who as soon as he saw him, asked aloud, what, will he do it or no? Sir Thomas Palmour delivering his letter said, your Majesty shall know by these, but then the King half angry, nay tell me (saith he) will he do it or no? being than told it was done, and the fortification clean razed, he turned to his Lords and said, what say you my Lords to this, Chatillous Garden is razed to the floor; whereto one presently answered, that he that had done it, was worthy to lose his head, to which the King straight replied, that he would rather lose a dozen such heads as his was, that so Judged, than one such servants as had done it, and therewith commanded the Lord Gray's pardon should presently be drawn, the which he sent with letters of great thanks, and promise of reward; the cause why the King took this course was this, lest if he written the racing of the Fortification, in his letter it might have come t● the Frenchman's knowledge, before it could have been done, and so have been prevented, and by this may be taken a scantling of King Henry's great Capacity. It is now the eight and thirtieth year of his reign, when about Michaelmas Thomas Duke of Norfolk, and Henry Earl of Surrey his Son and heir, upon certain surmises of treason, were committed to the Tower of London; and the thirteenth of january, the King then lying at the point of death, the said Earl was arraigned in the Guild-hall, before the Lord Major, the Lord Chancellor, and other Lords there in Commission; the special matter wherewith he was charged, was the bearing of certain Arms that were said to belong to the King and to the Prince; though the Earl justified the bearing of them, as belonging to divers of his Ancestors; affirming withal, that he had the opinion of Heralds therein: But this notwithstanding, being no Lord of the Parliament, he was tried by a common Jury, and by them was found guilty, and thereupon had judgement of death; and the nineteenth of january was beheaded on the Tower-hill. The Duke was attainted by Parliament and kept in prison, ●ill in the first year of Queen Mary the Attainder was reversed. The death of this Earl might lay an imputation of cruelty upon King Henry, if a just jealousy growing from the many circumstances of the Earl's greatness, in the tender age of his own Son did not excuse him. Soon after the death of this Earl, the King himself died; having made his last Will, in which he took order, that his Son Edward should succeed him in the Crown, and he dying without issue, his daughter Mary, and she dying without issue, his daughter Elizabeth; although another order of succession had passed before by Act of Parliament. The Executors of his last Will were these sixteen; Thomas Cranmor Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Wriothsley Lord Chancellor, Sir William Pawlet Lord Saint john, and great Master of the Household, Sir Edward Seymor Earl of Hartford and high Chamberlain of England, Sir john Russell Lord Privy Seal, Sir john Dudley Viscount Lisle, Lord Admirals Cuthbert Tunstall Bishop of Durham, Sir Anthony Browne Master of the Horse, Sir Edmund Montacute, Lord chief Justice of the Common-Pleas, Sir Thomas Bromley one of the Justices of the King's Bench, Sir Edward North Chancellor of the Augmentation, Sir William Paget Knight of the Order, Sir Anthony Dennie, Sir William Herbert, Sir Edward Wootton Treasurour of Calais, and Nicholas Wootton Deane of Canterbury and Yooke. To whom were adjoined as assistance these twelve, Henry Fitz Allan Earl of Arundel, William Par Earl of Essex, Sir Thomas Cheyney Treasurour of the Household, Sir john Gage Controlour, Sir Anthony Wingfield Vicechamberlaine, Sir William Peter Principal Secretary, Sir Richard Rich, Sir john Baker of Sissingherst in Kent, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Ralph Sadler, Sir Thomas Seymour, Sir Richard Southwell and Sir Edward Peckham. And it was not without need to leave a full Council Table, considering in what terms he left the Kingdom when he died. Abroad, in league with the Emperor, at Peace with the King of France; but whether these were not personal only, and no longer binding then King Henry lived, might be doubted; with the Scots at deadly send; with the Pope at utter defiance; from both which coasts there could be expected but little fair weather: at home, the frame of Religion extremely disjointed; and the Clergy that should set it in frame, out of frame themselves: the minds of the people extremely distracted; and the Nobility that should cement them, scarce holding themselves together: And in this stare was the Kingdom when King Henry the eight died, in the year 1547. the fifty sixth of his life, and of his Reign the eight and thirtieth. Of his Taxations. IN his fourth year, in a Parliament at Westminster, was granted to the King, two Fifteen of the Temporalty, and two Tenths of the Clergy, and Head-money; of every Duke ten mark, an Earl five pound, a Baron ●oure pound, a Knight four marks, and every man valued at eight hundred pounds in goods, to pay ●oure marks, and so after that rate till him that was valued at forty shillings, and he paid twelve pence, and every man and woman of fifteen years & upward four pence. In his sixth year, a Parliament was holden, wherein divers subsidies were granted to the King, towards the charges of his wars in France: in his fourteenth year, order was taken by the Cardinal, that the true value of all men's substance might be known, and he would have had every man swom, to tell what they were worth, and required a ●enth part thereof, towards the King's charges in his present wars, as the spiritualty had granted a fourth part: this the Londoners thought very hard, and thereupon were excused for taking oath, and were allowed to bring in their bills upon their honesties; but when all was done, after much labouring by the Cardinal, the Clergy granted one half of all their yearly Spiritual Revenues, for five years, and the Temporalty two shillings in the pound, from twenty pounds upwards, and from forty shillings to twenty pounds, of every twenty shillings twelve pence; and under forty shillings, of every head of sixteen years and upwards four pence, to be paid in every two years: in his sixteenth year, the Cardinal of his own head, attempted by Commission, to draw the People to pay the sixth part of every man's substance in plate or money; but this was generally opposed, and the People in many Countries rise upon it, so as coming to the King's knowledge, ●e utterly disavowed it, and blamed the Cardinal exceedingly for attempting it. In his four and twentieth year in a Parliament then holden, a fifteenth was granted to the King, towards his charges of making fortifications against Scotland. In his one and thir●ieth year, a Subsidy of two shillings in the pound of lands, and twelve of goods, with four fifteen were granted to the King, towards his charges of making Bulwarks. In his five and thirtieth year, a Subsidy was granted to be paid in three years, every Englishman being worth in goods twenty shillings and upwards to five pounds, to pay four pence of every pound, and from five pounds to ten pounds eight pence, from ten pounds to twenty pound six pence● from twenty pounds and upwards, of every pound two shillings; strangers as well denizens as others, being inhabitants to pay double, and for lands, every Englishman paid eight pence o● the pound, from twenty shillings to five pounds, & from five pounds to ten pounds sixteen pence, and from ten pounds to twenty pou●d● two shillings, and from twenty pounds and upwards, of every pound three shillings, strangers double; the Clergy six shillings in the pound of Benefices, and every Priest having no Benefice, but an Anual stipend, six shillings eight pence yearly, during three years. Of Laws and Ordinances in his time. IN a Parliament holden in his sixth year, divers Laws were made, but two most spoken of; one for Apparel, another for Labourers. In his twelfth year, he caused the Statutes against Enclosures to be revived, and Commanded that decayed houses should be built up again, and that enclosed grounds should be laid open; which though it did some good, yet not so much as it might have done, if the Cardinal for his own benefit, had not procured liberty for great men, to keep up their enclosures, to the oppression of poor men. In his seventeenth year, the King lying at Eltham, divers ordinances were made b● the Cardinal touching the Governance of the King's House, and were long after called the Statutes of Eltham. In his eighteenth year, in the month of May, Proclamation was made against all unlawful games, so that in all places tables, dice, cards and Bowls, were taken and burnt; but this order continued not long, for young men being restrained from these Games, fell some to drinking, some to stealing of Coneys and Dear, and such other misdemeanours: also in this year, was an enhancing of Coin, for preventing the carrying it over to places where it went at higher rate, so that the Angel which went before but for seven shillings, should now go for seven and six pence, and every ounce of Gold should be five a●d forty shillings, which was before but forty, and other Coins accordingly. In his twentieth year Sir james Spencer being Major of London, the watch used on Midsummer night was laid down. In his three and thirtieth year, in a Parliament then holden, an Act was made, that whosoevet should poison any person should be boiled to death, by which Statute one Richard Roose, who had poisoned diver●e persons in the Bishop of Rochester place, was boiled to death in Smithfield, to the terrible example of all other. In his two and twentieth year, three Acts were made, one fo● probate of Testaments, another for Mortuaries, the third against plurality of benefices, Nonresidence, buying and taking of Farms by spiritual persons. In his thirtieth year, it was ordained by Cromwell the King's Vicar General, that in all Churches a Register should be kept of every Weddng, Christening, and burial within the same Parish for ever. In his one and thirtieth year, the King first instituted and appointed fifty Gentlemen called Pensioners, to weight upon his person, assighning to each of them fifty pounds a year, for the maintenance of themselves and two horses, in his six and thirtieth year, Proclamation was made for the inhancing of Gold, to eight and fort● shillings, and silver to four shillings the ounce, also he caused to be coined base money, mingling it with brass which was since that time called down the fifth year of Edward the sixth, and called in the second year of Queen Elizibeth. In his seven and thirtieth year, the brothel houses, called the Stews on the Bankside in Southwark, were p●t down by the King's Commandment, and was done by proclamation and sound of Trumpet. In his three and twentieth year, it was enacted, that Butchers should sell their meat by weight, Beef for a halfpenny the pound, and Mutton for three farthings, also at this time foreign Butchers were permitted, their flesh in Leadenhall-market, which before was not allowed; in his time also, the Government of the Precedent in the North was first instituted, and the first Precedent there, was Tunstall Bishop of Durham. Affairs of the Church in his time. IN the year 1517. the eighth year of this King's Reign, Martin Luther of Wittenberg in Germany a Friar of the Order of the Hermisses, taking occasion from the abuse● of Indulgences, began to Preach against the Authority of the Pope, and to bring in a Reformation of Religion; for repressing of whom the Counsel of Trent was called by Pope Paul the third, in the year 1542. which continued above forty years, but was never received in the Kingdom of France● which Counsel, by decreeing many things to be poins of faith, which were not so accounted before, hath made no small distraction amongst P●pists themselves: against this Luther, King Henry wrote a book with great bitterness, and with as great bitterness was answered; at the same time with Luther, there arose also in the same Country other Reformers of Religion, as Zuingliu●, Occloampadious, Melancthon, who differing from Luther in some few points, made the difference which is at this day of Lutherans and Protestants, so called at first Auspurg, for making a protestation in defence of their Doctrine, which soon after spread all Christendom over: King Henry in the sixth and twentieth year of his Reign, had excluded the Pope's Authority ou● of his Realm; but thinking the work not sufficiently done, as long as Abbeys and Priories kept their station, which were, as it were his Forteresses and Pillars; there w●s not long after me●nes found to have them suppressed, for aspersions being l●id upon them (and perhaps no more than truth) of Adulteries and Murther●, they by Act of Parliament, in his eight and twentieth year, at lest near four hundred of them suppressed, and all their lands and goods conferred upon the King. In his one and thi●tieth year all the rest; and lastly, in his five and thirtinth year, all Colleges, Chantries and Hospitals; so as the hives being now all removed, there have never since any Bees or Drones been seen in the Country: in this King's time, the City of Rome was taken and sacked by the Imperial Army, forcing the Pope to fly to his Castle Saint Angelo, and there kept a prisoner, till he agreed to such conditions as his Adversaries propounded. In the two and twentieth year of this King's reign, a Proclamation was set forth that no person should purchase any thing from the Court of Rome, and this was the first blow given to the Pope in England. In his three and twentieth year the Clergy submitting themselves to the King, for being found guilty of a Praemunire, were the first that called him supreme head of the Church. In his four and twentieth year a Parliament was holden, wherein one Act was made, that Bishops should pay no more Annats or money for their Bulls to the Pope, and another that no person should appeal for any cause out of this Realm, to the Court of Rome, but from the Commissary to the Bishop, and from the Bishop to the Archbishop, and from the Archbishop to the King, and all causes of the King to be tried in the upper Ho●se of the Convocation. In his six and twentieth year in july, john Frith was burnt in Smithfield, a●d with him at the same stake one Andrew Howet a Tailor, both for denying the Real presence in the Sacrament; and in a Parliament holden t●is year, an Act was made which Authorized the King's Highness, to be supreme head of the Church of England, and the Authority of the Pope to be abolished, and then also was given to the King the first fruits and tenths of all Spiritual livings; and this year were many put to death, Papists for denying the King's Supremecy, Protestants for denying the Real presence in the Sacrament; and it is incredible what numbers for these two causes were put to death, in the last ten years of this King's Reign, of whom if we should make particular mention, i● would reach a great way in the Book of Martyrs: in his eight and twentieth year, the Lord Cromwell was made Vi●a● General under the King, over the Spiritualty, and sat divers times in the Convocation House amongst the Bishops as head over them; and in September thi● year, he set forth injunctions, commanding all Parsons and Curates to ●each their Parishioners the Pa●er Noster, the A●e, and Creed, with the ten Commandments and Articles of the Christian F●ith in the English tongue. I● his one and thirtieth year, was set forth by the Bishops, the Book of the six Articles, condemning all for Heretics and to be burnt that should hold, 1. That the body of Christ was not Really present in the Sacrament after Consecration. 2. That the sacrament might not truly ●e Administered under one Kind. 3. That Priests entered into Holy Orders might marry. 4. That vows of Chastity entered into upon mature deliberation, were not to be kept. 5. That private Masses were not to be used. 6. That Auricular Confession was not necessary in the Church. T●is year also the Religion of St. john's in England, commonly called the Order of Knights of the Rhodes was dissolved; and on ascension day, Sir William Weston Knight, Prior of St. john's departed this life, for thought (as was reported) after he heard of the dissolution of his Order, for the King took all the lands that belonged to that Order into his own hands; in his six and thirtieth ●eere, the Litany or Praecession was set forth in English, with commandment by the King, to be generally used in Parish Churches. Works of Piety done by him or others in his time. UPon the suppressing of Abbeys, King Henry instituted six new Bishoprics ●nd six Cathedral Churches, endowing them with convenient maintenance, he also gave competent Pensions during their lives, to such Riligious Persons as were turned out of their Cloisters; he also instituted in both the Universities, Professors of the Hebrew and Greek tongues, of Divinity, Civil-law and Physic, allowing to each of them forty pound a year: he also founded a College at Cambridge; he gave at his death a thousand marks to the poor, and to twelve poor Knights of Windsor, each of them twelve pence a day for ever, and every year a long gown of white cloth: in the fifth year of this King's reign, George Monor Major of London, re-edified the decayed steeple of the Church of Waltham-stow in Essex, adding thereunto a side Isle with a Chapel where he lieth buried; on the North side of the Churchyard there he founded a fair Alms-house, for a Priest and thirteen poor men and women, giving them a weekly maintenance; he also for the commodity of Travelours made a causeway of timber over the marshes, from Waltham-stow to Lock-bridg towards London. In this King's eighth year Richard Fox Bishop of Winchester founded Corpus Christi College in Oxford, minding to have made it a house for Monks, but Hugh Oldham Bishop of Exeter, persuaded him to make it rather a College for Scholars, and joined with him in it, contributing great sums of money towards it, contenting himself with the name only of a Benefactor. In his seventh ye●r King Henry builded the town of Greenwich. In this King's time, Cardinal Woolsey Founded two Colleges, one at Oxford, another at Ipswich; to his College at Oxford he had given four thousand pounds' Land a year, but his Lands being all confiscate to the King, the King took the Lands, but yet gave to the College a competent maintenance for a Dean, eight prebend's, and a hundred Fellows; which College is now called Christ-Church, and accounts King Henry for their Founder. His College at Ipswich was demolished. This Cardinal also built Hampton-Court, the chiefest at this day of all the King's houses, and built or enlarged Whitehall, called then Yorke-Place. King Henry in his four and twentieth year, built his Mansion House of Saint james, where also he made a fair Park. This place before had ●eene an Hospital of Sisters, with whom the King compounded, giving them Pensions during their lives. In his thirtieth year, Nicholas Gibson Gro●er, than Sheriff of London, builded ● Free-School at Ratcliff near London with maintenance for a Master and an Usher; ●e also builded an Alms-house there for fourteen poor and aged people. In his one and thirtieth year, Thomas Huntlow the then Sheriff of London, gave certain tenements to the Haberdashers, for finding of ten Almes-men of the same company. In his six and thirtieth year, Sir john All●n who had been twice Major ● London, and of the King's Counsel, gave at his death, to the City of London, a rich Choler of Gold, to be worn by the Major: which color was first wor●e by S●r William Laxton on Saint Edward's day, at the Election of the new Major, who gave to every Ward in London twenty pounds, to be distributed amongst poor Householders, besides to sixscore persons, whereof threescore men to every one a gown of broadcloth and a black cap; and threescore women, to every one a gown of the like cloth ●nd a white Kerchief. In his eight and thirtieth year, King Henry gave to the City of London, for relief of poor people Saint Barthalomews spital, the Church of the Gray-Friers, and two Parish Churches, the one at Saint Nicholas in the shambles, the other Saint Ewins in Newgate-market, all to be made one Parish Church of the Gray-Fryers; and in Lands he gave for the maintenance of the same five hundred marks a year for ever: and this Church to be named Christ-Church; founded by King Henry the eighth. Casualties in his time. IN his ninth year happened a Sweating-sickness, whereof infinite multitudes in many parts of England died, specially in London; and was so violent, that in three and sometimes two hours, it took away men's lives, and spared neither rich nor poor; for in the King's Court the Lord Clinton, the Lord Grace of Wilton, and many Knights, Gentlemen and Officers died of it. It began in july, and continued to the midst of December. In his thirteenth year, was a great mortality in London, and other places of the Realm, and many men of Honour and Worship died; amongst others, Doctor Fitz-Iames Bishop of London, in whose place Doctor Tunstall succeeded. In his nineteenth year, by extremity of rain in seedtime, there followed a great dearth of Corn, which would have caused great calamity, but that it was relieved in London by Merchants of the Styliard out of Germany, and a thousand quarters supplied out of the Kings own provision. In his twentieth year, in the end of May, began in London another Sweating-sickness, which afterwards infected all places of the Realm; by reason whereof the Term was adjourned, and the Cicuit of the Assizes also; many died in the Court, as Sir Francis Points, Sir William Compton Knights, and William Carew Esquire of the King's Privie-Chamber; the King himself for a space, removed almost every day, till he came to Tittinhanger, a place of the Abbot of Saint Alban's, where he with the Queen and a small number remained, till the sickness was passed. In his thirtieth year, the manner of casting Pipes of Lead, for conveyance of water underground, without using of solder, was first invented by Robert Brock Clerk, one of the King's Chaplains: a profitable invention, for by this, two men and a boy will do more in one day, then could have been done before by many men in many days: Robert Cooper Goldsmith, was the first that made the Instruments, and put this Invention in practice. In a Rebellion in the North, in this King's time, when the Duke of Nor●olke, was sent with an Army against the Rebels, and that a day o● battle between them was appointed, it happened, that the night before a small Brook called Dun, running between the two Armies, upon the fall of a small rai●e, swelled to such a height, that it was not passable by either foot or horse; a thing which had never happened before upon a great rain, and was then accounted (as indeed it was) no less than a Miracle. In his three and thirtieth year, was a great mortality in the Realm, by reason of hot Agues and Fluxes; and withal so great a drought, that small Rivers were clean dried, much cattle died for lack of water, and the Thames were grown so shallow, that the Salt-water flowed above London-bridge, till the rain had increased the fresh waters. In his five and thirtieth year, the first cast-Peeces of Iro● that ever were made in England, were made at Buckstead in Sussex by Ralph H●ge and Peter Bawd. In his six and thirtieth year, was a great Plague in London, so as Michaelm●s Term was adjourned to Saint Alban's, and there kept. In his seven and thirtieth year, on Tuesday in Easter-weeke, William Foxley Pot-maker for the Mint of the Tower of London, fell asleep, and could not b● waked with pinching or burning, till the first day of the next Term, which was full fourteen days; and when he awaked, was found in all points, as if he had slept but one night, and lived forty years after. About ●●is fifteenth year, it happened that divers things were newly brought into England, whereupon this Rhyme was made: Tur●●s, Carp, Hops, Piccarell and Beer, Ca●●e into ENGLAND all in one year. Of his Wives and Children. KIng Henry had six Wives, his first was Katherine, daughter of Ferdinand King of Spain, the Relict of his brother Arthur, she lived his Wife above twenty years, and then was divorced from him; after which she lived three years by the name of Katherine Dowager, she deceased at Kimbolton in the County of Huntingdon, the eighth of january in the year 1535. and lieth interred in the Cathedral Church of Peterborough, under a Hearse of black say, having a white Cross in the midst. His second Wife was Anne second daughter of Sir Thomas Bullen, Earl of Wiltshire and Ormond; she was married to him the five and twentieth day of january, in the year 1533. lived his wife three years, three months and five and twenty days, and then was beheaded, and her body buried in the Choir of the Chapel in the Tower: his third Wife was jane daughter of Sir john Seymour and sister to the Lord Edward Seymour, Earl of Hartford and Duke of Somerset, she was married to him the next day after the beheading of Queen Anne, lived his Wife one year five months and four and twenty days, and then died in Childbed, and was buried in the midst of the Choir of the Church within the Castle of Windsor. His fourth Wife was Anne, sister to the Duke of Cleve, she lived his wife six months, and then was Divorced; she remained in England long after the King's death, and accompanied the Lady Elizabeth through London, at the solemnising of Queen Mary's Coronation. His fifth wife was Katherine, daughter of Edmund, and Niece of Thomas Howard his brother Duke of Norfolk; she was married to him in the two and thirtieth year of his reign; lived his wife one year six months and four days, and then was beheaded in the Tower of London, and buried in the Chancel of the Chapel by Queen Anne Bullen. His sixth wife was Katherine, daughter of Sir Thomas Parr of Kendal, and sister to the Lord William Parr, marquis of Northampton; she was first married to john Nevil Lord Latimer, and after his decease to the King at Hampton-Court, in the five and thirtieth year of his reign: she was his wife three years six months and five days; and then surviving him, was again married to Thomas Seymour Lord Admiral of England, unto whom she bore a daughter, but died in her Childbed, in the year 1548. He had children by his first wife Queen Katherine, Henry borne at Richmond, who lived not full two months, and was buried at Westminster; also another Son, whose name is not mentioned, lived but a short time neither: then a daughter named Mary, borne at Greenwich, in the eighth year of his reign, and came afterwards to be Queen of England. By his second wife, Queen Anne Bullen, he had a daughter named Elizabeth, borne at Greenwich, in the five and twentieth year of his reign; who succeeded her sister Mary in the Crown: he had also by her a son, but borne dead. By his third wife Queen jane, he had a Son named Edward, borne at Hampton-Court in the nine and twentieth year of his reign, who succeeded him in the Kingdom. Besides these, he had a base Son, named Henry Fitz-roy, begotten of the Lady Talboyse, called Elizabeth Blunt, borne at Blackamoor in Essex, in the tenth year of his reign; who was made Duke of Richmond and Somerset; married Mary daughter of Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk; with whom he lived not long, but died at Saint james by Westminster, and was buried at Framingham in Suffolk. Of his Personage and Conditions. HE was exceeding tall of statu●e, and very strong; fair of complexion, in his latter days corpulent and burley: concerning his condition●, He was a Prince of so many good parts, that one would wonder he could have any ill; and indeed he had no● many ill, till flattery and ill council in his latter time got the upper hand of him. His cruelty to his wives may not only be excused, but defended; for if they were incontinent, he did but justice; if they were not so, yet it was sufficient to satisfy his conscience, that he thought he had c●use to think them so; and if the marriage bed be honourable in all? in Princes it is sacred. In suppressing of Abbeys he showed not little Piety, but great providence; for though they were excellent things being rightly used, ye● most pestilent, being abused; and then may the use be justly suppressed, when the abuse scarce possibly can be restrained. To think he suppressed Abbeys out of covetousness and desire of gain, is to make him extremely deceived in his reckoning; for if we compare the profit with the charge that followed, we shall find him certainly a great loser by the bargain. He was so far from Pride, that he was rather too humble, at lest he conversed with his Subjects in a more familiar manner than was usual with Princes. So valiant, that his whole li●e almost, was nothing but exercises of valour; and though performed amongst his friends in jest, yet they prepared him against his enemies in earnest, and they that durst be his enemies found it. It may be said, the complexion of his government for the first twenty years, was sanguine and jovial; for the rest, choleric and bloody: and it may be doubted, whether in the former, he were more prodigal of his own treasure, or in the latter of his Subjects blood; for as he spent more in Fictions, than any other King did in Realities, so in any distemper of his people, he had no other Physic, but to open a vein: but we shall do him extreme wrong, to think that all the blood shed in his time, was of his shedding; they were the Bishops that were the Draco to make the bloody Laws; the Bishops that were the Phalaris, to put them in execution: the King oftentimes scarce knowing what was done. Certain it is, when a great Lord put a Gentlewoman the second time on the rack, the King hearing of it, exceedingly condemned him for such extreme cruelty. As for Religion, though he brought it not to a full Reformation; yet he gave it so great a beginning, that we may truly say of that he did, Dimidium plus toto. They who charge him with the vice of lust, let them show such another example of continence as was seen in him to lie six months by a young Lady, and not to touch her; for so did he with the Lady Anne of Cleve: but this is to make Nosegays, I like better to leave every flower growing upon its staulke, that it may be gathered fresh; which will be done by reading the Story of his Life. Of his Death and Burial. IT is Recorded of him, that in his later time he grew so fat and slothful, that engines were made to lift and remove him up and down; but howsoever in the six and fiftieth year of his age, whither a dropsy, or by reason of an ulcer in his leg, he fell into a languishing fever, which brought him into such extremity, that his Physicians utterly despaired of his life, whereof yet none durst speak a word to him, till Master Denny one of his Privy-chamber took the the boldness to go to him, telling him of the danger he was in, and withal putting him in mind to think of his soul's health; to which he answered, that he confessed his sin●es to be exceeding great, yet had such confidence in the mercy of God through Christ, that he doubted not of forgiveness though they had been much greater; and being then asked by Master Denny, if he would have any Divine brought to him with whom to confer, he answered he would willingly have the Archbishop Cranmer, but not yet a while, till he had taken a little rest: whereupon the Archbishop being then at Croyden, was presently sent ●or, but before he could come, the King was grown speechless, only seeming to retain a little memory, so as putting out his hand, and the Archbishop desiring him to show some sign of his faith in Christ, he then wrung the Archbishop hard by the hand, and immediately gave up the Ghost, the eight and twentieth of january, in the year 1547. the six and fiftieth of his age, and of his reign the eight and thirtieth: his body with great solemnity was buried at Windsor under a most costly and stately Tomb, begun in copper and guilt, but never finished. Men of note in his time. MEn famous for the sword were many in his time, and in a manner all, that it is hard making choice, without being partial, unless we shall prefer Dukes of equal valour, before others of meaner caling, and then will the Dukes of Norfolk and Suffolk hold worthily the place first, and next to them the young Earl of Surrey, who had been more fortunate if he had been less valiant. Of men of letters in his time, there were whole Armies in foreign parts, the most ●amous, were Budaeus, Ludovicus Vines, john Revolin, Erasmus Roteradamu●, Vrsinus, Cornarius, Sadolet, Martin Bucer; in England were john Collet Deane of Paul's and Founder of the School there, William Lilly borne a● Odiham in Hamshire, first Scholmaster of Pauls-Schoole, Thomas Linaker a learned Physician, john Skelton a pleasant Poet, William Horman Vice Provest of Eaten, who wrote divers works, Sir Rastal● a Citizen and Stationer of London, Christopher Saint-Germane an excellent Lawyer, Sir Thomas Elyot, john Leland, a diligent searcher of Antiquities, Sir john Bourchier Knight, Lord berner's, who translated ●he Chronocles of Froysard out of French into English, Henry Standish Bishop of Saint Assaph, who written a book against Erasmus traslation of the new Testament; Arnold of London, who wrote certain collections touching Historical matters, Thomas Lupset a Londoner, who wrote sundry virtuous Treatises, Henry Bradshaw a black Monk, who wrote the life of Saint Werborough, and also a certain Chronocle, john Palsgrave a Londoner, who wrote instructions for the perfect understanding of the French tongue, john S●vish a Cornish-man, who wrote certain abbreviations of Chronicles, with a Treatise of the wars of Troy, Anthony Fitz-Herbert a Judge, who wrote an Abridgement of the Law, Wilfride Holme who wrote a Treatise of the rebellion in Lincolnshire, Thom●s Lanquet who wrote an Epitome of Chronicles, and also of the winning of Boulogne, Thomas Soulman of Gernsey, who wrote divers notes of History, Cuthbert Tunstall Bishop of Durham, Robert Whittington who wrote divers Treatises for the instruction of Grammarians, john Russell, who wrote a Treatise entitled super jure Caesaris et Papae, also commentaries in Cantica, Simon Fish a Kentish-man, who wrote a book called the supplication of Beggars, George Bullen Lord Rochfort brother to Queen Anne who wrote divers songs and sonnets, Francis Bigod Knight born in Yorkshire, who wrote a book against the Clergy, entitled the Impropriationibus, Henry Lord Morley, who wrote divers Treatises, as Comodies and Tragedies, as the life of sectaries, and certain rhymes, William Botevile alias Thynne, who restored the works of Chawcer, Richard Turpin, who ser●ing in the Garrison of Calais, wrote a Chronicle of his time, and died in the ●eer 1541. Sir Thomas Wiat Knight, who wrote divers matters in English-meeter, and translated the seven Penitential Psalms, and (as some say) the whole Psalter, he died of the pestilence, as he was going Ambassador to the Emperor, in the year 1541. Henry Howard Earl of Surrey, who wrote divers Treatises in English-meeter, john Field a Londoner, who wrote a Treatise of man's freewill, de Servo homi●is Arbitrio, and Collections of the common Laws of England, Robert Shingleton borne in Lancashire, who wrote a Treatise of the seven Churches, and certain Prophecies, William Parry a Welshman, who wrote a book entitled speculum juvenam. THE REIGN OF KING EDWARD THE six. IT was now the year 1547. when on the eight and twentieth of january King Henry dying; Prince Edward his Son by his third wife, the Lady jane Seymour, and the only Son he left behind him, as well by right of Inheritance, as by his last Will, succeeded him in the Kingdom; to whom as being but nine years old, and therefore unripe for Government; he had assigned eight and twenty Counsellors; a fit number, if agreeing amongst themselves; too many, if at variance: and at variance they would soon fall, if there were not a moderator to keep them in concord; the first work therefore necessary to be done in this new world, was to make choice of such a man, as might be to the Counsellors a Moderator, a protector to the King, and in his minority, to the Kingdom. To this place, by common consent of the King and Counsel, Edward Seymour Earl of Hartford the King's Uncle, was chosen to hold the place, until the King should accomplish the age of eighteen years. In which Office the first thing he did, was to make the young King Knight, who presently thereupon, made Henry Hobblethorne Major of London Knight, and then King Henry's Obsequies being solemnly performed; on the seaventeenth of February, were raised in Honour the Earl of Hartford Protector, to be Duke of Somerset, William Par Earl of Essex, to be Marquis of Northampton, Dudley Viscount Lisle, to be Earl of Warwick; Wriothsley Lord Chancellor, to be Earl of Southampton, Sir Thomas Seymour the Protectors brother, was made Lord of Sudeley, and Admiral of England, Sir Richard Rich was made Lord Rich, Sir William Willoughby was made Lord Willoughby, and Sir Edmund Sheffield was made Lord Sheffield of Butterwick: on the nineteenth of February, the King in great state rode from the Tower to the Palace of Westminster, where the day following, he was Crowned by the Archbishop of Canterbury, with all rites accustomed, in great solemnity. At which time a general pardon was Proclaimed for all offenders, six only excepted, namely the Duke of Norfolk, Cardinal Poole, Edward Courtney eldest son to the Marquis of Excetur, Master Fortescue, Master Throgmorton, and Doctor Pa●es Bishop of Worcester, who was fled to Rome, to avoid taking the oath of Supremacy, all which six continued unpardoned, till the first year of Queen Mary, and then were restored. A few days after, the Earl of Southampton Lord Chancellor for being contumacious to the rest of the Lords in matters of Counsel, was removed both from his Office of being Chancellor, and from his place in Counsel, and the great Seal was delivered to Sir William Pawlet, Lord Saint-Iohn, and Lord great Master of the King's Huoshold. Within two months after the death of King Henry, died Francis King of France also, for whom solemn Obsequies were kept in Paul's Church, as he likewise had kept before at Paris for King Henry: these two Kings were of so consenting natures, that they had certainly been great friends while they lived, if they had not been Kings, and that jealousy of state had not made them oftentimes not to be themselves. King Henry before his death, had left in charge with the Lords of his Counsel, by all means possible, to procure a proceeding in the marriage with the young Queen of Scots; and now in discharge thereof the Lord Protector himself, with an Army of twelve thousand foot, and six thousand horse, besides Labourers and pioneers thirteen hundred, entered Scotland the third of September, at which time also Edward Lord Clinton with a fleet of threescore sail assisted by sea, but before he would do any hostile Act, he caused Proclamation to be made, that his coming was only to have performance of the Articles heretofore agreed on fo● the marriage, tending to the good of both Kingdoms, if they would yield unto, he would then return in peaceable manner, and the more to draw them on, w●ere before it was demanded to have the Queen brought into England, and there to be brought up, the Protector was content, she should remain in Scotland till years of consent this demand, the more moderate sort of the Scots accounted very reasonable, but those of the French and Papal faction, who were the greatest persons, and the greatest number strongly opposed; whereupon, the Lord Protector, presently put his Army into Array, the Lord Grace and Sir Francis Brian, with eight hundred Light-horse, were sent before to provide lodging for the Army, and to give advertisement of the enemy's approaches; then followed the Avantguard, in number between three and four thousand foot, one hundred men at Arms, and six hundred Light-horse, led by the Earl of Warwick; then followed the main Battle, consisting of above six thousand foot, six hundred men at Arms, and one thousand Light-horse led by the Protecter himself lastly followed the Arrear, wherein were between three and four thousand foot, one hundred men at Arms, and six hundred Light-horse, u●der the conduct of the Lord Dacres, upon one wing the Artillery was drawn, being sixteen pieces of great Ordinance; the other wing was made by men at Arms and Demilances; for the Avantguard and half the battle, riding about two flight shoot from their side, the other half of the battle, and th● whole flank of the Arrear was closed by the carraiges, being nine hundred ●arts besides Wagons; ●he rest of the men at Arms, and the Demilances marched behind. In this order they marched two days, taking in three Castles ●s they went, with little resistance; where it is memorable, what a sudden device the Defendants of one of them used to save themselves; for finding they w●re no longer able to defend themselves, and that their obstinacy had excluded a●● hope of pardon; they made suit, they might not presently be slain, but have some time to commend their souls to God, and afterwards be hanged: which respite being obtained, thei● pardon afterward did more easily ensue; so much doth the winning of time oftentimes prevail, more than any other policy. T●e Governor of Scotland, hearing of the Protectors approach and having no sufficient Army ready to resist him, sent his Heralds abroad, into all parts of the Realm, and commanded the fire-crosse to be carried (an ancient custom in cases of importance) which, was two firebrands set in fashion of a cross, and pitched upon the point of a spear, and therewith Proclamation to be made, that all above sixteen years of age, and under sixty, should resort forthwith to Musselborough & bring convenient provision of victuals with them. By this means, having gotten a sufficient Army, he set forward towards the English who were now come to a River called Linne, and here the Earl of Warwick being too venturous, was like to have been entrapped, but by his valour came off bravely; and now the Scottish Horsemen began to hover about the English Army, and to come pricking towards them, sometimes within length of their staves, using provoking words, to draw the English from their strength, but the Protector, not moved with their provocations, maintained a close march till he came to Salt-presion by the Frith, where he encamped within two miles of the Scottish Army: and here the Scots having gotten the advantage of a Hill came upon the English with the number of twelve hundred Horse, besides five hundred foot that lay in ambush behind the Hill; at which time the Lord Grace and Sir Francis Brian, impatient of such bravaries, obtained leave of the Gene● to encounter them, and so as they came scattered upon the spur, within a stones cast of the English, and were beginning to wheel about, the Lord Grace with some troops of Light horsemen, charged them home, and was forthwith seconded by certain numbers of Demilances, and both of them backed with a thousand men at Arms; yet the Scots resolutely maintained the fight three hours and more, but in the end, overlaid with number, they were put to flight and chased almost to the edge of their Camp. In this fight the chiefest force of the Scottish Horsemen was defeated, the Lord Hume, by a fall from his Horse lost his life, his son and Heir with two Priests and six Gentlemen were taken prisoners, and about fifteen hundred slain: the next day, the Protector and the Earl of Warwick, rode towards the place where the Scottish Army lay, to view the manner of their encamping. As they returned, an Herald and a Trumpeter from the Scots overtook them; who having obtained Audience, the Trumpeter said, that the Lord Huntley his Master, to spare effusion of Christian blood, would fight upon the whole quarrel, either with twenty against twenty, or with ten against ten, or else try it between the Lord General and himself: the Protector answered, that for number of Combatants, it was not in his power to conclude any bargain; and as for himself, that being in public charge, it was not fit he should hazard himself against a man of private Conditions, which otherwise he would most willingly accept: here the Earl of Warwick entreated the Lord General, that he might accept the Challenge, and Trumpeter (saith he) bring me word, that thy Master will perform the Combat with me, and thou shalt have an hundred Crowns for thy pains; nay rather (saith the Lord General) bring me word that thy Master will abide and give us battle, and thou shalt have a thousand Crowns for thy pains: and thereupon, when no other agreement could be made, a general battle was resolved on: in the Army of the Scots, were five or six and thirty thousand men; in the Avantguard, commanded by the Earl of Angus, about fifteen thousand; in the Battle, over whom was the Lord Governor, about te● thousand; and in the Arreare as many, led by the valiant Gourdon Earl of Hackbutters●hey ●hey had none nor men at Arms, burr about two thousand Horsemen (Prickers as they term them) the rest were all on foot we'●l furnished with Jack and Scull, pikes, daggers, Bucklers made of board, a●d slicing swords broad and thin; every man had a long Kirchiffe, folded twic● or thrice about his neck, and many of them had cheines of Latin, drawn th●ee or four times along their hoses and doublet-sleeves: they had also to affright the enemy's Horses, great ●attles covered with parchment or paper, and small stones within put upon staves three els long. And now both Armies joined in battle, where a long fight and much variety of fortune on both sides; at length, the victory fell to the English: in this fight, divers of the Nobility of Scotland were slain; of the inferior sort about ten, or as some say, fo●rteen thousand: of the English were slain, only one and fifty Horsemen a●d on footmen, but many hurt; the Lord Grace was dangerously thrust with a pike in the mouth which struck two inches into his neck; the Scottish prisoners accounted by the Marshal's book, were about fifteen hundred, the chief whereof were, the Earl of Huntley, the Lords Yester, Hobley and Hamilton, the Master of San●-Poole and the Lord of Wimmes; the Earl of Huntley being asked whilst he was a prisoner, how he stood affected to the marriage; made this answer, that he liked the marriage well enough, but he liked not this kind of wooing. This victory of Muskelborough against the Scots, was on the tenth of December, the very same day on which thirty years before a victory had been had against them at Flodden field; so as it seems this day was fatal to the Scots, and confirms the opinion of Astologers, that there are days to some men fortunate & unfortunate to others if they could be known. This victory struck such a terror into many of the Scots, that the Earl Bothwel and divers chief Gentlemen of Tividale and Meers submitted themselves to the King of England, and were received by the Prorectour into his protection: after this, the English army took many towns and Castles, and then for want of Provision, returned into England, having not stayed above five and twenty days in Scotland, and not lost above threescore men. But notwithstanding this great overthrow at Muskelborough, the Governor of Scotland would not yet be quiet; but assembling the people, made unto them a long Oration, exhorting them to defend the liberty of their Country, and not to be daunted with any event of war. In this mean time many distractions and troubles happened in England; partly in matters of Religion, and partly about Enclosures: ●nd first for enclosures, the Lord Protector caused Proclamation to be set forth, commanding they who had Enclosed any Lands, accustomed to lie open, should upon a certain pain, before a day assigned, lay them open again: and then in matter of Religion, certain Injunctions were set forth, for removing of Images out of Churches; and divers Preachers were sent with Instructions to dissuade the people from praying to Saints or for the dead; from use of Beads, Ashes & Processions; from Masses, Durges, praying in any unknown tongue; and for defect of Preachers, Homilies were appointed publicly to be red in Churches: & many for offering to maintain these Ceremonies, were either punished or forced to recant. Edmund Bonner Bishop of London, was committed to the Fleet, for refusing to receive these Injuctions; Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester, was likewise committed first to the Fleet and after to the Tower, for that he had preached; It were well, these changes in Religion should be stayed until the King were of years to govern by himself: for the like causes Tunstall Bishop of Durham, Heath Bishop of Rochester, and Day Bishop of Chichester, were in like manner committed to prison, and all of them dispossessed of their Bishoprics; and that which was worse, the Bishoprics themselves were dispossessed of their Revenues, in such sort, that a very small pa●t remained to the Bishops that came after. And now a Parliament was held, in the first year of the King, and by Prorogation in the second; wherein divers Chantries, Colleges, free Chapels, Fraternities and Guilds, with all their Lands and goods were given to the King; which being sold at a low rate, enriched many and ennobled some, and thereby made them firm in maintaining the change: also it was then ordered, that no man should speak against receiving the Eucharist in both kinds, and that Bishops should be placed by Collation of the King under his Letters Patents, without any election preceding, or confirmation ensuing; and that all Processes Ecclesiastical should be made in the King's name, as in Writs at the Common-Law; and that all Persons exercising Ecclesiastical jurisdiction, should have the King's Arms in the Seals of their Office: and further, the Statute of the six Articles and other Statutes concerning punishment of Lollards were repealed, and the King's Supremacy over the Church of England was confirmed. All this while the wars in Scotland continued, and were managed by the Lord Grace of Wilton with variable success; and now about this time was sent to him in aid, the Earl of Shrewsbury with fifteen thousand men; against him, in aid of the Scots was sent the Rhinegrave with ten thousand French; who entering into consultation, how to remove the young Queen out of the reach of the English; provided a Fleet, and sailing round about Scotland, notwithstanding the English Fleet lay in wait to impeach their passage, yet conveyed her safely into France, being then but six years old; accompanied in the journey with james her base brother, john Erskin and William Leviston; and in April following was married to Francis the Dolphin of France. You heard before the alterations, now hear the troubles; for when the Injunctions were sent abroad into the Country, and Commissioners appointed to see them executed; one Master Body a Commissioner, as he was pulling down Images in Cornwall, was suddenly by a Priest stabbed into the body with a knife. Hereupon the people flocked together in divers parts of the shear, taking Arms, and beginning to commit outrages; and although the chief Offendor was hanged and quartered in Smithfield, and many of his complices executed in divers parts of the Realm; and withal a Pardon proclaimed to all that would lay down Arms, yet neither could that severity, nor this lenity restrain them from their insolences; but in divers Countries, as Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Glostershire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, but specially in Semersetshire and Devonshire, great assemblies of people gathered to a head; whose chief Leaders were Humphrey Arundel, and about six others of inferior note, but many Priests. Some of these (we may say) were Commonwealth mutineers; and some mutined for religion: they who were for the Commonwealth could agree upon nothing; some would have no Justices, some no Gentlemen, some no Lawyers, nor ordinary Courts of Justice, but above all Enclosures must down; but whether all, or which, or how to be employed, none could tell. The religious Mutineers were not altogether so various in their voices, as having some few amongst them by whom they were guided: these in name of the people hamered up these Articles following; upon granting of which, they pro●essed that both their bodies and goods should be at the King's devotion. 1. That Curates should administer Baptism at all times of necessity, a● well o● weekdays as on holy-days. 2. That their children might be confirmed by the Bishop. 3. That the Mass might be celebrated, no man communicating with the Priest. 4. That they might have reservation of the Lords body in their Churches. 5. That they might have holy-bread and holy-water in remembrance of Christ's precious body and blood. 6. That Priests might live unmarried. 7. That the six Articles set forth by King Henry the eight might be continued, at lest till the King should come to full age. Upon these demands, the King, although he knew that Reasons would little prevail with unreasonable men; yet to discharge the place he held, he sent them in writing Answers to them all, and withal a general pardon, if they would desist and lay down arms. But the seditious growing the more outrageous, the fairer they were entreated; and finding themselves unable to subsist with their own estates, began to think upon the spoil of Cities; and first they came to Excetour, and demanded entrance, which the Citizens refusing, they fell to set fire on the ga●es; but the Citizens prevented this, by casting in wood and maintaining the fire, till they had cast up a half moon within; upon which when the Seditious attempted to enter, they were presently hewn and cut in pieces. After this they mined the walls, laid powder, and rammed the mouth; but the Citizens prevented this also, by making a countermine, whereinto they poured such plenty of water, that the wet powder could not be fired. All this while, the Lord Russell Lord Privy Seal, who had been sent down to suppress the Commotion, lay at Huntingdon, expecting more Forces; whilst these Citizens of Excetour, for twelve days together endured so great famine, that they were fain to eat horses, and make bread of course bran moulded in clothes, for that otherwise it would not cleave together. At last the Lord Grace came to the Lord Russell with supply of Forces; who after many conflicts with the Rebels, forced them to raise their siege at Excetour; and thereby freed the City from many miseries: to whom the King afterward, gave the Manor of Evyland, in reward for their loyalty. After this, the Rebels rallying their Force●, were again set upon by the King's Army, and the greatest part of them slain, the rest fled; many were taken and executed by Martial Law; the chief Leaders were sent to London and there executed. The sedition being thus suppressed; it is memorable what sport Sir William Kingston the Provost Marshal made, by virtue of his Office, upon men in misery. One Boyer Major of Godmin in Cornwall, had been amongst the Rebels, not willingly but enforced; to him the Provost sent word he would come and dine with him, for whom the Major made great provision; a little before dinner, the Provost took the Major aside, and whispered him in the ear, that an execution must that day be done in the town, and therefore required to have a pair of Gallows set up against dinner should be done; the Major failed not of his charge, presently after dinner the Provost taking the Major by the hand, entreated him to lead him to the place where the Gallows was, which when he beheld he asked the Major if he thought them to be strong enough; yes (said the Major) doubtless they are; well then (said the Provost) get you up speedily, for they are provided for you. I hope (answered the Major) you mean not as you speak: in faith (said the Provost) there is no remedy, for you have been a busy Rebel; and so without respite or defence he was hanged to death:) a most uncurreous part, for a guest to offer his host. near the said place dwelled a Miller, who had been a busy actor in that Rebellion; who fearing the approach of the Marshal, told a sturdy fellow his servant, that he had occasion to go from home, and therefore bid him, that if any man came to inquire after the Miller, he should not speak of him, but say that himself was the Miller, and had been so for three years before. So the Provost came and called for the Miller, when out comes the servant, and saith, he was the man: the Provost demanded how long he had kept the Mill; these three years answered the servant: then the Provost commanded his men to lay hold on him, and hang him on the next tree. At this the fellow cried out, that he was not the Miller but the Miller's man: nay Sir (said the Provost) I will take you at your word, and if thou be'st the Miller thou art a busy knave; if thou be'st nor, thou art a false lying knave, and howsoever thou canst never do thy Master better service then to hang for him; and so without more ado he was dispatched. When this sedition in Devonshire was appeased, there rose another in Norfolk, and that specially upon a grievance for enclosures; the Rebels had got one Robert Ket a Tanner of Wimondham to be their Leader, and were grown to a body of twenty thousand, seating themselves at Monshold, near Mount-Surrey, where they carried a face as it were of Justice and Religion; for they had one Conyers an idle fellow to be their chaplain, who morning and evening read solemn Prayers, also Sermons they had often, and as for Justice they had a bench under a tree where Ket usually sat, and with him two of every hund●ed whence their Companies had been raised, to hear complints and to give Judgement, and from hence were warrants sent in the King's name, to bring in powder, shot, victuals, and all things necessary: which tree hath ever since been called the tree of Reformation; and now being grown to a height, they presented certain complaints to the King, requiring, he would send a Herald to them, to give them satisfaction; the King though he took it for a great indignity, to have such base fellows to capitulate with him, yet framing himself to the time, he returned this answer; that in October following he would call a Parliament wherein their complaints should be heard, and all their grievances should be redressed, requiring them in the mean time, to lay down Arms and return to their houses, and thereupon granting them a general pardon: but this was so far from satisfying the seditious, that hereupon first, they assaulted the Town of Norwich took it, and made the Major attend them as their servant, and then returned again to their station at Manshold● not long after William Parr marquis of Northampton, with the Lord Sheffield, the Lord Wentworth, divers Knights, and fifteen hundred Horse, with a small band of Italians was sent against them; whom the seditious so stoutly opposed, that much mischief was done on both sides, the Lord Sheffield falling with his Horse in a ditch was taken prisoner, and as he pulled off his helmet to show who he was, he was by a Butcher strucken down with a club and slain; so as the marquis with his forces not prevailing, there was afterward sent the Earl of Warwick with six thousand ●oot, and fifteen hundred Horse, with whom were the Lords Willoughby, Powis and Bray his two sons Ambrose and Robert, and many Knights and Gentlemen of Name. When the Earl was come near to the Camp of the seditious, he sent a Herald to them, offering them the King's pardon, if they would desist, but they were so far from accepting it, that a lewd Boy turned up his naked breech towards the Herald and bid him kiss it; upon this, many skirmishes passed between the Earl and them, with loss sometimes to one side, and sometimes to another; at last they came to a Battle, where the Rebels placed in the Fro●t, all the Gentlemen they had taken prisoners, meaning they should be the first slain, of whom yet very few were hurt, but of the Rebels were slain above two thousand, and now once again the Earl offered them pardon, if they would desist; but for all their losses, they continued obstinate still, at last the Ea●le sent to know if they would entertain their pardon, in case he should come in person and assure them of it; this moved them much, and then they answered, they knew him to be so honourable, that from himself they would embrace it; whereupon the Earl riding to them, and causing their pardon to be read, they thre● away their weapons, wishing all joy and prosperity to the King: nine of ●he principal Rebels were hanged upon the tree of Reformation; Ket himself flying away was taken and hanged in chains upon Norwich Castle; the day of this defeat of the seditious, was a long time after observed for a festival day by the Inhabitants of Norwich, and thus ended the sedition in Nor●olke; whe● at the same time another arose in Yorkshire, whereof the chief movers were William Ombler a Gentleman, Thomas Dale a Parish Clerk, and Stephenson a Post, to whom were assembled four or five thousand, who took their encouragement from a certain Prophecy, which did foretell, that the time should come, when there should be no King, when the Nobility and Gentry should be destroyed, when the Realm should be ruled by four Governors elected by the Commons, holding a Parliament in commotion, which should begin at the South and North Seas of England, and that time they understood to be the present, and that the Rebels of Devonshire, Norfolk and Yorkshire should draw together to accomplish this prophecy; but as soon as they heard that the tumults of Devonshire and Norfolk were quieted, they found that they were deceived in the understanding of the prophecy, and thereupon presently upon the King's pardon, they fell off and dispersed, their chief Leaders Ombler, Dale and four others were executed at York; and with this, the Spirit of sedition was quite laid in all places of the Kingdom. But the King of France, taking advantage of these seditious, though he had been in treaty before of peace with England, yet now he broke off the treaty, Proclaimed war, and denounced it by his Ambassador to the King: hereupon all Frenchmen in England, not Denizens, were taken prisoners, and all their goods seized for the King, which the French King understanding, he sent a fleet of Ships to surprise Gernsey and jarnsey, but was repelled with the loss of a thousand men: after this, he levied an Army by land, and went himself in person against Boulogne, defended by the valiant Sir Nicholas Arnold, but being weary of the work, he left his Lieutenant Chatillon to pursue the Siege, who having made many fierce batteries, and at last assaults and no● prevailing, he then attempted to hinder the Town from supply of victuals; and to this end, charged a Galley with gravel and stones, meaning to sink it in the Haven, but the English took the Galley before it was sunk, and made use of the stones for their own defence: after this, they made faggots of light matter, mixed with pi●ch, tar, tallow, rosi●● powder and wildfire, with intention to fire the ships in the Haven, but that enterprise was defeated by the Bulloignes, and the faggots taken from the French; and more than this, there was little done in those parts at this time. But in England in the mean time, an unfortunate accident happened, which beginning upon a very light occasion, produced afterward very heavy effects; whereof, though there were many concurrant circumstances, yet the original cause was the pride of a woman, upon a point indeed, wherein the natures of women are commonly most tender, Precedency of place: the Protector had married Anne Stanhope, a woman of a haughty stomach, and the Lord Admiral his Brother the Queen Dowager, a Lady of great mildness: the nearness of the Husbands, gave occasion to the Ladies often meeting, where the Duchess would inwardly murmur, why she being the wife of the elder brother and the better man, should give place to her, who was the wife of the younger brother, and the meaner man; this envy of hers toward the Queen, bred a malice in her towards the Admiral, as thinking the mischief she did to the husband, to be a part of revenge upon the wife, and though the Queen shortly after died in Childbed, yet the malice of the Duchess towards the Admiral lived still; (so hard a thing it is, for malice once settled in a woman's heart, to be removed) out of this malice, she put divers surmises into her husband the Protectors head against his brother the Admiral, as though he went about to procure his death, to the end he might aspire to the place he held; but certainly as misliking his government being a Protestant, who was himself a Papist; in this case causes of jealousy against the Admiral was obvious enough, for it was known that in King Henry's time, he had aimed at the marriage of the Lady Elizabeth King Henry's second daughter; and now his wife the Queen Dowager being dead (and not without suspicion of poison) he fell upon that marriage a fresh, which could not be thought to tend, but to some very high aspiring end: the Protector a plain man, and one that had not the clearest insight into practices; whether too importunately provoked by his wife, or whither out of an honest mind, not willing to patronise faults though in a brother, gave way to accusatio●s brought against him, so as in a Parliament then holden, he was accused, for attempting to get into his custody the person of the King, and government of the Realm, for endeavouring to marry the Lady Elizabeth the King's sister, for persuading the King in his tender years, to take upon him the rule and ordering of himself; upon which points (though perhaps proved, yet not sufficiently against him, who was never called to his answer) he was by Act of Parliament condemned, and within few days after condemnation, a warrant was sent under the hand of his brother the Protector to cut off his head; wherein (as after it proved) he did as much, as if he had laid his own head down upon the block; for whilst these brothers lived and held together, they were as a strong fortress one to the other; the Admiral's courage supporting the Protectors authority, and the Protectors authority maintaining the Admiral's stoutness; but the Admiral once gone, the Protectors authority as wanting support began to totter, and fell at last to utter ruin: besides there was at this time, amongst the Nobility a kind of faction; Protestant's who favoured the Protector for his own sake, and other of Papal inclination, who favoured him for his brother's sake, but his brother being gone, both sides forsook him, even his own side; as thinking they could expect little assistance from him, who gave no more assistance to his own brothe●; and perhaps more than all this, the Earl of Warwick at this time, was the most powerful man both in Courage and Counsel amongst all the Nobility, and none so near to match him as the Admiral while he lived, but he being gone, there was none left that either was able and durst, or durst and was able to stand against him: however it was, not long after the Admiral's death, the Protector was invaded with sundry accusations, wherein ●h● Earl of Warwick made not always the greatest show, but yet had always the greatest hand; one thing the Protector had done, which though a private act, yet gave a public distaste. To make him a Mansion house in the Strand (the same which is now called Somerset-house) he pulled down a Church, and two Bishop's houses by the Strand Bridge; in digging the foundation whereof, the bones of many who had been there buried, were cast out and carried into the fields; and because the stones of those houses and the Church sufficed not for his work, the steeple a●d most part of the Church of Saint john's of jerusalem near Smithfield, was mined and overthrown with powder, and the stones applied to this sparious building; and more than this, the Cloister of Paul's on the North side of the Church, in a place called Pardon Church-yard, and the dance of Death very curiously wrought about the Cloister, & a Chapel that stood in the midst of the Churchyard; also the Charnal house, that stood upon the South side of Paul's (now a Carpenter's yard) with the Chapel, timber and Monuments therein were beaten down, the bones of the dead carried into Finsbury-fields, and the stones converted to this building. This Act of the Protectors, did something alienate the People's minds from him; which the Earl of Warwick perceiving thought it now a fit time to be falling upon him; and thereupon drew eighteen of the Privy Counsel to join with him, who withdrawing themselves from the Court, held secret consultations together, and walked in the City with many Servants weaponed, and in new Liveries; whereof when the Lord Protector heard, he sent secretary Peter to them, to know the causes of their Assembly, requiring them to resort unto him peaceably, that they might commune together as friends; but in the mean time, he Armed five hundred men, and removed the King by night from Hampton-court to Windsor: on the other side, the Lords at London having first taken possession of the Tower, sent for the Mayor and Aldermen of the City, to the Earl of Warwick's lodging at Ely-house in Holburn; to whom the Lord Rich then Lord Chancellor made a long Oration wherein he showed the ill government of the Lord Protector, and the many mischiefs that by it were come upon the Kingdom; and thereupon requiring them to join with the Lords there assembled to remove him; and presently that day, a Proclamation was made in divers parts of the City to that purpose; to which the Lords and Counsellors that subscribed their names were these; the Lord Rich Chancellor, the Lord Saint-Iohn Lord great Master, the marquis of Northampton, the Earl of Warwick Lord great Chamberlain, the Earl of Arundel Lord Chamberlain, the Earl of Shrewsbury, the Earl of Southampton, Sir Thomas Cheyney Treasurer of the Household, Sir john Gag● Constaple of the Tower, Sir William Peter secretary, Sir Edward North Knight, Sir Edward Montague chief Justice of the Common-pleas, Sir john Baker Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Ralph Sadler, Sir Edward Wootton, Sir Richard Southwell Knights: and Doctor Wootton Deane of Canterbury. In the afternoon of the same day, the Lord Major assembled a Common Counsel in the Guild-hall where two letters arrived almost in one instant from the King and the Lord Protector, for a thousand men to be Armed for defence of the King's Person; another from the Lords at London for two thousand men to aid them in defence of the King's person also; both pretending alike, and therefore hard how to please them both. The Recorder set forth the complaint of the Lords against the Protector, in such sort, that he made many inclinable to favour that side, but one named George Stadlow better advised, stepped up, and in a long Speech showed, what mischiefs had come to the City by opposing the King; and therefore gave his opinion to suspend giving aid to the Lords, at lest for a time. His advice was hearkened to, and thereupon the Court resolved only to arm a hundred Horsemen and four hundred foot, in defence of the City; and to the letters, returned submissive but dilatory answers. After some other passages between the Protector and the Lords, Sir Edward Winkfield Captain of the Guard, was sent from the Lords to Windsor; who so well persuaded the King of the Lords loyal affection towards him, and of their moderate intention towards the Protector, that the King was contented to have him presently remvoed from him, and suffered him within two days after to be carried to the Tower. In whose absence, seven Lords of the Council and four Knights were appointed by turns to attend the King's person; and for affairs of State, the government of them was referred to the whole body of the Council: soon after were sent to the Protector in the Tower, certain Lords of the Council, with Articles against him, requiring his present Answer, whether he would acknowledge them to be true, or else stand upon his justification. The chief Article was this; That he took upon him the Office of Protector, with express condition, that he should do nothing in the King's affairs, but by assent of the late King's Executours, or the greatest part of them; and that contrary to this condition, he had hindered Justice, and subverted laws of his own authority, as well by letters as by other command; and many other Articles, but all much to this purpose. The Protector, whether thinking to speed better by submission then by contesting; or perhaps finding himself not altogether innocent, (for indeed in so great a place, who can bear himself with such sincerity, but he will commit errors, with which he may be taxed;) subscribed an acknowledgement with his own hand; humbly submitting himself to the King's mercy, and desiring their Lordship's favour ●owards him. Upon this submission, three months after he had been imprisoned, he was released, entertained and feasted by the King, and swor●e again to be a Privy Counsellor, but no more Protector: at which time, between him and the Lords, a show at lest of perfect amity was made; and to make it the more firm, the Duke's daughter was afterward married to the Lord Lisle, Son and heir to the Earl of Warwick; at which marriage the King himself was present; and perhaps to honour their reconcilement and this marriage, the Earl of Warwick was made Lord Admiral of England, Sir john Russell Lord Privy Seal was created Earl of Bedford, the Lord Saint-Iohn was created Earl of Wiltshire, and soon after made Lord Treasurour, Sir William Paget Controlour of the King's House, was made Lord Paget, Sir Anthony Winkfield Captain of the Guard, was made Controlour, and Sir Thomas Darcye was made Captain of the Guard. But of the other side, the Earl of Arundel, the Earl of Southampton, were put off from the Council; of whom, the Earl of Southampton died shortly after at Lincolne-Place in Holborn, and was buried in Saint Andrew's Church there. About this time a Parliament was held at Westminster, wherein one Act was made against spreading of Prophecies; another against unlawful Assemblies: but for fear of new tumults, the Parliament was untimely Dissolved, and Gentlemen were commanded to retire to their Count●ey-habitations; and ●or the same cause also Trinity Term did not hold. About this time also, Pope Paul the third died; after whose death the Cardinals being divided about the election of a new Pope; the Imperial part, which was the greatest, gave their voices for Cardinal Poole; which being told him, ●e disabled himself, and wished them to choose one that might be most for the glory of God, and good of the Church: upon ●his stop, some that were no friends to Pool, and perhaps looked for the place themselves, if he were put off, laid m●ny things to his charge; amongst other, that he was no● without suspicion of Lutharisme, as having been very conversant with Immanuell Tremellius and Antonius Flaminius, great Lutherans, and not altogether without blemish of incontinency; there being a young Nun that was thought to be his daughter. But of these criminations Poole so cleared himself, that he was afterward more importuned to take the place than he was before; and thereupon one night the Cardinals came unto him, being in bed; and sent him word they came to adore him (which is one special kind of electing the Pope) but he being awaked out of his sleep, and acquainted with it; made answer, that this was not a work of darkness, and therefore required them to forbear till the next day, and then to do as God should put in their minds. But the Italian Cardinals attributing this putting off, to a kind of stupidity and sloth in Pool; looked no more after him, but the next day chose Cardinal Montanus Pope, who was afterward named julius the third. And now the King of France, upon many just considerations, was grown desirous to have a Peace with England; and thereupon sent one Guidol●i a Florentine in●o England, to make some overture of his desire to the Lords of the Council; who addressing himself to the Earl of Warwick, whom he knew to be most prevalent; so prevailed, that it was concluded four Ambassadors should be sent from the King of England into Franee● and four from the French King, to treat with them. The Commissioners for the English were john Earl of Bedford, William Lord Paget, Sir William Peter and Sir john Mason, Secretaries of State. For the French were Monsieur Rochpot, Monsieur Chatillon, Guyllart de Martyer and Rochetelle de Dassie: much time was spent to agree about a place of meeting; till at last the English to satisfy the French, were contented it should be before Boulogne; where were many meetings and m●ny differences about conditions; but in conclusion, a Peace was concluded upon certain Articles; the chief whereof was, that Boulogne and the places adjacent should be delivered up to the French within six weeks after the Peace Proclaimed; and that the French should pay for the same two hundred thousand crowns, within three days after delivery of the Town; and other two hu●dred thousand crows upon the fifth day of August following: hostages were on both sides given for performance; and to those Articles the French King was sworn at Amiens, and the King of England in London: the Lord Clinton who had been Deputy of Boulogne was made Lord Admiral of England. Presently after this Agreement, the Duke of Brunswick sent to the King of England, to offer his service in the King's wars, with ten thousand men, and to entreat a marriage with the Lady Mary, the King's eldest sister. To his offer of aid, answer was made, that the King's wars were ended; and touching the marriage with the Lady Mary, ●hat the King was in speech for her marriage with the Infanta of Portugal, which if it succeeded not, he should then be favourably heard. Upon this, the Emperor's Ambassador demanded of the King, that the Lady Mary might have free exercise of the Mass, which the King not only constantly denied, but thereupon Sermons were exercised at Court, and order taken, that no man should have any Benefice from the King, but first he should Preach before him; and shortly after, under pretence of preparing for Sea-matters, five thou●and pounds were sent to relieve Protestants beyond the Seas. At this time also, an Ambassador came from Gustanu● King of Sweden, to enter league with the King for intercourse of Merchants; and charge was then also given, that the Laws of England should be administered in Ireland. About this time the Queen Dowager of Scotland, going from France to her Country, passed thorough England, having first obtained a safe Conduct, she arrived at Portesmouth, and was there met by divers of the English Nobility; conducted to London, she was lodged in the Bishops-Pallace: after four days staying, having been feasted by the King at Whitehall, she departed; being waited on by the Sheriffs of Counries to the borders of Scotland. And now was one Steward a Scot apprehended in England, and imprisoned in the Tower, for intending to poison the young Queen of Scots, whom the King delivered to the French King upon the frontiers of Calais, to be by him justiced at his pleasure. At ●his time certain Ships were appointed by the Emperor, to transport the Lady Mary either by violence or by stealth out of England to Antwerp; whereupon Sir john Gates was sent with Forces into Essex, where the Lady lay; and besides, the Duke of Somerset was sent with two hundred men, the Lord Privy Seal with other two hundred, and Master Sentleger with four hundred more, to several coasts upon the Sea, and the Lord Chancellor and Secretary Peter were sent to the Lady Mary; who after some conference, brought her to the Lord Chancellors house at Lyee in Essex, and from thence to the King at Westminster. Here the Council declared unto her, how long the King had permitted her the use of the Mass, and considering her obstinacy, was resolved now no longer to permit it, unless she would put him in hope of some conformity in short time. To which she answered, that her soul was Gods; and touching her faith, as she could not change, so she would not dissemble it. Reply was made, that the King intended not to constrain her faith, but to restrain the outward profession of it, in regard of the danger the example might draw. After some like interchange of speeches, the Lady was appointed to remain with the King, when there arrived an Ambassador from the Emperor, with a threatening message of war, in case his cousin the Lady Mary, should be denied the free exercise of the Mass: hereupon the King presently advised with the Archbishop of Canterbury, and with the Bishop of London and Rochester, who gave their opinion, that to give licence to sin was sin, but to connive at sin might be allowed so it were not too long, nor without hope of reformation: then answer was given to the Ambassador, that the King would send to the Emperor within a month or two, and give him such satisfaction as should be fit. And now the King being uncertain of the faith, both of his Subjects and of his Confederates, intended by alliance to strengthen himself; and thereupon sent one Bartwicke, to the King of Denmark with private instructions, to treat of a marriage, between the Lady Elizabeth the King's youngest sister, and the King of Denmark's eldest son; but when it came to the point, this Lady could not be induced to entertain marriage with any. After this, the marquis of Northampton was sent Ambassador to the French King, as well to present him with the Order of the Garter, as to treat with him of other secret affairs: with him were joined in Commission the Bishop of Elye, Sir Philip Hobbie, Sir William Pickering, Sir john Mason, and Master Smith Secritary of State; also the Earl of Worcester, Rutland, and Ormond were appointed to accompany them; as likewise the Lords Lisle, Fitzwater, Bray, Aburgavenie and Evers, with other Knights and Gentlemen of note, to the number of six and twenty; and for avoiding of immoderate train, order was given that every Earl should have but four attendants, every Baron but three, every Knight and Gentlem●n but two, only the Commissioners were not limited to any number. Being come to the Court of France, they were forthwith brought to the King, being then in his Bedchamber; to whom the marquis presented the Order of the Garter, wherewith he was presently invested: then the Bishop of Elye in a short Speech, declared, how the King of England, out of his love and desire of amity, had sent this Order to his Majesty; desiring with all, that some persons might be authorized to treat with them, about some other m●tters of importance; whereupon a Commission went forth to the Cardinal of Lorraigne, chastilion the Constable, the Duke of Guysae, and others. At the first, the English demanded, that the young Queen of Scots might be s●nt into England for perfecting of marriage between King Edward and her. But to this the French answered, That conclusion had been made long before for her marriage with the Dolphin of France. Then the English proposed a marriage between King Edward and the Lady Eliza●eth the French Kings eldest daughter: to this the French did cheerfully incline; but when they came to talk of Portion, the English demanded at first fifteen hundred thousand crowns, than fell to fourteen, and a● last to eight hundred thousand: the French offered at first, one hundred thousand crowns, than rose to two hundred thousand, and higher they would not be drawn; saying, it was more than ever had been given with a daughter of France. Shortly after Monsieur the Marshal and other Commissioners were sent by the French King, to deliver to the King of England the Order of Saint Michael; and then was further treaty about the marriage; and because the French could be s●rued no higher than two hundred thousand crowns, it was at last accepted, and the agreement was reduced into writing, and delivered under Seal on both sides. And now King Edward supposing his state to be most safe, when indeed it was most unsure; in testimony both of his joy and love, advanced many to new titles of honour; the Lord marquis Dorset, who had married the eldest daughter of Charles Brandon was created Duke of Suffolk, the Earl of Warwick Duke of Northumberland, the Earl of Wiltshire was created marquis of Winchester, Sir William Herbert Lord of Cardisse and Master of the Horse, was created Earl of Pembroke; also William Cecil the King's Secretary, john Cheek one of his Schoolmasters, Henry Dudley and Henry Nevil were made Knights, and (that which perhaps it had been happy, if it had never been) Sir Robert Dudley one of the Duke of Northumberlands sons (the same who was afterward the great Earl of Leicester) was sworn one of the six orninary Gentlemen of the King's Chamber; for after his coming into a place so near about him, the King enjoyed his health but a while. The aspiring thoughts of the Duke of Northumberland, were now grown up to be put in execution: He was advanced in title of honour equal with the highest; in authority and power above the highest; he had placed his politic Son near about the King's person; the next thing was to remove the Duke of Somerset out of the way; and for this also he had prepared instruments; Sir Thomas Palmer, Crane, Hamond, Cecil, and others; who brought several accusations against the Duke; some trenching upon the King and Kingdom, but one specially against the Duke of Northumberlands person; whose practices when the Duke of Somerset found, and had cause to fear; he went one day Armed into the Duke of Northumberlands Chamber, with a purpose to kill him; but finding him in his bed, and being received with much kind compliment by him, his heart relented, and thereupon came away without any thing done: at his coming out, one of his company asked him if he had done the deed? who answered, No: then said he, you are yourself undone: and indeed it so fell out; for when all other Accusations were refelled, this only stuck by him, and could not be denied; and so on the first of December he was arraigned at Westminster; where the Lord William Pa●let marquis of Winchester and Lord Treasurour, sat as high Steward of England, and with him Peers to the number of seven and twenty; the Dukes of Suffolk and Northumberland, the marquis of Northampton, the Earls of Derby, Bedford, Huntingdon, Rutland, bath, Sussex, Worcester, Pembroke and Hert●ord; the Barons, Aburgavevy, Audeley, Wharton, Evers, La●ymer, Borough, Zouth, Stafford, Wentworth, Darcye, Sturton, Windsor, Cromwell, Cobham and Bray. The Lords being set, the Indit●ments were read, in number five, containing a charge, for raising men in the North parts of the Realm; and at his house, for assembling men to kill the Duke of Northumberland; for resisting his Attachment, for raising London, for assaulting the Lords, and devising their deaths. To all which he pleaded, Not guilty, and made a satisfactory Answer to every point, though the King's learned Council pressed them hard against him. This done, the Lords went together, where exception was taken by some, ●s a thing unfit, that the Duke of Northumberland, the marquis of Northampton, and the Earl of Pembroke should be of the Jury; seeing the prisoner was chiefly charged with practices against them. But to this, the Lawyers made answer, that a Peer of the Realm might not be challenged; so after much variation of opinions, the prisoner was acqui●t of treasure, but by most voyees found guilty of Felony; and that by a Statute, lately by his own procurement made; That if any should attempt to kill a Privy Counsellor, although the Fact were not done, yet it should be Felony, and be punished with death. But upon his being acquit of Treason, t●e Axe of the Tower was presently laid down, which m●de people conceive he had been acquitted of all; who thereupon for joy, gave so great a shout, that it was heard as far as Charingcross: but the Duke was little the better for being acquitted of Treason, seeing he was found guilty of Felony; and had Judgement to die. It is thought by some, he might have saved his life, if he had demanded his Clergy; but it is rather thought, that in that Statute Clergy w●s denied. Two months after his condemnation; (much against the King's will) He was brought to the Tower-Hill to execution; wher● b●ing ●scended the Scaffold, he entered into a Speech, wherein though he justified himself, for any matter tending to the hurt of the King or Kingdom; yet he confessed, he was justly by the Law brought to th●● d●●●h; and thanked God, that had given him so large a time of repentance, specially that he had opened his eyes, to see clearly the light of the Gospel; and going on in his Speech, a sudden noise arose, of some crying, away, ●way; which made some think a Pardon had been come; but was indeed the voice of some that had been warned to be at the Execution, and were come somewhat late: but the tumult being appeased, the Duke went on with his Speech, and at last commending his soul to God, with a countenance not showing a sign of fear or perturbation, only his cheeks a little redder than they use ●o be; he peaceably laid down his head upon the block, and in a moment with one stroke of the Axe, had it strucken off. The death of this Duke, made the Duke of Northumberland more odious to the people than he was before; and there were some that dipped H●ndkerchiffes in his blood, and kept them to upbraid the Duke of Northumberland withal, when he came himself afterward to the like end. After execution of the Duke, Sir Ralph Vane and Sir Miles Partridge were hanged at the Tower-hill, Sir Michael Stanhope and Sir Thomas Arundel were there beheaded. After the Duke's condemnation, it was thought fit to have something done for averting the King's mind, from taking thought; and to that end, one George Ferrer, a Gentleman of Lincolns-inn, was appointed in the Christmas-time, to be Lord of Misrule; who so carried himself, that he gave great delight to many, and some to the King, but not in proportion to his heaviness. About this time was a call of seven Sergeants at Law, who kept their Feast at Grays-inn; of whom, Master Robert Brooke Recorder of London, was the first; and the next Master Dyer, who was chosen Speaker the next Parliament. About this time also, the Lord Paget was committed to the Tower, ●or what cause is not certain; and being a Knight of the Order, his Garder was taken from him by Garter king at Arms, upon this pretence, that he was said to be no Gentleman, either by Father or Mother; and the Garter was then bestowed on the Earl of Warwick, the Duke of Nor●hum●erlands eldest Son, and the Lord Rich Lord Chancellor, was put off from his Place, and the Seal then delivered to Doctor Thomas Goodricke Bishop of Elye. About this time also three great Ships were set forth at the King's charge, for discovery of a passage to the East Indies by the North Seas; the chief Pilot and director in this Voyage, was one Sebastian Gabato an Englishman, borne at Bristol, but the son of a Genua: these Ships at the last arrived in the Country of Muscovia, but not without loss of their Captain Sir Hugh Willoughby, who being tossed and driven by tempest, was afterward found in his Ship frozen to death, and all his people. At this time al●o the Duke of Suffolk's three Daughters, which he had by Frances, Daughter of Charles Brandon and Mary Queen of France, were married at Durham-House; the eldest jane to the Lord Guildford Dudley●, fourth Soon of the Duke of Northumberland: the second Katherine, to Henry Son and heir to the Earl of Pembroke; the yo●gest Mary, being somewhat deformed, to Martin Keys the King's Gentleman-Porter. And then also Katherine the Duke of Northumberlands youngest daughter, to the Lord Hastings, eldest son of the Earl of Huntingdon. And now had the Duke of Northumberland gone a great way in his design; it remained to persuade King Edward to exclude his two sisters from succession in the Crown; for that do●e, his daughter in law the Lady Ian●, would come to have a right; for as for pretenders out of Scotland, or any other, he made no great matter. And now to work the King to this persuasion, (being in a languishing sickness, not far from death) he inculcates to him, how much it concerned him to have a care of Religion, that it might be preserved in purity, not only in his own life, but as well after his death; which would not be, if his sister the Lady Mary should succeed, and she could not be put by unless her other sister the Lady Elizabeth were put by also, seeing their rights depended one upon another; but if he pleased to appoint the Lady jane, the Duke of Suffolk's eldest daughter, and his own next kinswoman to his Sisters, to be his successor, he might then be sure that the true Religion should be maintained, to Gods great glory, and be a worthy Act of his own religious Providence. This was to strike upon the right string of the young King's affection, with whom nothing was so dear as preservation of Religion; and thereupon his last Will was appointed to be drawn (contrived chiefly by the Lord chief Justice Montague, and Secretary Cecil:) by which Will, as far as in him lay, he excluded his two sisters from the succession, and all other, but the Duke of Suffolk's daughters; and then causing it to be read before his Council, he required them all to assent unto it, and to subscribe their hands; which they all, both Nobility, and Bishops and Judges did; only the Archbishop Cranmer refused at first, Sir james Hales a Judge of the Common-Pleas to the last, and with him also Sir john Baker Chancellor of the Exchequer. And now remained nothing for the Duke of Northumberlands purpose, but that the King should die; which soon after he did at Greenwich the sixth of july, in the year 1553. One point of the Duke's policy must not be forgotten, that fearing what troubles the Lady Mary might raise after the King's decease, if she should be at liberty; he therefore, seeing the King drawing on, used all means possible to get her within his power; to which end Letters are directed to her in the King's name from the Council, willing her forthwith to repair to the King, as well to be a comfort to him in his sickness, as to see all matters well ordered about his person: whereupon, the Lady suspecting nothing, addressed herself with all speed to the journey; till being upon the way, she was advertised of the Duke's design; and then she returned to her House at Hoveden, and so escaped the snare; by whose escape, the whole design of the Duke of Northumberland was disappointed; as soon after will be seen. Of his Taxations. IN no King's reign was ever more Parliaments for the time, nor fewer Subsidies; the greatest was in his last year, when yet there was but one Subsidy, with two fifteen and tenths granted by the Temporalty, and a Subside by the Clergy. And indeed to show how loath this King was to lay Impositions upon his people, this may be a sufficient argument; that though he were much in debt, yet he chose rather to deal with the Foulker in the Low-Countries for money upon loan, at the interest of fourteen pounds for a hundred, for a year. But his ways for raising of money, was by selling of chantry Lands and Houses, given him by Parliament; and by enquiring after all church-good, either remaining in Cathedral and Parish-Churches, or embezeled away, as Jewels, gold and silver, Chalices, ready money, Copes, and other Vestments; reserving to every Church one Chalice, and one covering for the Communion-Table, the rest to be applied to his benefit. He also raised money by enquiring after offences of Officers in great places; in which inquiry, one Beaumont Master of the Rolls, being convinced of many crimes, surrendered all his Offices, Lands and Goods into the King's hands: also one whaley Receiver of Yorkshire, being found a delinquent, surrendered his Office, and paid a great fine besides: also the Lord Paget, Chancellor of the Duchy, convinced, that he had sold the King's Lands and Timber-woods without Commission, and had applied the King's Fines to his own use; for these and other offences, surrendered his Office, and was fined at four thousand pounds, which he paid in hand. One thing more was done in his time for raising of money; twenty thousand pounds weight of Bullion, was appointed to be made so much base, that the King might gain thereby a hundred and forty thousand pounds. Of his Laws and Ordinances. IN his third year a Parliament was holden; wherein one Act was made against spreading of Prophecies; another against unlawful Assemblies. In his fourth year a Parliament was holden, wherein Priests children were made legitimate; and usury for the loan of money was forbidden. In his fifth year, it was ordained that the Laws of England should be administered in Ireland; and a king at Arms named Ulster, was newly instituted for Ireland; whose Province was all Ireland; and he was the first fourth king of Arms, and first Herald appointed for Ireland. Also in his fifth year, base moneys formerly coined, were cried down; so as the shilling went but for nine pence, and shortly after but for six pence, the g●oat but for three pence, and shortly after but for two pence. Affairs of the Church in his time. IN the first yee●e of this King's reign, Injunctions were set forth, for pulling down a●d removing all Images out of Churches; also certain Homilies were appointed to be made by learned men, to be read in Churches, for the people's instruction: and at Easter this year, it was ordered, that the Sacrament of the Lords Supper should be ministered to the Lay-people in both kinds; also Marriage was allowed to Clergy men; Auricular Confession and prayer for the dead were forbidden: and it is observable, that the very same day that Images were pulled down at London, the great overthrow was given to the Scots at Mu●kleborough. Also at this time, by the Archbishop Cranmers' means, divers learned Protestants came over into England, and had here entertainment, as Peter Martyr, Martin Bucer, and Paulus Fagius; of whom Peter Martyr was sent to read a Divinity Lecture in Oxford, Bucer and Fagius in Cambridge. In this Kings foutth year, all Altars in Churches were commanded to be taken down, and Tables placed in their rooms. In his fifth year the Book of Common Prayer was established. Casualties happening in his time. IN his second year, Saint Anne's Church within Aldesgate was burnt. In his ●ifth year, a sweeting sickness infested first Shrewesbury, and then the north parts, and after grew most extreme in London, so as the first week there died eight hundred persons, and was so violent that it took men away in four and twenty hours, sometimes in twelve, and sometimes in less: amongst other of account that died of this sickness, were the two Sons of Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk, who died within an hour after one another, in such order that both of them died Dukes. This disease was proper to the English Nation, for it followed the English wheresoever they were in foreign parts; but seized upon none of any other Country. In this year, one Master Arden of Kent, by procurement of his wife was murdered in his own house; being dead, his body was carried out and laid upon the ground, in a close hard by; where this is memorable, that for two years after, the ground where his body lay, bore no grass, but represented still as it were a picture of his body, only in the space between his legs and arms there grew grass, but where any part of his body touched, none at all. Yet this miraculous accident was not so much for the murder, as for the curses of a widow-woman, out of whose hands the said Master Arden had uncharitably bought the said close, to her undoing. And thus the divine justice even in this world oftentimes works miracles upon offenders, for a merciful warning to men, if they would be so wise to take it. In his sixth year, the third of August, at Middleton-stony, eleven miles from Oxford, a woman brought forth a child which had two perfect bodies from the navel upward, the legs for both the bodies grew out at the midst where the bodies joined, and had but one issue for the excrements of them both: they lived eighteen days, and were women children. This year also were taken at Quinborow three Dolphins, and at Blackwall six more, the least of which was bigger than any horse. Works of Piety by him or other in his time. THis King gave three houses to the relief of the poor; first for the fatherless and beggar's children, he gave the late Gray-Fryers in London, which i● now called Christ's Hospital: then for lame and diseased persons he gave the Hospital of Saint Thomas in Southwark, and Saint Barthalomews in West Smithfield: Thirdly, for riotous and idle persons, he gave his house of Brid●well; and for their maintenance, he took six hundred pounds a year land from the house of the Savoy (which had been long abused) and bestowed it upon these houses; to which he added four thousand marks a year more. By his example Sir William Chester Alderman of London, and john Calthroppe Draper, at their own costs made the Brickwalls and way on the backside that leadeth to the Hospital of Saint Barthalomews; and also covered and vaulted the Town Ditch, which before was very noisome. In the second year of this King, Sir john Gresham then Major of London, founded a free School at Host in Norfolk; also at his decease, he gave to every Ward in London ten pounds, to be distributed amongst the poor, and to maids marriages two hundred pounds. In his third year, Sir Rowland Hill the ●hen Lord Major of London, caused to be made a Cawsway commonly called Overlane pavement, in the high way from Stone to Nantwich, in length four miles, for the ease of horse and man. He caused also a Cawsway to be made from Dunchurch to Bransen in Warwickshiere, more than two miles in length; and gave twenty pounds towards the making of Roitton Bridge three miles from Coventry. He made likewise the high way to Kilborne near to London. Also four Bridges, two of them of stone, containing eighteen arches in them both; the one over the River of Severne called Acham Bridge, the other turn Bridge; and two other of Timber at Stoke, where he built also a good part of the Church. A free School likewise he builded at ●rayton in Shropshiere, with Master and Usher, and gave sufficient stipends to them both. Also he purchased a free fair to the said Town, with a free Market weekly; and every fourteen days a free Market for cartel. Besides all thi●, he gave to the Hospital of Christ-Church in London in his life time, five hundred pounds, and at his death, a hundred. In this King's fourth year, Sir Andrew Iud Major of London, founded a notable free School at Tunbridge in Kent; he builded also an Almshouse for six poor people, nigh to the Parish Church of Saint Helen's in Bishopsgate-streete; and gave threescore pounds land a year to the Skinners of London, for which be bound to pay twenty pounds to the Schoolmaster, and eight pounds to the Usher of his free School at Tunbridge yearly for ever; and four shillings weekly to the six poor Almspeople, and something more yearly. In his sixth year, Sir George Barnes Major of London, gave a Windmill in Finsbury-field to the Haberdashers of London, the profits thereof to be distributed to the poor of that Company; also to Saint Bartholamews the little, certain Tenements to the like use. Of his personage and conditions. COncerning his personage, it is said, he was in body beautiful, of a sweet aspect, and specially in his eyes, which seemed to have a starry liveliness and lustre in them. Concerning his conditions, in matter of fact, there is not much to be said; but in matter of disposition and inclination very much, even to admiration. For though his tree was not yet come to the maturity of bearing fruit, yet it was come to the forwardness to bear plenty of buds and blossoms. For proof of his merciful disposition this one example may be sufficient; when one joan Butcher was to be burned for blasphemy and heresy, all the Counsel could not get him to sign the Warrant, till the Archbishop Cranmer with much importunity persuaded him, and then he did it, but not without weeping. For his pregnancy of wit, and knowledge in all kinds of learning; we shall need but to hear what Cardan (who coming into England, had often conference with him) reporteth of him: that he was extraordinarily skilful in Languages, and in the Politics; well seen in Philosophy and in Divinity, and generally indeed a very miracle of Art and Nature. He would answer Ambassadors somerimes upon the sudden, either in French or Latin; he knew the state of foreign Princes perfectly, and his own more. He could call all Gentlemen of account through his Kingdom by their names; and all this when he had scarce yet attained to the age of fifteen years; and died before sixteen; that from hence we may gather, it is a sign of no long life, when the faculties of the mind are ripe so early. Of his death and burial. IN the sixth year of his reign, which was the year before he died, he fell sick of the Measles, and being well recovered of them, he fell after soon into the small Pox, & of them also was so well recovered, that the summer following he road a progress, with a greater magnificence than ever he had done before; having in his train no fewer than four thousand horse. In january following, (whether procured by sinister practice, or growing upon him by natural infirmity) he fell into an indisposition of body, which soon after grew to a cough of the Lungs. Whereupon a rumour was spread abroad by some, that a Nosegay had been given him at Newyeerstide, which brought him into this slow but deadly consumption; by others that it was done by a Glister: how ever it was, he was brought at last to so great extremity, that his Physicians despaired of his life; and when Physicians could do him no good, a Gentlewoman (thought to be prepared for the purpose) took him in hand, and did him hurt; for with her applications his legs swelled, his pulse failed, his skin changed colour, and many other symptoms of approaching death appeared. The hour before his death, he was overheard to pray thus by himself, O Lord God, deliver me out of this miserable and wretched life; O Lord, thou knowest how happy it were for me to be with thee; yet for thy chosens sake, if it be thy will send me life and health that I ma● truly serve thee: O Lord God, save thy chosen people of England, and defend this Realm from Papistry, and maintain thy true Religion, that I and my People may praise thy holy Name, for thy Son Jesus Christ's sake. So ●urning his face and seeing some by him, he said; I thought you had nor been so nigh: Yes, said Doctor Owen's we heard you speak to yourself; then said the King, I was praying to God: O, I am faint; Lord have mercy upon me, and receive my spirit; and in so saying gave up the Ghost, the sixth day of july, in the year 1553. and in the sixteenth year of his Age when he had reigned six years, five months, and nine days. It is noted by some, that he died the same month, and the same day of the month that his father King Henry the eight had put Sir Thomas Moor to death. His body was buried upon the ninth of August in the Chapel of Saint Peter's Church in Westminster; and laid near to the body of King Henry the seventh his grandfather. At his funeral which was on the tenth of August following, his sister Queen Mary showed this respect to him, that though Doctor Day a Popish Bishop preached, yet all the service with a communion was in English. Men of note in his time. THis King's reign being short, and having but small wars, had not many swordmen famous for any acts they did; Gown men there were some, as Edward Holl a Counsellor in the Law, who wrote a notable Chronicle of the union of the two houses of York and Lancaster; William Hugh a Yorkeshireman, who wrote a notable Treatise called The troubled man's medicine; Thomas Sternehold, borne in Southampton, who turned into English Meete● seven and thirty of David's Psalms. The Interregnum between the death of King Edward and the proclaiming at London of Queen Mary. KIng Edward being dead, the Duke of Northumberland took upon him to sit at the Stern, and ordered all things at his pleasure: so two days after he with others of the Council, sent to the Lord Major that he with six Aldermen and twelve principal Commons, should repair presently to the Court; to whom when they came, it was secretly signified that King Edward was dead; and that by his last Will, to which all the Nobility and Judges had given assent, he had appointed the Lady jane, daughter to the Duke of Suffolk, to succeed him; his Letters Patents whereof were showed them, and thereupon they were required, to take their Oaths of Allegiance to the Lady jane, and to secure the City in her behalf; which whether dissemblingly, or sincerely; whether for love or fear, yet they did, and then departed. The next day the Lady jane in great state, was brought to the Tower of London, and there declared Queen; and by edect with the sound of Trumpet proclaimed so through London; at which time, for some words seeming to be spoken against it, one Gilbert Pot a Vintner's servant, was set in the pillory, and lost both his ears. Before this time, the Lady Mary having heard of her brother's death, and of the Duke of Northumberlands designs; removed from Hovesdon to her Manor of Keninghall in Norfolk, and under pretence of fearing infection, (having lately lost one of her household servants of the plague) in one day she road forty miles, and from thence afterward to her Castle of Framingham in Suffolk; where taking upon her the name of Queen, there resorted to her the most part of all the Gentlemen both of Norfolk & Suffolk, offering their assistance; but upon condition she would make no alteration in Religion, to which she condescended; and thereupon soon after came to her, the Earls of Oxford, bath and Sussex, the Lord Wentworth, Thomas Wharton, and john Mordant Barons eldest sons; and of Knights Cornwallis, Drury, Walgrave, Shelton, Beningfield, jerningham, Suliard, Freston and many others. The Lady Mary being thus assisted, wrote her letters signed the ninth of july to the Lords of the Council, wherein she claimed the Crown, as of right belonging to her; and required them to proclaim her Queen of England in the City of London, as they tendered her displeasure. To this letter of hers, the Lords answered, that for what they did, they had good Warrant; not only by King Edward's last Will, but by the Laws of the land, considering her Mother's divorce, and her own Illegitimation; and therefore required her to submit herself to Queen jane, being now her Sovereign. This Letter was written from the Tower of London, under the hands of these that follow, Thomas Archbishop of Canterbury, Thom●s Elye Chancellor, William marquis of Winchester, john Earl of Bedford, Henry Duke of Suffolk, Francis Earl of Shrewsbury, john Duke of North●mberland, William Earl of Pembroke, Thomas Lord Darcey Lord Chamberlain, Cobham, Rich, Huntingdon, Cheyney, john Gates, William Peter, William Ce●ill, john Clerk, john Mason, Edward North and Robert Bowes. The quarrel on both sides being thus begun by Letters, is prosecuted by Arms; and the Lords for their General make choice of the Duke of Suffolk, as a man most likely to be firm and sure in the employment; but the Queen his daughter cannot miss his presence; and besides, is not willing to hazard his person; and thereupon, she by entreaties and the Lords by persuasions prevail with the Duke of Northumb●rland to undertake the charge; who before his going having conference with the Lords, let them know how sensible he was of the double danger he underwent in this enterprise; both in respect of the Lady against whom he went, and in respect of them whom he left behind him; for if they in his absence should by any accident be drawn to waver in their resolution, they might work their own safety with his destruction, and make themselves seem innocent in his guiltiness. To which one of the Lords replied and said; Your Grace makes a doubt of that which cannot be, for which of us all can wash his hands clean of this business? and therefore it behoves us to be as resolute as yourself; and the Earl of Arundel, to testify his resolution in the matter, said, he was sorry it was not his chance to go with him, at whose feet he could find in his heart to spend his blood. So the Duke with the marquis of Northampton, the Lord Grace, and divers other of account, on the fourteenth of july set forward on the journey with eight thousand foot and two thousand horse; and passing through Shoreditch, the Duke said to the Lord Grace, see how the people press to see us, but not one of them saith, God speed you. The Duke had every days march how far he should go, appointed him by Commission; which being very slow, whether it were done of purpose, by some that favoured the Lady Maries side, was certainly a great help to her proceedings; for by this means she had the longer time to make her preparations; and indeed in this time two accidents happened, of great benefit to her; one, that Edward Hastings the Earl of Huntington's brother, having an Army of four thousand foot committed to him by the Earl of Northumberland, he now left his Party, and went to the Lady Mary: the other, that six great Ships which lay before Yarmouth to intercept the Lady Mary, if she shouly attempt to fly, now at the persuasion of Master jerningham, came in to her aid: which two revolts so terrified the Londoners, that though Doctor Ridley Bishop of London, on the sixteenth of july, at Paul's Cross Preached a Sermon, wherein he invited the people to stand firm to Queen jane, whose cause he affirmed to be most just, ye● few or none were persuaded by him; so as the Lords themselves fell off from the side, who assembling at Beynards-Castle, first the Earl of Arundel, than the Earl of Pembroke fell to invectives against the Earl of Northumberland; and then all the Lords joining in opinion with them, they called for the Major, and in London Proclaimed the Lady Mary Queen; as likewise the Lord Windsor, Sir Edmund Peckham, Sir Robert Drury and Sir Edward Hastings did in Buckinghamshire; Sir john Williams of Tame, and Sir Leonard Chamberlain in Oxfordshire, and Sir Thomas Tresham in the County of Northampton. All this came soon to the knowledge of the Duke of Northumberland, being then at Bury; who thereby seeing how the world went, thought it his best course to turn with the stream, and thereupon returning to Cambridge, he took the Major of the Town with him into the Marketplace, and there himself for want of a Herald, Proclaimed the Lady Mary Queen, and in sign of joy threw up his Cap; which yet served not his turn, for the next morning Henry Fitzallen Earl of Arundel, came into Cambridge from Queen Mary, who entering his Chamber, the Duke at his feet fell on his knees; desiring him for Gods love to consider his case, that had done nothing but by the Warrant of him and the Council: My Lord (said the Earl) I am sent hither by the Queen to arrest you; and I (said the Duke) obey your arrest; yet I beseech your Lordship, to use mercy towards him whose Acts have been no other than were enjoined by Commission: you should have thought of that sooner (said the Earl) and thereupon committed him to a Guard, and left him to the Queen's mercy. Thus ended all this great Duke's designs, in his own destruction, and brought him to fall on his knees to them, who had often before bowed their knees to him; and the Earl, who at the Duke's going ou●, could have been contented to spend his blood at his feet, was now contented to be made an instrument of his fall: so sudden are the turns of men's affections, and so unstable is the building upon their asseverations; at lest no man must look to have his case be of any weight against him, who hath his own case put in the Balance. Together with the Duke his three Sons john, Ambrose and Henry, the Earl of Huntingdon, Sir Andrew Dudley, the two Gates, john and Henry, Sir Thomas Palmer and Doctor Sands were conveyed towards London, and brought to the Tower; and the next day the marquis of Northampton, the Lord Robert Dudley and Sir Robert Corbet. Before which time, the Duke of Suffolk entering his daughters the Lady janes' Chamber, told her, she must now put off her Royal Robes, and be contented with a private life: to which she answered, She would much more willingly put them off, than she had put them on; and would never have done it, but in obedience to him and her Mother. And this was the end of the Lady janes' ten day's Reign. THE REIGN OF QUEEN MARY. THE Lady Mary having been Proclaimed Queen in London and other parts of the Realm; removed from her castle of Framingham towards London; and being come to Wanstead in Essex, on the thirtieth of july, the Lady Elizabeth her sister, with a train of a thousand horse, rode from her place in the Strand to meet her: on the third of August the Queen road through London to the Tower, where at her entrance were presented to her Thomas Duke of Norfolk, Edward Lord Courtney, Stephen Gardiner late Bishop of Winchester, and the Du●chesse of Somerset; who all kneeling downe● she kissed them, and said, These be my Prisoners, and then caused them presently to be set at liberty: the next day she restored the Lord Courtney to his Marchisate of Exeter; and the same day also she not only restored Stephen Gardiner to his Bishopric of Winchester, but a few da●es after made him Chancellor of England; yet this was the man that had subscribed to her Mother's Divorce● and had written Books against the lawfulness of her marriage. The fifth of August Edmund Bonner late Bishop of London prisoner in the marshalsea, and Cuthbert Tunstall the old Bishop of Durham prisoner in the King's Bench, had their Pardons and were restored to their Sees. Sortly aft●r, all the Bishops which had been deprived in the time of King Edward the sixth, were restored to their Bishopricks● and the new removed, as Ridley was removed from London and Bonner placed, Skory from Chichester and Day placed, Miles Coverdale from Exeter and West placed, john Hooper from Worcester and Heath placed. Also all Beneficed men that were married, or would not renounce their Religion, were put out of their Livings, and other of a contrary opinion put in their rooms. On the thirteenth of August one Master Bourne a Canon of Paul's, preaching at Paul's Cross, not only prayed for the dead, but also declared that Doctor Bonner Bishop of London, (late restored, and there in presence) for a Sermon by him made four years before, in the same place, and upon the same Text, had unjustly been cast into the vile prison of the marshalsea; which Speech so offended some of the Auditory, that they cried, Pull him down, pull him down; and had certainly done him violence (for a Dagger was thrown at him) if Master Bradford a Protestant Preacher, had not stepped into his place and appeased the tumult, and Master Rogers another Protestant Minister (who were both afterward burnt for Religion) had not shifted away Bourne into Paul's School. Hitherto Queen Mary's reign had been without blood, but now the Cataracts of seventy will be opened, that will make it rain blood: for now on the eighteenth of August, john Dudley Duke of Northumberland, William Parr marquis of Northampt●n, and john Earl of Warwick, so●ne and heir to the Duke, were arraigned at Westminster-hall, before Thomas Duke of N●●folke as high Steward of England; where the Duke of Northumberland, after his Indictment read, required the opinion of the Court in two points; first, whither a man doing any Act by authority of the Prince's Couns●●le, and by warrant of the great Seal of England, might for any such Act be charged with treason: secondly, whither any such persons as were equally culpable, and by whose commandments he was directed, might be his Judges and pass upon his trial: whereunto was answered, that concerning the first; the great Seal which he alleged for his warrant, was not the Seal of the lawful Queen of the Realm, but of an Usurper, and therefore could be no warrant for him: and as to the second, it was resolved, that if any were as deeply to be touched in the case as himself, yet so long as no Attainder were of record against them, they were persons able in law to pass ●pon his trial, and not to be challenged but at the Prince's pleasure. After which answers, the Duke used few words, but confessed the Indictment, and accordingly had judgement to die. By whose example the other prisoners arraigned with him, confessed the Indictments, and thereupon had judgement: the ninteenth of August, Sir Andrew Dudley, Sir john, and Sir Henry Gates brethren, and Sir Thomas Palmer Knights, were arraigned at Westminster, who confessing their Indictments, had judgement, which was pronounced by the marquis of Winchester, Lord high Treasurer, sitting that day as chief Justice: after these condemnations, followed the executions; for on the two and twentieth of August john Duke of Northum●erland was brought to the Tower-hill, and there beheaded; being upon the scaffold in a gown of green coloured damask, he put it off and then made a long Speech, wherein he asked the Queen forgiveness, whom he acknowledged to have grievously offended; and then making profession of his Faith, that he died a true Catholic (meaning a Papist) he said the Psalms of Miserere and De Profundis, the Pater noster, and six of the first verses of the Psalm In te Domine speravi, ending with this verse, Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit; and this said, he looked about him, as looking for a Pardon, but none coming, he laid his head down upon the block, and at one blow had it strucken off; his body with the head was buried in the Tower, by the body of Edward late Duke of Somerset (mortal enemies while they lived, but now lying together as good friends) so as there lieth before the high Altar in Saint Peter's Church, too Dukes between two Queens, namely the Duke of Somerset and the Duke of Northumberland between Queen Anne and Queen Katherine, all four beheaded. Of what religion this Duke was may well be doubted, seeing at his death he professed himself a Papist, when lately before he had importuned King Edward to make the Lady jane his successor, lest the Papal religion should be restored; it seems he was not greatly of either but for other ends; a Protestant then when it was to make his daughter in law Queen; now a Papist, when it was to save his life (for it was thought he had Pardon promised, if he would recant. At the same time and place were beheaded Sir john Gates and Sir Thomas Palmer, who were no such temporizers but persisted and died in the Protestant Religion, which they had always professed. After this, a sprinkling of mercy came from the Queen; for on the third of September the Lord Ferrer of Chartley, the two chief Justices, Sir Roger Cholmley and Montague, Sir john Cheek and others were delivered out of the Tower whether before they had been committed; but a shower of severity followed soon after, for on the fifteenth of September Master Latimer and Doctor Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury were sent to the Tower, and on the third o● November following, the said Archbishop Cranmer, the Lady jane (late Queen) and the Lord Guildford her husband, with the Lords Ambrose and Henry, sons to the late Duke of Northumberland, were all arraigned at the Guild-hall, found guilty and had judgement to die. All this while Queen Mary had contented herself to be Queen by Proclamation; but now that things were something settled, she proceeds to her Coronation: for on the last of September she road in her Chariot through London towards Westminster in this order; first road a number of Gentlemen and Knights, than Doctors, than Judges, then Bishops, than Lords, than the Council, after whom followed the Knights of the Bath, thirteen in number in their Robes, than the Bishop of Winchester Lord Chancellor, and the marquis of Winchester Lord high Treasurer, next came the Duke of Norfolk, and after him the Earl of Oxford who bore the sword, than the Major of Lond●n in a Gown of Crimson Velvet, who bore the Sceptre of Gold; after came the Queen's Chariot, and then followed another Chariot wherein sat the Lady Elizabeth her sister and the Lady Anne of Cleeve, and then came Ladies and Gentlewomen riding on horses, trapped with red velvet: etc. In this order they came through London to Westminster; where in many places by the way, were Pageants and stately shows, and many rich presents given to the Queen. The next day she went by water to the old Palace, and remained there till eleven of the clock, and then went on foot upon blue cloth, being railed on either side to Saint Peter's Church, where she was Crowned and Anointed by the Bishop of Winchester, (the two Archbishops being then in the Tower) with all Rites and Ceremonies of old accustomed. After her Coronation, a general pardon was published in her name, but interlaced with so many exceptions of matters and persons, that very few took benefit by it; for after the pardon published, there were Commissioners assigned, to compound with such persons as were excepted: from some of whom they took away their Fees and Offices, some they fi●ed, and some they deprived of their estates and livings. About this time Sir james Hales one of the Justices of the Common Pleas, who in the time of King Edward had refused to sign a writing for disinheriting the Lady Mary, and the Lady Elizabeth; (a fact worthy at least of a kind remembrance from the Lady Mary now Queen) yet now, for that at a quarter Sessions in Kent, he gave charge upon the statutes of King Henry the eight, and King Edward the sixth, in derogation of the Primacy of the Church of Rome; he was first committed to the King's Bench, then to the Counter, and lastly to the Fleet; where he grew so troubled in mind, that he attempted with a Penknife to kill himself; and being afterward recovered of that hurt, and brought to the Queen's presence, who gave him very comfortable words, yet could never come to be quiet in his mind; but in the end, drowned himself in a River not half a mile from his house, the River being so shallow, that he was fain to lie grovelling before he could dispatch him●elfe of life. And now another sprinkling of mercy came from the Queen; for the marquis of Northampton, and Sir Henry Gates, lately before condemned to die, were now pardoned and set at liberty. The Lady jane also was allowed the liberty of the Tower, not without hope of life and liberty altogether; if her father the Duke of Suffolk had not the second time been cause of her destruction. About this time also a Synod was assembled, for consulting about matters of Religion; and the point specially of the real presence in the Sacrament. The Prolocutor was Doctor Weston; and of the Protestant side, were john Almer and Richard Cheyney, both Bishops afterward in Queen Elizabeth's time, also john Philpo●, afterward burnt, james Haddon and others. After long disputation, where reasons were not so much weighed as voices numbered; the Papal side, as having most voices, carried it; and thereupon was that Religion again restored, and the Mass commanded in all Churches to be celebrated, after the ancient manner. It was now the year 1553. when Queen Mary was come to the age of seven and thirty years, and therefore high time now to think of marriage, at least if she meant to have issue of her body; but a hard ma●ter it was to find a husband in all points ●itting for her, yet three at this time (in common fame at least) were taken into consideration: one was the Lord Courtney Marquess of Exeter, a goodly Gentleman and of Royal blood, but there was exception against him because inclining (as was thought) to Lutheranism; another was Cardinal ●oole, of a dignity not much inferior to Kings, and by his Mother descended from Kings; but there was exception against him also, because four and fifty years old, (as old a Bachelor as Queen Mary was a maid) and so the less hope of issue between them: but the third (if he might be had) was without exception, and this was Philip Prince of Spain, the Emperor Charles his eldest son, with whom being a Spaniard, she was the fitter matched, as being by the Mother a Spaniard herself. And now very opportunely came in the beginning of jan. Ambassadors into England about it; amongst others, the Cou●● of Egmond Admiral of the L●w Countries; and john of Memorancy Lord of Curryers'; whose message was so kindly entertained, that the marriage in short time was absolutely concluded, though it seemed something strange to many, that she should now be wife to the son, who thirty years before should have been wife to the father. But so it is, Queens are never old, so long as they are within years of bearing children. And indeed the match was concluded, with conditions of far more advantage to Queen Mary, than they were to King Philip, as on the fourteenth of january Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellor of England, openly in the Presence Chamber at Westminster, declared to all the Lords and Gentlemen there present: for it was agreed, that after the marriage, King Philip should have the Title of all the Queen's Dominions, and be assumed into fellowship of the government; but yet with reservation to the Queen, of all Privileges and Customs of the Kingdom, and free disposition of all Offices and Honours, as likewise the Queen should be assumed into the fellowship of all the King's Dominions, and surviving him, should have a Jointure of two hundred thousand Pounds a year. Then for the issue between them, if she had a Son, that he should inherit the Low Countries and Burgundy; and King Phillip's son Charles, which he had by a former wife, should inherit all his Dominions in Italy and Spain; but if his son Charles should fail without issue, than the son he should have by Queen Mary, should inherit his Kingdoms of Italy and Spain also. And the like good provision was also made for daughters. But notwithstanding these great ●dvantage● of the ma●ch, yet such was the precipitant rashness of some; that thinking themselves wiser than the Queen and the Council, they sought by all means to oppose the match; giving out that it ●ended to bring England under the yoke of Spain, and to make the Country a slave to strangers. This was the general murmuring of people; but the first that showed himself in Arms, was Sir Thomas Wyatt of Kent; who having communicated the matter with the Duke of Suffolk the Lady janes' father, with Peter Caroe a Knight of Devonshire, and divers others; intended only to make secret provision, but not to stir till Prince Philip should be come, that so their cause of taking arms might have the better colour. On the fifteenth of january, Robert Dudley son to the Duke of Northumberland, was arraigned at the Guildhall of high Treason, who confessed the indictment, and had judgement given by the Earl of Sussex, to be drawn, hanged, bowelled and quartered. But now in counsels communicated to many, it is a hard matter to have counsel kept, and Sir Peter Caroe finding that their plot was discovered, fled privily into France, where lurking for a time, he was afterward taken at Brussels, and brought captive into England; as likewise at the same time and place Sir john Cheek King Edward's Schoolmaster was taken, who being drawn by terrors to embrace the Papal Religion, with very grief afterward of his error pined away and died; Sir Peter Caroe lived many years af●er, and died in Ireland; though it be falsely recorded, they were both burnt for Religion, in june of this year. Wyatt hearing of Sir Peter Caroes' flight, and that all their purpose was discovered; was driven before his time to enter into arms, giving out for the cause that it was not to attempt any thing against the Queen, but only to remove ill Counsellors, and chiefly to repel Prince Philip; least by this marriage the Kingdom should come in subjection to the Spaniard. With Wyatt were joined Sir Henry Isley, Sir George Harper, Anthony and William Knevet, and divers other Gentlemen of the County; against him were the Lord Abuegaveny, Sir Thomas Cheyney Lord Warden of the Ports, Sir Sobert Southwell Sheriff of Kent, Sir Warram Sentleger, Sir Thomas Kempe Sir Thomas Moyle, Sir Thomas Finch with divers other; yet all these great men had such doubt of the people, that they durst not proceed but very warily. The five and twentieth of january, news came to London of Wyat's rising; against whom was presently sent the Duke of Norfolk, with Sir Henry ●erningham Captain of the Guard, Sir Edward Bray, Sir john Fog, john Covert Roger Appleton Esquires, and five hundred soldiers out of London; appointed to go after him, under the leading of Captain Brett. And now see in times of Sedition, how uncertain a thing it is to trust to the people; for before Brett could overtake the Duke, Sir George Harper was secretly got to him, who so persuaded him that he and his five hundred soldiers left the Duke and went all to Wyatt; which made the Duke and those with him presently to fly, and put such boldness into Wyatt, that now he marched in great confidence towards London, with so great terror to all sorts of people, that at Westminster-hall, the Sergeants and other Lawyers, pleaded in harness. In the mean time, the Duke of Suffolk was perceived in Warwickshire, to be raising of Forces in assistance of Wyatt; against whom was presently sent the Earl of Huntingdon, and the Duke finding himself unable to make resistance, having with all his industry gotten together but only fifty men; he betook himself to a Tenant of his One, Underwood, with whom he hoped and had promise to remain undiscovered, till he might have opportunity to escape, as some say, as others to a Keeper of his Park called Nicholas Laurence, who kept him in a hollow Oak in the said Park● for two or three days: but whether Underwood or Laurence, either out of fear, or out of hope of reward, he betrayed him to the Earl, by whom he was taken, and under a strong guard carried to the Tower. Upon this, Queen Marry herself came into London, where calling the Major and chief of the City together, she made an Oration, wherein she showed the insolency of Wyatt; who though he pretended the but only the crossing of the marriage; yet was now grown to such presumption, that he required to have the custody of her person; and to have Counsellors retained or removed at his pleasure. A●d as for her marriage, she there affirmed she had done nothing in it, but by advice of her Council; and for herself, tha● she was not so longing for a husband, but that if it were not more for the good of the Kingdom, then for her ownsatisfaction, she would never once think of entertaining it. Having by her speech confirmed the minds of the Citizens; Forces are presently raised, and placed about the Bridge, and other fit places of the City. The third of February, Wyatt with an Army of three or four thousand, came to London, hoping of present entrance, but finding the Bridge broken, and soldiers placed to resist him, after two days stay in Southwark, he removed to Kingston, where he found likewise the Bridge broken, yet with great industry suddenly repairing it, he passed over his men, and meant with all speed, to get to the Court, before the Queen should have notice of him coming; and had done so indeed, if a mischance, and an error upon that mischance had not hindered him. For being come within six miles of London, the carriage of one of his great Ordnance broke, in mending whereof so much time was spent (and Wyatt by no persuasions would go forward without it) that the time was past, in which his friends at London expected his coming; which disappointment made many in those parts to fall off, and being perceived by those about him, many of them also; so as one half of his Army was suddenly gone and left him; amongst other, Sir George Harper, the most intimate of all his council, went to the Queen and discovered all his purposes: whereupon the Earl of Pembroke with a company levied upon the suddene was sent against him; which made Wyatt slack his pace, so as it was noon before he came to the suburbs of the City; and then placing his Ordnance upon a hill, and leaving there the greatest part of his Army, he only with five Ensigns marched towards Ludgate, and being encountered at Charing-cross by the Lord Chamberlin and Sir john Gage, after a small fight put them to flight in such sort, that word was carried to the Queen, how near Wyatt approached, and how wonderfully he prevailed all the way he came: with which nothing dismayed; well then (said she) I will go in person against him myself; and was preparing to do so indeed (so much was her Father's valour running in her veins:) but it needed not; for by this time Sir Henry Ie●ningham Captain of the Guard, Sir Edward Bray Master of the Ordnance, and Sir Philip Paris, had given him battle and slain many of his men; and that which was more, coming ●o Ludgate, he was denied entrance; and then thinking to retire, ●e heard the Earl of Pembroke with his Forces was behind at Charingcross; so as neither able to go forward nor yet backward, he was at a stand and in amazement, and then lea●ing a while upon a stall by the Bell-savage, after a little musing, he returned towards Temple-gate; where Clarentius the Herald meeting him, fell to persuade him, not to be a cause of more effusion of blood, nor by persisting in obstinacy to exclude all hope of the Queen's mercy. The Soldiers of Wyatt were earnest with him to have stood it out; but Wyatt as sillily ending, as he had unadvisedly begun; yielded himself to Sir Maurice Berkeley, and getting up upon his horse behind him, in that manner road to the Court; where he had not the entertainment he expected, for without more ado he was presently sent away to the Tower. The Captain taken, the rest made no resist●nce, few fled, and of the other many were taken and laid in prison: and this was done the sixth of February. And now consultation was held what Delinquents should be punished; where the first that was thought on was the Lady jane, in whom was verified, edged the innocent Lady must suffer for her Father's fault; for if her Father the Duke of Suffolk, had not this second time made shipwreck of his loyalty, his Daughter perhaps had never tasted the salt-waters of the Queen's displeasure: but now as a rock of offence, she is the first that must be removed; and thereupon is Doctor Fecknam sent to acquaint her, that she must prepare herself to die the next day: which Message was so little unpleasing to her, that she seemed rather to rejoice at it, as whereby she should at last be set at liberty; and the Doctor being earnest with her to leave her new Religion, and to embrace the old; she answered, She had now no time to think of any thing, but of perparing herself to God by Prayer: Fecknam thinking she had spoken this, to the end she might have some longer time of life, obtained of the Queen three days longer, and then came and ●old so much to the Lady jane; whereat she smiling said, You are much deceived if you think I had any desire of longer life; for I assure you, since the time you went from me, my life hath been so tedious to me, that I long for nothing so much as death, and since it is the Queen's pleasure, am mo●● willing to undergo it. Before she was brought to Execution, her hu●band the Lord Guildford, had made suit, and obtained to see her and have some conference with her; but she refused it, saying, These were rather augmenters of grief, then comforts of death's she made no doubt, but they should shortly meet in a better place, and in a better condition of society: so on the twelfth of February, her husband the Lord Guildford first, and then she an hour or two after, was beheaded within the Tower; where she acknowledged herself to have deserved death, not for seeking the Crown, but for not refusing it, being offered; and after prayers to God, unclothing herself, and putting a Handcarchiffe before her eyes, she laid her head down upon the block, and patiently suffered death, more grievous to the beholders, then to herself. This end had the Lady jane Grace, a Lady of incomparable Piety; and (for her years) of incomparable learning; for being not past seventeen years of age, she understood perfectly the Greek and Latin tongues, and was so ready in all points of Divinity, as if she knew them by inspiration rather than by instruction; no less a miracle in this kind than King Edward; and therefore no marvel if he appointed her to succeed him in the Kingdom, who in the endowments of mind was so like unto him, that whilst she reigned, it might be thought he continued to reign himself, at lest no more differing but only the sex. It may not be forgotten, that Judge Morgan, who at her arraignment gave the sentence against her, shortly after fell mad, and in his raving, cried continually to have the Lady jane taken away from him, and so ended his life. Two days after the execution of the Lady jane, namely the fourteenth and fifteenth of February, twenty pair of Gallows were set up in divers places of the City, whereon were handed fifty of Wyat's faction; on the eighteenth of February Bret was hanged at Rochester in chains, Sir Henry● Isle, who had been taken in an old freeze coat and an old pair of hose, with his brother Thomas Isle and Walter mantel were hanged at Maidstone, Anthony Knevet and his brother William, with another of the Mantles were executed at Sevenocke; but then on the twentieth of February a sprinkling of mercy came, for four hundred of Wyat's followers, being brought before the Queen with halters about their necks, were all pardoned and set at liberty. But then severity soon after began again, for on the three and twentieth of February the Lord Henry Grace Duke of Suffolk, and Father to the Lady jane, who the week before had been attaigned and condemned, was on the Tower-hill beheaded, and on the eleventh of April, in the same place was beheaded (the Author of all this mischief) Wyot himself, whose quarters were set up in divers places of the City, his head upon the Gallows at Hay-hill, besides Hide Park. This man, in hope of life, having before accused the Lord Courtney and the Lady Elizabeth the Queen's sisters to be privy to his conspiracy, yet at his death he cleared them, and protested openly, that they were altogether innocent, and never had been acquainted with his proceedings. Yet was this matter so urged against them by Stephen Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester and Lord Chancellor, that both of them in March before had been committed to the Tower, though in May following they were both again released, but yet confined, the Lady Elizabeth to Woodstock, under the custody of Sir Henry Beningfield of Oxenborough in the County of Norfolk; the Lord Courtney to Foderingham, under the custody of Sir Thomas Tres●am, who after some time was set at liberty, and going into Italy there died. It is memorable, what malice this Bishop Gardiner bore to the Lady Elizabeth, by whose only procurement, not only she was kept i● most hard durance, but a Warrant was at last framed under certain Counsellors hands, to put her to death, and had been done, but that Master bridges Lieutenant of the Tower, pitying her case, went to the Queen to know her pleasure, who utterly denied that she knew any thing of it; by which means here life was preserved. Indeed the Bishop would sometimes say, how they cut off boughs and branches, but as long as they let the root remain, all was nothing: and it is not unworthy the remembering what ●raines were laid to ensnare her. The common net at that time for catching of Protestants, was the Real Presence, and this net was used to catch her; for being asked one time, what she thought of the words of Christ, This is my Body; whether she thought it the true body of Christ, that was in the Sacrament. It is said, that after some pausing, she thus answered: Christ was the Word that spoke it: He took the Bread, and broke it: And what the Word did make it, That I believe, and take it. Which though it may seem but a slight expression, yet hath it more solidness then at first fight appears; at lest it served her turn at that time to escape the net, which by direct answering she could not have done. On the seventeenth of April Thomas Lord Grey, the Duke of Suffolk's brother was beheaded, the last, and indeed the lest in delinquency, that suffered, for having any hand in Wyat's conspiracy. There remained yet a fag end, and was indeed but a fag end, as nothing worth; for on the same day Sir Nichol●s Thr●gmorton, being accused to have been a party in Wyat's conspiracy, was at the Guild-hall arraigned before Sir Thomas White Lord Mayor, the Earls of Shrewsbury and Derby, Sir Thomas Bromley Lord chief Justice of England, Sir Nicholas Hare Master of the Rolls, Sir Francis Englefield Master of the Wards, Sir Richard Southwell and Sir Edward Walgrave Privy Counsellors, Sir Roger Chomley, Sir William Portman one of the Justices of the King's Bench, Sir Edward Sanders one of the Justices of the Common Pleas, Master St●●ford and Master Dyer Sergeants at Law, Master Edward Griffin Attorney general, Master Sendal and Peter Titch●orne Clerks of the Crown, where the said M●ster Nicholas Throgmorton so fully and discreetly answered all objections brought against him, that he was found by the Jury, Not Guilty, and was clearly acquitted, but the Jury notwithstanding was afterward troubled for acquitting him, and sent prisoners, some of them to the Tower, and some to the Fleet, and afterward fined to pay a thousand makes a piece at jest, and some 2000 l. though these sums were afterward something mitigated. More of Wya●s complices had been taken, arraigned and adjudged to die, but in judgement the Queen remembered mercy, and gave them their Pardon; of which number were Master Rudston of Kent, Sir james a Crofts, the Lord john Grace brother to the Duke of Suf●olke, and some others. About this time, a little before and after, were advancements in honour, the Lord William Howard, Lord Admiral of England, was created Baron Ho●ard of E●●ingham, Sir john William's was created Baron of Tames, Sir Edward North was created Ba●on of Chartleigh, Sir john Bridges was created Baron Chandowes of Sudeley, Gerrard Fitz Garret was created Earl of Kildare and B●ron of Ophelley, and not long after Sir Anthony Browne Master of the Horse, was created Viscount Mountag●●. It is scarce worth remembering, that in the end of this fir●● year of ●he Queens reigns, one Elizabeth Cro●t, a wench of eighteen years old, was by practise put into a Wall, and thereupon called the Spirit in the Wall, who with a whistle made for the purpose, whistled out many seditious words against the Queen, the Prince of Spain, the Mass, Confession, and such other Points; for which she did Penance, standing upon a scaffold at Paul's Cro●●e all the Sermon time, where she made open confession of her fault. There had been good store of Laymens' blood shed already, and now the times is coming to have Clergy men's shed, and for a preparative to it, on the tenth of April, Cranm●r Archbishop of Canterbury, Nicholas Ridley la●e Bishop of London, and Hugh Latimer late Bishop of Worcester, are conveyed from the Tower to Oxford, there to dispute with Oxford and Cambridge men in points of Religion, but specially of the Eucharist; the Oxford men were Cole, Cha●scy, Pie, Harpsefield, Smith and Doctor Weston Prolocurour: the Cambridge men Young, Seaton, Watson, Atkinson, Fecknham and Sedgewicke: the Disputation ended, which (we may well think, as the matter was carried) went against the prisoners; on the twentieth of April they were brought again on the Stage; and then demanded, whether they would persist in their opinion, or else recant; and affirming they would persist, they were all three adjudged Heretics, and condemned to the fire; but their execution we must not look for till a year or two hence; but in the mean time we have john Rogers, the first Martyr of these time, burnt at London the fourth of February; after whom the ninth of February, john Hooper late Bishop of Worcester, burnt at Gloucester; after him, Robert Ferrar Bishop of Man, burnt at Carmarden; after him john Bradford, with many others; and then the two famous men Ridley and Latimer, no less famous for their constant deaths, than their religious lives, both burnt at Oxford the sixteenth of October. This rising of Wyatt had been a Remora to the Queen's marriage, and now to avoid all such obstacles hereafter, the Queen in April called a Parliament; wherein were propounded two things; one for confirmation of the Marriage, the other for restoration of the Pope's Primacy. This latter was not assented to, but with great difficulty; for the six year's reign of King Edward had spread a plantation of the Protestant Religion, in the hearts of many; but the Proposition for the marriage was assented to readily, but yet with the adding of some conditions, which had no● been thought of in the former Articles: First, that King Philip should admit of no Stranger in any Office, but only Natives● secondly, that he should innovate nothing in the Laws and Customs of the Kingdom. Thirdly, that he should not carry the Queen out of the Realm, without her consent, nor any of her children without consent of the Council. Fourthly, that surviving the Quee●, he should challenge no right in the Kingdom, but suffer it to descend to the next heir. Fiftly, that he should carry none of the Jewels of the Realm out of the Kingdom, nor suffer any Ships or Ordnance to be removed out of the Realm: and lastly, that neither directly nor indirectly, he should cause the Realm of England to be entangled with the war between Spain and France. All things being thus agreed on, the Earl of Bedford Lord Privy Seal, the Lord Fitzwaters, and divers other Lord● and Gentlemen, are sent into Spain to fetch over Prince Phillippe, who arrived at Southampton the twentieth of july in the year 1554. and the three and twentieth came to Winchester, where the Queen met him, and the five and twentieth, the marriage between them there was openly solemnised: (the desparity of years, as in Princes, not much regarded, though he were then but seven and twenty years of age, she eight and thirty) at which time, the Emperor's Ambassador being present, openly declared; that in consideration of that marriage, the Emperor had given to Prince Phillippe his son, the Kingdoms of Naples and Jerusalem; and thereupon (the solemnity of marriage being ended) Garter King of Heralds openly in the Church, in the presence of the King, the Queen, and the Lords both of England and Spain, solemnly proclaimed, the title and stile of these two Princes, as followeth: Philip and Mary by the grace of God King and Queen of England, France, Naples, Jerusalem, and Ireland, Defenders of the Faith, Princes of Spain and Sicily, Archdukes of Austria, Dukes of Millany, Burgundy, and Brabant, Counts of Habspurge, Flanders and Tyroll. After this the King and Queen by easy journeys came to Windsor Castle, where the King was installed Knight of the Garter, and the Earl of Sussex with him: The eleventh of August they removed to Richmond, the seven and twentieth to Suffolk-place in Southwark, and the next day to London (where the stately shows that were made, may well enough be conceived without relaring) from hence after four days they removed again to Richmond, where all the Lords had leave to depart into their Countries, and indeed so many departed, that there remained not an English Lord at the Court, but the Bishop of Winchester: from Richmond they removed to Hampton-court, where the Hall door within the Court was continually kept shut, so as no man might enter unless his errand were first known, which might perhaps be the fashion of Spain, but to Englishmen seemed very strange. About this time Cardinal Poole, sent for by the King and Queen, came over into England; and had come sooner, but that the Emperor fearing he might prove a corrival with his son Philip, had used means to stop his passage, but now that his Son's marriage was past, he was content to let him pass, who though he came from Rome with the great authority of a Legate ● Latere, yet he would not but come privately into London, because his Attainder was yet upon Record; an Act therefore was presently passed to take it off, and to restore him in blood; for passing of which Act, the King and Queen in person came to the Parliament house; whither a few days after, the Cardinal came himself, which was then kept in the great Chamber of Whitehall, because the Queen by reason of sickness, was not well able to go abroad; and here the King and Queen sitting under the cloth of Estate, and the Cardinal on their right hand, all the Lords, Knights and Burgesses being present, the Bishop of Winchester Lord Chancellor, made a short speech unto them; signifying the presence of the Lord Cardinal, and that he was sent from the Pope as his Legate a Latere, to do a work tending to the glory of God, and the benefit of them all; which (saith he) you may better hear from his own mouth. Then the Cardinal rose up, and made a long solemn Oration, wherein he first thanked them for his restoring, by which he was enabled to be a member of their society; then exhorting them to return into the bosom of the Church, for which end he was come; not to condemn, but to reconcile; not to compel, but to call and require; and for their first work of reconcilement, requiring them to repeal and abrogate all such Laws as had formerly been made in derogation of the Catholic Religion. After which Speech, the Parliament going together, drew up a Supplication, which within two days after they presented to ●he King and Queen; wherein they showed themselves to be very penitent for their former errors, and humbly desired their Majesties to intercede for them to the Lord Cardinal and the See Apostolic, that they might be Pardoned of all they had done amiss, and be received into the bosom of the Church; being themselves most ready to abrogate all Laws prejudicial to the See of Rome. This Supplication being delivered to the Cardinal, he then gave them Absolution, in these words; We, by the Apostolic authority given unto us, by the most Holy Lord Pope julius the third (Christ's Vicegerent on Earth) do Absolve and deliver you and every of you, with the whole Realm and Dominions thereof, from all Heresy and Schism, and from all Judgements, Censures and Pains for that cause incurred, and also We do restore you again, to the unity of our Mother the holy Church, The report hereof coming to Rome, was cause that a solemn Procession was made, for joy of the conversion of England to the Church of Rome. And now the Queen had a great desire to have King Philip crowned, but to this the Parliament would by no means assent. In October this second year of her reign, a rumour was spread of the Queen's being with child, and so forward that she was quick; and thereupon were Lets sent from the Lords of the Council: to Bonner's Bishop of London, that Prayers of Thanksgiving should be made in all Churches; and the Parliament itself was so credulous of it, that they entered into consideration of the education of the child, and made an Act; desiring the King (our of 〈◊〉 confidence they had in him) that if the Queen should fail, he would be pleased ●o take upon him the Rule and Government of the child; but after ●ll this, in june following, it came to be known, that it was but a Tympany, ●r at lest the Queen so miscarried, that there came no child, nor the Queen likely ever after to have any. But howsoever, in hope of the joy that was expected; in Ianu●ry of this year, divers of the Council, as the Lord Chancellor, the Bishop of Elye, the Lord Treasurour, the Earl of Shrewsb●ry, the Controlour of the Queen's house, Secretary Bourne and Sir Richard Southwell Master of the Ordinance, were sent to the Tower, to discharge and set at liberty a great part of the Prisoners in the Tower; as ●amely, the late Duke of Northumberlands sons, Ambrose, Robert and Henry, also Sir Andrew Dudley, Sir james Cro●ts, Sir Nicholas Throgmorton, Sir john Rogers, Sir Nicholas Arnold, Sir George Harper, Sir Edward Warner, Sir William Sentlow, Sir Gown Carow, William Gybbs Esquire, Cuthbert Vaughan, and some others. About this time, one William Fetherstone, a Miller's son, of the age of eighteen years, named and bruited himself to be King Edward the sixth; for which being apprehended and examined, he answered as one lunatic; and thereupon was whipped at a Cart's ●ayle, and banished into the North; but the year after, spreading abroad again, that King Edward was alive, and that he had talked with him, he was arraigned and condemned of treason, and at Tyburn hanged and quartered. In the month of March, the Queen was taken with a fit of Devotion, and thereupon called unto her four of her Privy Council, namely, William marquis of Winchester Lord Treasurour, Sir Robert Rochester Comptrolour, Sir William Peter Secretary, and Sir Francis Englefield Master of the Wards, and signified unto them, that it went against her conscience, to hold the Lands and Possessions as well of Monasteries and Abbeys as of other Churches, and therefore did freely relinquish them, and leave them to be disposed, as the Pope and the Lord Cardinal should think fit; and thereupon charged them to acquaint the Cardinal with this her purpose. A●d shortly after in performance hereof, john Fecknam late Deane of Paul's, was made Abbot of Westminster, and had possession delivered him, and with him fourteen Monks received the Habit at the same time: and on the twentieth of November, Sir Thomas was instituted Lord of Saint john's of Jerusalem, and was put in possession of the Lands belonging unto it. And when it was told her● that this would be a great diminution of the Revenues of her Crown; she answered, she more valued the salvation of her soul, than a thousand Crowns: a most religious speech, and enough, if there were but this, to show her to be a most pious Prince. The fourth of September this year, King Philip waited on with the Earl of Arundel Lord Steward, the Earl of Pembroke, the Earl of Huntingdon and others, went over to Calais, and from thence to Brussels in Brabant, to visit the Emperor his Father; who delivering him possession of the Low Countries, in March following he returned into England; but then, on the sixth of july following, by reason of wars with France, he passed again over to Calico and so into Flanders, from whence he returned not till eighteen months after; which made great muttering amongst the common people, as though he took any little occasion to be absent, for the little love he bore to the Queen. In the third year of the Queen died Stephen Gardiner Bishop of Winchester at his house in Southwark; of whose death it is memorable, that the same day in which Bishop Ridley and Master Latimer suffered at Oxford, he would not go to dinner till four a clock in the afternoon, tho●gh the old Duke of Nor●olke was come to dine with him; the reason was, because he would first hear of their being burnt, and as soon as word of that was brought him, he presently said, Now let us go to Dinner; where sitting down and eating merrily, upon a sudden he fell into such extremity, that he was fain to be taken from the Table and carried to his bed, where he continued fifteen days, without voiding any thing either by urine or otherwise, which caused his tsongu to swell in his mouth, and so died; after whose death, Nicholas Heath Archbishop of York was made Lord Chancellor. And now comes the time of Archbishop Cranmers' execution, who the year before had been condemned and degraded by Commission from the Pope; after which, being by the subtlety of some, put in hope of life, out of frailty, he subscribed to a Recantation, which yet did him no good; for whether it were, that Cardinal Poole would no longer be kept from being Archbishop (which he would not be as long as he lived) or that the Queen could ●ot be gotten to forget, his being the chief instrument of her Mother's divorce; his execution was resolved to be the 14. of Febr. in the same place at Oxford where Ridley and Latimer five month before had been: before the execution D●ct. ●●le preached, who to make use of Cranmers' Recantation, told the people, they do well to hearken to this learned man's confession, who now at his death, and with his death would testify which was the true religion, never thinking that Cranmer would ha●e denied his former Recantation; but Cranmer being brought to the stake (contrary to expectation) acknowledged, that through frailty he had subscribed it, praying God heartily to forgive it; and now for a punishment, that hand which had done it should first suffer, and therewithal thrusting his right hand into the fire, he there held it, till it first and then his whole body was consumed; only (which was no small miracle) his heart remained whole and not once touched with the fire. The same year also, no fewer than 84. of both sexes were burnt for Religion; and it was a cruelty very far extended, that the bones of Bucer and Ph●gi●● some time before dead and buried, were taken up and publicly burnt in Cambridge. No sooner was Cranmer dead, but the very same day was Cardinal Poole made Archbishop of Canterbury. In the fourth year of the Queen, exemplar Justice was done upon a great person; for the Lord Sturton, a man much in the Queen's favour, as being an earnest Papist, was for a murder committed by him, arraigned and condemned, and he with four of his servants, carried to Salisbury, was there in the Marketplace hanged, having this favour to be hanged in a silken halter, his servants in places near adjoining to the place where the Murder was committed. The four and twentieth of April, Thomas Stafford second son to the Lord Stafford, with other, to the number of two & thirty persons (set on by the French King) attempted to raise Sedition against the Queen, for marrying with King Philip, and coming out of France, arrived at Scarborough in Yorkshire, where they took the Castle, but within two days were driven out by the Ea●le of Westmoreland, and then taken and arraigned: the eight and twentieth of May Stafford was beheaded on the Tower-hill, and the next day three of his associates Strelley, Bradford & Proctor were drawn from the Tower to Tyburn and there executed. The first of May Thomas Percy was first made Knight, after, Lord, and the next day was created Earl of Northumberland, to whom the Queen gave all the Lands that had been his Ancestors. At this time the Queen entangled herself (contrary to her promise) in her husband's quarrel, sent a defiance to the French King, by Clarenti●● king at Arms; and after on the Monday in Whitsonweeke, by sound of trumpet, proclaimed open war against him in Cheapside, and other places of the City; and shortly after, caused an Army of a thousand Horse, and four thousand foo●, to be transported over, to the aid of her husband King Philip, under the leading of the Earl of Pembroke Captain General, Sir Anthony Brown Viscount Montague Lieutenant General, the Lord Grace of Wilton Lord Martial, the Earl of Rutland General of the Horse, the Earl of Lincoln Colonel of the Foot, the Lord Ro●ert Dudley Master of the Ordnance, the Lord Thomas Howard, the Lord De la Ware, the Lord Bray, the Lord Chandowes, the ●or● Ambrose Dudley, the Lord Henry Dudley, with divers Knights and Gentlemen; who joining with King Phillip's Forces, they altogether ●et down before S●int Quint●ns, a town of the French Kings of great importance. To the res●●● whereof, the French King sent an Army, under the leading of the Constable 〈◊〉 France, which consisted of nine hundred men at arms, with as many light 〈◊〉, eight hundred Reystres, two and twenty Ensigns of Lancequene●s, and 〈◊〉 Ensigns of French footmen; their purpose was not to give battle, but to 〈◊〉 more succours into the Town; which the Philippians perceiving, encountered them, and in the ●ight slew john of Bourbon Duk of Anghien, the Viscount of T●●rain, the Lo of Ch●denier, with many gentlemen of account; they took prisoners the Duke of Memorancy Constable of France, the Duke of Montpensyer, Duke Longuevile, the Marshal of Saint Andrew's, the Lord Lewis brother to the Duke of Mantova, the Baron of Curton, the Rhinegrave Colonel of the Almains, Monsieur d'Obigny, Monsieur de Byron, and many others; and then pursuing the victory, under the government of the Earl of Pembroke, on the seven and twentieth of August they took the town of Saint Qintyns; in the assault whereof, the Lord Henry Dudley, youngest son to the Duke of Northumberland, was with a piece of great Ordnance slain, and some other of account. The saccage of the Town King Philip gave to the English, as by whose valour chiefly it was won. The joy was not so great for this winning of Saint Qintyns, but there will be greater sorrow presently for other losses. Many of the Garrison of Calais had been drawn from thence, for this service of Saint Quintyns, and no new supply sent, which being perceived by the French King, a Plot is laid how to surprise it, which yet was not so secretly carried, but that the Officers of Calais had intelligence thereof; who thereupon signified it to the Council of England, requiring speedy succours, without which, against so great an Army as was raised against them, they should not be able to hold out. But whether they gave no credit to their relations, or whether they apprehended not the danger so imminent as indeed it was, they neglected to send supplies till it was too late. For the Duke of Guyse, with no less speed than Policy, took such a course that at one and the same time, he set both upon Newnambridge and also Ricebanke, (the two main Sconces for defence of the Town,) and took them both, and then fell presently to batter the Walls of the Castle itself, and that with such violence of great Ordnance, that the noise was heard to Ant●erp●, being a hundred miles of. But having made the walls assaultable, the English used this stratagem, they laid trains of Powder to blow them up, when they should offer to enter, but this stratagem succeeded not; for the French in passing the Ditch, had so wet their clothes, that dropping upon the train, the Powder would take no fire, (so all things seemed to concur against the English) and thereupon the Castle was taken also, and with it the Town also had been taken, but that Sir Anthony Ager, with the loss of his own life and his eldest sons, valiantly defended it, and for that time repelled the French, but their numbers increased so fast upon the Town, that the Lord Wentworth the Deputy, seeing no other way of safety, demanded Parley, where a composition was made, that the Town should presently be yielded to the French King, the lives of the Inhabitants only saved, with safe conduct to pass away, saving the Lord Deputy with fifty other, such as the Duke should name. And here to be quit with the English for their hard usage at Saint Quintin's, the Duke caused Proclamation to be made, that all and every person of the Town, should bring their money, jewels and plate; to the value of a groat, and lay it down upon the high Altar of the Church; by which means an inestimable sum of treasure was there offered, enough ●o enrich an Army, which had before enriched a Town: and now to make it appear how unable the Town was to hold out against so great an Army. It is said, there were in it but only five hundred soldiers of ordinary, and scarce two hundred more of able fight men; but of other people, men, women and children four thousand and two hundred, all which were suffered to depart, saving the Lord We●tworth the Deputy, Sir Ralph Chamberlain Captain of the Castle, john Hu●●ston Captain of Ricebruke, Nicholas Alex●nder Captain of New●hambridge, Edward Grimston the Controlour, john Rogers the Surveyour, with others to the number of fifty, who were all carried prisoners into France. And thus Calais, which had been in possession of the English above two hundred years, was won from the English in eight days, which King Edward the third had not won from the French in less than a year. The Lord Wentworth was suspected, and in Queen Elizabeth's time arraigned for betraying it, was acquitted by his Peers. Calais thus won, the Duke with his Army marched to Guysnes, five miles distant, whereof was Captain the Lord Grace of Wilton, who held out the siege and batteries five or six days with so great valour and resolution, that he appeared in nothing inferior to the Enemy but in multitude, yet a● last overlaid with their numbers, and importuned by his soldiers, much against his own will, he made composition, that the Town and Castle should be wholly rendered, himself and all Officers remain prisoners, all other to depart with their Armour and Baggage. The Lord Grace afterward ransomed for four and twenty thousand crowns. And now the Duke of Guise considering that Guysnes would be too costly a Castle to be kept, and too dangerous a neighbour to Calais, if it should be recovered, razed it with the Bulwarks and Fortifications to the ground. Guysnes thus won, there remained nothing within the English pale, but the little Castle of Hams, whereof was Captain the Lord Edward Dudley, who considering that though it were naturally strongly situate, as being environed with Fens and Marshes, yet it had but little helpe● by Art of Fortifications, and being assured that the Duke of Guyse would speedily come upon him, he secretly in the night with all his garrison, departed into Flanders, so as the Castle was not won, but taken by the Duke of Guyse; and with the loss of this Castle, the English lost all their footing in Terra firma, and the Kings of England all the reality of their Title in France, having nothing left but nudum nomen. Presently after this, the French King caused the marriage between his eldest son Francis the Dolphin, and Mary Steward sole heir of james the fifth King of Scotland to be solemnised: whereupon great wars ensued soon after between England and Scotland. Queen Mary being infinitely troubled in mind for the loss of Calais, sent presently forth her Admiral the Lord Clinton, with a Fleet of more than a hundred sail, to recover, at lest reparation in honour, by doing some exploit upon France, who not finding opportunity to set upon Breast, as he was appointed, fell upon the town of Conquest, which he took and bur●t, and also divers Villages thereabouts, and then returned. In which mean time, many great conflicts having been between King Philip and the King of France; at last, by mediation of the Duchess of Lorraigne, a treaty of Peace is agreed on, where all things seemed to be well accorded, but only that King Philip by all means required restitution of Calais, to which by no means the French would assent; but whilst they stood upon these terms, it happened that first the Emperor Charles King Phillip's father died, and shortly after Queen Mary, and the day after her Cardinal Poole, and shortly after Sir john Baker of Sissingherst in Kent, who had been a Privy Counsellor to Henry the eight, Edward the sixth a●d Queen Mary. And so our Story hath no further relation to either War or Peace, between the two Kings of France and Spain. Of her Taxations. SHE began with a rare Example; for in the first year of her Reign, wa● pardoned by Proclamation, the Subsidy of four shillings the pound of Land, and two shillings the pound of goods, granted in the last Parliament of King Edward the sixth. In her second year in a Parliament then holden, was granted to the King and Queen, a Subsidy of the Laiety, from five pounds to ten pounds, of eight pence in the pound; from ten pounds to twenty pounds, of twelve pence in the pound; and from twenty pounds upwards, sixteen pence in the pound; all Strangers double; and the Clergy six shillings in the pound. If this were all, then upon the matter, in all her time, there came to new charge upon her people; for one Subsidy remitted and one received, made but even. In her last year she borrowed twenty thousand pounds of the City of London, and paid twelve pounds a year interest for every ●undred pound. Laws and Ordinances in her time. IN her first year, on the fourth of September, were proclaimed certain new Coins of gold and silver, a Sovereign of gold of thirty shillings; the half Sovereign fifteen shillings; an Angel often shillings; the half Angel five shillings. Of silver, the groat, the half groat and penny; all these Coins to be currant as before. In her second year, Proclamation was made, forbidding the shooting in Hand-guns and bearing of weapons. The year in which she was married to King Philip, a strait charge was to all Victuallers, Taverners and Alehouse-keepers, that they should sell no Meat nor Drink nor any kind of Victuals, to any Servingman whatsoever, unless he brought a testimonial to show whole servant he was. Also in a Parliament holden this year, amongst other Acts, the Statute Ex Officio, and other Laws made for the punishment of Heresies, were revived; but chiefly the Pope's Bull of Dispensation of Abbey Land was there confirmed. In her second year, on Michaelmas Eeven, the Prisoners that lay in the Counter in Bredstreet, were removed to a new Counter made in Woodstreet, of the City Purchase and building; the which removing was confirmed by the Common Council of the City. Affairs of the Church in her time. IN the first year of this Queen's reign, all Bishops which had been deprived in the time of King Edward the sixth, were restored to their bishoprics, and the new removed; also all Benefized men that were married, or would not forsake their opinion, were put out of their Livings; and other of a contrary opinion put in their rooms. Also this year, on the seven and tweetieth of August, the Service begun to be sung in Latin in Paul's Church. Also this year the Pope's authority was by Act of Parliament restored in England; and the Mass commanded in all Churches to be used. In her second year, the Realm is Absolved, and reconciled to the Church of Rome, by Cardinal Poole; and first Fruits and Tenths are restored to the Clergy: but this was soon revoked, the Council finding the necessity of it for the Queen's support. In her fourth year, Monasteries were begun to be re-edified; of which number were that of Westminster, that of Sheen and Zion, that of the Blackfriars, and the Friars of Greenwich. Of the number of those that died for Religion in her time, there are recorded five Bishops, one and twenty Divines, and of all sorts of men and women, two hundred threescore and seventeen. Works of Piety done by her or others in her time. THis Queen restored a great part of Abbey-lands that were in her possession, and if she had lived longer, very likely she would have restored more. In her first year, Sir Thomas White then Major, erected a College in Oxford, now called Saint john's College, before, Bernard College; he also erected Schools at Bristol and Reading, and gave two thousand pounds to the City of Bristol to purchase Lands, the profits whereof to be employed for the benefit of young Clothiers for ten years, and after that to be employed in like manner, to the benefit of two and twenty other shires and Cities. In her third year died Sir john Gresham, late Major of London, who founded a free School at Holt in Nor●olke, and gave to every Ward in London ten pounds, to be distributed to the poor; also to Maid's marriages two hundred pounds. Cuthbert Tunstall Bishop of Du●ham, erected a goodly Library in Cambridge, storing it with many excellent both Printed and written Books: he also bestowed much upon building at Durham, at Alnewicke and at Tunbridge. Casualties happening in her time. IN her first year, on the seven and twentieth of August, the goodliest Ship in England, called The Great Harrye, being of the burden of a thousand tun, was burnt at Woolwich by negligence of the Mariners. In her second year on the fifteenth of February, appeared in the sky a Rainbow reversed, the bow turned downward, and the two ends standing upward: also two Suns shined at one time, a good distance asunder, which were taken for ill signs. This year also in the month of August, at a place in Suffolk by the Sea side, all of hard stone and pebble, lying between the Towns of Oxford and Alborough, where never grass grew, not any earth was ever seen, there chanced suddenly to spring up without any tillage or sowing, so great abundance of Peason, that the Poor gathered above an hundred quarters, yet there remained some ripe, and some blossoming, as many as were before. In her fourth year, hot burning Agues and other strange diseases, took away much people; so as between the twentieth of October and the last of December, there died seven Aldermen, namely, Henry Heardson, Sir Richard Dob●s la●e Major, Sir William Laxton late Major, Sir Henry Hobblesterne late Majors, Sir john Champneys late Major, Sir john Aleph late Sheriff, and Sir john Gresham late Major. In her fourth year, before Harvest, Wheat was sold for four Marks the quarter, Malt at four and forty shillings the quarter, and Pease at six and forty shillings eight pence; where after harvest, Wheat was sold for five shillings the quarter, Malt at six shillings eight pence, Rye at three shillings four pence the quarter. In the Country, Wheat was sold for four shillings the quarter, Malt at four shillings eight pence, and in some places a bushel of Rye for a pound of Candles, which was four pence. In her fifth year, within a mile of Nottingham, so marvelous a tempest of thunder happened, that it beat down all the Houses and Churches in two Towns thereabouts, cast the Bells to the outside of the Churchyard, and some webs of Lead four hundred foot into the field, writhe as if it had been leather; the rive● of Trent running between the two Towns, the water with the mud in the bottom was carried a quarter of a mile, and cast against trees; with the violence whereof the trees were pulled up by the the roots, and cast twelve score off; also a child was taken forth of a man's hand and carried two spear's length high, and then let fall two h●ndred foot off, of which fall it died; five or six men thereabouts were slain, and neither flesh nor skin perished; also there fell some Hale-stones that were fifteen inches about. This year also in Harvest-time was great mortality, and specially of Priests, so as many Churches were unserved, and much corn was lost in the field for want of Workmen; whereupon ensued a great scarcity, so that corn was sold for fourteen shillings a quarter, and Wood sold in London for thirteen shillings a thousand of Billets, and Coals ten pence a sack. Also this year on the last of September, fell so great store rain, that Westminster Hall was full of water, and Boats were rowed over Westminster-bridge into Kings-street. Of her Personage and Conditions. OF her Personage we can make no particular description, only we may say, she was none of the most amiable, but yet without deformity; but of her Conditions we may say, she was not without deformity, and yet was very amiable. If we account her Religion a deformity, yet her constancy and devotion in it, we must needs count a beauty: if it were a deformity to promise the Suffolk men, not to alter the Religion w●ich King Edward had established, yet it was certainly a Pious dissembling, Cretizare cum C●etensibus; and equivocation (will some say) was there a virtue, where she deceived them into truth, and did them good against their wills. And as for her sister Elizabeth, if she did not love her, it was but a quality hereditary in her; for their Mothers did not love one another before; and indeed not without some cause in both; for as those upbraided each others marriage, so these, each others birth. We shall not do her right, if we deny her to be of a merciful disposition, seeing oftentimes she pitied the person, where she shed the blood; she could have found in her heart to have spared the Lady janes' life, if Ragion di●stato had not been against it● and she did spare her Father the Duke of Suffolk's life, till his second offence gave her just provocation. The goodness of her nature might be seen in the badness of her fortune; who took nothing so much to heart, as unkindness of friends; the revolt of Calais, and the absence of King Philip, being the two chief causes that brought her to her end. Of her Death and Burial. THE conceit of her being with child, had kept Physicians to look into the state of her body; so as her distemper at first neglected, brought her by degrees into a Dropsy, to which was added a burning fever, brought upon her by a double grief; one for the long absence of King Philip (who had now been away a year and a half;) the other, and perhaps the greater, for the loss of Calais; as she forbore not to say to some about her, that if they looked into her Heart, being dead, they should find Calais there. She began to fall sick in September, and died at her Manor of Saint james the seventeenth of Novemb●r, in the ●eer 1558. when she had reigned five years four months and eleven days. Lived three and forty years. Her Body was interred in a Chapel in the Minster of Saint Peter's Church at Westminster, without any Monument or other Remembrance. Men of note in her time. OF Men of Valour in her time, there were many, as may be seen in the Story of her Re●gne; but to name some for example, there was William Herbert Earl of Pembroke, the chief assistant of King Philip in the winning of Saint Quintin's; there was William Lord Grace of Wilton, Captain of Guysnes, who though he yielded the Town, yet more out of tenderness to his Soldiers, than out of fear of his Enemies, which he would never else have yielded up; and to speak of one of a meaner rank, there was Sir Anthony Ager, who in defence of the Town of Calais lost his life, but not till he made the Enemy turn their backs and fly. O● learned men also there were many, as john Rogers borne in Lancashire, who Translated the Bible into English with Notes, Richard Moryson Knight, borne in Oxfordshire, who wrote divers Treatises, Robert Record a Doctor of Physic, who wrote a Book of Arithmetic, C●●bert Tunstall, of a worshipful Family in Lancashire, though base borne, who●e Ancestors came into England with the Conqueror, as his Barbour, and ●herefore hath three Combs his Arms; Bishop first of London, and after of D●●ham, who wrote divers learned Works: Richard Samson, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, who wrote certain Trea●●ses: Luc●s Shepherd borne a● Colechester in Essex an English Poet: jane Dudley, daughter ●o Henry Grace Duke of Suffolk, wrote divers excellent Treatises: William Thomas a W●lshman, who written the History of Italy, and other things: james Brooks and john Standish, both of them writers in defence of the Pope's Doctrine: William Peryn a black Friar, who wrote in defence of the Mass, and also divers Sermons: Henry Lord Stafford, son to Edward Duke of Buckingham, who amongst other things which he wrote, Translated a Book out of Latin into English, entitled Differentia● which Book (as some think) was first compiled by Edward Fox Bishop of Hereford: john Hopkins who translated divers of David's Psalms into English Meeter, which are to be found amongst those appointed to be sung in the Church. THE REIGN OF Queen Elizabeth. QUeen Mary dying on Thursday the seventeenth of November, in the Year 1558, her sister, the Lady Elizabeth, of the age of five and twenty years, the only surviving child of King Henry the eighth, by undoubted Right, succeeded Her in the Crown; which happened in a time of Parliament: Nicholas Heath, Archbishop of York, and Lord Chancellor, sent to the Knights and Burgesses in the Lower House, to repair immediately to the Lords of the Upper House; to whom he signified, That Queen Mary was that morning dead, and therefore required their Assents to join with the Lords in proclaiming Queen Elizabeth; which accordingly was done, by the sound of Trumpet, first at Westminster, and after in the City of London. The Queen was then at Ha●field● from whence, on Wednesday the three and twentieth of November, she removed to the Lord North's house in the Charter-house, where she stayed till Monday the eight and twentieth of November, and then road in her Chariot thorough London to the Tower; where she continued till the fifth of December; and then removed by water to Somerset-House in the Strand; from whence she went to her Palace at Westminster; and from thence, on the twelfth of january, to the Tower; and on the fourteenth of january, to Westminster, to her Coronation● where it is incredible, what Pageants and Shows were made in the City, as she passed: On Sunday the five and twentieth of january, she was Crowned in the Abbey Church at Westminster, by Doctor Oglethorp, Bishop of Carlisle, with all Solemnities and Ceremonies in such case accustomed. At this time, to honour her Coronation, she conferred more Honour, then in all her life after: William Parr, degraded by Queen Mary, she made marquis of Northampton; Edward Seymor, whose father had been Attainted, she made Earl of Hertford; Thomas Howard, second son to Thomas Duke of Norfolk, she made Viscount Bindon; Sir Henry Carie, her Cousin German, she made Baron of Hunsdon; and Sir Oliver St. john, she made Baron of Bletsho. And now the Queen, though she were herself very wise, yet would not trust (and it was a great point of wisdom that she would not trust) to her own wisdom; and therefore she chose Counsellors to assist her: In which number she took Nicholas Heath, Archbishop of York; William Pawlet, marquis of Winchester, L. High Treasurer; Henry Fitz Alan, Earl of Arundel; Francis Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury; Edward Stanley, Earl of Derby; Wil Herbert, E. of Pembroke; Edw. L. Clinton, L. Admiral; and William L. Howard of Effingham; Sir Thomas Cheyney; Sir William Peter; Sir Richard Sackvyle; and Nicholas Wootton, Dean of Canterbury; all which had been Counsellors to Queen Mary, and were of her Religion: But then to make a counterpoise of Counsellors of her own Religion, she joined with them William Parr, marquis of Northampton; Francis Russell, Earl of Bedford; Sir Thomas Parry; Sir Edward Rogers; Sir Ambrose Cave; Sir Francis Knolles; and Sir William Cecil, late Secretary to King Edw. the sixth; and a little after, Sir Nicholas Bacon, whom she made Keeper of the Great Seal. And having thus provided for her State at home, she seeks correspondence with Princes abroad: To the Emperor Ferdinand, she sent in Embassage Sir Tho. Chaloner; to the King of Spain in the Low-countrieses the Lord Cobham; to the Princes of Germany Sir Henry Killigrew; Sir Aemygill W●ad, to the Duke of Holst; and another Ambassador to the King of Denmark. There were also Ambassadors sent to the Pope, to the State of Venice, and to the French King; with whom at this time there was a Treaty of Peace holden at Cambray, between the Kingdoms of France, England and Spain; where for England was employed, the Earl of Arundel; Thursbey, Bishop of Ely; and Doctor Wootton, Dean of Canterbury; with whom, William, Lord Howard of Effingham was joined by a new Commission. As soon as King Philip heard of the death of his wife Queen Mary, pa●●ly out of considerations of State, and partly out of affection of love, he solicited Q. Elizabeth by his Ambassador, the Earl of Feria, to joyni● Marriage with himself; which was no more for two sisters to have successively one husband, than was done before, for two brothers to have successively one wife; and for this he promised to procure a Dispensation from the Pope. To which motion the Queen, though she well knew, That to allow a Dispensation in this case to be sufficient, were to make her own Birth Illegitimate; yet to so great a Prince, and who in her sister's time had done her many favours, she would not return so blunt an Answer; but putting the Ambassador off for the present in modest terms: She conceived there would be no better way to take him off clean from further suit, then by bringing in an Alteration of Religion; which yet she would not do all at once, and upon the sudden (as knowing the great danger of sudden changes) but by little and little, and by degrees: as at first, she permitted only Epistles and Gospels, the Ten Commandments, the Lords Prayer, and the Creed to be read to the People in the English Tongue; in all other matters they were to follow the Roman Rite and Custom, until order could be taken for establishing of Religion by Authority of Parliament; and a severe Proclamation was set forth, prohibiting all Points of Controversy to be meddled with: by which means, she both put the Protestants in hope, and put not Papists out of hope. Yet privately she committed the correcting of the Book of Common Prayer, set forth in the English Tongue under King Edward the sixth, to the care and diligence of Doctor Parker, Bill, May, Cox, Grindall, Whitehead, and Pilkington, Divines of great Learning; with whom she joined Sir Thomas Smith, a learned Knight: but the matter carried so closely, that it was not communicated to any, but ●o the marquis of Northampton, the Earl of Bedford, and Sir William Cecile. The two and twentieth of March, the use of the Lords Supper in both kinds was by Parliament allowed: The four and twentieth of june, the Sacrifice of the Mass was abolished, and the Liturgy in the English Tongue established, though, as some say, but with the difference of six voices. In july the Oath of Supremacy was propounded to the Bishops and others: And in August, Images were removed out of Churches, and broken or burnt. By these degrees the Religion was changed; and yet the change, to the wonder of the world, bred no disturbance: which if it had been done at once, and on the sudden, would hardly; at least not without dangerous opposition, have been admitted. During this time, a Parliament had been summoned to begin at Westminster, upon the fifteenth of january; and now the Queen, for satisfaction of the people, appointed a Conference to be held, between the Prelates of the Realm; and Protestant Divines now newly returned, who had fled the Realm, in the time of Queen Mary: for the Prelates were chosen john White, Bishop of Winchester; Ralph Bayne, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield; Thomas Watson, Bishop of Lincoln; Doctor Cole, Dean of Paul's; Doctor Langdell, archdeacon of Lewis; Doctor Harpsefield, archdeacon f Canterbury; and Doctor Chadsey, archdeacon of Middlesex: For the Protestant side were appointed, Doctor Scory, Doctor Cox, Doctor Sands, Doctor Whitehead, Doctor Grindall, Master Horn, Master Guest, Master Elmer, and Master jewel. The place was prepared in Westminster Church; where, besides the Disputants, were present the Lords of the Queen's Council, with other of the Nobility; as also many of the Lower House of Parliament. The Articles propounded against the Prelates, and their adherents, were these: First, That it is against the Word of God, and the Custom of the ancient Church, to use a Tongue unknown to the people, in common Prayer, and in the Administration of the Sacraments. Secondly, That every Church hath authority to appoint and change Ceremonies, and Ecclesiastical Rites, so they be to edification: Thirdly, That it cannot be proved by the Word of God, that there is in the Mass a Sacrifice Propitiatory for the living and the dead. For the manner of their Conference, it was agreed it should be performed in writing; and that the Bishops should deliver their Reasons in writing first. The last of March was the first day of their meeting; where, contrary to the Order, the Bishops brought nothing in writing; but said, They would deliver their minds only by Speech: This breaking of Order much displeased the Lords, yet they had it granted. Then rose up Doctor Cole, and made a large Declaration concerning the first Point: when he had ended, the Lords demanded if any of them had more to say; who answered, No: Then the Protestant Party exhibited a written Book; which was distinctly read by Master Horn. This done, some of the Bishops began to affirm, they had much more to say in the first Article: This again much displeased the Lords; yet this also was granted them, to do at their next meeting on Monday next: but when Monday came, so many other differences arose between them, that the Conference broke off, and nothing was determined. But in the Parliament there was better Agreement; for there it was enacted, That Queen Elizabeth was the lawful and undoubted Queen of England; notwithstanding a Law made by her Father King Henry the eighth, that excluded both her and her sister Mary from the Crown, seeing, though the Law be not repealed, yet it is a Principle in Law, That the Crown once gained, taketh away all defects. Also in this Parliament, First fruits and Tenths were restored to the Crown; and the Title of Supreme Head of the Church of England was confirmed to the Queen, with so universal consent, that in the Upper House none opposed these Laws, but only the Earl of Shrewsbury, and Sir Anthony Brown, Viscount Montague: and in the Lower House, only some few of Papal inclination, murmured, saying, That the Parliament was packed; and that the Duke of Norfolk, the Earl of Arundel, and Sir William Cecil, for their own ends, had cunningly begged voices, to make up their Party. The Supremacy thus confirmed to the Queen, the Oath was soon after tendered to the Bishops and others; of whom, as many as refused to take it, were presently deprived of their livings. And that we may see, how inclining the Kingdom at this time was to receive the Protestant Religion; It is said, that in the whole Realm (wherein are reckoned above Nine thousand Spiritual Promotions) there were no more that refused to take the Oath, but only fourscore Parsons, fifty Prebendaries, fifteen Masters of Colleges, twelve Archdeacon's, twelve Deans, six Abbots, and fourteen Bishops, (indeed all that were at that time, except Anthony Bishop of Landaff● as Nicholas Heath Archbishop of York, Edmund Boner Bishop of London, Cuthbert Tunstall Bishop of Durham, Thomas Thursby Bishop of Ely, Gilbert Bourn Bishop of Bath and Wells, john Christopherson Bishop of Chichester, john White Bishop of Winchester, Thomas Watson Bishop of Lincoln, Ralph Bayne Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield, Owen Oglethorp Bishop of Carlisle, james Turbervile Bishop of Exeter, and David Pool Bishop of Peterborough: And with these Doctor Fecknam Abbot of Westminster: All which were at first committed to prison, but soon after delivered to the custody of private friends, excepting those two saucy Prelates, Lincoln and Winchester, who threatened to excommunicate the Queen. Three only, namely, Cuthbert Scot Bishop of Chester, Richard Pate Bishop of Worcester, and Thomas Goldwel Bishop of Saint Assaph, changed their Religion of their own accord; as also did certain Noble Personages, namely, Henry Lord Morley, Sir Francis Englefield, and Sir Robert Peckham, (who had been Privie-Councellours to Q. Mary) Sir Thomas Shelley, and Sir john Gage. In the seas of the Prelates removed, were placed Protestant Bishops, as Matthew Parker was made Archbishop of Canterbury, (who was consecrated by the Imposition of the hands of three that formerly had been Bishops; namely, William Barlow of Bath and Wells, john Scory of Chichester, and Miles Coverdale of Exeter) and being consecrated himself, he afterward consecrated Edmund Grindall Bishop of London, Richard Cox Bishop of Ely, Edwin Sands Bishop of Worcester, Rowland Merick Bishop of Bangor, Thomas Young Bishop of Saint Davyes, Nicholas Bullingham Bishop of Lincoln, john jewel Bishop of Salisbury, Richard Davis Bishop of Saint Assaph, Edward Guest Bishop of Rochester, Gilbert Barkeley Bishop of Bath and Wells, Thomas Bentham Bishop of Coventry and Litchfield, William Alley Bishop of Exeter, john Parkhurst Bishop of Norwich, Robert Horn Bishop of Winchester, Richard Cheyney Bishop of Gloucester, Edmund Scambler Bishop of Peterbo●ough, William Barlow Bishop of Chichester, john Scory Bishop of Hereford, Young Archbishop of York, james Pilkington Bishop of Durham, john Best Bishop of Carlisle, and William Downham Bishop of Chester. Whilst these things were done in England, the Treaty of peace at Cambray continued still; Wherein King Philip stood for the restitution of Calais to the English, as firmly as if it had been his own interest; and without it would agree to no peace with France: But when by Messages he understood, that his suit for marriage with Queen Elizabeth was rejected; and that the Protestant Religion was established in the Kingdom, he then left Queen Elizabeth, seeing she would not be his, to herself; and though he became not presently a Foe, yet he became presently less than a Friend, and forbore to do any more good offices in that business. Queen Elizabeth thus left to herself, agreed with the French King, to conclude her own peace apart; and thereupon, Delegates on both sides were appointed to meet at Cambray: For the Queen of England were, Thursby Bishop of Ely, the Lord Williams, the Lord Howard of Effingham, Chamberlain to the Queen, and Doctor Wootton Dean of Canterbury and York: For the King of France were, Charles Cardinal of Lorraine, the first Peer of France, Anna's Duke of Memorancy, james Albon Lord of Saint Andrews, john Morvilliers Bishop of Orleans, and Claude Aubespine Secretary of the Privy Council. The Commissioners meeting, the chief point in difference, was the restitution of Calais; for which, the English Commissioners● by the Queen's appointment, offered to remit two Millions of Crowns, that by just account were due from France to England; but the Queen was not more desirous to recover Calais, than the French King was to hold it: And thereupon at last, it was concluded, that Calais should remain in possession of the French fo● the term of eight years; and those expired, it should be delivered to the English, upon forfeiture of five hundred thousand Crown'st for which, hostages were given: But all this notwithstanding, though the Conditions were sealed and sworn to, and though hostages were assigned to remain in England, till one or other were performed; yet all was frustate, and came to nothing. About this time, Henry King of France married his daughter Isabella to Philip King of Spain, and his sister Margaret to Emmanuel Phylibert Duke of Savoy; at the solemnity of which Marriages, he would needs be a Tiltor himself; and thereupon commended the Earl of Montgomery to run against him, who unfortunately breaking his Lance upon the King's Cuyrasse, a splinter thereof (his Beaver being somewhat open) struck him so deep in the eye, that within few days he ended his life: After whose death, Francis his son at the age of sixteen years, succeeded him in the Crown, having by the marriage of Queen Mary the Title of Scotland, and upon ground thereof laying claim to the Crown of England also, and giving the Arms of England, as properly belonging to him. And now begins the game of Faction to be played, wherein the whole estate of Queen Elizabeth lies at stake, a game that will hold playing the most part of her Reign, and if not played well, will put her in jeoparey of losing all, seeing all about her are against her, Philip King of Spain hath a quarrel to her, for being rejected in his suit; the King of France hath a quarrel to her in right of his wife, which is now his right. The Que●n of Scots hath a quarrel to her for detaining her Inheritance: The Pope hath a quarrel to her, for excluding his Authority: The King of Sweden hath a quarrel to her, for slighting his son in the way of marriage: And all these being against her, whom hath she of her side, but only her own Subjects, Papists yesterday, and to day Protestants, who being scarce settled in their Religion, how should they be settled in their Loyalty? And not being Loyal, where can she find to cast Anchor for her safety? But it is a true saying, Nullum numen abest si sit prudentia; Wisdom is a supply for all defects: And indeed, the Queen being very wise herself, and having a wise Council about her, she passed all these difficulties, though not without danger, yet with little or no hazard. It happened (if at least it happened, and were not rather plotted of purpose) that a Reformation of Religion was pretended in Scotland; but was indeed an encroachment upon the Prince's Authority; for at the preaching of john Knox, and other headstrong Ministers, not only Images and Altars were cast down and burnt, the Monasteries of Saint Andrews, of Stone, of Stryveling, and of Lynlithew were overthrown; but it was further put into the heads of the Nobility, that it pertained to them, of their own Authority, to take away Idolatry, and by force reduce th● Prince to the prescript of Laws: Whereupon there was presently a bandying of the Lords of Scotland, against the Queen Dowager, Regent of the Country; and in this case each of them ●ought for aid; The Queen Dowager had aid out of France, the Lords of Scotland sent for aid to the Queen of England: But this was matter for consultation; It seemed a bad Example, for a Prince to give aid to the rebellious Subjects of another Prince. On the other side, it seemed no less than impiety, not to give Aid to the Protestants of the same Religion; but most of all it seemed plain madness, to suffer adversaries to be so near neighbours, and to let the French nestle in Scotland, who pretend Title to England: upon such like considerations, it was resolved to send them Aid; and thereupon an Army of six thousand Foot, and twelve hundred Horse, was sent under the Command of the Duke of Norfolk, the Lord Grey of Wilton his Lieutenant General; Sir james a Crofts, Assistant to him; the Lord Scroop, L. Martial; Sir George Howard, General of the men at Arms; Sir Henry Percy, General of the Light-horse; Thomas Huggens, Provost Martial; Thomas Gower, Master of the Ordnance; Master William Pelham, Captain of the Pioneers; and Master Edward Randoll, Sergeant Major, and divers others. These coming into Scotland, joined with the Scotish Lords, and set down before Leith, where passed many small skirmishes, many Batteries, and sometimes Assaults: to whom, after some time, a new supply came of above two thousand Foot; whereof were Captains, Sir Andrew Corbet, Sir Rowland Stanley, Sir Thomas Hesbith, Sir Arthur Manwaring, Sir Laurence Smith, and others: yet with this new supply there was little more done then before; many light skirmishes, many Batteries, and sometimes Assaults; so long, till at last the young French King, finding these broils of Scotland to be too furious for him to appease, he sent to the Queen of England, desiring that Commissioners might be sent, to reconcile these differences: whereupon were dispatched into Scotland, Sir William Cecil, her principal Secretary, with Doctor Wotton, Dean of Canterbury; who concluded a Peace between England and France, upon these Conditions, That neither the King of France, nor the Queen of Scotland, should thenceforth use the Arms or Titles of England or Ireland; And that both the English and the French should depart out of Scotland; And a general pardon should be enacted by Parliament, for all such as had been actors in those stirs. This Peace was scarce concluded, when Francis the young King of France died, leaving the Crown to his younger brother Charles, who was guided altogether by the Queen-Mother, and molested with the Civil dissensions between the Princes of Guise and Conde; for whose reconcilement, the Queen sent Sir Henry Sidney, Lord Precedent of Wales; and shortly after an Army, under the leading of the Lord Ambrose Dudley, Earl of Warwick; who arriving at Newhaven, was received into the Town; which having kept eleven months, he was then constrained, by reason of a Pestilence, to surrender again upon Composition, and so returned. About this time when the Parliament was upon dissolving; it was agreed upon by the House of Commons, to move the Queen to marry, that she might have Issue to succeed her; to which purpose, Thomas Gargrave, Speaker of the House, with some few other chosen men, had access to the Queen who humbly made the motion to her, as a thing which the Kingdom infinitely desired; seeing they could never hope to have a better Prince, then out of her loins: Whereunto the Queen answered in effect thus; That she was already married; namely, To the Kingdom of England: and behold (saith she) the Pledge of the Covenant with my husband; and therewith she held out her finger, and showed the Ring, wherewith, at the time of her Coronation, she gave herself in Wedlock to the Kingdom: and if (saith she) I keep myself to this husband, and take no other; yet I doubt not but God will send you as good Kings, as if they were born of me; forasmuch as we see by daily experience, That the Issue of the best Princes do often degenerate: And for myself, it shall be sufficient that a Marble stone declare, That a Queen having Reigned such a time, lived and died a Virgin. Indeed before this time, many Matches had been offered her: First, King Philip: and when he was out of hope of matching with her himself, he then dealt with the Emperor Ferdinand his Uncle, to commend his younger Son Charles, Duke of Austria, to her for a husband. And when this succeeded not, than john, Duke of Finland, second Son to Gustavus King of Sweden, was sent by his father, to solicit for his eldest Brother Erricus● who was honourably received, but the Match rejected. Then Adolphus Duke of Holst, Uncle to Frederick King of Denmark, came into England, upon a great hope of speeding; but the Queen bestowed upon him the Honour of the Garter, and a yearly Pension, but not herself. Then james Earl of Arran, was commended to her by the Protestants of Scotland; but neither the man nor the motion was accepted. Of meaner Fortunes there were some at home that pleased themselves with hope of her Marriage: First, Sir William Pickering, a Gentleman of a good House, and a good Estate; but that which most commended him, was his studiousness of good letters, and sweet demeanour. Then Henry, Earl of Arundel, exceeding rich, but now in his declining age. Then Robert Dudley, youngest son of the Duke of Northumberland, of an excellent feature of face, and now in the flower of his age: but these might please themselves with their own conceit; but were not considerable in her apprehension: they might receive from her good Testimonies of her Princely favour; but never Pledges of Nuptial love. About this time the Earl of Feria (who had married the daughter of Sir William Dormer) being denied leave of the Queen for some of his wives friends to live out of England, grew so incensed, that he made means to Pius the fourth, then Pope, to have her excommunicate, as an Heretic and Usurper: but the Pope inclining rather to save then to destroy; and knowing that gentle courses prevail more with generous minds, than roughness and violence; in most loving manner wrote unto her, exhorting her to return to the Unity of the Catholic Church; and as it is said, made her great offers, if she would hearken to his counsel; Particularly, That he would recall the Sentence pronounced against her mother's Marriage; confirm the Book of Common Prayer in English; and permit to her people the use of the Sacrament in both Kinds. But Queen Elizabeth neither terrified with the Earl of Feria's practices, nor alured with the Pope's great offers, according to her Motto, Semper Eadem, persisted constant in her resolution, To maintain that Religion, which in her conscience she was persuaded, to be most agreeable to the Word of God, and most consonant to the Primitive Church. Whilst these grounds of Troubles are sowing in England, France, and Scotland, it is not likely that Ireland will lie fallow; though indeed it be a Country that will bring forth Troubles of itself, without sowing: but howsoever, to make the more plentiful Harvest of troubles at this time, john Oneal (whose father King Henry the eighth made Earl of Tyrone) to prevent the punishment of a private Outrage upon a Brother, broke into open Rebellion against the Prince: and though his attempts were maturely made frustrate by timely opposition; yet this was he that in the beginning of the Queen's Reign, sowed the seeds of that trouble in Ireland; which afterward took so deep root, that till the ending of her Reign it could never thoroughly be rooted out: though this man a year or two after came into England, and casting himself at the Queen's feet, acknowledged his fault, and obtained pardon. The Treaty of Edinburgh should by promise have been confirmed by Francis the French King while he lived: he not having done it, Queen Elizabeth requires his Dowager the Queen of Scots to confirm it: but she solicited often to it by Throgmorton the Queen's Ligier in France; made always answer, She could not do it without the counsel of her Nobility in Scotland: whereupon Queen Elizabeth suspecting that this answer was but to hold her in amuzement, while some mischief was practising against her, sent Sir Thomas Randoll into Scotland, to persuade the Lords there to enter into a League of mutual amity with her, and other Protestant Princes● and further, by no means to permit their Queen, now a widow, to marry again to any foreign Prince; for which she alleged many great reasons. In the mean while, the Queen of Scots, purposing to return into Scotland, sent beforehand D'Oysette a French Lord, to entreat Queen Elizabeth, that with her leave, she herself might pass by Sea into Sco●land, and D'Oysette might pass by Land. But Queen Elizabeth openly denied both the one and the other, unless she would confirm the Treaty of Edinburgh; saying, It was no reason she should do the Queen of Scots courtesy, if the Queen of Scots would not do her right. The Queen of Scots much troubled with this answer, expostulates the matter with her Ligier Throgmorton, and much complains of the unkindness: but in the mean time providing Shipping, she loosed from Calais; and under covert of a mist, notwithstanding that Ships were laid to intercept her, she arrived safe in Scotland; where she entreated her subjects in so loving a manner, that she gave great contentment to the whole Kingdom; as well to the Protestant Party, as the other: and then sent Letters to Queen Elizabeth, proferring all observance and readiness to enter League with her; so she might by Authority of Parliament be declared her Successor; which was but her Right. To this Queen Elizabeth answered, That though she would no way derogate from her Right: yet she should be loath to endanger her own security, and as it were to cover her own eyes with a Grave-cloth while she was alive; but fell again to her old Admonition, requiring her to confirm the Treaty of Edinburgh: And now to show the respect she bore her, when her Uncles the Duke's D'A●male, D' Albeufe, and other Lords of France that had brought her home, returned thorough England, she gave them most bountiful and loving entertainment. These two Queens indeed were both of great Spirits, and both very wise; but these grew such Jealousies of State between them; (the Queen of Scots doubting lest Queen Elizabeth meant to frustrate her Succession; Queen Elizabeth doubting lest the Queen of Scots meant to prevent her succession) that it kept them more asunder in love, than they were near in blood, and was cause of many unkind passages between them: in all which, though the Queen of Scots were a very near Match to the Queen of England in the abilities of her mind; yet in the favours of Fortune she was much her inferior. But now for all the courtesy which Q. Elizabeth showed to the Queen of Scots Uncles at their returning thorough England, yet new practices were again set on foot against her at Rome; the Duke of Guise especially labouring to have her be Excommunicate; but Pope Pius still averse from such roughness, meant now to try the Queen another way; and thereupon sent the Abbot Martinengi● and when he might not be admitted to enter England, then caused the Bishop of Viterbo his Nuntio in France, to deal earnestly with the Queen's Ligier Throgmorton, that she (as other Princes had done) would send her Orators to the Council of Trent, which he before had called. But the Queen nothing tender in this point, made peremptory answer, That a Popish Assembly she did not acknowledge to be a General Council; nor did think the Pope to have any more Right or Power to call it, than any other Bishop. This Answer not only exasperated the Pope, but so alienated also the King of Spain's mind from her, that he was never after so kind a friend to her as he had been; and none of her Ambassadors ever after had any great liking to be employed to him. And now at this time, as the Abbot Martinengi was the last Nuntio that ever was sent from the Pope into England, so Sir Edward Carne, now dying at Rome, was the last Ligie● that was ever sent to the Pope from the Kings of England. And now Queen Elizabeth knowing well that she had drawn many ill willers against her State, she endeavoured to strengthen it by all the means she could devise: She caused many great Ordnance of Brass and Iron to be cast; She repaired Fortifications in the Borders of Scotland; She increased the number of her Ships, so as England never had such a Navy before; She provided great store of Armour and Weapons out of Germany; she caused Musters to be held, and youth to be trained in exercises of Artillery; and to please the people (whose love is the greatest strength of all) she gave leave to have Corn and Grayn transported; and called in all base Coins and Brass Money. It was now the Fifth year of Queen Elizabeth's Rain: when divers great persons were called in question: Margaret Countess of Lenox, Niece to to King Henry the eight, by his eldest sister, and her husband the Earl of Lenox, for having had secret conference, by letters with the Queen of Scots, were delivered prisoners to Sir Richard Sackvile, Master of the Rolls, and with him kept a while in custody. Also Arthur Poole and his brother, whose great grandfather, was George Duke of Clarnce, brother to King Edward the fourth: Antony Fortescue, who had married their sister, and other, were arraigned, for conspiring to withdraw themselves to the Duke of Guise in France; and from thence to return with an Army into Wales; to Declare the Queen of Scots, Queen of England; and Arthur Poole Duke of Clearnce; which particulars they confessed at the Bar, and were thereupon condemned to die; but had their lives spared, in regard they were of the Blood Royal. Also the Lady Katherine Grey, daughter to Henry Grey Duke of Suffolk, by the eldest daughter of Charles Brandon● having formerly been married to the Earl Pembroke's eldest son; and from him soon after lawful divorced, was some years after found to be with child by Edward Seymoure Earl of Hertford: who being at that time in France, was presently sent for; and being examined before the Archbishp of Canterbury: and affirming they were lawfully married; but not being able within a limited time to produce witnesses of their marriage; they were both committed to the Tower: where she was brought to Bed: and after by the Connivance or Corruption of their Keepers, being suffered sometimes to come together: She was with child by him again, which made the Queen more angry than before; so as Sir Edward Warner Lieutenent of the Tower was put out of his place, and the Earl was fined in the star-chamber, five thousand pounds, and kept in prison nine years after. Though in pleading of his Case; One john H●les argued; They were lawful man and wife, by virtue of their own bare Consent, without any Ecclesicsticall Ceremony. The Lady a few years after, falling through grief into a mortal Sickness, humbly desired the Queen's Pardon, for having married without her knowledge, and commending her children to her clemency, died in the Tower. At this time (the King being under Age) dissensions amongst the Peers grew hot in Erance; of which there were two Factions; Both pretending the cause of Religion: of the One the Duke Guise, a Paipst, was Head; of the other the Prince of Conde a Protestant: but while Delirant Reges Plectunter Achivi: while these Princes are at variance, the people suffer for it: and chiefly, as being under the weaker protection, the Protestant Party: where upon Queen Elizabeth, having well learned the Lesson: Tum tua res agitur, partis cum proximus ardet● and fearing lest the flaim of their dissension, might kindle a fire within her own Kingdom; sent over Sir Henry Sidney Lord Presiden of Wales into France, to endeavour by all possible means their reconcilement, which when he could not effect, (and perhaps it was never meant he should effect it, but only to see what invitations would be made to the Queen for her assistance) she thereupon, at the moan of the afflicted Protestants, sent over an Army of six thousand Soldiers, under the Conduct of the Earl of Warwick, in assistance of the Prince of Conde, and other Protestant Lords, who delivered to him the Town of Newhaven, to hold in the King of France his name, until such time as Calais were restored: But the Prince of Conde marching to join with the English Forces, was by the Duke of Guise interrupted and taken prisoner's which had been a great disappointment to the English, but that the Duke of Colin joined with him, besieged Caen in Normandy, and took it; together with Bayeux, Faleise, and Saint Lo. The French Hostages that were pledges for the payment of five hundred thousand Cowns, if Calais were not restored, were remaining still in England; who perceiving there was like to be War with France, prepared secretly to get away; but being ready to take Shipping, were discovered, and brought back again. In the mean while, the Prince of Conde drawn on with a hope, to marry the Queen of Scots, and to have the chief Government in France, during the King's Minority, concluded a Peace with the King, and with the Guises; so as now, all French, as well Protestants as Papists, required to have Newhaven delivered up: But the Earl of Warwick perceiving the fickleness of the French Protestants, First to make su●e to draw him into France, and now upon so slight occasion to require him to be gone, he shutteth all ●rench, both Protestants and Papists, o●t of the Town, and lays hold of their Ships; the French on the other side make ready to set upon the Town, saying, They fought not now for Religion, but for their Country; wherefore it was meet that both Protestants and Papists should join their Forces, seeing they had already concluded a Peace betwixt themselves. And hereupon the Duke of Memorancy sent a Trumpeter to the Earl of Warwick, commanding him yield the Town; who making answer by Sir Hugh Pawlet, That he would never yield it without the Queen's leave: he thereupon besieged the Town, and with great violence of Battery, sought to get it by force: Which Queen Elizabeth hearing, she sent a Commission to the Earl of Warwick to yield it up, if upon honourable Conditions; which soon after was accordingly done, after the English had held it eleven months; and then the Earl, without any dishonour for yielding up a Town, which the Pestilence made him no less unwilling than unable to hold, he returned into England: but that which was more doleful than the loss of Newhaven, he brought the Pestilence with him into England. The recovery of this Town not only made the French to triumph, but hereupon the Chancellor of France pronounced openly, That by this War, the English had lost all their Right to Calais, and were not to require it any more, seeing it was one of the Conditions, That neither of the Nations should make War upon the other; which was the Point stood upon by the King of France and his mother, when Queen Elizabeth sent Sir Thomas Smith to demand Calais to be restored. At this time there were such cross designs amongst the Princes of Christendom, that a very good Politician could hardly understand their Aims. The Duke of Guise being slain in the Civil War, the Queen of Scots Dowry was not paid her in France, and the Scots were put off from being the King's Guard: This exceedingly displeased the Queen of Scots: but then to please her against and for fear lest hereupon she should apply herself to the friendship of the English, her Uncle the Cardinal of Lorraine solicits her afresh, to marry Charles Duke of Austria, offering her for her Dowry the County of Tyroll. The Queen of Scots, to make use of her Uncle's fear, and perhaps to bring Queen Elizabeth into an opinion of depending upon her, acquaints her with this motion, and therein requires her advice. Queen Elizabeth not willing she should marry with any foreign Prince, persuades her to take a husband out of England, and particularly commended to her the Lord Robert Dudley (whose wife a little before had with a fall broke her neck) promising withal, that if she would marry him, she should then by Authority of Parliament, be declared her successor, in case she died without issue. But when her Uncles and the Queen-Mother were informed of this motion, they so much disdained the Marriage with Dudley, that so she would refuse that Match, and perseverein the friendship of the French, they offered to pay her the Dowry money that was behind, and to restore the Scots to all their former liberties in France. And as for the King of Spain, he had indeed a Ligier Ambassador here in England; but rather by way of compliment, and to watch advantages, then for any sincere love; which he began now to withdraw from the English, as suspecting them to intend a Trade to the West Indies. And now the French Protestants may see what they brought upon themselves, by leaving the English at Newhaven, and by trusting to their Countrymen the French Papists; for their peace was but a snare, and the Marriage of Henry of Bourbon, Prince of Navarre, with Margaret of Valois, the French Kings sister, was but a bait to entrap them; for upon the confidence of this Marriage, being drawn together into Paris, they were the readier for the slaughter; and a few days after the Marriage, which were all spent in Feasts and Masks, to make them the more secure, upon a Watchword given, the bloody faction fell upon the Protestants, and neither spared age, nor sex, nor condition, but without mercy, and sense of humanity, slaughtered as many as they could meet with, to the number of many thousands. It was now the sixth year of Queen Elizabeth's Reign, a year fatal for the death of many great Personages: First died William, Lord Grey of We●lon, Governor of Berwick, a man famous for his great Services in War: then William, Lord Paget, a man of as great Services in Peace; who by his great deservings, had wrought his advancement to sundry dignities, and honourable places: and though zealous in the Roman Religion, yet held by Queen Elizabeth in great estimation to his dying day: Then Henry Manors, Earl of Rutland, descended by his mother from King Edward the fourth: And lastly, Francis the Duchess of Suffolk, daughter to Charles' Brandon Duke of Suffolk, and mother to Queen jane. And now Queen Elizabeth finding how fickle the French Protestants had carried themselves towards her, intended to make a Peace; and to that end sent Sir Thomas Smith into France, joining Throgmorton in Commission with him; and in conclusion a Peace was agreed on; whereof, amongst other Articles, this was one, That the Hostages in England should be freed, upon the payment of six hundred thousand Crowns: and this Peace was ratified by the Oath both of the Queen of England, and the King of France. About this time the English Merchants were hardly used both in Spain● and in the Netherlands, upon pretence of Civil differences, but indeed out of hatred to the Protestant Religion: whereupon the English removed the seat of their Trading to Embden in Freezland● but Gusman the Spanish Liegier, newly come into England, finding the great damages that the Netherlands sustained by these differences, endeavoured by all means to compose them; and thereupon Viscount Montague, Nicholas Wootton, and Walter Haddon, Master of the Requests, were sent to Bruges in Flanders; who, after many interruptions, brought the matter at last to some indifferent agreement. It was now the seventh year of Queen Elizabeth; when making a Progress, she went to see Cambridge; where after she had viewed the Colleges, and been entertained with Comedies, and Scholastical Disputations, she made herself a Latin Oration, to the great encouragement of the Scholars, and then returned. Presently after her returns she made the Lord Robert Dudley Master of her Horse, first Baron of Denbigh (giving him Denbigh and all the Lands belonging to it) and then Earl of Leicester, to him, and the heirs males of his body lawfully begotten: which Honour was conferred upon him with the greatest State and Solemnity that was ever known. And now Leicester, to endear himself to the Queen of Scots, accused Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper, for being privy to the libel of Hales, who affirmed the Right of the Crown to belong to the Family of Suffolk, in case the Queen should die without Issue; and thereupon was Bacon cast into prison; till afterward, upon his purgation, and the mediation of Sir William Cecil, he was set at liberty, and restored to his place. And now for a while we must cast our eyes upon Scotland, for that was now the Stage where all the great businesses of State were acted: Matthew Steward, Earl of Lenox, who had married Margaret Dowglas, King Henry the eighth's Niece by his eldest sister, had been kept as an Exile in England now twenty years; him the Queen of Scots invites to come into Scotland● under pretence of restoring to him his ancient Patrimony; but indeed to confer with him about a Marriage with his son the Lord Darlie, for being reputed heir to the Crown of England, next after herself; she thought by matching with his son, to strengthen her own title, and to prevent the hope of any other. Queen Elizabeth, upon suit made by his wife, gave the Earl leave to go; but soon after, suspecting what the Queen of Scots intent was in sending for him, she, to hinder the proceeding, sent Sir Thomas Rand●ll to her, to let her know, That if she proceeded in this Ma●ch, she would exceedingly wrong herself; for that it was a Match so much disliked by all the English, that she was fain to prorogue the Parliament, lest upon dislike thereof, there should something be enacted against her Right of Succession: But if she would marry the Earl of Leicester, she should then by Parliament be declared her next Heir. Hereupon, in the month of November, the Earl of Bedford, and Sir Thomas Randoll for Queen Elizabeth● the Earl of Murray and Lidington for the Queen of Scots at Barwick, entered into a Treaty concerning the Marriage with the Earl of Leicester. The English Commissioners urged the great benefits that by this Match would accrue both to the Queen of Scots herself, and to the whole Kingdom of Scotland: The Scotish on the other side, urged the great disparagement it would be to the Queen of Scots, if refusing the offers made her of divers great Princes, she should match herself with so mean a person as the Earl of Leicester. This matter held long debate, partly for that the English Commissioners were so appointed by Queen Elizabeth; and partly for that the Scotish Commissioners had a good mind to hinder her from marrying at all; and perhaps not the least; for that the Earl of Leicester, being verily persuaded he should at last obtain Queen Elizabeth herself, by secret Letters warned the Earl of Bedford not to urge the Marriage with the Queen of Scots too far; and was thought for this cause to favour Darly under hand. The matter being in this manner protracted for two whole years together, the Queen of Scots impatient of longer delay, and being resolved in her mind what she would do● used means that the Lord Darly got leave of Queen Elizabeth to go into Scotland for three months only, under colour to be put in possession of his father's Lands (though it be strange, the Queen upon any terms would let him go, if she really intended to hinder the Marriage: but such was the destiny, if there were not a plot in it) and ●o in Febr●ary he came to Edinburgh; who being a young man, of not above nineteen years of age, of a comely countenance, and most Princely Presence, the Queen of Scots as soon as she saw him, fell in love with him, yet in modesty dissembling it for the present; she sought to get a Dispens●on from Rome, because of their nearness in Consanguinity. And now, her inclination being grown so apparent, that there was no concealing it, she sent Lydington to Queen Elizabeth, desiring her consent. But she, through the suggestions of the Earl of Murray, being induced to believe that the Queen of Scots intention was, by this Marriage, to get the Crown of England, and to bring in Popery, entered into consultation with her Privy Council, what was fit to be done to hinder the Marriage; who all concluded, that these were the best ways: First, To have a Company of Souldi●rs levied for terror ●ake, about the Borders towards Scotland; then to commit to prison the Countess of Lenox, the Lord Darlies Mother; and to recall from Scotland the Earl of Lenox and his ●on Darly, upon pain of the loss of all their goods in England: then that the Scots, who were known to be averse from the Marriage, should be relieved and assisted: and lastly, That Katherine Grey, with the Earl of Hertford, should be received into some grace; about whom only (it was thought) the Queen of Scots was most solicitous, as being her Rival to the English Crown. Hereupon Sir Nicholas Throgmorton was sent to the Queen of Scots, to counsel her in the Queen's name, not to proceed in this Marriage; and to show her the many inconveniences that would accrue unto her by it. But she returned answer, That the matter was too far passed to be recalled; and that Queen Elizabeth had no cause to be displeased with i●; seeing herein she followed her advice, Not to match with ● stranger, but with an English man born. Queen Elizabeth being informed of her answer, calleth home the Earl of Lenox, and the Lord D●rly his son, commanding them upon their Allegiance to return: The Father modestly by Letters excu●eth himself; the son humbly intrea●eth her not to be a hindrance to his preferment; which he vows to employ in her Majesty's Service to the uttermost of his power. And now, to make him the fitter match for her, the Queen of Scots honoured him first with Knighthood; then with the Dignities of the Lord Armanack, Earl of Rosse, and Duke of Rothsay; which Dukedom by Bir●h, pertaineth to the eldest sons of the Kings of Scotland. After this, when he had not been above five months in Scotland, she married him, and with the consent of most of the Peers, declared him King. At this, the Earl of M●rray, and other whom he drew to his pa●ty extremely fretted, and fell to moving of turbulent questions, Whether it were lawful to admit a Papist King? Whether the Queen of Scots might choose a husband at her own pleasure? and whether the Peers of the Kingdom might not out of their Authority, impose one upon her? But howsoever, they raised Arms, and had disturbed the Nuptials, but that the Queen levied an Army to encounter them; with which she pursued them so closely, that they were fain to fly into Engl●●d for protection; where Queen Elizabeth made no scruple to receive them, seeing the Queen of Scots had received Yareby, Sta●don, and Walsh, that were fled out of England; but the Earl of Murray especially, who had always been found addicted to the English. Queen Elizabeth perhaps was not much troubled at this Marriage; partly as knowing the mild disposition of the Lord Darly, and how little access of strength it brought ●o ●he Queen of Scots; but most of all, 〈◊〉 plainly ●eeing ●here wo●ld ●●ouble● 〈◊〉 in Scotland upon it; and the troubles of Scotland would be the quietness of England; which, as a good Mother of her Co●●●rey, was the ●ark she aimed at: yet she made ● show of being offended with it; but rather to conceal her aim, than that ●he was offended with it indeed. At this time the Emperor Maximlian sent to Queen Elizabeth his Ambassador, Adam Smiricote, renewing the former suit for his brother Charles of Austria; for which Marriage the Earl of Sussex was very earnest; the Earl of Leicester as much against it; so as it grew to a quarrel between them, and the Court was divided into factions about it: but the Queen, who never liked the dissensions of her Peers (though it be a Rule with some, Divide, and Reign) made them friends, at least in countenance. We may now leave Scotland a while, and see the Honour done at this time to Queen Elizabeth, not much inferior to the Honour done to Solomon by the Queen of Saba; for now Cecile, the sister of Errick King of Sweden, and wife of Christopher marquis of Baden, being great with child, came from the farthest part of the North (a long Journey) thorough Germany, of purpose to see her, for the great fame she had heard of her Wisdom: At her being here, she was delivered of a child, to whom, in requital of her kindness, Queen Elizabeth was Godmother, and named him Edward●s Fortunatus; giving to her and her husband, besides Royal Entertainment, a yearly Pension. At this time also, for the great Fame of her wisdom, Donald mac Carty More, a great Potentate of Ireland, came and delivered up into her hands all his most ample Territories; and then receiving them again from her, to hold them to him and his Heirs males lawfully begotten; and for want of such Issue, to remain to the Crown of England. The Queen in requital, invested him with the honour of Earl of Glenkarne, and Baron of Valence; and besides many Presents given him, paid the charges of his Journey. It was now the eighth year of Queen Elizabeth's Reign; when Sir Nicholas Arnold, a Knight of Gloucestershire, Governing Ireland under the title of a Justice, was called home, and Sir Henry Sidney placed in ●his room. And here by the way it is to be noted, That the Governors of Ireland, after it came under the English, were at first called Justices of Ireland; afterwards, Lieutenants; and their Vice-gerents were called Deputies. Afterwards at the Prince's pleasure, sometimes Deputies, sometimes Justices, and sometimes Lieutenants; which last Title, though it be of greatest honour, yet in power is in a manner but the same. Si● Henry Sidney at his coming into Ireland, found the Province of Munster in much disorders by reason of strife between Gyrald Earl of Desmond, and Thomas Earl of Ormond: whereupon the Queen sending for the Earl of Desmond into England, ordained a new Government in that Province, appointing a Precedent to administer Justice, together with an Assistant on the Bench; two Lawyers and a Notary: and the first Precedent she made in this place, was Sir William Sentleger. And now Queen Elizabeth in a Progress went to Oxford; where she took pleasure in viewing the Colleges, in hearing Orations, in seeing of Comedies, till the Comedy of Palemon and Arcett turned to a Tragedy, for by the fall of a wall, through the multitude of people that pressed in to see it; three men were slain. At her coming away, she made an Oration in Latin to the Scholars, a sufficient recompense for all the Orations they had made to her. And this year, was a call of seven new Sergeants at Law, who kept their Feast at Gray's Inn in Holborn. Upon the Queen's return from Oxford, the Parliament began, where they presently fell upon the m●tter of succession; and moving the Queen to marrys in which points some went so far, that they spared not to accuse the Queen, as one careless of Posterity to defame Cecil with libels and reproaches, as if he were her Counselors in this matter; but above all, to curse Doctor Huic her Physician, who was thought to dissuade her from Marriage, by reason of I know not what womanish insufficiency. At last in the Upper House it was agreed, That Sir Nich●la● Bacon, Lord Keeper, their Orator, should in all their names beseech the Queen to marry; and withal, to declare a Successor in the Crown, if she should happen to die without Issue; for which he gave many reasons, declaring what mischiefs were likely to befall the Kingdom, if she should die before a Successor were designed. But in the Lower House there were some, amongst whom, were Bell and Mounson (two Lawyers of great account) Dutton, Sir Paul Wentwort●, and other, who grew to far higher terms, disparaging the Queen's Authority, and saying, That Princes were bound to design a Successor; and that in not doing it, the Queen should show herself no better than a parricide of her Country. The Queen was contented to bear with words spoken in Parliament; which spoken out of Parliament, she would never have endured: but not willing to expostulate the matter with the whole number, she commanded that thirty of the Higher House, and as many of the Lower, should appear before her, to whom she delivered her mind to this effect; That she knew what danger hangeth over a Prince's head, when a Successor is once declared; she knew that even children themselves, out of a hasty desire of bearing Rule, had taken up Arms against their own fathers; and how could better conditions be expected from kindred? She had by reading observed, That Successors in a collateral Line, have seldom been declared; and that Lewis of Orleans, and Francis of Angoulesme were never declared Successors, and yet obtained the Crown without any noise. Lastly, she said, Though I have been content to let you debate the matter of Succession, yet I advise you to beware, that you be not injurious to your Prince's patience. With these and the like reasons she gave so good satisfaction, that they never after troubled her with making any more such motion. And though she consented not in plain terms to declare a Successor, yet soon after she gave some intimation of it; for one Thornton, a Reader of the Civil Law in London, who in his Lectures, called the Queen of Scots Right in question, was clapped up in prison for his labour. In the beginning of her ninth year, Charles the ninth, King of Fr●nc●, sent his Ambassador Ramboulet into England to the Queen, with the Robes and Ornaments of the Order of S. Michael, to bestow upon which two of her Nobility she pleased; and she making choice of the Duke of Norfolk, and the Earl of Leicester, they were by Ramboulet invested with them; an Honour that had never been conferred upon any English, but only K. Henry the eighth, King Edward the sixth, and Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk, though afterward prostituted almost to any, without difference. And now to return to the Affairs of Scotland: The nineteenth of june last passed, the Queen of Scots, in a happy hour, was at Edinborough Castle delivered of a Son, that was afterward james the sixth of Scotland, and the first Monarch of Great Britain; whereof she presently sent word to Queen Elizabeth by james Melvyne; who thereupon sent Sir Henry Killigrew to congratulate her safe deliverance, and her young son, with all demonstration of love and amity. But now the love of the Queen of Scots to her husband the Lord Darly, was not so hot at first, but it was now grown to be as cold; and she had not heaped honour on him so fast before, but now as fast she taketh them off: for where before in all public Acts, she had used to place her husband's name first, now she caused it to be placed last, and in the coining of money began to leave it quite out. This unkindness between them was fomented by one David Rizie an Italian, whom the Queen had taken into her service, first, as a Musician, and then taking a liking to him, made him here Secretary for the French Tongue; by means whereof, he had oftentimes secret conference with her, when the King her Husband might not be admitted. This indignity the King himself, being given to his pleasures of Hunting and Hawking, resented not so much, as some Lords that were his friend's; who told him plainly, That it stood not with his Honour to suffer this fellow to live. By whose instigation the King drawn to plot his death; One day, taking with him the Earl of Reuven, and other, he rushed into the Queen's Chamber at her Supper time, where finding David Rizie at a Cupboard, tasting some meat that had been taken from the Table, he seized upon him, dragged him forth into an outer Chamber, and there murdered him; the Queen at that time being great with child, and like by that affright to have miscarried: But the Fact being done, the King came in to her again, assuring her there was no hurt at all intended to her Person. The man that had animated the King to do this fact, was especially the Earl Murray, of whom it is necessary to say something, because his part will be the greatest of all the Scottish Actions of this time. He was the base son of King james the fifth, and so the base brother of the Queen; made at first, Prior of Saint Andrew's: But not liking that Religious Title, he affected rather some Temporal Honour; which when the Queen, being then in France, denied him, then in an angry mood returned into Scotland, where, by the advice of Knox, whom he held for a great Patriarch, brought the matter so to pass, that in an Assembly of the States, the Religion was altered, and the French were banished out of Scotland. Yet afterward, as soon as the Queen was a Widow, he posted into France, and so insinuated with her, that she created him Earl of Murray, and promoted him to an Honourable Marriage. Being thus exalted, he returned into Scotland; where, for the further growth of his ambitious designs, he sowed seeds of Sedition, affirming often, what a misery it was to be under the Command of a woman; and that Royalty was not to be tied to any Stock or Kindred, but to Virtue only, whether the parties were legitimaie or no; by this course making way to the Kingdom for himself. To this end, he used all the mea●s he could to keep the Queen from marrying again; which when he could not effect, he then sought ways how to make discord between her and her Husband; for which cause he had caused the King to murder Rizie. Of the foulness of which Fact, when the King had a while grew sensible, he meant to be revenged of Murray, who had counselled him to do it: which Murray understanding, prevented it with causing the like to be done to him, as will presently be seen. For the Queen having been delivered of a Son, and the day appointed for the Christening being come; where the Godfathers were Charles King of France, and Philibert Duke of Savoy; Queen Elizabeth being requested to be Godmother, sent thither the Earl of Bedford as her Deputy, and a Font of Massy Gold for a Present, in value 1043 l. but gave him express Command, That he should not honour Darly with the Title of King. But before a month or two, after the Christening were passed, The King in a stormy and tempestuous night, was strangled in his Bed, and then cast forth into the Garden, and the house immediately blown up with Gunpowder. The rumour of this murder being spread abroad, the common Fame laid it upon Murray and Morton, and their Confederates; Murray and Morton upon the Queen: But we must not here give ear to that which BUCHANAN writes; who to curry favour with the Earl MURRAY, lays most impudent scandals upon the Queen; whereof, before his death, he repented himself extremely. The King thus murdered, and the QUEEN left alone to herself, she is counselled to marry with some, that might be able to assist her against all her opposites: JAMES Hepburn Earl of Bothwell being then greatly in her favour, and of great eminency for his valour: And though he were the man that had acted the murder, yet is he by Murray and his confederates, commended to the Queen; to which motion, as being destitute of friends, and not knowing whom to trust; she at last consents, but upon these conditions, That above all things, respect might be had to her young Son; and that Bothwell might be legally quitted, both from the bond of his former marriage, and also of the King's murder. Hereupon a course is plotted, by which, Bothwell is called to the Bar; and Morton being his Advocate, by the Sentence of Judges he is clearly acquitted. Upon this, he is created Duke of Orken●y, and by consent of many of the Nobility, is married to the Queen; which bred a suspicion in many, that the Queen was conscious of the murder, which was the thing that by the marriage they intended: And the suspicion once raised, they seek by all means to increase, that they may have the better colour against her; and so, the very same man who had absolved Bothwell, and consented to the marriage, now takes Arms against her, as a Delinquent in both; force him to flee, and then seize upon the Queen, whom, cl●d in a very homely garment, they thrust into prison in Loch-levyn, under the custody of Murray's mother, who had been the Harlot of King james the fifth; but boasting herself to have been his lawful wife, and her son, his lawful Issue. Queen Elisabeth having at length notice hereof, sent Sir Nicholas Throgmorton into Scotland, to expostulate with the Confederates, touching this insolent usage of the Queen; and to consult, by what means she might be restored to her liberty. But Throgmorton coming into Scotland, found the Confederates in more insolent terms than had been reported; being divided in opinion, what to do with the Queen, some would have her banished perpetually, into England or France; some would have her questioned before the Judges, committed to perpetual custody, and her son proclaimed King: others, more inhuman, would have her at once deprived of Princely Authority, of life and all; and this, Knox and some other Ministers thundered out of the Pulpits. Throgmorton on the other side, alleged many passages out of the holy Scriptures, touching Obedience to the higher Powers; maintaining, That the Queen was subject to no Tribunal, but that in Heaven; That no Judge upon Earth might call her in question; That there was no Office nor Jurisdiction in Scotland, which was not derived from her Authority, and revokeable at her pleasure. They again opposed the peculiar Right of the Kingdom of Scotland; and that in extraordinary cases, they were to proceed besides order, taking up buchanan's Arguments; who in those days, by instigation of Murray, wrote that damned Dialogue, De jure Regni apud Scotos; wherein, against the verity of the Scottish History, he endeavours to prove, That the People have power, both to create, and to depose their King. After all their debating, all that Throgmorton could get of them, was a Writing without any Subscription, wherein they protested, They had shut up the Queen for no other intent, but to keep her apart from Bothwell, whom she loved so desperately, that to enjoy him, she regarded not all their ruins; willing him to rest satisfied with this Answer, till such time as the rest of the Peers met together. And notwithstanding all he could say, they shut up the Queen daily, in more strait custody, though with tears she besought them to deal more mildly with her, and to let her but once have a sight of her son, which would not be granted her. At last when fair persuasions would not serve to make her freely give over the Kingdom, they threatened to question her openly for incontinent living, for the King's murder, and for Tyranny, so as through fear of death, they compelled Her, unheard, to set her hand to three Instruments; In the first whereof, she gave over the Kingdom to her young son, at that time scarce thirteen Months old: In the second, she constituted Murray Viceroy during the minority of her son: In the third, in case he refused the charge, these Governors were nominated; james Duke of Chasteau, Herald, Giles Spike Earl of Argile, Matthew Earl of Lenox, john Earl of Athol, james Earl of Mo●ton, Alexander Earl of Glencarn, and john Earl of Mar. And presently she signified to Queen Elizabeth by Throgmorton, that she had made these grants by compulsion through the counsel of Throgmorton, telling her that a grant extorted from one in prison (which is a just fear) is actually void and of no effect. Five days after the Queen had made this Resignation, james the sixth, the Queen's Son, was Anointed and Crowned King, john Knox preaching at the same time; but a Protestation was then put in by the hamilton's, that all this aught to be no prejudice to the Duke of Chasteau Herald in his Right of succession against the Family of Lenox; but Queen Elisabeth had forbidden Throgmorton to be at the Action, that she might not seem by the presence of her Ambassador, to approve their proceeding in displacing of the Queen. Fifteen days after this transaction, Murray himself returned ou● of France into Scotland, and within three days went to the Queen with some other of the confederates, who charged her with many crimes, and wished her if she tendered her Life and Honour, to observe these prescriptions: Not to disturb the peace of the Kingdom, nor desire to be at Liberty, not to stir up the Queen of England, or the King of France to m●le●t Scotland with any War, not to think any more of Bothwells' love, or meditate revenge upon Bothwells adversaries. Murray being now proclaimed Regent of Scotland, he bindeth himself under his Hand and Seal to do nothing which shall concern War or Peace, the King's Person or his marriage, or the Liberty of the Queen, without the consent of the confederates; and then gives Throgmorton warning by Lyding●on, not to make any further intercession for the Queen's Liberty, for that he and the rest had rather run any hazard then to suffer it. Soon after he puts to death john H●pburn, Daglish, and others that were Bothwells servants, for having a hand in the murder of the King: But they (which he little expected) when they were at the Gallows, ready to die, protested before God and his holy Angels, that Bothwell had told them, that Morton and M●rray were the first authors of the murder. They freed the Queen from all suspicion, like as Bo●hwell himself being prisoner in Denmark, both living and dying, often protested with deep asseverations, that the Queen was innocent. And fourteen years after, Morton going to execution, confessed that Bo●hwell dealt with him to consent to the murder of the King, which, when he refused utterly unless the Queen under her hand writing would allow of it; Bothwell made answer, that could not be, but the fact must be done without her knowledge. A little before this time, upon one and the same day, died two of the Privy Council, Sir john Mason Treasurer of the Queen Chamber, a grave and learned man, but a great Usurper and Encroacher upon Ecclesiastical Livings; and Sir Richard sackvile Vice-Treasurer of the Exchequer, a man both prudent and provident, and allied to the Queen by her mother An●e Bol●●. In his room succeeded Walter Mildmay, a man of wisdom and integrity; In Mason's Office came Sir Francis Knowles, who married Katherine Car●e, the daughter of Mary Bolen, the Queen's Mother's Sister. It was now the year 1567. And the tenth year of Queen Elizabeth's Reign, when the Earl of Stolberg came into England from the Emperor Max●millian, to treat of the marriage of the Queen with the Archduke Charles upon which very occasion the Queen a little before had sent the E. of Sussex to the Emperor, with the Order of the Garter: But in the Treaty of marriage, there fell out so many difficulties, about Religion, maintenance of the Duke, about the Royal Title, and concerning succession, that after it had been treated of seven whole years together, it came at last to nothing, and the Duke not long after married Mary daughter to Albert the fifth Duke of Bavaria; yet both he and the Emperor continued ever after a good correspondence with the Queen. About this time, there came from john Basil Emperor of Russia and Muscovia, Stephen Twerdic●, and Theodore P●gorella, with a Present of rich Furs of Otter, Miniver, and the like, tendering all service and obsequiousness to the Queen and the English. The Merchants by virtue of a Grant from Queen Mary, had combined themselves into a Society, which they called the Muscovie Company; and having large Privileges granted them from the Emperor, went thither with a Navy yearly, making a very gainful Voyage; but than it proved most gainful, when for the Queen's sake they obtained at the Emperor's hands, in the year 1569. That none but the English of that Company, should Traffic in the North-parts of Russia. With these Russian Ambassadors there returned into England, Anthony jenkinson, who in his Travels had made curious Observation of Russia, set forth a Geographical Description of it, and was the first of the English that sailed through the Caspian Sea. And this year, the 8. of June, Sir Thomas Sackvile was created Baron of Buckhurst, at Whitehall. We have seen before, the first Act of the Queen of Scots Tragedy: Now comes in the second, having been 11 Months kept a prisoner; at last, by the help of George Dowglas, to whose Brother she was committed, she made escape from Loch-levyn, to Hamiltons' castle; where upon the testimonies of Robert Melvyn, and others, in a meeting of a great part of the Nobility, there was drawn a sentence declaratory, That the Grant extorted from the Queen in prison, (which is justus metus) was actually void from the beginning. Upon which Declaration, great multitudes ●locked to her, so as within a day or two she had gotten an Army of at least six thousand; but when they joined battle with Murray, being but raw and unexpert Soldiers, they were soon defeated. In this case, the Queen sought to save herself by flight, journeying in one day threescore miles, and coming at night to the house of Maxwell Lord Heris, from thence she sent john Beton to Queen Elisabeth with a Diamond Ring, which she had formerly received from her, as a Pledge of mutual Amity; intimating, that she would come into England, and implore her aid, if her Subjects offered to prosecute her any further. Queen Elisabeth returned answer, that she should expect from her, in abundant manner, all loving and friendly offices. But before the Messenger was returned, she, contrary to the advice of her friends, entered into a small Bark, & with the Lords, Heris, and Fleming, and a few others, landed at Wickinton in Cumberland, near the mouth of the River of Decwent, the seventeenth day of May; and the same day wrote Letters to the Queen in French with her own hand, the effect whereof was, That having made an escape from the the hands of her insolent and rebellious Subjects, she was now come into England, upon certain hope of her approved clemency; and therefore humbly desiring, she might forthwith be conducted to her presence. Queen Elisabeth sending Letters by Sir Francis Knolles, comforted her, and promised her aid and defence, according to the equity of her cause; but denied her access, for that she was held guilty of many crimes, giving command to have her brought to Carlisle, as a place of better safety. The Queen of Scots receiving this answer, and finding access to the Queen denied her, maketh request again by Letter, that she might have leave, both to unfold the injuries she had received, and to answer the crimes objected, in her own presence; humbly entreating her, that either she might be admitted to have conference and assistance, or else have free leave to depart out of England, to gain supply elsewhere, and not be held a prisoner in the Castle at Carlile● for ●s much as she came voluntarily into England, relying upon her love so often professed. Upon these Letters, Queen Elisabeth exceedingly commiserated her case, and could have found in her heart to admit her to her presence, but that her Counsellors conceived it to be matter for consultation, what to do in this case. To detain her in England, had many mischiefs attending on it; to send her into France; as many; to send her back into Scotland, many more; so as in conclusion, the most were of opinion, to have her detained, as one taken by right of War, and not to be dismissed, till she had made satisfaction for assuming the Title of England, and for the death of Darly her husband, who was born one of the Queen's Subjects. In this diversity of opinions, Queen Elisabeth out of her own judgement, sent word by Middemore, to the Regent of Scotland, that he should come himself in person, or else depute some fit persons to answer the complaints of the Queen of Scots against him and his confederates, and render sufficient reasons wherefore they had deprived her; otherwise● she would forthwith dismiss her, and with all the forces she could, settle her in her Kingdom. To this Summons, Murray obeys, and comes to York, the place appointed for this Treaty, accompanied with seven more of his intimate friends, who stood Delegates for the Infant King, namely, james Earl of Morton, Adam Bishop of the Ork●neys, Robert of Dunferm, Patrick Lord of Lyndsey, james Mac-gylly, and Henry ●adinary; and with these, Lydington the Secretary, and Ge●rge Buchanan. And the very same day came thither Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk, Thomas Ratcliff Earl of Sussex, and Sir Ralph Saedler a Privie-Councellour, appointed Commissioners for Queen Elisabeth. For the Queen of Scots, (who took it heinously, that Queen Elisabeth would not hear the caus● h●r self, but refer h●r to Subjects, being an absolute Prince, and not ty●d to their proceedings) there appeared john Lesley Bishop of Ross, William Lord Levyng●●on, Robert Lord Boyde, Ga●●● of Kilwynnin, john G●urd●n, and james Cock●urn. Being met, Lydingto● turning himself to the Scots, in a wondrous liberty of Speech, gave them this advice, Maturely to consider, what prejudice they should draw upon themselves, by accusing th● Queen of Scots, and calling her Reputation in question publicly before the English, professed enemies of the Scottish Nation. Likewise, wha● account they shall be able to give hereof to the King, when he shall grow to ●iper y●●rs, and shall see what an injury this was to the Kingdom, his Mother, and his own per●on. Wherefor● (said he) it seemeth requisite to forbear this business altogether, unless the Queen of England will enter into a mutual league of Offence and Defence, against all those, which under this pretence, shall go about ●o molest us. Upon this Speech of his, the Delegates of the Que●n of Scots made Protestation, That although it pleased the Qu●●n of Scots, to have the cause between her and her disloyal Subjects, d●●●ted befo●● the English, yet she being a free Prince, and obnoxious to no earthly Prince whatsoever, did not thereby yield herself subject to th● Jurisdiction and command of any person. On the contrary, the English protested, That they did in no wise admi● that Protestation, in prejudice to the right which the Kings of England have anciently challenged as superior Lords of the Kingdom of Sco●land. The day after, the Queen of Sco●s Delegates s●t forth at large the injurious dealing of Morton, Murray, Marre, Gle●car●, 〈◊〉, and others, against the Queen; and how they had compelled h●r, for fear of death, to resign her Crown; which therefore (they said) was of no ●or●●. Murray and his confederates make answer, That they had done nothing, but by consent of the Peers in Parliament; and tha● in prosecuting o● Bothwell, the author of the King's murder, whom the Queen protected; and as for her resignation, ●hat it was voluntarily and freely done. All this the Queen of Scots Delegates answered and confuted, affirming in particular, That where there are 100 Earls, Bishops and Barons, (more or less) that have voices in the Parliament of Scotland, there were not in that tum●ltous assembly they speak of, above four Earls, one Bishop, an Abbot or two, and six Barons; wherefore their earnest request was, that the Queen of England would be ●●nsible of these indignities offered her; and take some course for a speedy redness. After this, some new Commissioners from Queen Elizabeth were added to the former, to some of whom, the Queen of Scots took exception; unless the French and Spanish Ambassadors might be taken in, and herself admitted into the presence of the Queen and them, publicly to defend her own innocency; and that Murray might be detained and ●ited, whom she affirmed, she was able to prove to have been the chief Plotter of the murder of her husband Darley. This was held to be a just demand by the Duke of Norfolk, the Earls of Arundel, Sussex, Leicester, and the Lord Clinton: But Queen Elizabeth waxing somewhat angry, openly said, that the Queen of Scots should never want an Advocate as long as Norfolk lived: It was seen here, which is said, that the heart of the King is inscrutable; for how Queen Elizabeth stood affected in this case of the Queen of Scots, no man could well discerns she detested the insolency of her Subjects in deposing her, and yet gave no assistance to restore her. After long agitation of this business, and nothing concluded, Murray a little before his return into Scotland, slyly propounded the marriage of the Queen of Scots to the Duke of Norfolk; which he with a modest answer rejected as a thing full of danger. But withal, Murray the more to alienate Queen Elizabeth's mind from the Queen of Scots, gave ou●, that she had passed away to the Duke of Andyn her Right to the Crown of England, and that the transaction was confirmed at Rome; he showed Letters also which the Queen of Scots had written to some friends whom she trusted; wherein she accused the Queen for not dealing with her according to promise, and boasted of succours she expected from some others. This last clause something troubled Queen Elizabeth, neither could she conjecture from whence any such succour should come; seeing both France with the Civil Wars, and the King of Spain in the Low-countries had enough to do at home. But at last it broke out, that one Robert Ridolph a Florentine under the habit of a Merchant in London, was suborned by Pope ●ius the fifth, to make a secret commotion of the Papists in England against the Queen, which he performed indeed with a great deal of secrecy and much cunning; whereupon the Queen of Scots was removed from Bolton (a Castle of the Lord Scroops) where all the neighbouring people were Papists● to Tutbury more toward the heart of the Country, under the custody of George Earl of Shrewsbury. About this time the Guises in France, and the Duke D'Alva in the Low-countries, began to endeavour the utter extirpation of the Protestant Religion. In France the Ministers of the Gospel are commanded within a limited time to depart the Kingdom; when Queen Elizabeth forgetting the fickleness of the Protestants at New-haven, once again takes upon her their protection; supplies them with two hundred thousand Crowns in money, besides Munition in abundance, and with all humanity receives the French that fled into England; the rather, for that they made solemn protestation they took not up Arms against their Prince; but only stood upon their own defence. In the Low-countries likewise, the Duke D'Alva, breathing nothing but slaughter and blood; made the Dutch come flocking into England as into a Sanctuary, where with all courtesy they were received. And here it will be fit to show how the War in the Low-countries began first, which was thus: At which time the King of Spain brought in the Spanish Inquisition● a small number of the meaner sort of people, in tumultuous manner● cast the Images out of Churches and broke ●hem in pieces, and although that tumult was soon quieted, yet the King of Spain taking advantage at the rashness of a few, to charge the whole Nation with Rebellion: sent amongst them Ferdinando Alvarez, Duke D' Alva, a bloody and fierce man, (who contrary to the Ordinances and customs of the Country) took away all authority from the ordinary Courts of Justice; Erected new consistories; condemned and put to death the Peers, without trial by their lawful Judges; Placed Garrisons of Spaniards throughout all their Cities and Villages, and by force exacted the twentieth part of the fruits of the Earth, and the tenth of moveables upon every Alienation. At that time, a mighty mass of money borrowed from the Genoese, and other Italian Merchants was sent out of Spain into the Low-countries, there to be employed to interest, which being brought by shipping, was pursued by the French; and forced to fly for succour into the Havens of England, whom the Queen commanded to be succoured; as conceiving the money to be the King of Spain's as it was given out: But at the same time, Cardinal Odette coming out of France into England, and giving notice to the Queen that the money was not the King of Spain's, but belonged to certain merchants of Geneva; from whence the Duke D' Alva had taken it against their will, with a purpose to employ it to the ruin of the Protestants; and information also being given her by one that had a property in the money that it was so● she determined to put in security, and to borrow the money of the merchants herself, which is an usual thing with Princes when goods are taken in their Ports; and the King of Spain himself had lately done the like. The Duke D' Alva being informed of this dealing of thee Queens; by Gerard de Speses the King of Spain's Ambassador in England; seizeth presently upon all the goods of the English in the Low-countries, and kept the men prisoners; The Queen did the like with the Dutch merchants in England, Letters of Mart were granted on both sides, and this grew to such a quarrel between the Nations, that being nourished with other differences afterward, it brought forth in Eighty Eight, that Spanish Invasion, which is, and will be memorable in all future Ages. Upon occasion of this Money detained, certain Peers of England, amongst whom, were the Duke of Norfolk, the marquis of Winchester, the Earls of Arundel, Northumberland, Pembroke, Leicester, and others, Accused Sir William Cecil, for sending away money into France, making this their colour, but done indeed out of envying his great favour with the Queen, and suspecting him to incline to the house of Suffolk in the matter of succession. Hereupon they consult secretly how to get him be imprisoned; and Throgmorton (who envied him as much as they) suggesting that if he were once clapped up, they might soon find out a way to crush him; But the Queen (by what means it is uncertain) coming to have notice hereof, gave a check to their purpose, and protected Cecil against their combined practices. The Earl Murray being returned into Scotland, makes the Lords believe that he desires a meeting at Edinbourgh, to consult about restoring the Queen to her Liberty; but as Hamilton Duke of Chasteau Herald (appointed Vicegerent of the Kingdom by the Queen) and the Lord Heris were coming thither, he circumvented them, and before any of the rest came cast them into prison; and forthwith in an open War, oppresseth all her Favourers. It may be thought, the Earl Murray could have been content, the Queen should have been set at liberty; but that he knew, her liberty could not be without his servitude; and Queen Elisabeth perhaps would willingly have had her resto●e● to her Kingdom, but that she doubted, her restoring would endanger her own security: And thus, while they regarded their own ends in the first place, and hers but in the second, she had the fortune to be pitied, but not the happiness to be relieved; and all she could do herself, was but to tie the knot of her bonds the faster; if she could have sat still, they would perhaps have loosened of themselves; but now, the more she stirred, the more she was entangled. And now the Destiny of the Duke of Norfolk began to work: It was in every one's mouth, that the Duke should marry the Queen of Scots; and it is true, there had been motions made; but the matter not so forward, as the Voice of the People, which commonly presageth what will follow. It had been motioned to the Duke at York, by the Bishop of Ros●e; and afterward (in pretence at least.) by Murray himself at Hampton-Court; but the Duke, before he would resolve in the matter, deliberated with the Earls of Aru●dell, Northumberland, Westmoreland, Sussex, Pembroke, Southampton, and Leicester himself, who all judged it fit, he should acquaint the Queen with it first, and then leave the matter to her liking. Within a few days, Sir Nicholas Throgmorton meeting the Duke in the Palace at Westminster, advised him, to move the Earl of Leicester himself to embrace the match, seeing he had formerly sued for it; but if he refused it, then at least to take him along with him, for that himself alone would hereby be able to procure the Queen's consent. A day or two after, the Earl of Leicester propounded the matter to the Duke, and then communicateth it to the Earls of Arundel and Pembroke; who thereupon, together with Throgmorton, wrote Letters to the Queen of Scots, commending the Duke of Norfolk to her for a Husband; the Duke himself likewise writeth to her, tendering his singular Love and respect unto her. Upon this, Articles are drawn, written with Leicester's own hand, and sent to the Queen of Scots; to which if she consented, they then promised to procure, that Queen Elisabeth should give her assent, and that forthwith she should be reinvested in her Kingdom, and the Succession of England should be confirmed upon her. We may easily believe, the Queen of Scots was not hardly drawn to give consent to her own desire; but in the mean time, the Duke had imparted to the Lord Lumley the whole proceeding, and had much ado to get the Earl of Leicester's consent, that he might advise of it with some other of his Friends; yet a little after, he opened the matter to Cecil also. The rumour of this Marriage was soon come to the Queen's ears; which the Duke understanding, he dealt earnestly with the Earl of Leicester, to have the matter propounded to the Queen out of hand. Leicester makes delays, and pretends causes to put it off● which Cecil seeing, he adviseth the Duke, to go and acquaint the Queen with it himself. This council Leicester opposed, promising to open it to the Queen as she went in Progress. At length, at Farnham, the Duke standing by as the Queen sat at Table, she gave him a tart Admonition, That he were best take heed, upon what pillow he rested his head. After this, at Tichfield, Leicester fell sick, or at least counterfeited; to whom the Queen coming, and bidding him be of good cheer; he with sighs and tears craved pardon for his fault, and unfolded to her the whole story from the very beginning. Whereupon, the Queen called the Duke into the Gallery, reproving him sharply, for going about the Marriage, without acquainting her; and commanding him, upon his Allegiance, to desist. The Duke made her a free and hearty promise of obedience, and spared not to say (as if he little regarded the Qu. of Scots) that his Revenues in England were not much less than hers in Scotland; and that when he was at his house in Norwich, he thought himself in a sort not inferior to some kings: but notwithstanding, finding the Queen's anger by her countenance, and perceiving Leicester to be in a manner quite alienated, & most of the Nobility also, as scarcely saluting him when they met him, he grew extremely dejected, and prepared presently to leave the Court, meaning to stay at Norfolk, till by his friend's intercession, and his own submissive Letters, the Queen's heart might be mollified towards him: Mean while, the Court was suspitously fearful, lest he should raise Rebellion, and (they say) it was concluded, that if he did so, the Qu. of Scots should presently be made away. And now the Duke, who held secret commerce by Letters with the Bishop of Ross, Throgmorton and Leicester (for they were sent to and fro in bottles) being examined touching the marriage of the Qu. of Scots, and certain secret conferences with the Bishop of Rosse, confessed most of the Objections, and was thereupon committed to the Tower, under the custody of Sir Henry Nevil; within two days after the Bishop of Rosse likewise is examined, and together with the Florentine Robert Ridolph, is delivered to the custody of Sir Francis Walsingham, the Earl of Pembroke is confined to his house, and examined privately; but his confession was not committed to writing; It being his request because he could not write himself. At this time, the rumour of Insurrection in the North, begun in Autumn before, grew very strong, by reason of some frequent meetings of the Earls of Northumberland, Westmoreland, and others, who thereupon being upon their Allegiance sent for to repair presently to the Queen, they make delays (for they stayed waiting for supplies, both from the Scots, and from the Duke D'Alva) when the Earl of Northumberland, doubtful what to do, was frighted of purpose by his servants, telling him, that men in Arms were near at hand to apprehend him; Who thereupon in a tempestuous night, riseth out of his bed, and in great fear gets into his Park at Topcliffe, and the night following to Branspith to the Earl of westmerland's house, where a great many were met that were acquainted with the Enterprise: Here they broke forth into an open Rebellion, being pressed forward, by one Nicholas Morton a Romish Priest, sent by the Pope to pronounce Queen Elizabeth an Heretic; and therefore to have utterly lost all Right of Sovereignty: By and by they send forth a writing, wherein they declare that they had taken Arms for no other end, b●t that the Religion of their forefathers might be restored, wicked Counsellors removed from the Queen, the Duke of Norfolk, and others of the loyal Nobility relieved, who were now in disgrace; but towards the Queen, professing themselves most dutiful Subjects; withal they send Letters to the Papists all the Kingdom over, requiring them to come to their assistance● but they were so far from joining with them, that many sent both the Letters and the bearers of them to the Queen, and afforded their aides and purposes against them; no less than the best Protestants, even the Duke of Norfolk himself was not backward in it. These Rebels go first to Durham, where th●y tear in pieces all the Bibles and Books of Common Prayer they could find in Churches of the English tongue: when they had been twelve days in Rebellion, they numbered their Army, and could not reckon above 600 horse, and 4000 foot; whereupon being certainly informed, that the E: of Sussex with 7000, and the E: of Warwick with 12, were setting out against them, they betook themselves to Rabie, the chief house of the E: of Westmerl●●d; going from thence they besieged Bernard's castle, which for lack o● provision, was yielded to them. At which time, being proclaimed Traitors and he●ring afresh of the great forces that were coming against them, th● two Earls with a small company, get presently into Scotland hard by, where the Earl of Northumberland hid himself at Harclow; in a poor Cottage, amongst the Grayhams (famous Robbers) who afterwards betrayed him to the Earl Murray: Westmoreland made a shift to get into the Low-Countryes, where he had a slender Pension from the King of Spain, and there lived even to old age. Of the rest, for terror and examples sake, there were hanged at Durham, threescore and six of the chief; amongst whom, Plomtree, a noted Priest. At York were executed, Simon Digby, john Fulthrop, Thomas Bishop, Robert Penyman; and at London a few months after, Christopher and Thomas; and some other in other places. After this, the heads of the Rebels being convict of High Treason, were proscribed; namely, Charles, Earl of Westmoreland; Thomas, Earl of Northumberland; Anne, Countess of Northumberland; Edward Dacres of Morton; john Nevil of Leversege; john Swinborn, Thomas Markenfield, Egremond Ratcliff, brother to the Earl of Sussex; Christopher Nevil, Richard Norton, Christopher Marmaduke, Robert and Michael Tempest, George Stafford, and forty others of good account. Out of the ashes of this Rebellion, a new fire was kindled at Naworth in Cumberland, by Leonard Dacres, second son to the Lord Dacres of Gyllisland; He was a Party with the Earls in their Rebellion; but they breaking forth sooner than he expected, and he at that time being at the Court, and there admitted to kiss the Queen's hand, tendered his service to go against them; and to that purpose, was sent home: but in his Journey (branding himself with a double disloyalty) he consulted with the Rebels, and encouraged them to go on; and by virtue of Letters of Credence from the Queen, he surprised the Castle of Greystock, and other houses of the Dacres, and gathered together an Army of three thousand men: But being encountered by the Baron of Hunsdon, after a great fight, wherein, though he were crook-backt, he behaved himself valiantly, he was put to flight, and fled into Scotland, from whence soon after, he passed over into the Low-Countryes, and in great misery and poverty died at Louvayn. But though the Queen were thus entangled with Rebellions at home, yet she was not careless of the afflicted Protestants in France; for she stirred up the Protestant Princes to defend the common Cause; supplied them with money, taking in pawn the Queen of Navar's Jewels; and gave leave to Henry Champernoon to lead into France a Troop of a hundred Horse, Gentlemen all, and Voluntaries; amongst whom were Philip Butshed, Francis Barkley, and Walter Raleigh, a very young man, who now began to look into the world. But as the Queen of England assisted the French, so in revenge thereof, the King of France meant to assist the Scots, but that he was taken away by death; being slain by a shot, at the Siege of S. john D'Angelo. There was at this time a Rebellion in Ireland also, raised by Edmund and Peter, brothers to Boteler Earl of Ormond; but after many outrages by them committed: the Earl of Ormond first by persuasions, obtained of them to submit themselves; and when notwithstanding they were committed to prison, he then obtained of the Queen they should not be called to the Bar, being exceedingly grieved that any of his Blood should be attainted of Rebellion. The rest of the Rebels were pursued by Sir Humphrey Gilbert, and soon dispersed. And now the Earl of Murray, Regent of Scotland, when he had wrought all things to his hearts desire, and thought himself secure, at Lithquo, riding along the streets, was shot into the belly with a Bullet, beneath the Navel, and there fell down dead. The actor was a Hamilton, who did it upon a private revenge, for that Murray had forced him to part with a piece of Land which he had by his wife; who thereupon falling Lunatic, he in a great rage committed this slaughter. After Murrayes death, the Country being without a Regent, was cause of many disorders. Tho. Car, and Walter Scot, two principal men amongst the Scottish Borders, and devoted to the Queen of Scots, made Inroads into England; wasting all places with fire and sword, till by Forces sent out of England; under the command of the Earl of Sussex, and the Lord H●nsdon, they were defeated. In whose pursuit, three hundred villages were ●ired, and above fifty Holds were over-turned. For which service the Earl made many Knights, as Sir William Drury, Sir Thomas Manners, Sir George Carie, Sir Robert Constable and others, and then returned. And now to prevent further disorders, the Lords of Scotland being ready to assemble about the election of a new Regent, they asked counsel of Queen Elizabeth in the matter; but she making answer she would not meddle in it, because she would not be thought to work any thing prejudicial to the Queen of Scots, whose cause was not yet tried● they created Matthew Earl of Lenox Regent; which Queen Elizabeth did the better like, as conceiving he could not choose out of natural affection, but have a special care of the young King being his Grandchild. But while Queen Elizabeth favoured the King's Party in Scotland, the Earl of Hun●ley, the Duke of Castle-H●rald, and the Earl of Argyl●, (the Queen of Scots Lieutenant's) employ the Lord Seton to the Duke D'Alva, Requiting him for many great reasons, to vindicate the Queen of Scots liberty alleging how acceptable a work it would be to all Christian Princes and to the whole Catholic Church: whereunto the Duke made answer; They should find him ready to the uttermost of his power to satisfy their Request. At which time also the French King dealt earnestly with Queen Elizabeth to the same purpose; and the Spanish Ambassador in his master's name urged it no less extremely; but Queen Elizabeth assaulted with all these Importunities, made answer, That as she would omit nothing that might serve for the Reconciling of the Queen of Scots and her subjects, so sh● must have leave to provide for her own and her subjects safety; a thing which Nature, Reason, and her own Honour requires at her hands. And now when these Princes prevailed not with Queen Elizabeth to set the Queen of Scots at liberty, ou● comes Pope Pius Quintus with his Bull Declaratory, which he caused to be fastened in the night time upon the gate of the Bishop of London's Palace, wherein all her subjects are absolved from their Oath of Allegiance, or any other duty; and all that obey her, accursed with Anathem●. He that fastened up the Bull was one john F●lton; who never fled for the matter, but as affecting Martyrdom, suffered himself to be apprehended, confessed and justified the Fact, and thereupon arraigned, was condemned and hanged near the place where he had fastened the writing. The same day that Felton was Arraigned, the Duke of Norfolk seeming now extremely pontitent for his fault, and utterly to abhor the marriage, was delivered out of the Tower, and suffered to go to his own house, but yet to be in the custody of Sir Henry Nevil still. Indeed Cecil being a good friend of the Dukes, had told the Queen, That the Law of 25 of Edward the third could not take hold upon him: And now being in a kind of liberty, Cecil deals earnestly with him to marry speedily some other; thereby to take away all suspicion in that behalf: yet some again thought that this liberty of the Dukes was granted him of purpose to bring him into greate● danger. At this time died William Herbert Earl of P●mb●ook the grandchild of an Earl of P●mbrook, yet the son but of an Esquire, and grandfather to Philip Earl of Pembroke and Mountgomery now living, who lieth buried in Paul's, under a fair Monument of Marble, with an Inscription testifying his great deservings while he lived. Many conspiracies were at this time to set the Queen of Scots at liberty; amongst others, there conspired Thomas and Edward Stanley younger sons of the Earl of Derby, with others; but the matter discovered, they were soon suppressed, and some of them executed. And now the Lords of the Queen of Scots Party continuing to protect the English Rebels, the Earl of Sussex once again, accompanied with the Lord Scroop, entereth Scotland, burneth the Villages all along the Valley of Anandale, and compasseth the Duke of Castle-Herald, and the Earls of Huntley and Argyle, under a Writing signed with their own Hands and Seals, to forsake the English Rebels. Whereupon the Earl of Sussex returned home, he made these Knights; Edward Hastings, Francis Russell, Valentine Browne, William Hilton, Robert Stapleton, Henry Carwen, and Simon Musgrave. Queen Elizabeth's mind being now in great suspension, by reason of that Bull from Rome, and the late conspiracy in Norfolk, sent Sir William Cecil, and Sir Walter Mildmay to the Queen of Scots, who was then at Chattesworth in Derbyshire, to consult with her by what means the breach in Scotland might best be made up, She re-invested in her former Dignity, and her son and Queen Elizabeth might be secured● The Queen of Scots did little deplore her own afflicted condition, putting herself wholly upon the Queen's clemency; when the Commissioners made unto her certain Propositions of Agreement: First, That the Treaty of Edinborough should be confirmed: then, That she should renounce her Right and Title to England, during Queen Elizabeth's life, or any children of her body lawfully begotten: then, That she should send her son for a Hostage into England, with other six Hostages; such as the Queen should nominate: then, That the Castles of Humes and Fastcastle should be held by the English for three years; with some other. To which Propositions the Queen of Scots for the present gave a provident answer; but referred the fuller Answer to the Biship of Rosse her Ambassador in ENGLAND, and some other Delegates; who afterwards allowing some of the Propositions, and not allowing others; the Treaty came to nothing, but the matter rested in the state it was before. A● this time Philip King of Spain had contracted Marriage with Anne of Austria, Daughter to the Emperor Maximilian, his own Niece by his Sister; who was now setting Sail from Zealand towards Spain; when Queen Elizabeth, to testify her love and respect to the House of Austria, sent Sir Charles Howard with the Navy Royal, to conduct her thorough the Bri●ish Sea. And now was the twelfth year of Queen Elizabeth's Reign finished; which certain Wizards had made Papists believe should be her last: but contrary, as if it were but her first, a new Custom began, of celebrating the seventeenth day of November (the Anniversary day of her Reign) with ringing of Bells, Tilt, and Bonfires: which Custom, as it now began, so it was never given over as long as she lived, and is not yet forborn so long after her death. At this time in Ireland, Connagher o Brien Earl of Towmond, no● brooking the severe Government of Edward Fitton, Precedent of Connaght, entered into Consultation with some few to raise a new Rebellion; which, being at the point ready to break forth, was strangely discovered: for the day before they meant to ●ake up Arms, Fitton knowing not at all of the matter, sent ●h● Earl word in friendly manner, That the next day he and a few friends with him, would be his Guests. The Earl convinced by his own conscience, imagined that his Intendments were revealed; that Fitton would come as an enemy, rather than a Guest. Out of which feare● he presently set Sail into FRANCE; where repenting himself seriously of his fault, he confessed the whole business to Norris, the Queen's Ambassador in France; and by his intercession, was afterward pardoned and restored. In january, the thirteenth year of her Reign, Queen Elizabeth in royal pomp, entering the City of London, went to see the Burse which Sir Thomas Gresham had lately built, for the use of the Merchants; and with sound of trumpets, and the voice of a Herald, solemnly named it the Royal Exchange. A few days after, for his many great services, she made Sir William Cecil Baron Burgley. There were now about the Scottish affairs, in the name of the King of of Scots, the Earl Morton; Peruare Abbot of Dumformelin; and james Mac-Gray; whom when Queen Elizabeth required to show more clearly, for what causes they had deposed the Queen; they exhibited a long and tedious Commentary; wherein with a certain insolent liberty, they endeavoured to prove, by the ancient Right of the Kingdom of Scotland, that the people of Scotland were above the King: and urged calvin's Authority also, That Popular Magistrates are constituted for the moderation of the Licentiousness of Princes: and that it is lawful for them, both to imprison Kings; and upon just causes, to depose them. This writing the Queen could not read without indignation; but to the Delegates she gave this Answer; She saw no just cause yet, why they should handle the Queen in such manner; and therefore willed them to think upon some course out of hand, how to allay the dissensions in Scotland. Hereupon in Sir Nich. Bacon's house, Keeper of the Great Seal, a Proposition was made to the Bishop of Rosse, the Bishop of Galloway; and Baron Levingston, delegates for the Queen of Scots, that for the security of the Kingdom, and the Qu. of England; it were requisite, that before the Queen of Scots should be let at liberty: The Duke of Castle-Herald the Earl of Huntley and Argyle, the Lord Humes, Heris, and another of the Barons should be delivered for Hostages, and the castle of Dumbriton and H●●e● yielded up into the hands of the English, for three years. But they made Answer, that to yield up great personages, and such fortifications as were demanded; were nothing else; but to leave the miserable Queen utterly destitute of faithful friends, and naked of all places, fit for guard and defence: yet they offered, to give two Earls and two Barons for Hostages, till two years were expired: which not being accepted, they straightway gathered, and spoke it openly; That now they plainly perceived the English meant to keep the Queen of Scots perpetually prisoner, and likewise to break off the Trea●y; seeing they rigorously demanded such security as Scotland was not able to make good. And now Queen Elizabeth seeing that nothing could be done, for her own, the King and Queen of Scots safety, unless Both Factions in Scotland consented; she held it fit that the Lords of Scotland should themselves appoint some chosen persons to compound the matter. While matters in England, proceeded in this sort; the Queen's party in Scotland was hardly used: Dumb●tion Fryth● the strongest castle in Scotland was taken: and I. Hamilton Archbishop of Saint Andrew's; the Duke of Castle-Heralds brother, as an accessary to the murder of D●●lye, was hanged without being arraigned according to Law. In England, the Queen of Scots had all her servants taken from her, except Ten only, and a Priest to say mass: with which indignities the Queen of Scots provoked, causeth a large Commentary of her Counsels, with certain love-letters to the Duke of Norfolk, to be carried to the Pope, and the King of Spain, by Ridolphu●; which being brought first to the Duke, Higford (one that waited on the Duke in his bed chamber) had copied out: but being commanded to burn them, he hid them under a Matt in the Duke Bedchamber; and that (it should seem) purposely. Ridolphus to daw on the Duke to be Head of the discontented Party in England, aggravated to him the wrongs he had suffered● how against all law he had been kept a long time in prison: and now, to his great disgrace, was not Summoned to the Parliament: he exhibited to him a Catalogue of such of the Nobility, who had vowed to Assist him: he showed how the Pope, (so the Catholic Religion might be promoted) would himself undergo all the charge of the War, and had already laid down an hundred thousand Crowns; whereof himself had distributed twelve thousand amongst the English that were fled: he promised, that the King of Spain would send four thousand horse, and six thousand foot to his Assistance; to these reasons the Bishop of Rosse added, That it was an easy matter for him to surprise the Queen; whom, when he had in his hands, he might then set the Queen of Scots at liberty, and might easily obtain of Queen Elizabeth, a toleration of Religion. The former Reasons took somewhat with the Duke, but this point of surprising the Queen, he abhorred, as an impious fact, and therefore rejected as pernicious and Dangerous. In France a little before this, was the marriage solemnised between Charles the ninth King of France, and Elizabeth of Austria daughter to the Emperor Maximilian; in gratulation whereof, Queen Elizabeth sent into France, Thomas Lord Buckhurst, who with great magnificence was received, and perhaps the more, in regard of a motion now intended to be made: for the Lord Buckhurst, having in his retinue, one Guydo Cavalcantius a noble man of Florence, the Queen Mother of France, as being a Florentine herself, had often conference with him, when she would many times say, what a happiness it would be to both the Kingdoms, if a Match were made between the Queen of England and her son Henry Duke of Angiou; and at last desired him to commend the motion to the Queen of England, both from her, and from her son the King of France, as a thing they both exceedingly desired. The Lord Buckhurst returned, having for a present from the King of France a chain weighing a thousand French crowns; and Cavalcantius at his return made the motion to the Queen, who seemed not unwilling to hearken to it; for by this Match, there should be added to the Kingdom of England, the wealthy Dukedoms of Angiou, Bourbon, Auverne, and in possibility, the Kingdom of France itself. Hereupon a Treaty was held, in which the French propounded three Articles, one concerning the Coronation of the Duke; another, concerning the Joint Administration of the Kingdom; a third, concerning a Toleration of his Religion: to which it was answered, that the two first Articles might in some sort be composed; but the third, scarce possibly: for though a contrary Religion might be tolerated, between Subjects of the same Kingdom; yet between a wife and her husband, it seemed very Incongruous and inconvenient; yet the matter at last came to this conclusion, That if the Duke would afford his presence with the Queen at divine Service, and not refuse to hear and learn the doctrine of the Church of England; he should not be compelled to use the English Rites, but at his pleasure use the Roman; not being expressly against the word of God. But upon these Punctilioes they could not accord: and so the Treaty, after it had continued almost a year, broke utterly off. It was indeed generally thought, that the Ma●ch was never really intended of either side, but that they both pretended it, for only their own ends: for the Earl of Leicester (who knew more of the Queen's mind then any man) wrote at this time to Sir Francis Walsingham, the Queen's Ambassador in France, That he found the Queen's inclination so cold in the matter, that though the Point of Religion were ●ully accorded; yet she would find one point or other to break it off. At this time the continuance of the Duke of Norfolk's affection towards the Queen of Scots, came to be discovered by a packet of Letters, sent by Ridolphus to the Bishop of Ros●e, and by Bailiffs confession (who brought the letters) being set upon the Rack; so as the Bishop of Rosse was confined to the Isle of Ely: Thomas Stanley, Sir Thomas Gerard, and R●l●ton were cast into the Tower: and H●nry Howard, who had an aspiring mind to be Archbishop, was committed to the Archbishop of Canterbury's keeping. At the same time the Queen of Scots sent money to her confederates in Scotland; which being by Higford delivered to one Brown to carry, and told it was Silver, when he found by the weight that it was Gold, he began to suspect something; and thereupon went and delivered both the money and Letters to the Lords of the Council. Upon this, Higford being examined, confessed the whole matter; and withal gave notice of that Commentary also of the Queen of Scots which is mentioned before. Two days after, the Duke himself being examined, and knowing nothing what his servau●s had confessed, de●yed every particular; and thereupon, was brought again to the Tower, by Ralph Sadler, Thomas Smith, Henry Nevil, and Doctor Wilson: And after him Bannester, who was the Duke's Counsel at Law: The Earls of Arun●el and Southampton; the Lord Lumley, the Lord Cobham; Henry Percy, Lowder, powel, Goodyer, and others, are committed to prison; who upon hope of pardon, confessed all they knew concerning the matter. When these things, and especially the Commentary, which the Duke thought had been burnt, were showed him, he then cried out, I am betrayed by my own servants; not having learned to be distrustful, which is the very sinew of Wisdom. And then with all submission, he besought the Lords to mediate for him to the Queen; towards whom, he protested he never had the least thought of doing any hurt. And now seeing it appeared that the Bishop of Rosse had been the whole-contriver of the business, it was deliberated what to do with him, because he was an Ambassador. Hereupon divers Civilians are called; as David Lewis, Valentine Dale, William Drury, William Aub●y, and Henry jones; of whom these questions were asked: First, Whether an Ambassador who raiseth Rebellion against that Prince ●o whom he is an Ambassador, may enjoy the Privileges of an Ambassador, and is not liable to punishment? They answered, That such an Ambassador hath forfeited the Privileges of an Ambassador, and is liable to punishment. Secondly, Whether the Minister or Procter of a Prince, who is deposed by public Authority, and in whose room another is Inaugurated, may enjoy the Privileges of an Ambassador? They answered, That if such Prince be lawfully deposed, his Proct●r cannot challenge the Privileges of an Ambassador, forasmuch as none but absolute Princes, and such as have-Right of Majesty, can appoint Ambassadors. Thirdly, Whether a Prince who is come into another Prince's Country, and held in Custody, may have his Proctor; and if he shall be held an Ambassador. They answered, If such a Prince have not lost his Sovereignty, he may have his Proctor; but whether that Proctor shall be reputed as an Ambassador or no, this dependeth upon the Authority of his Delegation. Fourthly, Whether if a Prince give warning to such a Proctor, and to hi●● Prince who is under custody, that this Proctor shall not from henceforth be accounted for an Ambassador; Whether that Proctor may by Law challenge the Privilege of an Ambassador? They answered, A Prince may forbid an Ambassador to enter into hi● Kingdom, and may command him to depart the Kingdom, if he contain n●t himself within his due limits; yet in the mean while he is to enjoy the Privileges of an Ambassador. Upon these Answers, the Bishop of Rosse is warned by the Lords of the Council, that he shall no longer be esteemed an Ambassador, but be punished as his fault shall deserve. The Bishop alleged for himself, That he had not violated the Right of ●n Ambassador Via juris, but V●● Fact●, (to use his own words) and therefore adviseth them, not to use harder measure to him, than was used to the English Ambassadors, 〈…〉 in France, R●ndoll and T●mwo●th in Scotland; who had raised Rebellions there, and were open Abettors of the same; and yet had no greater punishment, then to be gone at a time limited. When they began to urge him what the English had testified against him, he lovingly requested them to give no credit to it● forasmuch as by a received Custom, which hath the force of a Law, The Testimony of an English man against a Scot, or of a Scot against an English man, is not to be admitted: but after some other altercations, the Bishop is led away to the Tower, and kept close prisoner. At this very season, Matthew Earl of Lenox, Regent of Sco●●and, the King's Grandfather was by the adverse party set upon at unawares; who having yielded himself to David Spense of Wormester, (that was then very careful to defend him) together with him, was slain by Bell and C●ulder; when with great industry he had governed the Kingdom for his Grandchild about fourteen months. In whose room, john Areskin, Earl of Mar●e, by common consent of the King's Faction, was chosen Regent of Scotland; who being a man of a quiet disposition, through extreme grief of the m●ny troubles he sustained in the place, departed this life when he had governed thirteen months. And now a Parliament was held at Westminster; wherein, besides a Law for preventing of the treacherous endeavours of seditious subjects, another Law was made, That if any one, during the Queen's life, by Books written or printed, shall expressly affirm, That any i●, or aught to be the Heir or Successor of the Queen (besides the natural Offspring of her Body) or shall to that purpose publish, print, or disperse any Book or Schedules; he, and his favourers, shall for the first offence suffer a years imprisonment, and the loss of one half of his goods: and if they offend again, they shall be in a Praemunire. A Law also was made, by which to be reconciled to the Sea of Rome, was made Treason: and it was pronounced against the Queen of Scots, That if she offended again against the Laws of England, it might be lawful to question her, as the wife of a Peer of the Kingdom of England. But here the Queen interposed her Authority, and would not suffer it to be enacted. About this time, in May, a solemn Tilting was performed at Westminster; where th● Challengers were Edward Earl of Oxford, Charles Howard, Sir Henry Lee, and Chri●●●pher Hatt●n Esquire; who all did valiantly, but the Earl of Oxford best. Assoon as the Parliament was dissolved, a Consultation was held, Whether john Story, Doctor of the Laws, the Duke D'Alva's Searcher (who sometime before, was by a wile brought into England) being an Englishman born; and having in Bra●ant consulted with a foreign Prince, about the invading of England, were to be held guilty of high Treason? It was resolved affirmatively: whereupon he is called to the Bar, and indicted of Treason's That he had consulted with one Pres●all a Conjurer, to make away the Queen; That he cursed her daily, when he said Grace at Table; That he showed a way to the Secretary of Duke D'Alva how to invade England, etc. where he affirming, That the Judges had no power to meddle with him, for that he belonged not to the Queen of England, but was the King of Spain's sworn subjects is nevertheless condemned by the Fo●m of Nihil dicit (forasmuch as no man can renounce the Country wherein he was born, nor abjure his Prince at his own pleasure) and finally executed after the manner of Traitors. Ireland at this time was indifferent quie●; for Sir john Perot, Precedent of Munster had brought james Fitz Morris to submit himself, and crave pardon. Sidney the Lord Deputy returned into England, and Sir William Fitz Williams, who had married his sister, succeeded in his room. It was now the fifteenth year of Queen Elizabeth's Reign; when Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, on the sixteenth day of january, was brought to his Trial at Westminster-Hall; where sat as Commissioners, George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury (made High Steward of England for that day) Reynold Grey, Earl of Kent; Thomas Ratcliff, Earl of Sussex; Henry Hastings, Earl of Huntingdon; Francis Russell, Earl of Bedford; Henry Herbert, Earl of Pembroke; Edward Seymor, Earl of Hertford; Ambrose Dudley, Earl of Warwick; Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester; Walter Devereux, Viscount of Hereford; Edward, Lord Clinton, Admiral; William, Lord Howard of Effingham, Chamberlain; William Cecil, Lord Burley, Secretary; Arthur, Lord Grey of Wilton; james Blunt, Lord Mountjoy; William, Lord Sands; Thomas, Lord Wentworth; William, Lord Borough; Lewis, Lord Mordant; john Pawlet, Lord St. john of B●sing; Robert, Lord Rich; Roger Lord North; Edmund Bruges, Lord Ch●ndois; Oliver, Lord St. john of Bl●tsho; Thomas Sackvile, Lord Buckhurst; and William West, Lord de la Ware. After silence bidden, Sir Owen Hopton, Lieutenant o● the Tower, is commanded to bring the Duke to the Bar; and then the Clerk of the Crown said, Thomas, Duke of Norfolk, late of Keningale, in the County of Norfolk, Hold up thy hand; which done, the Clerk with a loud voice readeth the crimes laid to his charge: That in the eleventh year of the Queen's Reign, he had traitorously consulted to make her away, and to bring in foreign Forces for invading the Kingdom: Also, That he dealt with the Queen of Scots concerning Marriage, contrary to his promise made to the Queen under his hand writing: Also, That he relieved with money the Earls of Northumberland and Westmoreland, that had stirred up Rebellion against the Queen: Also, That in the thirteenth year of the Queen's Reign, he implored Auxiliary Forces of Pope Pius the fifth, the Queen's professed enemy, of the King of Spain, and the Duke D'Alva, for the freeing of the Queen of Scots; and restoring of the Popish Religion: And lastly, That he sent supply to the Lord Heris, and other the Queen's enemies in Scotland. These Indictments being read, the Clerk demanded of the Duke, if he were guilty of these crimes, or not? Here the Duke requested he might be allowed to have Counsel. But Catiline, chief Justice, made answer, That it was not lawful. Yet (saith the Duke) I have heard that Humphrey Stafford, in the Reign of K. Henry the seventh, in a Cause of Treason, had one assigned to plead for him. To which Dyer chief Justice of the Common-Pleas, made answer, That Stafford had Counsel assigned him concerning the Right of Sanctuary, from whence he was taken by force● but in the Indictment of Treason he pleaded his own cause. After this, the Duke yielding to be tried by the Peers; first Barham, Sergeant at Law; then Gerard the Queen's Attorney; and lastly, Bromley, the Queen's Solicitor, enforced the crimes objected against him: to all which the Duke made colourable answers; but most of them being proved by sufficient testimony, he asked upon occasion, Whether the subjects of another Prince, who is confederate, and in league with the Queen, are to be accounted the Queen's enemies' to which Catiline answered, They were; and that the Q. of England might wage War with any Duke of France, & yet hold firm Peace with the French King. When it grew towards night, the L. high Steward demanded of the Duke if he had any more to say for himself? who answered, I rely upon the equity of the Laws. After this, the Lords withdrawing a while, and then returning, the Lord Steward beginning at the lowermost, asked them, My Lord de la Ware, Is Thomas Duke of Norfolk guilty of these crimes of High Treason, for which he is called in question? He rising up, and laying his hand upon his breast, answered guilty, in like manner they answered all. After this, the Lord Steward with tears in his eyes, pronounced sentence in form as is used. A few days after were Barnes and Mather executed, who conspired with one Herle, to make away certain of the Councillors, and to free the Duke; but Herle revealed the business presently, to whom Barnes (when he saw his Accuser brought forth) smilingly said, Herle thou wert but one hour before me; else I had been in thy place for the accuser, and thou in my room to be hanged: at the same time with them was hanged also Henry Rolfe, for counterfeiting the Queen's hand. But though the Duke were now condemned, yet the Queen was so tender of his case, that it was four Months after before he was executed, at last on the second of June at eight of the clock in the morning, he was brought to the Scaffold upon the Tower-Hill, and there beheaded. At this time and upon this occasion, a Parliament was Assembled, wherein amongst other Laws, it were Enacted, that if any man shall go about to free any person imprisoned by the Queens express Commandments for Treason or suspicion of Treason, and not yet Arraigned, he shall lose all his goods for his life time, and be imprisoned during the Queen's pleasure, if the said person have been Arraigned, the Rescuer shall forfeit his life; if condemned, he shall be guilty of Rebellion. In the time of this Parliament, the Queen created Walter Devereux Earl of Essex, being before but Viscount Hereford; because he was descended by his Great-grand-mothers' from the Bourchiers, and made the Lord Clinton (who had large Revenues in Lincolnshire) Earl of Lincoln; Also she called forth john Paulet of Basin, the marquis of Winchester's son, Henry Compton, Henry Cheyney, and Henry Morris for Barons by Summons. Within ten days after the Duke's death, William Lord De-la-ware, Sir Ralph Sadler, Thomas Wilson Doctor of the Laws, and Thomas Brumley the Queen's Solicitor, were sent to the Queen of Scots, to expostulate with her; That she had usurped the Title and Arms of the Kingdom of England, and had not renounced the same, according to the agreement of the Treaty at Edinburgh, That she had endeavoured the marriage of the Duke of Norfolk, without acquainting the Queen, and had used all forcible means to free him out of prison; had raised the Rebellion in the North, had relieved the Rebels both in Scotland and in the Low-Countries; had implored Aids from the Pope, the King of Spain and others; had conspired with certain of the English, to free her out of Prison, and Declare her Queen of England; Lastly, that she had procured the Pope's Bull against the Queen, and suffered herself to be publicly named the Queen of England in Foreign Countries: All which accusations she either absolutely denied, or else fairly extenuated, and though (as she said) she were a free Queen, and not subject to any creature; yet she was content, and requested, that she might make her personal answer at the next Parliament. About this time, the King of Spain by his Ambassador here, complained to the Queen, that the Rebels of the Netherlands were harboured and entertained in England, contrary to the Articles of the League; whereupon the Queen set forth a severe Proclamation, That all the Dutch, who could any ways be suspected of Rebellion, should presently depart the Realm; which yet turned little to D'Alva's, or the King of Spain's benefit: For hereupon, Count Vander-Mark, and other Dutch going out of England surprised the Brill first, than Flushing, and afterwards drew other Towns to Revolt, and in a short time excluded the Duke D'Alva in a manner from the Sea. And this error, to suffer the Protestant party to get possession of the Sea-towns, hath been the cause they have been able to hold out, even all this long time, against the King of Spain. And now many military men having little to do at home, got them into the Netherlands, some to Duke D'Alva; but the far greater number to the Prince of Orange: The first of whom, was Thomas Morgan, who carried three hundred English to Flushing; then followed by his procurement nine Companies more under the conduct of Humphrey Gilbert; and afterward it became the Nursery of all our English Soldiers. At this time, Charles the French King setting his mind wholly (at least seeming so) upon the Low-Country War, concluded a peace and entered into a league with Queen Elizabeth; which was to remain firm, not only during their two lives, but between their successors also, if the successor signify to the survivor within a year that he accepteth it, otherwise to be at liberty. It was likewise agreed, what aid by Sea or Land, they should each of them afford to other upon occasion; and for ratification of this League, Edward Clinton Earl of Lincoln and Admiral of England was sent into France, with whom went the Lord Dacres, Rich, Talbot, Sands, and others. The French King likewise sent the Duke of Memorancy, and Paul Foix into England with a great train; that the Queen in the presence of them, and the Ambassador in Ordinary might swear to the league, which she did at Westminster, the seaventeenth of May, in the year 1572. The day after she made Memorancye Knight of the Garter. Memorancye whilst he tarried in England, made intercession in his King's name, that what favour could be without danger, might be showed to the Queen of Scots; and then made much a do again about the marriage with the Duke of Angiou; but being hopeless to make conclusion thereof, by reason of the diversity of Religion he returned into France; for now was great provision making ready for the marriage, between Henry King of Navarre; and the Lady Margeret the French Kings Sister; to which solemnity with notable dissimulation, the Queen of Navarre and the chief of all the Protestants were alured, being born in hand that there should be a renovation of love, and a perpetual peace established: The Earl of Leicester likewise and the Lord Burleigh were invited out of England, and out of Germany, the sons of the Prince Elector Palatine under colour of honour: but indeed, that they might be entrapped, and they, and together with them the Protestant Religion at one blow, if not clean cut off, yet receive● deadly wound: For the marriage being celebrated, there presently followed that cruel Massacre at Paris, and the terrible slaughter of the Protestants throughout all the Cities of France; but to set a show of equity upon the fact, Edicts and Proclamations were presently set forth, that the Protestants had plotted a wicked conspiracy against the King, the Queen Mother, the Brethren, the King of Navarre, and the Princes of the blood Royal; and to keep the thing in memory, Coin was presently stamped, upon the one side whereof was the King's picture with this Inscription, Virtus in Rebels, on the other side; Pietas excitavit justitiam; But the King of France, notwithstanding all the show he made of Piety, escaped not the Divine revenge, for before the year came about, he fell sick of a bloody Flix, and afterwards with long and grievous torments ended his life. A little before this, Mota Fenell Ambassador to the King of France, being in England, by virtue of an order from the Queen Mother of France, propoundeth to Queen Elizabeth at Kenelworth (two days before the Massacre in that Kingdom) the marriage of her youngest son Francis Duke of Alenson (for the Queen Mother had been told by some cunning men, that all her sons should be Kings, and she knew no way for it but this) B●t Queen Elizabeth, by rea●on of the disparity of age, modestly excused herself, (For he was scarce ●eventeen years old, and she was now past eight and thirty) yet she promised to consider of it, and Alenson did not leave to prosecute the ●●it. At t●is time, Thomas Percy Earl of North●mberland, who first Rebelled, and afterwards fled into Scotland, was for a sum of money delivered by the Earl of Morton, to the Lord Hunsdon Governor of Barwick; and a while af●er was beheaded ●t York. And now as these two great Personages, the Duke of Norfolk● and the Earl of Northumberland were taken away by a violent death; so three other great Personages were at this time t●ken away by a natural death: First W●ll●am Paulet, who from a private man came by degree; to be marquis of Winchester: lived to the age of within three years of a hundred, and could reckon a hundred and three of his children, and his children's issue, after he had held the p●ace of Lord Treasurer of England above twenty years; in whose room succeeded Sir W●lliam Cecil, Lord Burleigh, then died Edmund Earl of Derby, famous as well for his hospitality and good house-keeping, as for his skill in Surgery and Bone-setting; then died Sir William Peter, who being descended from an honest stock at Exeter in Devonshire, was Privy Counsellor and Secretary to King Henry the Eight, King Edward the Sixth, Queen Marry, Queen Elizabeth; who planted himself in Essex, where he purchased grea● possessions; whose son john was by King james made Baron of Writle in that Country. And now Queen Elizabeth having formerly borrowed money o● her Subjects, she thankfully repaid it, which won her no less love, then if she had given it, and more love she gained also at this time by two Proclamations; by one of which, she commanded Noble men to observe the Law of keeping Retainers; by the other, she restrained Informers, who, under colour of spying out Crown Land concealed by private person's, sacralegio●sly seized upon the Lands of Parish-Churches, and Almshouses piously endowed by the Queen's Ancestors. And more Love and Honour also she gained at this time by two acts of Justice; the one, that she satisfied the English Merchants out of the goods which were detained belonging to the Dutch, and restored the rest to the Duke D' Alva, and make a full transaction with the Merchants of Geneva for the mon●y intercepted; the other, that she freed England at this time of the debts which her Father and her Brother had run into in foreign part●, and were increased by yearly interest, and caused the obligations of the City of London, which had so often been renewed to be given in, to the great rejoicing of the Citizens. The Spanish affairs growing now very turbulent in the Netherlands, Flushing lost, the towns of Holland revolted, and the Spanish Navy vanquished by the Zelanders, Duke D'Alva against his will, began to show more kindness towards the English, so as in the month of january, the trade which in Anno 1568. had been forbidden, was now allowed again between the Dutch and the English for two yeer●; but those two years expired, the English removed their trading to the confederates State●. The last year in the month of November, a daughter was born to the French King, to whom he requested Queen Elizabeth to be Godmother, who thereupon sent William Somerset Earl of Worcester into France with a Font of massy Gold to stand as her Deputy at the Christening. Hereupon, and for that the Queen promised to observe the League strictly, the French King and the Queen mother began to affect her more and more, and the Duke D'Alenson wrote sundry love-letters to her, the French King and His Mother interceding for the marriage with all earnestness. It is true, the Queen conceived divers reasons, why it was fit for her to marry; but the Courtiers for their own ends dissuaded her as much from it: at last the Queen Mother of France was wonderful importunate, that her son Alenson might have leave to come and see her● whereunto, being wearied with continual Letters and Messages, she gave her consent; but upon condition, that he should not take it for any disgrace to him, if he returned without obtaining his suit: But as soon as Queen Elizabeth had notice, that his brother Henry was elected King of Poland, and that the King of France was very sick, she gave intimation to Alenson, by Edward Horsey Governor of the Isle of Wight, that he should not make too much haste into England; but should first procure a peace by some means or other in France, and declare by some notable Argument, his good will towards the Protestants, thereby to be the more welcome Guest into England. Hereupon a peace was concluded in France, and in certain places the Protestants were allowed to exercise their Religion: and then again the French King and the Queen Mother, used all their endeavour to have the marriage go forward (for they were very desirous th●t Alenson, who was of a crooked and perverse disposition, and prone to raise tumults) might be removed out of France; and withal, they requested of Queen Elizabeth, that if the Duke of Angiou took his voyage into Poland by Sea; he might have public caution to sail through the British Ocean. To this last request, she not only consented with all alacrity, but also made offer of a Fleet to conduct him thither. In the mean while, Alenson fell sick of the Measles, which his mother signified to Queen Elizabeth by Count Rhets, excusing him thereupon for not coming into England as he had determined: The Count found the Queen at Canterbury, where she gave him Royal entertainment: and Matthew Parker Archbishop of Canterbury, Royal entertainment to them both. All this while since the death of the Earl of Marre, there had been no Regent in Scotland, but now by the procurement of Queen Elizabeth chiefly; james Dowglas Earl of Morton, is made Regent; who, when his Authority in a Parliamentary Assembly was established, Enacted many profitable Laws for the defence of Religion against Papists and Heretics, in the name of the King: But the pro●ection and keeping of the King's Person, he confirmed to Alexander Areskin Earl of Marre (to whom the custody of the Kings in their tender years, by special privilege belongeth) though he were himself in his Minority: Upon these conditions, That no Papists, nor factious persons should be admitted to his presence: An Earl should come with only two servants attending him: A Baron, with only one: All other, single: and every one unarmed. The French King in the mean time, sent his Ambassador monsieur Vyriar, to corrupt the Earls of Athol and H●ntley with large promises, to oppose the Regent: Queen ELISABETH as much laboured to defend him: but though by the ministry of Killigrew, she had drawn james Hamilton Duke of Castle-Herald, and George Gourdon Earl of Huntley, and the most eminent of that Faction, upon indifferent conditions, to acknowledge the Regent, yet William K●r●●ld, Lord Gra●nge, (whom Murray when he was Rege●t, had made Governor of Edingborough Castle) The Lord Hum●s, Lydington, the Bishop of Dunkeld and others, would by no means admit of the Regent's Government, but held that Castle, and fortified it in the Queen of Scots name, having Lydington for their Counsellor herein, and trusting to the natural strength of the place, and to the Duke D' Alva's and the F●e●ch Kings promises, to send them supplies both of men and money. Now when these persons, could by no means drawn to accept of conditions of peace, and to deliver up the Castle to the Regent, Queen Elizabeth (who could in no case endure the French in Scotland) suffered herself at length to be entreated by the Regent, to send Forces, Guns and Ammunition, for assaulting of the Castle upon certain conditions, whereof one was, that ten Hostages should be sent into England, to be security fo● returning the men and Munition, unless by the common hazard of War they should chance to miscarry. The conditions being argued on; William Drury Marshal of the Garrison at Barwick, with some ●reat Ordnance and Fifteen hundred Soldiers, (amongst whom were some noble Volunteers, George Carie, Henry Carie, Thomas Cecil, He●ry Lee, William Knolles, Sutton, Cotton, Kelway, William Killigrew, and others, entered into Scotland, and besieged the Castle, which after three and thirty day's siege, was delivered up to the Regent for the King's use, with all the persons that were in it; amongst whom Kircald Lord Grange, and james his brother Musman, and Cook goldsmith's (who had counterfeited Coin in the Castle) were hanged; although to redeem Granges life, a hundred of the Family of the Kircalds, offered themselves to be in perpetual servitude to the Regent, besides an annual Pension of three thousand Marks; and twenty thousand pounds of Scottish money in present; and to put in caution, that from thence forth he should continue in duty & homage to the King; but it would not be accepted. Humes and the rest were spared, through Queen Elizabeth's merciful intercession; Lydington was sent to Leith, where he died, and was suspected to be poisoned: A man of the greatest understanding in the Scottish Nation, and of an excellent wit, but very variable; for which, George Buchanan called him the Chameleon. And now from this time Scotland began to take breath, after long Civil Wars, and as well the Captains of both parties, as the Soldiers, betook themselves into Swedeland, France and the Low-Countries, where they valorously behaved themselves, and won great commendation. As for john Lesle Bishop of Rosse he was now set at liberty, but commanded to depart presently out of England, and being beyond the Sea, he continued still to solicit his Mistress the Queen of Scots cause, with the Emperor, the Pope, the French King, and the Germane Princes of the Popish Religion; who all led him on with fair promises, but performed nothing: For indeed he in whom he had greatest confidence, which was the Duke D' Alva, was at that time called away, partly out of Jealousy of State, as being thought to grow too great, and partly out of opinion, that by his cruelty he made the people to revolt; and therefore in his place was sent Ludovicus Zuinga, a man of great Nobility in Spain, ●ut of a more Peaceable disposition than D' Alva; & ●ow this man did all good Offices to win Queen Elizabeth to him, and minding his own Affairs only, would not intermeddle with the Scottish or English matters. About this a frentick Opinion was held by one Peter Bourche● a Gentleman of the Middle-Temple, that it was lawful to kill them that opposed the truth of the Gospel; and so far was he possessed with this opinion; that he assaulted the famous Seaman Captain Hawkins, and wounded him with a dagger, taking him for Hutton, who at that time was in great favour with the Queen, and of her privy Counsel, whom he had been informed to be a great Adversary to Innovations. The Queen grew so angry hereat, that she commanded Martial Law should be executed upon him presently, till her Counsel advised her that Martial Law was not to be used, but in the Field, and in turbulent times, but at home and in time of Peace, there must be Legal proceedings: Hereupon Bourchet was sent to the Tower, where taking a brand out of the fire, he struck it into the brains of one of his keepers named Hugh Longwroth and killed him, for which fact, he was condemned of murder, had his right hand cut off, and nailed to the Gallows, and then himself hanged. After the violent death of this Varlet, we may speak of the natural death of two great persons; First, William Lord Howard of Effingham, Son of that warlike Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk, by his second wife Agnes Tilney. This William was made a Baron by Queen Mary, and Lord High Admiral of England, and by Queen Elizabeth Lord Chamberlain, till such time that being taken with age, he yielded up that place to the Earl of Sussex, and was then made Keeper of the Privy Seal, which is the fourth degree of honour in England. His Son Charles succeeded him in the Dignity of his Barony, who was after made Lord Chamberlain to the Queen, and then Lord High Admiral of England. A while after him, died Reginold Grey Earl of Kent, whom the Queen a year before of a private man had made Earl of Kent, when as that Title, from the death of Richard Grey Earl of Kent, who had wasted his Patrimony, and was elder brother to this man's Grandfather; had lain asleep for fifty years together. At this time many particular Rebellions were in Ireland; The O C●nors, and O Moor took Arms, and committed many outrages: In Munster, james Fitzmorris, and Fitz Edmund did the like; but by the industry of Sir john Perrot, Precedent of Munster, were suppressed. In Ulster, Bryan Mac Phelym burnt Knockfergus, and many other joined in Rebellion with him. Against these, Walter Devereux, (whom the Queen had lately created Earl of Essex) desired leave to go; which Sir William Fitz-Williams Deputy of Ireland opposed, as fearing, that the glory of so great an Earl would eclipse his light. But for this, the Queen finds a remedy, by appointing Essex, to take a Parent of the Deputy, whereby to be made Governor of Ulster. But this remedy for Fitz-Williams, might have made a sore in the mind o● E●sex; (to receive his Authority from his inferior) but that the nobleness of his mind, made him more to regard the virtue, than the glory. And so, in the end of August, he landed at Knockfergus, having with him the Lords, Darcy and Rich, and Sir Henry Knowles and his four Brothers, Michael and john Carves, Henry, William, and john Norreses: At his landing, Bryan Mac Pheli● welcomed him, tendering unto him all manner of dutifulness and service; but presently a●ter, falls from him, and joins with Turlogh Leynigh. After this revolt, the Earl of Essex, finding many difficulties in the business, and himself not well provided of skilful Soldiers, makes suit to the Queen for leave to come home; which the Earl of Leicester, (who liked his room better than his company) opposed; till after expense of a yeer● time, and much treasure, he at last obtained leave, and returned home. The next year, being 1574. and the seventeenth year of Queen Elisabeths' Reign, the Duke of Alenson grew more importunate in his suit, then at any time before; so as he obtained of the Queen, to come into England, any time before the twentieth of May; and this she the rather did, because she perceived him now to be really bend against the Guises her sworn Enemies. But before this Answer was brought him, Valentine Dale Doctor of the Civil Law, the Queen's Ambassador in France, gave intimation to the Queen, That Alenson and Navarre were in restraint, and committed to Keepers: For the Guises had suggested, that Alenson held intimate friendship with Admiral Colin, the chief Leader of the Protestants in France; and indeed, Alenson being examined, freely confessed, that he had now for a good while desired the marriage of the Queen of England● and conceiving, that good correspondence with Colin might be useful to him to that end, he had thereupon had conference with him thereabout, and concerning the Low-Country War. In the mean time, Thomas W●lks, Dales Secretary, got cunningly to Alenson, and in the Queen's name, made promise both to him, and to Navarre, that she would omit no opportunity of procuring their enlargement. For which, the subtle Queen-Mother so complained of him to Queen Elisabeth, that he was fain to go into France, and there to crave pardon for his fault. But Navarre, not unmindful of this kindness in Wilks, when about five and twenty years after, being King of France, he saw him in Normandy, he Knighted him. Hereupon the Queen sent Thomas Randoll into France, to the Queen-Mother, that if it were possible, he might gain Reconciliation for Alenson her son, and for the King of Navarre. But before he was landed in France, Charles the than French King died, whose Funeral Rites were solemnly performed in Saint Paul's Church in London. Assoon as Henry the third, King of France, was come from Poland, Roger Lord North was sent into France, to congratulate his return, and his happy Inauguration into the Kingdom; who thereupon, together with the Queen-Mother, did forthwith send their joint Letters into England, strongly soliciting the business of marriage, between Alenson and the Queen. In the mean time notwithstanding, they used all possible devices, (and left no means unsought) to get the young King of Scotland to be sent into France, and to deprive Morton who was the Regent, of his Authority, whereof the Queen of Scots also was very desirous; she being persuaded, that if her son were once gotten safely into France, she and the Catholics in England should be more mildly used. At which time, an aspersion was cast upon the Queen of Scots, as if she had made the match between Charles Uncle to the Queen of Scots (who had lately the Earldom of Lenox confirmed to him by Parliament) and Elizabeth Cavendish the Countess of Shrewsburie's daughter by a former husband; upon which ground, both their mothers and some others also were kept in Prison for a time; and being doubted whereunto this marriage should tend: Henry Earl of Huntingdon, Precedent of the Council in the North, is authorized with secret Instructions to examine it. It will be fit here to say something of this place of Government in the North; which from small beginnings, is now become so eminent as it is at this day, whereof this was the Original. When as in the Reign of Henry the Eight, after that the Rebellion in the Northern parts, about the subversion of Abbeys was quieted, the Duke of Norfolk tarried in those quarters, and many complaints of injuries done were tendered unto him, whereof some he composed himself, and others he commended under his Seal to men of wisdom to determine: Hereof when King Henry heard, he sent down a peculiar Seal to be used in these cases, and calling home the Duke, committed the same to Tunstall Bishop of Durham, and Constituted Assistants with Authority to hear and determine the complaints of the poor, and he was the first that was called Precedent; and from that time, the authority of his successors grew in credit. It was now the year One thousand five hundred seventy five, and the Eighteenth year of Queen Elisabeths' Reign, when Henry the third King of France being returned from Poland, and Crowned at Rheims, was careful to have the League of Blois confirmed; which, in the Year 1572. had been concluded between his Brother Charles and that most Illustrious Queen ELIZABETH; Now therefore he confirmed it with His own Subscription, and delivered it to Dale the Queen's Legier, as the Queen like wise ratified it at Saint-James near Westminster: But a little after he demanded by Letters, whether the mutual defence against all persons mentioned in the League, was intended to comprehend the case of Religion also? Whereunto she answering, that it did comprehend it; he thereupon hearing this from the Queen, began presently to prepare War against the Protestants, and Alenson being drawn to the Adverse party, there was no speech of the marriage for a long time. In the Netherlands at this time, Lodovicke Zuinga who was successor unto Duke D'Alva, was wholly bend to recover the Command of the Seas, which D'Alva had neglected; but not being sufficiently provided of a Navy, he sent Boischott into England, that with the Queen's leave, he might take up Ships and Mariners to go against the Hollanders and Zelanders, but this she would not grant: Then he made suit, that the Queen would please not to take it in evil part, if the banished persons of the English in the Low-Countries served the King of Spain in a Sea-Fight against the Hollanders; and that they might have free access to the Ports of England, to buy provision for ready money; But this she would not grant neither: Then he made request, that the Dutch, who were Rebels against the King of Spain, might be put out of England; but neither would she grant this, as being an Action void of Humanity; and against the Laws of Hospitality; yet because she would not be thought to violate the old Burgundian Law, she Commanded by Proclamation, that the Ships of the Dutch which were made ready, should not go forth of the Haven; nor yet the Dutch, who had taken up Arms against the King of Spain, enter into the Ports of England, and by name, the Prince of Orange, and Fifty other the prime of that Faction; and this she did the more willingly, because Zuinga at the intercession of Wilson the English Ambassador, had removed the Earl of Westmoreland, and other English Fugitives out of the Dominions of the King of Spain, and had also dissolved the English Seminary at Douai; though in stead thereof, the Guises through the procurement of Pope Gregory the thirteenth, set up another Seminary at Rheims. And at this time the Prince of Orange, perceiving his Forces but small, and thinking himself too weak for the King of SPAIN, and little hope of aid from England, he entered into Consultation with the Confederate States, to whose protection, they were best and in the most security to betake themselves: The Princes of Germany they knew were not all of one mind, parted from money very hardly, and did not every way, nor would not by no means possible accord and concur with them in their Religion; and therefore they were not so fit. Then, the French they saw, were entangled in a Civil War, and so had enough of their own to do; besides the old grudges and heart-burnings that were between the French and Dutch; and therefore neither were they so fit. There remained then the English, as the fittest of any (if it might be obtained) seeing they were Neighbouss, of the same Religion, and of a Language not much different, strong in shipping, and rich in Merchandise. Hereupon (considering the commodiousness of the English Nation) they send into England, Philip Marnizie of S. Aldegond; janus Dowsa, William Nyvell, and Doctor Melsen; who in an honourable Ambassage, offer the Countries of Holland and Zealand to be possessed or protected by the Queen, forasmuch as she was descended from the Princes of Holland, by Philip wife of Edward the third, daughter of William of Bavaria, Count of Hanonia and Holland; by whose other sister, the hereditary Right of ●hose Provinces came to the King of Spain. To this offer, the Queen takes time to answer; and at last, having maturely advised of the matter, her Answer was this, That as yet she conceived not how with safety of her honour, and an upright conscience, she could receive those Provinces into her protection, much less assume them into her possession; but promised, She would deal earnestly with the King of Spain, that a well conditioned Peace might be concluded. Presently upon this, Zuinga, Governor of the Low-Countries died; after whose death, the States of Brabant, Flanders, and the other Provinces, took upon them the ancient Administration, and Authority in the Commonwealth; which the King of Spain was fain to confirm to them, till such time as john of Austria were come, whom he determined to make Governor there. In the mean time, Queen Elizabeth in behalf of the King of Spain, sent William Davyson in Ambassage to those Provinces, to exhort them to be peaceable and quiet, which yet, by reason the Spanish Soldiers, were so outrageous, little prevailed. In England all was calm and quiet for all this year, only a difference fell out between Sir john Forster, Governor of Berwick, and john Cormichill, Keeper of Liddesdale in Scotland: In composing whereof, the Regent of Scotland, having given Queen Elizab●th some discontentment, was fain to come unarmed before the Earl of Huntingdon, appointed the Legate for England, at Bonderod, and so the matter was taken up, and the Regent ever after continued constant in observing the Queen, and to his great commendation, restrained the Freebooters of the Borders, to the great good of both Kingdoms. This year there died in Scotland, james Hamilton, Duke of Castle-Herald, and Earl of Arran, who was great Grandchild to james the second, King of Scots, by his daughter, appointed Tutor to Mary, Queen of Scots, and designed Heir and Governor of the Kingdom, during her minority. At this time the Earl of Essex is come into Ireland again, wh●re having done good services, and being in the midst of Victory, he was on a sudden commanded to resign his Authority in Ulster; and as though he were an ordinary Commander, is set over three hundred Soldiers; which disgrace was wrought by his adversaries in Court, to the continual perplexing of his mild spirit. And now is Sir Henry Sidney the third time sent Deputy into Ireland; who going into Ulster, there came to him and submitted themselves Mac Mahon, Mac Guyre, Turlogh Leynigh, the O Conors and O Moor, the Earl of Desmond, and the rebellious sons of the Earl of Clanricard, all whom he received into favour, and with great commendation administered the Province. At this time the Spaniard in the Low-Countries began to deal roughly with the people, and haryed the Inhabitants with all manner of spoil and injury; Antwerp, the most famous Town of Traffic in all Europe, was miserably pillaged, the English Merchants houses rifled, insomuch that the States were enforced to take up Arms, and Messengers were sent to all neighbouring Princes; and to Q. Elizabeth was sent Monsieur Aubig●y, both to show her upon how necessary and just causes they had taken up Arms, and also to borrow of her a great sum of money, the better to enable them to resist the Spaniard. But she being certainly informed, That they first sued to the French King for help, denieth the request, yet promiseth to intercede earnestly with the King of Spain● for peace. And in that employment, she addressed into Spain, john Smith, cousin German to King Edward the sixth, a man of Spainsh behaviour: and well known to the King of Spain, who was liberally received by the King; and with such wisdom retorted the contumelious speech, of Gasper Quiroga Archbishop of Toledo, and the Spanish Inquisitors, who would not admit in the Queen's Title, the Attribute of defender of the Faith; that he had gained great thanks from the King of Spain himself, who requested him, not to speak of it to the Queen, and gave severe command, That the Title should be admitted. And now by this time was john of Austria come into the Low-countries, with a large Commission: for he was the Natural son of the Emperor Charles the fifth; to whom the Queen sent Edward Horsey, Governor of the Isle of Wight, to Congratulate his coming thither, and to offer help, if the States called the French into the Netherlands; yet at the same time, Swevingham being exceeding importunate on the State's behalf, she sent them twenty thousand pounds of English money; (so well she could play her game of both hands) upon condition, they should neither change their Prince nor there Religion, nor take the French into the Low-countries, nor refuse a Peace, if john of Austria should condescend to indifferent Conditions, but if he embraced a Peace, than the money should be paid back to the Spanish soldiers, who were ready to mutiny for lack of pay. So careful she was to retain these declining Provinces in obedience to the King of Spain. At this time a Voyage was undertaken, to try if there could be found any sea upon the North part of America, leading to the wealthy coast of Cathaia, whereby in one Commerce, might be joined the riches of both the East and West parts of the world, in which voyage was employed Martin Frobysher, who set sail from Harwich the eighteenth of june, and the ninth of August, entered into that Bay, or sea, but could pass no further for Snow and Ice. The like expedition was taken in hand, two years after, with no better success. About this time died the Emperor Maximilian, a Prince that Deserved well of Queen Elizabeth and the English, who thereupon sent Sir Philip Sidney to his son Ridolphus King of the Romans, to condole his Father's death, and congratulate his succession: as likewise to do the like, for the decease of the Count elector Palatine, named Frederick the third, with her surviving son. And now Walter Deveruex Earl of Essex, who out of Leicester's envy, had been recalled out of Ireland, was out of Leicester's fear, (as being threatened by him) sent back again into Ireland, but with the empty title of Earl Martial of Ireland; with the grief whereof, he fell into a bloody Flux, and in most grievous torments ended his life. When he had first desired the standers by to admonish his son (scarce ten years old at that time) to have always before his eyes, the six and thirtieth year of his age, as the utmost term of his life, which neither himself, nor his father before him could outgo, and the son indeed attained not to it, as shall hereafter he declared. He was suspected to be poisoned, but Sir Henry Sidney, Deputy of Ireland, after diligent search made, wrote to the Lords of the Counsel, That the Earl often said, It was familiar to him upon any great discontentment to fall into a Flux, and for his part, he had no suspicion of his being poisoned, yet was this suspicion increased; for that presently after his death, the Earl of Leicester, with a great sum of money and large promises, putting away Douglas Sheffield, by whom he had a son openly married Essex his widow. For although it was given out, That he was privately married to her, ye● Sir Francis Knolles his father, who was well acquainted with Leicester's roving loves, would not believe it, unless he himself were present at the Marriage, and had it testified by a public Notary. At this time also, died Sir Anthony Cook of Gyddy-Hall in Essex, who had been Schoolmaster to King Edward the sixth, and was no less Schoolmaster to his own daughters, whom he made skilful in the Greek and Latin Tongues; married all to men of great Honour; one to Sir William Cecil, Lord Treasurer of England; a second, to Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal; a third, to Sir Thomas Hobby, who died Ambassador in France; a fourth, to Sir Ralph Lowlet; and the fifth to Sir Henry Killigrew. At this time, the sons of the Earl of Cla●ricard, who scarce two months before had obtained pardon for their Rebellion, fell into Rebellion again; but were by the Deputy soon suppressed; and William Drury newly made Precedent of Munster, reduced the whole Provice to good Order, except only the County of Kerry, whither a number of Vagabonds were gotten, trusting to the Immunities of the place. For King Edward the third made Kerry a County Palatine, and granted to the Earls of Desmond all the Royal Liberties which the King of England had in that County, excepting Wreckby Fire, Forestall, and Treasure Trou●e. The Governor notwithstanding, who wisely judged that these Liberties were granted for the better preservation of Justice, and not for maintenance of outrageous malefactors, entered into it, and violently put to flight and vanquished the mischievous crew, which the Earl of Desmond had placed there in ambush. The Earl in the mean while made great complaints of Drury to the Deputy; and particularly, of the Tax which they call Cease, which is an exaction of provision of Victuals at a certain rate, for the Deputies Family, and the Soldiers in Garrison. This Tax, not he only, but in Leinster also many Lords refused to pay, alleging that it was not to be exacted but by Parliament; but the matter being examined in England, it appeared by the Records of the Kingdom, That this Tax was anciently imposed; and that, as a certain Right of Majesty, a Prerogative Royal, which is not subjected to Laws, yet not contrary to them neither, as the wise Civilians have observed. Yet the Queen commanded to use a moderation in exactions of this nature, saying, She would have her subjects shorn, but not devoured. It was now the year 1577, and the twentieth of Queen Elizabeth's Reign, when john of Austria, pretending to Queen Elizabeth nothing but Peace, yet is found to deal secretly with the Pope, to peprive her of her Kingdom, and himself to marry the Queen of Scots, and invade England: of which his practices the Prince of Orange gives Queen Elizabeth the first intelligence. Whereupon (finding his deep dissembling) she enters into a League with the States, for mutual defence both at Sea and Land, upon certain Conditions; but having concluded it (because she would not have it wrongfully interpreted, as though she meant to foster a Rebellion in the Netherlands) she sent Thomas Wilkes to the King of Spain with these Informations; That she had always endeavoured ●o keep the Low-Countryes in obedience to the King of Spain; had persuaded (even with threatenings) the Prince of Orange to accept of Peace; but withal, if the King of Spain would have his Subjects obedient to him, she than requests him to restore their Privileges, and to remove I●hn of Austria from the Government, who not only was her deadly enemy, but laboured by all means to bring the Netherlands into utter servitude. If this be granted by the King of SPAIN, she then faithfully promiseth, That if the States perform not their Allegiance to him, as by their Promise to her they are engaged to do, she will utterly forsake them, and bend herself with all her Forces to compel them. While Wilkes in Spain unfoldeth the●e matters, john of Austria sendeth to Queen Elizabeth, in most grievous manner accusing the States for disobedience, and making a large declaration of the causes for which he had taken up Arms again. Thus Queen Elizabeth (like a fortunate Princess) sat as an Honourable Arbitress between the Spanish, the French, and the States; insomuch that it was not untrue which one wrote, That France and Spain were Balances in the Scale of Europe; and England the Beam to turn them either way; for they still got the better, to whom she adhered. About this time, when the Judges sat at the Assizes in Oxford, and one ●owland I●nkes a Bookseller was questioned for speaking approbrious words against the Queen, suddenly they were surprised with a pestilent favour; whether rising from the noisome smell of the prisoners, or from the damp of the ground, is uncertain, but all that were there present, almost every one, within forty hours died, except Women and children; and the Contagion went no further. There died Robert Bell Lord chief Baron, Robert D'Oylie; Sir William Babington: D'Olye Sheriff of Oxford-shire, Harcourt, Weynman, Phetiplace, the most noted men in this Tract; Barham the famous Lawyer; almost all the Jurours, and three hundred other, more or less. This year the title of the Lord Latimer, (which had flourished in the Family of the nevil's, ever since the days of King Henry the sixth) was extinct in john Nevil, who died without issue male, and left a fair estate to four daughters, whereof the eldest married Henry Earl of Northumberland, the second, Thomas Cecil, who was afterward Earl of Exeter; the third, Sir William Cornwallis; and the fourth Sir john Daverse. In Ireland the O-Moores and O-Conors, and others, whose Ancestors the Earl of Sussex in Queen Mary's days, had for their rebellion, deprived of their Patrimony in Loyse and Oph●li●, did now break forth into a new Rebellion, under the conduct of Rori● Oge, that is, Roderick the younger: set on fire the village of Naasse, assault L●chlin, from whence being driven back by the valour of George Care● the Governor, he was afterward slain. Out of England at this time there went into the Low-countries, john North, the Lord Norths eldest sonne● john Norris, second son to the Lord Norris, Henry Cavendish, and Thomas Morgan Colonels, with many voluntaries, to learn Military experience. Thither also came Caesamire the Elector Palatines son, with an Army of Germane Horse and foot, at the Queen's charges: upon the●e Don john, assisted by the Prince of Parma, Mondragon, and other the best Commanders of Spain, confident of victory, flieth furiously, before they expected him, yet after a long fight, was forced to retreat; but then turning again, and thinking to break through the Hedges, and Brakes where the English and Scottish voluntaryes had placed themselves, was again repulsed; for the English and Scottish were so hot upon the matter, that casting away their garments, by reason of the hot weather, they fought in their shirts, which they made fast about them. In this battle N●●●●● fought most valiantly, and had three horses s●ain under him, as also 〈◊〉 the Scot, Bingham, and William M●r●ham. Now for comfort ●o the afflicted Provinces, there came at that ●●me into the Netherlands, the Count Sw●●zenberg from the Emperor, M●nsie●● Be●●●●●re from the French King, and from the Queen of England, the Lord Cobham and Wal●ingham, with Commission to procure conditions of Peace, but returned without doing any thing, for that Don john refused to admit the Protestant Religion, and the Prince of Orange refused to return into Holland. About this time Egr●m●●d R●●cliffe, son to Henry Earl of Susse●, by his second wife, who had been a prime man in the rebellion of the North, and served now under Don john, was accused by the English fugitives, that he was sent under hand to kill Don john; which (whether true or false) he was thereupon taken and put to death. The Spaniards have affirmed, That Ratcliff at his last end, confessed voluntarily, That he was freed out of the Tower of London, and moved by Walsinghams' large promises, to do this Fact; but the English that were present at his death, deny that he confessed any such thing, though the English Rebels did all they could to wrest this confession from him. At this very time, Don john, in the flower of his age, died of the Pestilence, or (as some say) of grief, as being neglected by the King of Spain his brother; a man of an insatiable Ambition, who aimed first at the Kingdom of Tunis, and after, of England; and who, without the privity of the French King, or King of Spain, had made a league with the Guises, for the defence of both Crowns. Alanson, although very busy about the Belgic War, yet now began again to pursue the Marriage with Queen Elizabeth; for renewing of which suit, first was Bachervyle sent to the Queen; and soon after Ramboulet, from the French King; and within a month after that, Simier, a neat Courtier, and tightly learned in the Art of Love, accompanied with a great number of the French Nobility; whom the Queen at Richmond entertained in such loving manner, that Leicester began to rage, as if his hopes were now quite blasted. Certainly a little before, when Ashley, a Lady of the Queen's Bedchamber, mentioned the Earl of Leicester to her for husband, she, with an a●gry countenance, replied, Dost thou think me so unlike myself, and so forgetful of Majesty, as to prefer my servant, whom I myself have advanced, before the greatest Princes of the Christian world? But it is now time to return to the Scottish Affairs. The Earl of Morton, Regent of Scotland, though a man of great wisdom and valour, yet was now so overcome of covetousness, that he grew universally hated; and thereupon, with the joint consent of the Nobility, the Administration of the Commonwealth was translated to the King, though he was yet but twelve years old, and twelve of the chief Lords were appointed to attend him in Council, three of them by course for three months; amongst whom, the Earl of Morton for one, that they might not seem to cast him quite off. The King having taken upon him the Administration, sent presently the Earl of Dumformelin to Queen Elizabeth, acknowledging her great deserts towards him, and requesting to have the Treaty of Edinburgh, agreed on in the year 1559, to be confirmed, for the more happy restraining the robbers about the borders; and withal, That his ancient Patrimony in England; namely, the Lands granted to his Grandfather Ma●●hew, Earl of Lenox, and the Countess his Grandmother, might be delivered into his hands● who was the next Heir. The Queen readily promised the former demands, but stuck a little at the last, concerning the Patrimony; For she would not grant, That Arbella, the daughter of Charles the King of Scots Uncle, Born in England, was the next Heir to the Lands in England; neither would she grant the Ambassador's proof out of History, That the Kings of Scots, born in Scotland, did anciently (without question) hold the Earldom of H●ntington by Right of Inheritance. Yet she commanded a Sequestration to be made of the Revenues of those Lands, by B●rleigh Master of the Wards; and willeth the King, That out of the goods of the Earl of Lenox in Scotland, satisfaction might be made to his Grandmothers Creditors here. For she too● it in ill part, that the King had recalled the Infeoffment of the Earldom of Lenox (made to his Uncle Charl● and his Heirs) after the death of Charles, to the prejudice (as was suggested to her) of Arbella; although indeed, it be a Privilege of the Kings of Scotland, That they may recall Donations made in their minority. The Earl of Morton in the mean while, not enduring the disgrace to be outed of his Regency, regarded not the prescript Form of Government lately set down, but drew the Administration of all matters to himself, and kept the King in his own power, at the Castle of Sterling, admitting none to his presence, but whom he pleased. At this presumption, the Lords growing angry, made the Earl of Athol their Captain, and in the Kings Name levied a great Army, and were ready to encounter Morton; but by the intercession of Robert Bowes, the English Ambassador, they were stayed from fight; and Morton presently betook himself home, and the Earl of Athol soon after died, not without suspicion of being poisoned. At this time the King of Spain, and Pope Gregory the thirteenth, held secret Consultation, to invade at once both England and Ireland, and to work the absolute ruin of Queen Elizabeth; The Pope to gain the Kingdom of Ireland for his son james Buen of Compagno, whom he had made marquis of Vincola. The King of Spain secretly to relieve the Irish Rebels, as Queen Elizabeth did the Dutch, while friendship in words was upheld on both sides: and being known, That the greatest strength of England consisted in the Navy Royal, and Merchants Ships, it was advised, that the Italian and Dutch●Merchants should hire these Ships for long Voyages; to the end that while they were absent, the Queen's Navy might be surprised with a greater Fleet: and at that time Thomas Stukley, an English fugitive, should join himself to the Irish Rebels with new Forces. For he making great boast, and promising the Kingdom of Ireland to the Pope's bastard son, had so insmuated himself into grace with the ambitious old man, that he adorned him with the Titles of marquis of Leinster, Earl of Wexford and Caterlogh, Viscount M●rogh, and Baron of Rosse (the principal dignities of Ireland) and made him Commander over eight hundred Italian Soldiers, to be employed in the Irish War. With which Forces Stuckeley setting Sail from 〈◊〉 Vecchia, arrived at length in Portugal, where he and his Forces● were by the divine providence, diverted another way. For S●●a●●ia● King of Porti●gall (to whom the chief Command, in this Expedition against England was assigned) being first to dispatch a War in Africa, in Aid of Mahomet Abdall, son to the King of Fez, persuaded Stukley to go along with him into Maure●ania, together with his Italian Soldiers; and then afterward they would go together against Ireland: To this motion Stukley soon agreed, and therein agreed with his destiny; for in that memorable Battle where three Kings were slain, both he and Sebastian lost their lives. At this time Sir Henry Sidney (who had been Deputy of Ireland at several times eleven years) delivered up his Deputyship to Sir William Drury, Precedent of Munster: Such a Deputy, for good Government, that if any have equalled him, none have exceed him. It was now the year 1579, and the two and twentieth year of Queen Elizabeth's Reign; when john Casimire, son of Frederick the third, Count Pala●ine of the Rhine, came into England; where, after he had been entertained with Tilt and Justs, made Knight of the Garter (the Queen tying the Garter about his leg) and rewarded with a yearly Pension, he returned. And now was Alexander ●●rnise, Prince of Parma, made Governor of the Netherlands by the King of Spain: and Queen Elizabeth supplied the States with a great Sum of money; for which William Davyson brought into E●gland the ancient precious Habiliments of the Family of Burgundy, and their costly Vessels, laid to pawn by Matthew of Austria and the States. Si●ier in the mean time herein England, ceaseth not by all amorous devices to persuade the Queen to marry Alanson; wherein he drew her so far, that the Earl of Leicester gave ou●, He crept into the Queen's affection by love Potions and unlawful Arts: and Simier on the other side endeavoured by all means to cast down Leicester, discovering his marriage with the Earl of Essex widow, whereat the Queen grew so angry, that she consigned him to the Castle at Greenwich, and had meant to have him Committed to the Tower, but that the Earl of Sussex (though his greatest Adversary) dissuaded her: telling her that none ought to be molested for contracting lawful Matrimony. But Leicester notwithstanding was so provoked for his confining, that he was bend to revenge it, and if it be true, as some said● he had suborned on Teud●r a Yeoman of the Guard to murder Simier, sure it is the Queen by Proclamation commanded that no person should offer injury to the Ambassador or any of his servants. At which time it fell out that as the Queen, together with Simier, the Earl of Lincoln, and Hatton Vicechamberlaine were rowed in a barge to Greenwich, a young man shooting off a Harquebus out of a boat, shot one of the rowers in the Queen's Barge through the arm with a bullet, who was presently taken and led to the Gallows, but upon solemn Protestation, that he did it unwillingly, and out of no malicious Intent, he was let go and Pardoned. Some would have persuaded the Queen that was purposely suborned to shoot either her or the French Ambassador: but she was so far from suspecting her Subjects; that she would often say, She would not believe any thing against them which a mother would not believe against her children. After a few days Alencon himself came privately into England with only on or two attendants, and came to the Queen at Greenwich, at a time when she thought not of it; they had secret conference together, all parties being sent away, after which, being seen of very few, he returned home; but within a month or two after the Queen enjoined the Lord Burleigh treasurer, the Earl of Sussex, Leicester, Hatton and Walsingham, seriously to weigh both the dangers, and the Commodities likely to arise from the marriage with him, and to consult with Simier concerning the marriage Covenants. As in England there was some fear of this Frenchman: So in Scotland at this time of another Frenchman, called Esme Steward, Lord of Aubigny, who came now into Scotland to visit the King his cousin. He was the son of john Steward brother to Matthew Steward Earl of Lenox the King's grandfather, and had denomination from Aubigny in France, which title Charles the seaventh King of France had anciently conferred upon john Steward of the Family of Lenox, who being constable of the Scottish Army in France, vanquished the English in one battle, and was slain by them in another: and from that time the title belonged to the younger descent of that house. This Esme Steward, the King embraced with exceeding great love, made him Lord Chamberlain of Scotland, and Captain of the Castle of Dumbriton, and created him first Earl and then Duke of Lenox. The fear from this man was; because he was devoted to the Guises and the Popish religion, and that which increased the fear from this man; because he applied himself to Mortons' adversaries, and mediated to have Thomas Car Lord of Fernishurst called home, who of all men was most addicted to the Queen of Scots. About this time Queen Elizabeth, at the request of William Harbou●ne an Englishman, procured a grant from the Turkish Emperor for the English merchants to exercise free traffic in all places of his dominions, as well as Venetians, Polanders, and other neighbouring Nations; whereupon they set up first the Company of Turkey Merchants, managing a most gainful Trade at Constantinople, Alexandoria; Egypt, Aleppo, Cyprus, and other parts of Asia, bringing home Spices, Perfumes, unwrought Silks, Tapestry, Indigo, Corrants, and the like. This year died Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal; but who, by virtue of an Act of Parliament, always exercised the Jurisdiction of Lord Chancellor; a very fat man, but singularly wise, and a chief prop of the Queen's Privy Council: In whose place succeeded Sir Thomas Bromley, the Queen's Solicitor, with the Title of Lord Chancellor of England. In Ireland at this time, in the Province of Munster, james Fitz Morris kindled a new fire of Rebellion; for after his former submission upon his knees, vowing all Obedience to the Queen, he stole away into France, and promised the French King, if he would lend him assistance, to make him King of Ireland. But being by him slighted, he went into Spain, and made the like offer to the King there. The King of Spain sent him to the Pope, from whom (by means of Nicholas Sanders, an English Priest, and Alan an Irishman, both Doctors of Divinity) he obtained a little money, a Legates Authority for Sanders, a consecrated Banner, and Letters of Commendation to the Catholic King. And returning from Spain with those Divines, three Ships, and a few men, he landed at Smerwick Kerry, a Demy Island in the West part of Ireland, about the first day of july, where (the place being first of all consecrated by the Priests) he built a Fort, and brought the Ships close under it; but these were presently set upon and carried away, by Thomas Courtney, and thereby the Spaniards deprived of their opportunity of coming thither by Sea. But now john and james, brothers to the Earl of Desmond, gathering together a small number of Irish, join themselves presently with their kinsman Fitz Morris. Yet the Spaniards seeing that but a very few Irish, and those unarmed, came unto them, they began to distrust the estate they were in, and to cry out, That they were undone; whom Fitz Morris heartened the best he could, telling them that Supplies were presently to come. And going himself to get more company, he passed thorough the Land of his Cousin William a Burgh, who though he had been a Rebel before, yet was now grown loyal, so as there fell out a Skirmish between them; in which Fitz Morris being strucken thorough with a Pike, and shot into the head with a Leaden Bullet, died in the place, and most of his Company with him; but withal, two of William burgh's sons were in that Skirmish slain also; when the Queen, to comfort him for the loss of his sons, adorned him with the Dignity of Baron of Castle Conell, and rewarded him with a yearly Pension besides: which favours so overwhelmed him with joy, that he lived but a short while after. And now Sir William Drury the Deputy growing very sick, appointed Sir Nicholas Malby then Governor of Connaght, to be Precedent of Munster, and General of the Army; at which time, the Earl of Desmond, who had all this while made a show of Loyalty, breaks openly ou● into Rebellion; when now Drury the Deputy dying at Waterford, and by his death Malbyes' Authority ceasing, Sir William Pelham is by the Counsel chosen Justice of Ireland, with Authority of Viceroy, until such time as a Deputy were appointed, and the Earl of Ormond is made Precedent of Munster. Pelham goeth into Munster, and sendeth for the Earl of Desmond, who refusing to come, is thereupon proclaimed Traitor, and an enemy to the State; and this being published, the Justice committed the following the War to the Earl of Ormond, who slaying most of the Spaniards, and adherents to Desmond, compelleth him to send his wife to the Justice, to beg his pardon. The Lord Justice Pelham now certified, that Arthur Lord Grey was landed with authority to be Deputy of Ireland, at Munster delivereth the Army to George Bour●hier, the son of john, second Earl of bath, of that name, and himself returneth to Dublin, to deliver up the Province to his Successor. The Lord Grey at his landing, before he received the Sword, hearing where the Rebels had their Rendezvous, marcheth towards them, who presently betake themselves to Glandilough, a grassy Valley, and beset thick with Trees, where they who dwell near, scarce know the winding out; yet the Deputy (taking one C●sbie an old man, well acquainted with the place, to be is leader) entered into it, where he lost divers of his men; namely, Peter Carew the younger, George Moor, Audeley, and Cosbie himself th●t was his Leader. A short time after, there landed at Smerwick in Kerry, under the command of San joseph an Italian, about seven hundred Italian soldiers, who fortify the place, and name it Fort del Or. Whereupon the Deputy sent a Trumpeter to the Fort to demand who they were, what they had to do in Ireland, and who sent them; withal commanding them to depart immediately. But they replied, That some of them were sent from his Holiness, other from the Catholic King, upon whom the Pope had bestowed the Kingdom of Ireland, for that Queen Elizabeth (by reason of heresy) hath forfeited the Right unto her; and therefore what they had gotten, they would maintain. Upon this the Deputy prepares for Battery, le's fly his Ordnance four days together; in which time the Spaniards once or twice make sallies out, to their own loss much, but not an Englishman slain, but only john Cheek, a courageous young Gentleman, son to Sir john Cheek, a learned Knight. And now San joseph, who commanded the Fort, a white-livered soldier, terrified with the continual Battery, and having no hope of relief, either from the King of Spain, or Desmond (contrary to the will of all his soldiers) he set up a White Flag, and desired Parley, but Parley was denied, because he had combined with Rebels, with whom it is not lawful to hold Parley. Then he demanded that his Company might pass away with their Baggage, but neither would this be granted. Then he required ●hat some of the chiefer sort might have leave to depart; but neither could this be obtained. At last, when they could prevail in nothing, they hanged out the white Flag again, and submitted themselves absolutely, without any condition, to the Deputies mercy, who presently consulteth how to deal with them, and this was the Case; Their number was well near as great as the English; there was present fear of danger from the Rebels; and the English were so destitute of meat and apparel, that they were ready to mutiny, unless they might have the spoil granted them; and besides, there were no ships neither to send them away if they were spared: For these Reasons it was concluded (the Deputy gainsaying, and letting tears fall) That only the Leaders should be saved, the rest all slain, and all the Irish hanged up; which was presently put in execution; to the great disliking of the Queen, who detested the slaughter of such as yielded themselves, and would accept of any excuses or allegations. And yet more cruelty than this was at that time committed in the Netherlands; for john Norris, and Oliver Temple, English Commanders, together with some Companies of Dutch, setting out early one morning, took Mechlyn a wealthy Town of Brabant, at an assault with ladders, where they promiscuously murdered both Citizens and Religious Persons, offering violence even upon the dead, taking away Grave-stones, which were sent into England to be sold. About this time certain English Priests, who were fled into the Netherlands, in the year 1568, by the procurement of William Allen, an Oxford Scholar, joined themselves to study at Douai, where they entered into a Collegiate Form of Government; to whom the Pope allowed a yearly Pension. But tumults arising in the Low-Countries, and the English Fugitives being commanded by the King of Spain's Deputy to depart from thence, other the like Colleges, for the training up of the English youth, were erected, one at Rheims by the Guises, and another at Rome by Pope Gregory the thirteenth, which always afforded new supplies of Priests for England, when the old failed, who should spread abroad the seeds of the Romish Religion here amongst us; from whence, those Colleges had the name of Seminaries, and they called Seminary-Priests who were trained up in them. In these Seminaries, amongst other Disputations, it was concluded, That the Pope hath such fullness of Power, by Divine Right, over the whole Christian world, both in Ecclesiastical and Secular matters, that by virtue thereof, it is lawful for him to excommunicate Kings, absolve their subjects from their Oath of Allegiance, and deprive them of their Kingdoms. From these Seminaries at this time, there came two into England, Robert Parsons, and Edmund Campian, both of them Englishmen, and Jesuits. Parsons was born in Somerset-shire, a fierce and rough conditioned fellow; Campian was a Londoner, of a milder disposition. They had been both brought up in Oxford; Campian a Fellow of St. John's College, and had been Proctor in the year 1569; and when he was made Deacon, counterfeited himself to be a Protestant, till such time as he slipped out of England. Parsons was of Baylioll College, where he made open profession of the Protestant Religion, till for dishonest carriage, he was expelled the House, and then fled to the Popish Party. Both these came privily into England, in the disguise one while of Soldiers, another while of Noblemen; sometimes like English Ministers, and sometimes in the habit of Apparitors. Parsons, who was made the Superior, broke forth into such open words amongst the Papists, about deposing the Queen, that some of themselves had a purpose to complain of him to the Magistrates. Campian, though something more moderate, yet in a Writing provoked the English Ministers to a dispute; and published in Latin an Elegant Book of his ten Reasons, in maintenance of the Doctrine of the Romish Church; as Parsons in like manner, set forth another violent Pamphlet against Clark, who had written modestly against Campians Provocation. But Doctor Whitaker sound confuted Campian, who being after a year apprehended, and put upon the Rack, was afterward brought out to a Disputation; where he scarcely made good the great fame that went of him. In this year was the return of Captain Drake from his incredible Voyage round about the World (which Magellan had before attempted, but died in the Voyage) whereof to rela●e all particular accidents, would require a large Volume: It may suffice in this place, to deliver some special Passages. He was born of mean Parentage in Devon-shire, yet had a great man (Francis Russell, after Earl of Bedford) to be his Godfather. His father, in K. Henry the eighth's time, being persecuted for a Protestant, changed his Soil, and lived close in Kent. K. Henry being dead, he got a place amongst the Mariners of the Queen's Navy, to read Prayers, and afterward bound his son Fran●is to a Shipmaster, who in a Ship which went to and fro upon the Coast with Commodities, one while to Zealand, another while to France, training him up to pains and skill at Sea; who afterward dying, took such a liking to him, that he bequeathed his Bark to him by his Will: This Bark Drake sold, and then in the year 1567., went with Sir john Hawkins into America; in which Voyage, he unfortunately lost all he had. Five years after, having gotten again a good sum of Money by Trading and Piracy, (which the Preacher of his Ship told him was lawful) he bought a Ship of War, and two small Vessels, with which he set Sail again for America, where his first Prize was great store of Gold and Silver, carried over the Mountains upon Mules; whereof the Gold he brought to his Ships, but left the Silver, hiding it under ground: After this, he fired a great place of Traffic, called, The Cross, at the River Chiruge, when roaming to and fro upon the Mountains, he espied the South Sea; where falling upon his knees, he craved assistance of Almighty God, to find out that passage, which he reserveth for another Voyage; and for the present, having gotten much riches, he returned home. Afterwards, in the yee● 1577, the thirte●●th day of November, with five Ships, and Seamen, to the number of 163, he set Sail from Plimmo●th, for the Southern Sea, and within five and twenty days, came to Cantyne, a Cap● in Ba●b●ry, and then sailed along by the Isl● of F●g●, which sends forth ●●emes of Sulphur; and being now un●e● the Line, he let every one in his Ships blood. The sixteenth of Ap●●l, entering into the mouth of the Plate● they espied a world of Sea-Calves; in which place Iohn-●oughty, the next to Drake in Authority, was called in question for raising Sedition in the Navy, who being found guilty, was beheaded. Some report, That Drake had charge given him from the Earl of Leicester; to make away Doughty upon some pre●ence or other, for that he had said, that the Earl of Essex was craftily made away by Leicester● The twentyeth of August, two of his Ships he turneth off, and with the other three came to the Sea, which they call● The Strait of Magell●n. The sixth of September, entering into the wide Southern Ocean, which they call● The Pacifique Sea, he found it out of measure troublous, so that his Ships were here by Tempests dispersed; in one of which, john Winter was Master, who returned back into England; Drake himself, with only one Ship, coasted along the Sho●e, till he came to the Isle Mo●cha, from whence losing, he lighted upon a fellow fishing in a little Boat, who showed him where a Spanish Ship laden with Treasure ●ay; Drake making towards it; the Spaniards thought him to be their own Country man, and thereupon invited him to come on; but he getting aboard presently shut the Spaniards (being not above eight persons) under ●atches, and took the Ship, in which was four hundred pound weight of gold. At Taurapasa, going again on shore, he found a Spaniard sleeping by the Seaside● who had lying by him twenty bars of mass●e Silver, to the value of four thousand ducats, which he bid his follower's take amongst them, the Spaniard still sleeping. After this, going into the Port of Africa, he found there three Vessels without any Mariners in them; wherein, besides other wares, were seven and fifty silver bricks, each of which weighed twenty pound; From hence, Tiding it to Lime, he found twelve Ships in one Road, and in them great store of Silks, and a Chest full of money coined, but not so much as a Ship-boy aboard; (such security there was in that Coast:) Then putting to Sea with those Ships, he followed the rich Ship called Cacofoga● and by the way met with a small Ship, without Ordnance or other Arms, out of which he took fourscore pound weight of gold, a golden Crucifix, and some Emeralds of a finger's length. The first day of March, he overtook the Cacofoga, set upon her, and took her● and in her, besides jewels, fourscore pound weigh● of gold, thirteen Chests of silver ready coined, and as much silver as would ballast a Ship. And now thinking he had gained wealth enough, he resolved to return home● and so on the third of November 1580. he landed at Plymouth, having sailed round about the World, in the space of three years; to the great admiration of all that know what compass the World is of. The Queen welcomed him home, but made a sequestration of the goods, that they might be ready if the King of Spain required them; and commanded the ship to be drawn on shore near Detford for a monument (where the carcase of it is ye● to be seen) and herself feasted in it, at which time She Knighted Captain Dr●ke. But Bernardine M●ndoz●, the KING of Spain's Ambassador in ENGLAND began to rage; and earnestly demanded Restitution of the Goods, and complained, that the ENGLISH sailed upon the INDIAN Sea. To whom it was answered, That the goods were sequestered, and ready to make the King of Spain satisfaction, although the Queen had expended against the Rebels, whom the Spaniard had excited in England and Ireland, more money than that which Dr●ke brought home. And as for sailing on the Indian Sea● that it was as lawful for the Queen's subjects as his, seeing the Sea and the Air are common for all to use. Notwithstanding, to Pedro S●●●●a, the K●ng of Spain's Agent in this business, a great sum of money was re-paid● which was not restored to them ●o whom it belonged, but employed to the Spaniards Wars in the Low-countries, as was known after● when it was too late. But at this time, when jackman and Pett, two skilful Pilots, were sent forth with two Ships by the Londoners, to find out ● shorter cut to the East Indies, by the North-West Passage; they had not the like success; for a few Leagues beyond the Isles of ●aygat●, they met with such uncertain Tides, so many Shallows, and such Mountains of Ice, that ●hey could go no further, and had much ●do to return home. About this time, Henry Fitz Allen, Earl of Arundel died, in whom the Surname of a most Noble Family ended, which had flourished in this Honour for above three hundred years, from Richard Fitz Alan; who being descended from the Al●anets (ancient Earls of Arundel and Sussex, in the Reign of King Edward the first) obtained the Title of Earl, by re●so● of the possession of Arundel Castle, without Creation. He had ●hree daughters by his wife Katherine, daughter to Thomas Grey, marquis of Dorset, all whom he outlived; H●nry, a young man of great hope, who died at brussels; joan, wife to the Lord Lumley; and Mary, who being married to Thomas Howard, Duke of N●●folke, brought forth Philip, in her Right, Earl of Arundel. In Ireland, Arthur Lord Grey the Deputy, going against the O Conors, who ●aised stirs in Ophalie, putteth to death Hugh O Moley, quieteth all that Quarter, even the Families of the Mog●hig●ns, and O Charles, and in the very beginning suppresseth a conspiracy which was breaking forth, by putting to death the Lord N●g●n●● who being confident in his own innocency, when the Deputy promised to save his ilfe, if he would but confess himself guilty, chose rather to die and be held guiltless, then to live in infamy, by betraying his own Innocency. With whose death the Queen was extremely displeased, as by which she was made a Patroness of cruelty, to her great dishonour. But the Deputy knew with what kind of people he dealt, and by this example of severity, brought Turl●gh Leymigh to accept conditions of Peace; and the O B●i●s, and Cavenaghs (rebellious Families in Leinster) humbly to crave Peac● also, and to offer Hostages. In Scotland at this time, great jealousy was ●ad of Lenox, Lord of Obig●y, lest, being in so great favour with the King, he should allure him to marry into France, and bring into Scotland the Popish Religion. Whereupon (although he purged himself by Letters to Queen Elizabeth, and proffered himself to be a Protestant) yet many courses were taken to sequester him from the King● but so far from taking effect, That on the contrary, the Earl of Morton (who among all other was most addicted to the English) was soon after accused of Treason by the Earl of Arran, and cast into prison's and not long after (notwithstanding all the means the Queen could use to save him) was beheaded, as convicted to be accessary to the murder of the King's Father. Whereupon the Earl of Angus, and other, who laboured for M●rt●●, fled straightways into England. In the Low-Countries about this time, the Count Rheinberg proceeded victoriously for the King of Spain, and beleaguered St●nwick in Freezland; against whom the States sent Norris General of the Field, who put the ●●einburghs Company to the worst and raised the Siege: but afterward 〈…〉 with Verdugo the Spaniard at N●rthone, even when the Vi 〈…〉 gotten (Roger Williams having put the enemies to flight) 〈…〉 of the War turned, Norris is vanquished, wounded, and a great 〈…〉 his men slain; amongst whom were Cotton, Fitz● Williams, and 〈…〉 Commanders. Here it must not be omitted● That the English 〈…〉 the dwellers in the Northern parts of the World, were hither 〈…〉 Drinkers, and deserved praise for their sobriety) in these Dutch 〈…〉 to be Drunkards; and brought the vice so far to overspread 〈…〉 ●ome, that Laws were fain to be enacted for repressing it. 〈…〉 whilst the States and the King of Spain contend about a few 〈…〉 the Low-Countries, he seizeth upon the whole Kingdom of Por●●● 〈…〉 For the last year, Henry, King of P●●tingall dying, many Compe 〈…〉 allenge the Kingdom; as the Duke of Savoy; the Prince of Par 〈…〉 Natharine Bracant, and the Queen of France. But Philip King of 〈…〉 son of Henry's eldest sister, putting the case to his Divines and 〈…〉 and adjuring them to pronounce to whom of Right it belonged, 〈…〉, For him: whereupon he sent Duke D'Alva, who put to 〈…〉 ●●tonio, whom the people had elected King, and within seventy day's 〈…〉 all Portugal. The Queen of France angry hereat, and enviously be 〈…〉 the King of Spain's Dominions thus enlarged (being now Master 〈…〉 gall, the East Indies, and many Islands besides) adviseth, amongst 〈…〉 P●●●ces, Queen Elizabeth, to bethink themselves in time, of restrayn 〈…〉 ●o excessive Dominions. Whereupon the Queen received Don 〈◊〉, and l●vingly relieved him, which she thought might be done without 〈…〉 breath of the League with Spain, seeing Don Antonio was descended of 〈…〉 Blood, and of the House of Lancaster; and that no Cau●ion was 〈…〉 ●eague; That the Portuger should 〈◊〉 be admitted into England. And now the Queen-Mother of Frano●, and the King her son, mo●e 〈◊〉 then ever, pursue the Ma●ch with Alencon, now Duke of A●gio●; 〈…〉 transacting whereof, they sent in Ambassage into England● Francis 〈◊〉, Prince of Daulphine; Arthur C●sse● Marshal of France, and many 〈◊〉 Honourable Personages, who were entertained with great respect (a 〈◊〉 being purposely built at Westminster for that use, Royally furnished; doting and Justs proclaimed, by Philip Earl of Arundel, Frederick Baron 〈◊〉 Windsor, Sir Philip Sidney, and Sir Fulk Grevill, against all come●s● The ●●●●gates that were to confer with the French concerning the Marriage, 〈◊〉 Sir William Cecil Lord Treasurer; Edward, Earl of Lincoln, Lord Ad●●●●ll; Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester; Sir Christopher Hatton, and Sir 〈◊〉 Walsingham, Secretary● by whom, Covenants of Marriage were at ●●th agreed on; First, That the Duke of Angio●, and the Queen of Eng●●●●, within six weeks after the ratification of the Articles, should contract ●●trimony● and the rest, most of them such as were before agreed on, in the ●arriage between Queen Mary and King Philip, chiefly consisting in conferring Honour upon the Duke, but Power upon the Queen. It was also ar●●ed, That all particulars should be ratified within two Months' by the ●●●thfull Promise and Oath of the French King, for him and his Heirs, and reservation also was added apart, with the Hands and Seals of every 〈◊〉 〈…〉 Delegates, That Queen Elizabeth is not bound to finish the Marriage, ●●till she and the Duke have given each other satisfaction in some 〈◊〉, and have certified the French King of the same within six we●ks● Be●ore those six weeks were expired, Simier, Secretary to the Council, is 〈◊〉 into France, to require the King of France his Confirmation● The 〈◊〉 will not hear him, but presseth to have the Marriage accomplished, 〈…〉 was contracted, and that nothing else was to be done. ●i●●ier on the 〈◊〉 side, sheweth by the Articles, That a League offensive and defensive 〈◊〉 first be concluded: This the French King disclayme●h: Whereupon W●lsinghams is presently sent ●o compose this differan●e, who jointly with Henry C●bham, the Ambassador in ordina●●●● and Simier, allegeth to the French King these Particulars, That Queen Elizabeth for no other reason was willing to marry, but for the satisfaction of he● people; and seeing many Impediments were come in the way since the first Treaty, namely the Civil War in Franc● and the Duke's engagement in a war with Spain, w●● makes the wi●est of her subjects to be now against the Ma●ch. This hath made her to defer the accomplishment of it, although her affection be still constant toward the Duke● For this cause the Queen would have no further Treaty to be held● till the French Duke be freed from the Spanish war, and a Leauge of mutual offe●●● and defence be agreed on. The French King willingly accepted of ●●e L●agu● defensive; but of the offensive he would hear no speech, till th● marriage were finished. No● long aft●r● the French D●k● himself came into England, having with good success raised the Si●ge of C●●bray; he was here received with as great humanity as he cou●● w●sh, and nothing omitted● where by he might judge himself to be truly welcome. Insomuch th●● in November, when the Anniversari● of the Qu●●●s Inauguration came to be solemnised, the Q. (while they were in Love conference) drew a Ring off from her finger, and put it upon his, upon some private conditions. The standers by imagined, that by this Ceremony the Marriage was confirmed between them; and Aldeg●nd Governor of Antwerp being there, presently dispatched messengers into the Low-Countries● to give notice of it; and thereupon Bonfires were made, and all shows of Rejoicings But the Earl of Leicester (who priv●ly plotted to cross the Ma●ch) H●●ton the Vice-Chamberlain, and Secretary Walsingham, fr●● and are enraged, as if the Kingdom, the Queen and Religion, were now utterly overthrown. The Maids of Honour, and Lady's that were familiar wi●● th● Queen, made grievous lamentation, and so 〈◊〉 and daunted her, that she could take no rest that night. The nex● day● she calleth to her the French Duke, and causing all company to go aside, they privately ●n●er●ain a long discourse. At length the Duke returning to his lodging, cast the Ring away from him, and after a while takes it up again, terribly exclaiming against the Levity and inconstancy of Women. The Queen at this time was much troubled at a Book lately put forth, with this Title, The Gulf wherein England will be swallowed, by the French Marriage: whereof, conceiving that some Puritan was the Author, it made her highly displeased with the Puritans: whereupon within a few days, john Stubbes of Lincolns-inn, a Zealous Professor, and the Author of this book, (w●ose sister, Thomas Cartwright, the father of the Puritants, had married) William Page that dispersed the copies, and Singleto● the Printer, were apprehended● against whom Sentence was pronounced, That their Right hand should be cut off● by virtue of a Law made in the Reign of Philip and Ma●ie, against the Author's and dispersers of Seditious Writings; (though the chief Lawyers and Judges of the Kingdom could not agree concerning the f●●ce of that Statue:) Hereupon Stub●●s and Page were brought to the Scaffold, made of purpose, in the Market place at Westminster, and their right hands, with a Butcher's knife and a malle●, cut off by the wrist; the Printer was p●●doned● At that time, Stubbs when his right hand was cut off, uncovered his head with the left, and cried out, God save the Queen, to the great amazement of all the beholders. At this time the Queen, upon importunate suit of her Counsel, gave way, ●hat Edmund Campian, Ralph Sherwin, and Alexa●der Bryant, Priests, should be called to the ●arre, who being accused by virtue of a Law made in the five and twentieth year of King Edward the Third, to have plotted the ruin of the Queen and Kingdom; to be adhering to the Pope, the Queen's enemy, and coming into England, to raise Forces against the State, were then condemned of High-treason, and accordingly executed. Campian after he was convicted, being demanded; First, whether Queen Elizabeth w●re a lawful Queen? would make no answer; afterward, Whether he ●ould stand for the Queen, or for the Pope, if he should send an Army against the Queen; he plainly professed, That he would be of the Pope's side, ●nd witnessed so much under his hand. After this, some other Papists upon the like occasion were also put to death, which the Queen rather necessarily, than willingly assented to, as being unwilling to force the conscience of any. These, and the like exorbitancies of Papists, were cause, that new ●●d strict Laws were enacted against them the Parliament following, which began the next january. The French Duke after three month's abode in England, took his journey in February, into the Low-Countries, whom the Queen herself brought on his way as far as Canterbury● and then commanded the Earl of Leicester, the Lord Charles Howard, Hunsdon, Willoughby, Windsor, Sheffield, Sir Philip Sidney, Sir Francis Russell, Sir George Bourchier, and some other prime knights, to accompany him to Antwerp, where he is made Duke of Brabant, Limb●●rg, and Lorraine; for the Dutch had long before removed the King of Spain's Government, and quitted the people from their oath of Allegiance, that it might be in their power to choose any other Prince. He●e the Duke of Anjou gave free leave to exercise the Roman Religion, to as many as would swear Fealty to him, and abjure the King of Spain's authority: but ●fter all, having spent a great mass of money, with which he was supplied from England; and observing, that only vain and empty titles were conferred upon him, while the States held all the Dominion in their own hands, he rashly enterprised an assault upon Antwerp, and some other Towns, and shortly departed without any great matter performed. At this time Queen Elizabeth, as well to get her some friends, as she had procured herself many enemies; received into the Order of t●e Garter, Frederick the Second King of Denmark; to whom she employed Sir Peregrine Bertye (whom she had lately made Lord Willoughby of Eresby) to Invest him. But now to prevent the Duke of Guyses' design in Scotland, which was to make use of the Duke of Lenox favour with the King, to withdraw his affection from the English: William Reuthen, whom the King had lately made Earl of Gowry, endeavoured with others, by all means to remove Lenox, and the Earl of Arran from the King; and so, while Lenox was gone from Ferth (where the King at that time was) to Edinburgh, and Arran was also absent on a journey: The Earls Gowry, Marre, Lindsey, and other, taking the opportunity, invited the King to the Castle of Reuthen, and there detained him, not permitting him to walk abroad: All his trusty servants they removed from about him, Arran they cast in prison, enforced the King to call home the Earl of Angus, and to send away Lenox into France, who being a man of a soft and gentle disposition, for the King's safety readily consented; and not content with all this, they compelled the King by his Letters to Queen Elizabeth, to approve and allow of this his thraldom. The Queen of Scots in the mean while, bewailing her own hard fortune, and the distress of the King her Son, layeth open the same in a large letter, written to the Queen in French: With which letter, Queen Elizabeth being somewhat affected, sent unto her Robert Beale Clerk of the Council, to expostulate with her concerning the querulous writing, and jointly with the Earl of Shrewsbury, to treat of the setting her at liberty. And indeed, serious consultation was held at the Council Table about it, and the most were of opinions that upon certain conditions she should have her liberty; but the Scottish of the English faction opposing it, nothing was effected. Soon after this, the King sent Colonel William Steward, and john colvil to Queen Eliz●beth, proffering all manner of respect and observance, and requesting her advice for quieting the tumults in Scotland, and also for his contracting of marriage. At which time, news was brought, that the Duke of L●nox was dead in France, who departing this life ●t Paris, even at the very point of death, as oftentimes before, made open profession of the Protestant Religion; thereby confuting those who had maliciously traduced him for a Papist. After whose death, when the surprizers of the King were lift up in their own conceits, as thinking they had him safe enough. He on a sudden (though scarce eighteen years of age) with some few others, conveyed himself to the Castle of St. Andrews, to whom the Nobility presently repaired, bringing Armed Bands with them, as fearing some danger might befall him. Afterwards, in fair words, he advised some of his surprizers to go from the Court, for avoiding of tumults, and promised them pardon, if they wo●ld crave it. But Gowry only asked pardon, and submitted himself, using this distinction, That he had not offended in matter, bu● in form only; and then the King sent for the Earl of Arran to the Court, and respected him as his intimate friend, employing him to compose the differences amongst the Nobility, and to purge the kingdom and his own Court from civil dissensions. Whiles he is sedulous in these cares, comes Sir Francis Walsingham from Queen Elizabeth, to advise him not to be led away by evil Counsellors, to the destruction of both kingdoms. He findeth the King accompanied with the flower of the nobility, and beholdeth another manner of Majesty than he looked for in Scotland: Pla●ing Audience given him, he put the King in mind, of what the Queen out of Isocrates, in private Letters had formerly admonished him: That a Prince must be such a lover of Truth; that more credit may be given to his bare word, than to another's oath; and in many words advised him, to beware now in his youth of evil Counsellors, and always to be like himself. The King answered, That he was an absolute Prince, and would not that others should appoint him Councillors whom he liked not; but that he had long since devoted the first-fruits of his amity to the Queen of England, his dear Sister, and doth now willingly make proffer of the same. Walsingham now dealt with him farther; not to lay to the Queen's charge what broils had lately fallen out in Scotland; showeth, how beneficial to him, and to both kingdom's Amity had been hitherto, and would be in time to come also, so it were not neglected; and that the same might the better be confirmed, if the variance between the Nobility were laid asleep, by a Law of oblivion Enacted in Parliament, The Peers which now were removed from the Court called back again, Religion looked into, and a firm League concluded between both kingdoms. The King made answer, that he gladly embraced Amity with England, and that he would constantly defend the Religion already established: Afterward he lovingly dismissed Walsingham, though he held him no good friend to him and his Mother; and carefully looking to matters, with understanding, even above his years, proposed and proffered reconciliation to those that had surprised him, if within a limited time they asked Pardon; which they were so far from doing, that the entered into new consultations to surprise him again; whereupon they are commanded within a set time to leave the kingdom, of which number, Marre, Glames, Paslet and some other, betook themselves into Ireland; Boyde, Zester, Weeme, Lochlevin, into the Low-Countries; Dumfermilin into France, the Earl of Angus is confined to his Earldom, Gowry only to his own ruin stayeth behind after the limited time, hatching new devises. About this time happened a difference, and thereupon a War, between the Emperors of Muscovia, and the King of Sweden; when john King of Sweden, doubting himself to be no fit Match for the Emperor, sent a Roy●●l Ambassage to Queen Elizabeth, requesting her to intercede for him to ●●e Emperor; which she did without delay, and by her Ambassador drew the Muscovian to a Peace upon reasonable Conditions. B●t the Muscovian●●ortly ●●ortly after dying, and Theodorus his Successor, granting free Traffic to ●●rchants of all Nations that would come thither; the Queen importuned him to admit of none but English Merchants, requiring him to confirm the Privileges which his Father had granted them: Whereto, by way of Answer, he demanded Free Trading for all the English, saying, It was not fit that a small Company should exercise a Monopoly, and all other be restrained: But as for Customs, he promised to take less by one half of that Company, then of any other, because they first opened the way thither. The next Summer, Albertus Alasco, a Palatine of Poland, of a comely personage, and great learning, came into England to see the Queen, who was nobly entertained, both by her, and the Nobility, as also by the Scholl●rs of Oxford, with learned Orations, and other Recreations: but having ●●rryed here four Months, and run into much debt, he secretly withdrew himself and departed. This man I saw myself afterward in Crakow, very bare, though it was reported of him, That he had in a Dowry with a wife, fif●y Castles of great value: but what Mine can bear the charges of prodigality? This year proved fatal to divers great men; for there died this year, ●●●st, Thomas Ratcliff, the third Earl of Sussex of this Family; a man of grea● spirit, and great faithfulness to his Country. There died also Henry Wriothsley Earl of Southampton; one exceedingly devoted to the Romish Religion, and a great favourer of the Queen of Scots, which cost him Queen Elizabeth's displeasure, and imprisonment besides. There died also Sir Humphrey Gilbert, who was cast away at Sea, in his return from the North p●rt of America, whither he lately sailed with five Ships, having sold his Patrimony, in hope to plant a Colony t●ere. There died also Edmund Grindall, Archbishop of Canterbury, being blind through age, a gra●e and pious Prelate, who stood highly in the Queen's favour for a long time, till he lost 〈◊〉 last, by favouring (as was said) the Puritans Conventicles; but the ●●ue cause indeed was, for disallowing the Marriage of Iuli● an Italian Physician, with another man's wife, against the Earl of Leicester's pleasure. Grind●ll dying, john Whiteguyft succeeded in the See of Canterbury, being translated thither from the See of Worcester. At this time, certain popish Books written against the Queen, and Princes Excommunicate, withdrew divers from their Allegiance, and particularly, so intoxicated one Somervile, an English Gentleman, that he went privately ●o the Court, and breathing out nothing but blood and death against all Protestants, set upon one or two by the way, with his drawn Sword. Being apprehended, he stuck not to say, That he would murder the Queen with his own hands. Hereupon he, and upon his intimation, Arden●is ●is father in Law (a man of an ancient House in Warwick-shire) Arden's wife, their daughter; Somerviles' wife, and Hall a Priest, were brought to the Bar, and all condemned; Somervile as principal, the rest as accessaries. Th●ee days after, Somervile was found strangled in the prison; Arden was executed and quartered; the women and the Priest were spared. Many pitied the old Gentleman Arden, as misled by the Priest, and (as it was generally believed) brought to his end through the envy of Leicester, whom he used to call Whoremaster, Upstart, and many such opprobrious ●●mes. In the Netherlands, the English Garrison at Alost in Flanders being neglected, the Governor Pigot, and the other Captains, for want of pay, upon Composition, yielded up the Town to the Spaniard, and then fearing disgrace at home, joined themselves to the Prince of Parma; at whose hands finding themselves slighted, by degrees they stole all away, and came all to unlucky ends. In Ireland the famous Rebel, Gyrald-Fitz Gyrald, the eleventh Earl of Desmond of this Family, having a long time in lurking places escaped the English, was now by a common Soldier found out in a poor Cottage, and slain. His head was sent into England, and set upon London-Bridge. This end had this great Lord, descended from Ma●rice, the son of Gyrald of W●ndsore, an Englishman, famous amongst those who first set upon Ireland, in the year 1170. He possessed whole Countries, together with the County Palatine of Kerry, and had of his own Name and Race, at least five hundred Gentlemen at his command. All whom, and his own life also, he lost within the space of three years, very few of his House being left alive. And this disaster he fell into, by proving Traitorous to his Prince, at the instigation of certain Popish Priests. Of whom, the chief was one Nicholas Sanders an Englishman, who at the same time died miserably of Famine, being starved to death, when as being forsaken, and running mad upon his ill success, he roamed up and down the Mountains and Groves, finding nothing to sustain him. In his Scrip were found certain Orations and Letters, written to hearten the Rebels, and promising large rewards from the Pope and King of Spain. Upon the Rebel's ill success, james Fitz Eustace, Viscount Baltinglas, fled into Spain, where he pined away with grief. He out of zeal to the Roman Religion, a little before he had taken up Arms with the Rebels, and exhorting the Earl of Ormond his neighbour to do the like, (who drew his Lineage from St. Thomas of Canterbury) he used these w●rds to persuade him, That if Saint Thomas of Canterbury had not died for the Church of ROME, thou hadst never been Earl of Ormond, for King HENRY the second, to expiate the murder of THOMAS B●CKET, gave large Lands in Ormond to his Predecessors. The beginning of the next Spring, certain Scots, together with Gowry, plotted again to surprise the King, pretending only a care of Religion, and to remove ill Councillors from him: but the King having intelligence of their practice, used means by Colonel Steward, to have G●●ry taken and cast into prison: whereupon Marre, Glames, Angus, and other of the confederates, fly into England, and beseech the Queen to commiserate their estate, who had incurred the King's displeasure, to do her and the Kingdom of England service. The King on the other side, accuseth them to the Queen of heinous crimes, and requires to have them delivered up into his hands. But Secretary Walsingham, who bore great good will to these men, sent Letters with a Command, That they should be safely admitted into Linds Farm, otherwise called, The holy Island; where Hu●sdon being Governor there, and great addicted to the King of Scots, resisted Walsinghams' Command, alleging he could not satisfy the Secretary in this point, unless the Queen gave express Command. Hereupon grew a Dispute, Whether a Secretary of State might not transact a business of State, without special Commission from the Prince. How this Case was determined, is uncertain; but sure it is, the Scots came not thither, though some favour they had showed them here in England. In the mean time, Gowry was tried by his Peers, at S●eclyn; where, being accused of many Treasons, though he gave colourable answers to them all, yet was found guilty, condemned, and beheaded; whose head his servants sewing to his body, committed to the Grave. About this time were practices plotted against Queen Elizabeth, in behalf 〈◊〉 the Queen of Scots, chiefly by Francis Throgmorton, eldest son of john throgmorton, Justice of Chester, who came to be suspected, by reason of ●etters sent to the Queen of Scots which were intercepted. Upon his apprehension, Thomas Lord Paget, and Charles Arundel, privately stole away 〈◊〉 France, grievously complaining against Leicester and Walsingham, for alienating the Queen from them, and using such wiles, that scarce any m●n was able to live in safety. Henry Earl of Northumberland, and Philip Earl of Arundel, were confined to their houses, his wife committed to the custody of Sir Thomas Shirley; William Howard, the Earls brother, and He●●y Howard their Uncle, brother to the Duke of Norfolk, were examined about Letters from the Queen of Scots; and many Statagems were set on foot, dangerous to some particular persons, but necessary (as should 〈◊〉) for the Queen's security. Certain it is, That now the malice of the Papists against the Queen, broke forth more violently than ever before; for in printed Books they stirred up the Queens own servants to attempt the like upon her, that judith did on Olephernes. The Author of these Books could not be found, but the suspicion lay upon one G●egory Martin, sometime of Oxford; and Carter a Stationer, who printed the Books, suffered for it. And whereas the Papists every where traduced the Queen for cruelty, she desirous always to leave a blessed ●●membrance behind her, grew extremely offended with the Commissioners for Popish causes, taxing them of too much cruelty, insomuch that they were fain, in a printed Declaration, to clear themselves, protesting; That they questioned no man for his Religion, but only for dangerous attempts against the Queen and State● and that Caspian himself was never so Racked, but that he could presently walk up and down. But all this gave not the Queen satisfaction, but she commanded the Commissioners to forbear tortures, and the Judges other punishments; and not long after, when seventy Priests were taken, and some of them condemned, and the rest in danger of the Law, she caused them all to be Shipped away, and sent out of England: The chief of whom: were Gaspar Heywood, the great Epigrammatist's son, the first jesuit that ever set foot in England; james B●sgrave, john Hart, and Ed●●●d Rishton. At this time Mendoza the Spanish Ambassador, was thrust out of England, for joining with Throgmorton, in his Treason against the Queen; whereupon Sir William Waad was sent to the King of Spain, to satisfy him how ill Mendoza had discharged the Office of an Ambassador here in England; who, when the King admitted him not to his Presence, but in a slighting manner, putting him off to his Councillors; Waad taking it in great disdain, boldly said, That it was a declared Custom among Princes (though in heat of War) to give Ambassador's audience, and thereupon stou●ly refused to ●●clare his Ambassage, and so returned into England unheard. The greatest matters laid to Mendoza's charge, were got out of Throgmorton's Confession; for when he was in danger to be apprehended, he sent to Mendoza a box of Writings; and when his Chests were searched, there were found two Scrowls, one with the names of the Ports of England, and in the other the names of the Nobility and Gentry in England that favoured the Romish Religion. These, when Th●ogmorton saw brought forth, he said they were counterfeited, and stood to it upon the very Rack; but being brought to the Rack the second time● he then confessed all, That Morgan by Letters out of France, had given him information, that the Catholic Princes had decreed to invade England, and with the help of the Duke of Guise, to free the Q. of Scots; and that nothing was now wanting, but money & aid in England: and that for procuring of this, Charles Pa●e●, under the counterfeit name of Mope, was sent into Sussex, where the Duke of Guise intended to land; and that he had imported all this matter to Mendoza, and intimated the names of the Ports, and of the Noblemen that should assist. But being arraigned at the Guild-hall, he denied all this again, saying, He had spoken so, because he would not be Racked again. Yet being condemned to die, he flying to the Queen's mercy, confessed in a manner all he had before related● and then at the Gallows went about to deny it again. So false to itself is the mind of man when it is divided between hope and fear, and lies under the burden of a guilty conscience. Sir William Wade being returned from Spain, was employed to the Queen of Scots, about a Treaty begun two years before: To whom, the distressed Queen sincerely professed, That she devoted her service and herself to the Queen of England; and made solemn promise, That if the former Treaty might go on, she would mediate with the King her Son, to receive into favour the Earl of Angus, and the other Scottish Lords, and would charge the Bishops of Rosse and Glasco, her Agents in France, to have no further to do with the English Fugitives. These things Queen Elizabeth heard gladly, and thereupon sent Beale to the Queen of Scots, who jointly with the Earl of Shrewsbery should signify unto her, That if she continued still in the same mind, as she had delivered to Waad; Sir Walter Mildmay should come out of hand ●o her, and Treat concerning her liberty: but withal she commanded Mildmay and Beale to dive into her as well as they could, to know what practices the Duke of Guyse had on foot. To that which she had spoken to sir William Waad, the Queen of Scots made a wary answer; but to that concerning the Duke of Guyse, she plainly confesseth; That being sickly he● self, and weak of body, she had committed herself and her Son, to the Protection of the Duke of Guyse, her dear Cousin, of whose intendments she knoweth nothing; nor if she did, would she disclose them, unless she might be sure of her own liberty. Lastly, she requesteth, That being a free and an absolute Prince, she may not be worse handled, than Queen Elizabeth herself was, when she was a subject, and kept in prison by her Sister. These things had a hearing, but no feeling, and the rather by a strange accident; for Creighton a Scottish Jesuit, sailing from the Low-countries, and taken by Dutch Pirates, had certain papers which he tore and thre● away, which thrown overboard, and by the wind blown back into the ship, miraculously (as Creighton himself said) they were brought to sir William Waad, who patching them together with much labour and cunning, discovered by them some new intendments of the Pope, the King of Spain● and the Guyse, about the Invading of England: Whereupon, and upo● divers other rumours, the better to provide for the safety of the Queen, a number of her Subjects (the Earl of Leicester being the foremost) men of all ranks and conditions, bound themselves mutually to each other, by their oaths and subscriptions, to persecute all those to the very death, that should attempt any thing against the Queen; which league of theirs, they called the Association. The Queen of Sco●s who presently apprehended, that this Association was entered into for her destruction; maketh this proposition by Nave her Secretary, to the Queen and the Councell● That if she might have her liberty granted, and be assured of the Q●een●●ove, she would enter a strict league and amity with her, and passing by all matters of offence, esteem and honour ●er, above all the Princes of the Christian World; yea, and (saving the ancient League betwixt Fra●ce, and Sc●●la●d) she would herself be comprehended in t●e Association, and a League defensive, against all that should go about to injure the Queen. Herewith Queen Eli●abeth was wonderfully pleased, and at that time certainly had an inclination to grant her freedom. B●t see what malice can do; for many in England● but specially the Sco●s of 〈◊〉 adverse party, endeavoured by all means to hinder it; exclaiming, That 〈◊〉 Queen could be no longer in safety, if the Queen of Scots were set at liberty, That both Kingdoms were utterly undone, if she were admitted into 〈◊〉 ●oynt Government of the Kingdom of Scotland, and that the reformed ●●●●gion lay a bleeding, if Papists were admitted within the Court walls; 〈◊〉 was this all, but the Scottish Ministers in their Pulpits, loaded the 〈◊〉 of Scots with all manner of contumelies, slandered the King himself, and 〈◊〉 Council in most bitter manner; and being cited to appear before him, 〈◊〉, saying, That the Pulpits were exempted from all Regal Authority, and that Ecclesiastical persons, were not to be censured by the Prince, but 〈◊〉 their own Consistory (directly against the Laws made the year before in Pa●liament) whereby the King's Authority over all persons, whether Eccle●●●s●icall, or Secular, was confirmed; and namely, That the King and his Council, were Supreme Judges in all Causes; and that whosoever refused 〈◊〉 b● tried by them, should be holden guilty of High-treason; all Presby●●●●●s and Lay-conventicles forbidden, Parity of the Clergy taken away, 〈◊〉 the authority of Bishops restored, whose Calling the Presbyteries had condemned as wicked and Antichristian: And lastly, all scurrilous Libels ●●●inst the King and his mother, prohibited, namely, the Scottish History of George Buchanan, and his Dialogue, De jure Regni apud Scotos. At this time, upon her adversaries suggestion, the Queen of Scots is taken from the Earl of Shrewsbery, and committed to the custody of sir Pawlet●nd ●nd sir Drue Drury, and that on set purpose (as some were persuaded) to drive her into abrupt and desperate attempts; and indeed upon this, she grew more importunate with the Pope and King of Spain, to hasten their intendment, whatsoever became of her, as ill indeed was like to become of her, if it be true (as some said) that Leicester sent out assasinats to make her ●way, but that Drury detested the villainy, and would grant them no ●●cesse. And how to alienate Queen Elizabeth utterly from her; it is suggested to 〈◊〉, That Allen for the Catholics of the Clergy, Inglefield for the Laity, ●nd the Bishop of R●sse for the Queen of Scots, with consent of the Pope and the King of Spain, had jointly combined to depose her, and to bar the King of Scotland from his hereditary Right to the Crown of England, and to marry the Queen of Scots to an English Nobleman of the Romish Religion, and him the English Catholics should choose King of England, and the Pope confirm the Election; and all this upon the credit of Hart the Priest: but who this English Nobleman should be that should marry the Queen of Scots, could not be found, though Walsingham were very busy to seacrh i● out: the fame went upon Henry Howard, the Duke of Norfolk's brother, ●ho was a single man, a great Papist, and of high estimation amongst the Catholics. This year died in Exile and misery, Charles N●vill, who was in the Rebellion of the North, the last Earl of Westmoreland of this Family; a House from whence descended many Noble Personages, six Earls of Westmoreland, too Earls of Sali●●●●y and War●i●k, an Earl of Kent, a Marquess Mount●cut●, 〈◊〉 Duke of Bedford, Baron Ferrer of 〈◊〉, the Lord Latymer, the Lord of 〈◊〉, one Queen, and five Duchess' (to let pass Countess' and Baronne●ses) an Archbishop of York, and a numerous company of other Lords. In E●gl●nd died none of ●eckoning this year, but only Pl●●den the famous Lawyer; but in France, ●he Duke of Angi●● died of grief● a●d in Holland, William Prince of Orange, shot into the body with ●hree Bullets, by one B●lth●s●r Gerard, a Burgundian. It was now the year 1585., and the eight and twentieth of Queen Eliza●●●●● Reign, when, to ti● the French King more nearly to her, whom the 〈◊〉 ●●fore she had received into the number of the Knights of the ●arter, she sent the Earl of Derby into France, to invest him with the Robes and Ornaments, according to the due Solemnity; which he kindly accepted, and at Evening Prayer was invested with them. At this time a Parliament was assembled at Westminster, wherein William Parrie a Welshman, a Doctor of the Laws, when in the Lower House a Bill was read against the Jesuits, he alone stood up, and exclaimed that it was a cruel and bloody Law: and being asked his reason, he stoutly refused, unless he were required by the Lords of the Council. Hereupon he was sent to the Gatehouse, but upon submission, was received into the House again. Soon after, he was accused by Edward Nevil, for holding secret consultations about making the Queen away; Who thereupon apprehended, upon his examination, confessed in effect thus much, That out of discontent he went beyond the Sea, where, by the encouragement of Campegio the Pope's Nuntio at Venice, and grant of a plenary Indulgence from the Pope, he undertook to kill the Queen; but coming into England to that intent, he altered his mind, and disclosed to the Queen the whole matter. After this, he received a Letter from the Cardinal of Com●, persuading him to go forward with the Enterprise; and this Letter also he showed the Queen. After this, he chanced to see a Book of Doctor Allens, written contra justitiam Britannicam, wherein was declared, That Princes who were for heresy excommunicate, might lawfully be deprived of their life and Kingdom. This book wonderfully confirmed him, and he read it to Nevil; who, though he took an oath of secrecy, yet now upon a hope of the Earldom of Westmerland● betrayed him. This was his confession, before Baron Hunsdon, Sir Christopher Hatt●n, and Sir Francis Walsingham: as likewise in his Letters to the Queen, to the Lord Burleigh, and the Earl of Leicester, acknowledging his fault, and craving mercy. A few days after, he was called to the Bar in Westminster-Hall, where he confessed himself guilty, and thereupon was condemned. After the Sentence of death pronounced, he furiously cited the Queen to God's Tribunal: five days after he was laid upon a Hurdle, and dragged thorough the City to Westminster, where at the Gibbet he made a vainglorious boasting of his faithfulness to the Queen, but not so much as in a word commended himself to God; and in the great Palace at Westminster was executed as a Traitor, the Nobility and Commons sitting then in Parliament. In this Parliament, the Association before spoken of, was universally approved, and enacted in this Form; That four and twenty, or more, of the Queen's Privy Council, and Peers of the Realm, should be selected and authorized, under the Great Seal of England, To make enquiry of all such persons as shall attempt to 〈◊〉 the Kingdom, or raise Rebellion, or shall attempt any evil against the Queen's Person; f●r whomsoever, and by whomsoever, that layeth any claim to the Crown of England; and that person for whom, or by whom they shall attempt ●ny such thing, shall be altogether uncapable of the Crown; and more to this purpose. Laws also for the Queen's safety, were enacted against Jesuits and Popish Priests, and against all that shall receive or relieve them. These Laws terrified many, and particularly out of fear of them, Philip Earl of Arundel; the Duke of Norf●lks eldest son, purposed with himself to travel beyond Seize for having been once or twice cited before the Lords of the Council, and confined to his house, and after six months set at liberty, he ●hereupon wrot● a Letter to the Queen, That for the Service of God, and hi● souls health, he purposed to leave his Country, but not his loyal ●ffection towards her● but as he was taking Shipping, by his own servants treachery he was discovered, apprehended, and laid in the Tow●r. At the same time lay in the Tower, Henry Percy Earl of Northumberland a man of a lofty spirit, being suspected by rea●on of secret consultation 〈◊〉 Throgmorton, the Lord Paget, and the Guises, about the invading of Eng●●●●● and freeing of the Queen of Scots (whose cause he ever highly favoured) but in the m●neth of june, he was found dead in his bed, shot into the body with three bullets, under his right pap, and the door bolted on the ●●de: The Corroners Inquest examining the matter, found and pronounced, that he had killed himself. Three days after, the Lords meeting in ●he Star-chamber, Bromeley Lord Chancellor, declared this fact of the Earls, ●nd then commanded the Attorney General to show the causes of his im●●●sonment, and the manner of his death; whereupon, Popham first, and then Egerton the Queen's Solicitor, in long Orations, lay open all his Treasons, and how for fear of the Law, he had laid violent hands upon himself. And now the Queen knowing that the seeds of these Treasons proceeded from the Duke of Guise, and his adherents, she sought for the strengthening of herself, to enter into League with the Princes of Germany; and to this end, she sent Sir Thomas B●dley to the King of Denmark, to the Count Elector Palatine of the Rhine, to the Duke of Saxony, Wittenberg, Brunswick, L●●ceburg; the marquis of Brandenburg, and the Lant grave of Hessia; and into Scotland, she sent Sir Edward Wootton, to let the King understand how sincerely she was affected towards him, and withal to draw the King (if he could) into a League of mutual defence and offence, and to commend to him the Match of the King of Denmark's Daughter. The King was very inclinable to the matter of the League, but for the present the business was interrupted, by the death of Francis Russell, Son to the Earl of Bedford, slain at a meeting to compound a difference between the Borderers, by a sudden tumult of the Scots, but who it was that slew him, was not known. The English laid it upon the Earl of Arran, and the Lord Fernihurst Governor of the middle Borders; whereupon, at the Queen's complaint, the Earl of Arran was confined, and Fernihurst committed to prison at Dundee, where he died; a man of great valour and resolution, and one that was always f●rm for the Queen of Scots. But Queen Elizabeth not thus satisfied, gave leave by way of connivance to the Scottish Lords that were fled into England, namely, the Earl of Angus, the hamilton's, john and Cladius, the Earl of M●rre, Glames, and other, that they should steal away into Scotland (she supplying them with money) there to master and subdue the Earl of Arran. For Maxwell, who was lately made Earl of Bothwell, Baron Humes, Coldingkn●lls and other in Scotland, had already promised them their assistance, even ●n the very Court. Sir Patrick Grey (Arrans great Rival for the King's favour) Belenden, and Secretary Maitland (by Woottons craft) were made against Arran. These men, upon their first entry into Scotland, command all persons in the King's name, to aid them for conserving the truth of the Gospel, for freeing the King from corrupt Councillors, and for maintaining of Amity with the English, so as there presently joined with them ●bout eight thousand men. The Earl of Arran hearing hereof, makes haste to the King, and accuseth Patrick Grey as author of this commotion: but whiles Arran was making provision for defence of the Town, the enemies were ready to scale the Walls: whereupon, Arran being advised, that only his life was sought, gets secretly away with only one servant, the rest betook themselves to the King in the Castle. Then the Rebels get into the Marketplace, and display their Banners against the Castle: the King sends Grey to know the reason of their coming; they answer, to submit themselves, and in humble manner to kiss the King's hands: the King offereth restitution of all their goods, if they would depart; They desire to be admitted to his Pre●ence, which upon these conditions the King granted. That they should not attempt any thing against his li●e, or those whom he should nominate, nor make any innovation in the Government. They protest, They are ready to sacrifice their lives for the King's safety, and of any Innovation they had not so much as a thought; only they request to have their adversaries, and the Fortifications of Scotland delivered up into their hands. Hereupon after a day's Consultation, they are admitted into the King's Presence and forthwith the Earls of Mount Rosse, Crawford, and Rothsay; Colonel Arran's brothers, and others, were delivered to them: The Earl of Arran, who was fled into the Western Islands, is called home; the assaulters were pardoned, and pronounced good subjects. Hamilton is set over Dumbriton Castle; Goldingknolls over Edinburgh; the Earl of Angus over Tantallon; the Earl of Marre over Stelyn; and Glames is made Captain of the Guard. Upon this, all Proscriptions and Outlaries whatsoever against all persons, since the King's Inauguration) sa●ing some few proscribed for the murder of the King's Father) are called in, and with an unanimous consent of all parties, the Treaty of a League with the Queen of England is agreed upon, and Delegates nominated to that purpose. In Ireland likewise was a Combustion this year; first the Burkes (descended of the ancient Family of the Burroughs in England) provoked by the severe Government of Richard Bingham, Governor of Conn●ght, raise Rebellion; but this was soon suppressed, for Thomas Burk died fight; M●yler, and Theobald Burke, were taken and hanged. After this, the Clan-Gibbons, Clandonells, and joys, combined together in great numbers, and say plainly, They will have a Mac-William of their own, one of the Burks to rule over them, or some other Lord out of Spain; they will admit of no Sheriff into their Country, nor appear before the English Courts of Justice; and thereupon harryed all the Country with Fire and Sword, and neither by the persuasions of the Archbishop Tuan, nor by the entreaties of the Earl of Clanricard (the chief of the House of the Burks) would be quieted, till john Bingham the Precedents brother, following them into the Woods, drove away five thousand Head of their cattle, so as after forty days, half starved, they came forth and submitted themselves. But this was not yet an end; for now the Precedent understood, That two thousand Scottish Islanders were landed, and ready to break into Connaght; whereupon he Musters his men to give them Battle; but they flying to Bogs and Woods, he retires back as though in fear, thereby to draw them from the Bogs to firm ground, and then with his whole Forces set upon them, slew three thousand of them (indeed all but fourscore) amongst whom were Donell Garmy, and Alexander Garmy, the sons of james Mac-Conell, who had long disquieted this part, and those Burkes who were the first authors of this Rebellion. This was a famous Victory, for the good of the present and future times; for hereby the name of the Mac-Williams in Connaght was utterly extinct, and the insolent attempts of the Scottish Islanders absolutely crushed. In the Low-Countries at this time the States were very hard beset, so as they held a Consultation, Whether to fly for protection, either to the French King, or to the Queen of England. Monsieur Prunie the French Ambassador showed many advantages, and gave many reasons why they should fly rather to the French King; the English on the other side, alleged many reasons why they should fly rather to the Queen of England: but in conclusion, they have first recourse to the King of France, and afterward being by him neglected, to the Queen of England. But then in England it was consulted, Whether it were meet to protect them; wherein the Council was divided; some were of opinion, That it were good to receive and aid them, lest the Spaniard first conquering them, might have the better way to annoy England; other again thought, They were to be held no better than Rebels to their lawful Sovereign, and therefore unworthy of assistance. After long deb●●ing the matter, the Queen refuseth to take into protection, much less to exercise Sovereignty over them. Nevertheless, to raise the Siege of Antwerp, which was then beleaguered by the Prince of Parma, she was content to supply them with four thousand Soldiers, so as the Town of Sluice, and the Ordnance belonging to it, were given up into their hands: but while this matter was discussing● the Town of Antwerp was fain to yield itself. But the Queen better bethinking herself, partly, as fearing the growth of the King of Spain's power, and partly, as commiserating the afflicted of her own Religion, at last resolves to undertake their protection, upon condition of her part, to supply them with five thousand Foot, and a thousand Horse, under a sufficient General, paying them during the War; And afterward the expenses to be paid back, upon condition on their part, by way of Pledge, to deliver Flushing, and the Fort of Ramekyn, the Town of Brill, with the two neighbouring Forts: and for the justifying of this her action, ●he set forth a large Declaration. And knowing that herein she incensed the King of Spain, she thought best to turn his anger further from home, and thereupon sent out Sir Francis Drake, and Christopher Carlisle, with a Navy of one and twenty Ships (wherein were two thousand Voluntaries and Mariners) toward the West Indies; who first surprised the Town of St. ●ago, afterwards St. Dominick (where five and twenty thousand Crowns were given them, to spare the Town from burning) afterward Cartagena, which they held seven weeks, till the Spaniards redeemed it for a hundred and ten thousand Crowns. After this, the Calenture waxing hot, and diminishing their Forces, they returned homewards, passing by Virginia, a Colony which Sir Walter Raleigh had there planted; from whence Drake brings hom● with him Ralph Lane, who was the first that brought Tobacco into England, which the Indians take against crudities of the Stomach. At this Expedition were lost about seven hundred men, who for the most part died of Calentures: their Booty amounted to the value of threescore thous●nd pounds Sterling, besides two hundred and forty Brass and Iron Pieces. These things were done under the Torrid Zone in America; when in the mean while, Captain john Davis, with two Ships (at the charges of William Sanderson, and other Citizens of London) found out away to the East-Indies, ●y the higher part of America, under the Frigid Zone. At the end of this year, the Earl of Leicester is sent General of the Queen's Forces into Holland, accompanied with the Earl of Essex, the Lords Audley, and North, Sir William Russell, Sir Thomas Shirley, Sir Arthur Basset, Sir Walter Waller, Sir Gervase Clifton, and divers other Knights, besides five hundred Gentlemen. Landing at Flushing, he was first by Sir Philip Sidney the Governor his Nephew and after by the Towns of Zealand and Holland, entertained in most magnificent manner, ●nd coming to the Hague in january; the States by Patent committed to him the command and absolute authority over the united Provinces, with the Titles of Governor and Captain General of Holland, Zealand; and the Confederate Provinces: So as being now saluted with the Title of his Excellency, he began to assume unto him Princely spirits. But the Queen took him soon off from further aspiring, Writing to him in most peremptory manner; That she wondered how a man whom ●he had raised out of the dust, could so contemptuously violate her commands, and therefore charged him upon his Allegiance, to put in execution the Injunctions she sent him by HENNAGE her VICECHAMBERLAINE; Withal, in Letters apart, She expostulateth with the States, that to her great disparagement, they had cast upon the ●arle of Leicester her Subject, the absolute command over the united PROVINCES without her privity, which she herself had utterly refused; and therefore willeth them to Divest him of that absolute authority, to whom she had set bounds, which he should not pass. The States return Answer, That they are heartily sorry they should incur her displeasure by conferring upon the Earl that absolute Authority, not having first made her acquainted, but they beseeched her to consider the necessity of it; seeing, that for avoiding of confusion, that Authority must needs be cast upon some one or other; Neither, was there any great matter in the word Absolute, seeing the Rule and Dominion resided still in the people. By these Letters, and Leicester's own submissive writing, the Queen was soon satisfied; Leicester all this while receiveth Contributions and Rewards from all Provinces, maketh Martial Laws, and endeavouring likewise to raise new Customs upon Merchandizes, incurred great dislike amongst the common people. His first service was to relieve Grave, a Town in Brabant, which the Prince of Parma, by Count Mansfield had besieged: Hither he sent the Count Hohenlo a German, and Norris General of the English Foot; but notwithstanding all the great service they did there, the Town in the end was taken; but Hemart the Governor, for his cowardly yielding it up, lost his head. From hence the Prince of Parma marched into Gelderland, and pitched his Tents before Venlow, where Skenkic a Friezlander, and Roger Williams a Welshman performed great service, yet that Town in a short time was taken also. But in the mean while, the Lord Willoughby Governor of Bergen ap Zome, cut off the enemy's Convoys, and took away their victuals; and Sir Philip Sidney, and Maurice the Prince of Orange's Son, upon a sudden onset, took Axale a Town in Flanders. From Venl● the Prince of Parma goes to Berke, where there were twelve thousand English, under the command of Colonel Morgan; he notwithstanding laid Siege to the Town, which the Earl of Leicester came to raise, but finding his Forces to weak to raise it, he seeks to divert it, by Beleaguering Duisbourgh; which before the Prince of Parma could come to relieve, he took. And now the Prince of Parma, fearing lest Zutphin should come in danger, commandeth victuals to be carried thither, which the Spaniards carrying along in a fog, the English by chance lighted on them, vanquished a Troop of their Horse, slew Hannibal Gonzaga, and divers other, bat then on the English side was one slain, more worth than all the English and Spaniards put together; Sir Philip Sidney, who having his horse slain under him, and getting upon another, was shot into the thigh, and 25 days after, in the bloure of his age, died: A man of so many excellent parts of Art and Nature, of Valour and Learning, of Wit and Magnanimity; that as he had equalled all those of former Ages, so future Ages will hardly be able to equal him. His Funerals were in sumptuous manner solemnised at St. Paul's Church in London. james King of Scotland made his Epitaph, and both Universities celebrated his death with Funeral Verses. After this, Leicester assaulteth Zutphen, where setting upon a Fort, he takes it in this manner; Edward Stanley (of the Stanley's of Elford) catching hold of a Spaniards Lance, which was brandished at him, held it so fast, that by it he was drawn into the very Fort; whereupon, the Spaniards being affrighted (as thinking all the enemies were coming up) forsook the place; Leicester knighted Stanley for this act, gave him forty pounds in present money, and yearly Pension of an hundred Marks during his life. And now though in this forwardness to win the Town, yet winter being already come on, he thought it unseasonable to besiege it any longer (especially so many English Garrisons lying round about it, which were in nature of a siege) but returned to the H●g●e, where the States entertained him with complaints, that their money was not carefully husbanded, that the number of the English supplies was not full, that foreign soldiers were levied without their consent, that the privileges of the united Provinces were set at nought, and new devises for contribution invented; for all which evils, they entreat him to provide some present remedy. To which complaints (having a purpose to go for England) he gave a friendly answer; but upon the very day in which he was to depart, he committeth the government of the Province, to the deliberation of the States; and the same day, made another private instrument of writing, where he reserved to himself the whole authority over the Governors of the several Provinces, Cities, and Forts; and more than this, taketh away the wont jurisdiction ●rom the State's Council, and Precedents of the Provinces; and came into England the third day of December. And thus passed the affairs of the Nether-lands for this year. But in England, Philip Earl of Arundel, who had lain in Prison a whole year, was at last brought to the Starchamber; and being charged with fostering of Priests, and having correspondence with Allen and Parsons the Jesuit, and offering to depart the Kingdom without licence, was fined ten thousand pounds, and imprisonment during the Queen's pleasure. At this time, the Queen, by Sir Horatio Palavicino, supplied with a large sum of money the King of Navarr●; thorough whose side, the Guises opposed the reformed Religion in Scotland, but her most intentive care was how to unite England and Scotland in a solid friendship: To which end, she sent Thomas Randoll into Scotland, who making Propositions to the King, touching a League offensive and defensive, though the King at first required some additions, and though the French Ambassador infinitely opposed it, yet at last he consented to it; and in july following, there met at Barwick, Edward Earl of Rutland, William Lord Ever, and Thomas Randoll for the Queen of England; Francis Earl of Bothwell, Robert Lord Boyde, and Humes for the King of Scots, and there the League (which was called the League of strict Amity; for that the word offensive liked not the Scots) was upon certain points concluded: First, for the maintenance of the reformed Religion, and then other such Articles, as commonly in Leagues are usual. The very same month that this League was agreed on, a most dangerous conspiracy against the Queen was discovered. For first, one john Savage, was by the persuasions of Gifford, Doctor in Divinity, induced to believe, that it was a meritorious work, to take away the lives of Princes Excommunicate, who thereupon vowed to kill Queen Elizabeth: but to make the Queen and her Council secure, at the very same time they wrote a book● exhorting the Papists in England, to attempt nothing against their Prince, and to use only the Christian weapons of Tears, Prayers, Watching, and Fasting. About Whitsuntide, one Ballard a Seminary Priest of Rheims, acquainted with the vow of Savage (having dealt in France with Mendoza and Charles Paget, about invading of England) arrived here in a soldier's habit, and by a counterfeit name, called Captain Fos●●; with these matters he acpuaints one Anthony Babington, a gentleman of Darbyshire, who by the Bishop of Glasco, the Queen of Scots Ambassador in France, had been commended to her, as one worthy of her love; so, as between them, there passed often letters in unknown characters. In short time, Babington had drawn into the Plot, other gentlemen as zealous of the Romish Religion as himself; namely, Edward Windsor, brother to the Lord Windsor, Thomas Salisbery of a good Family in Devonshire, Charles Tilney one of the Queen's Pensioners, Chydiock Tichburne of Hamshire, Edward Abington (whose father was Cofferer to the Queen) Robert Gage of Surrey, john Travers●, and john Charnock of Lancashire, john Iones● Savage formerly spoken of, Barnwell of a noble Family in Ireland, and Henry Dunne a Clerk in the Office of First-fruits and Tenths, one Pollie also served himself into their company, a fellow throughly acquainted with the affairs of the Queen of Scots, who was thought to have revealed all their consultations to Walsingham day by day. To these Gentlemen, Babington communicateth his affairs, but not every particular to every one, but to Ballard, Tichburne, and Dunn●, he showeth the Letters which passed between him and the Queen of Scots; with Tilney and the rest, he dealeth to be the Assassinates; of whom, some at first loath, at last consented, and in a foolish vaingloriousness, a picture of the Assassinates was made to the life, and Babington in the midst, with these words; Quorsum haec alio properentibus? This Picture (they say) was gotten and privately showed to the Queen, who knew none of them by face, but only Bernwell (who had oftentimes come to her in the causes of the Earl of Kildare, whose servant he was) Certain it is, that the Queen one day walking abroad, spied this Bernwell, and turning to Hatton said, Am not I well Guarded, that have not so much as one man in the company with a sword by his side? Thus much Bernwell himself told the rest of his confederacy, and how easy a matter it had been to have dispatched her at that time, if the rest had been present. The chief discoverer of the Plot, was the aforesaid Gifford: This man was a gentleman of a good Hou●e at Chellington in Staffordshire, not far from Chartley, where the Queen of Scots was kept prisoner, and was now sent by the English fugitives in France, under the counterfeit name of Luson, to put Savage in mind of the vow he had made, and to convey letters between them and the Queen of Scots. But he, whether pricked in conscience, or dismayed in mind, came to Walsingham privately, revealing who he was, and for what end, and by whom sent into England. Walsingham courteously entertained him, and sent him down into Staffordshire, to do the work he had undertaken. Here Gifford bribing the Brewer of the House, where the Queen of Scots lay, contrived the matter in such sort with him, that by a hole in the wall, in which a loose stone was put, he should give in, and receive forth Letters, the which by messengers purposely laid by the way, came evermore to Walsinghams' hands, who broke them open, copied them out, and by the rare cunning of one Thomas Philip's, found out the meaning of the private Characters, and by the singular Art of Arthur Gregory, sealed them again so curiously, that no man would imagine them to have been opened, and ever sent them to the parties, to whom the superscription directed them. In like manner were the former letters from the Queen of Scots to Babington intercepted; as also, other letters written at the same time to Mendoza the Spanish Ambassador, Charles Paget, the Lord Paget, the Archbishop of Glasco, and Francis Englefield. The Queen as soon as she understood by these letters of the storm hanging over her head, both at home and abroad, commanded Ballard to be apprehended, who on a sudden is taken in Babingtons' house. Babington hereupon goeth to Walsingham, with whom he had long been a suitor, for licence to go into France, promising to do great matters in discovering the practices of the Fugitives; Walsingham with fair promises drives him off from day to day; and now persuades him, that for a small space till he could get his licence sealed, he would lodge at his house in London, where they might have secret conference without suspicion. This Web Walsingham himself had spun hitherto, and no other of the Queen's Council were made acquainted; and longer yet he would have drawn the thread out, but that the Queen was unwilling; lest (as she said) by not avoiding danger when she might, she should seem rather to tempt God, than to trust in him. Whereupon, Walsingham sent a Note to his man Scudamore from the Court, to look carefully to Babington: This Note was delivered in such manner, that Babington sitting by at Table when Scudamore read it, overlooked him, and read it likewise; Hereupon, suspecting that all was discovered, the next night he and Scudamore, and one or two more of Walsinghams' servants supping at a Tavern, and being very merry, he made an excuse that he must needs step aside, and rose up, leaving his Cloak and his sword, and so made haste through the dark to Westminster, where Gage and he changed apparel, and then together withdrew themselves 〈◊〉 S. john's wood near the City, whether Barnwell also and Dun betook themselves. In the mean space they were proclaimed Traitors all England over● Hereupon they lay lurking in Woods and by-places; they shave Babingtons' 〈◊〉, disfigure the beauty of his countenance (for he was of an extraordinary beauty) with the husks of green Walnuts; and when they were hal● starved, went to the houses of the Bellamy's, near Harrow on the hill, who were great Papists; There they were hid in Barns, and put into a Country habit: but notwithstanding all their shifting, within ten days after they were discovered and brought to London. The other Complices were soon after taken, most of them in the Suburbs of the City, Salisbury and Trav●●se in Cheshire, and jones in Wales, who harboured them in his house, after he knew they were Proclaimed Traitors, Windsor only was never heard of. Many days were spent in the examination of them, who cut one the others throats with their own confessions. All this while, the Queen of Soits and her servants are so narrowly looked to by Pawlet, that she knew nothing of all these passages: Assoon as they were apprehended, Thomas Gorge was sent to acquaint her with the whole matter, which yet he did not do, till she was got on horseback to Ride a hunting, and was not then suffered to return, bu● in show of courtesy was carried up and down, to see the Houses of the Gentry thereabouts. In which mean while, john Manners, Edward Acton, Richard Bagot, and Sir William Waad, took Nave and Curl the Queen of Sc●●s Secretaries, and the rest of her servants, and delivered them to Keepers apart, that they might have no speech between themselves, nor with their Lady the Queen of Scots. Then they break open all doors, and such Desks and Boxes as they found with any papers in them, they set their seals upon, and sent them to the Court: In which, being broken open before the Queen, were found a number of Letters from Foreign parts, the copies likewise of Letters sent to several persons, and threescore Alphabets at least of private Characters; as also, Letters to her from some of the English Nobility, containing great proffers of love and service, which the Queen notwithstanding took no notice of, but passed over in silence, according to her Motto, Video, & Taceo, I see, and say nothing, Gifford now, who had all this while served their turn, is sent into France; but ere he went hence, left an Indenture with the French Ambassador here in England, with instructions, that he should deliver no Letters to the Queen of Scots, or the Fugitives in France; but to him that exhibited an Indenture matching with that, the which he sent underhand to Sir Francis Walsingham. The twentieth o● September, seven of the forenamed Conspirators were Arraigned, and pleading guilty, were condemned of High-treason. Two days after, seven other were called to the Bar, who pleaded not guilty, but notwithstanding were found guilty by their own confessions, and condemned; Pollie only, though he were privy to all passages, yet because he had disclosed many things to Walsingham, was not called in question. The twentieth day of the month, the first seven in St. Giles Fields, where they were wont to meet, were hanged, cut down instantly, their privy members cut off, and themselves yet living and beholding it, were in cruel manner bowelled and quartered; namely, Ballard, Babington, Savage (who, the roap breaking, fell dowd from the Gibbet, and was presently taken by the hangman, his privy members cut off, and bowelled, while he was perfectly living) Barnwell, Tichburne, Tilney, And Abbington. The next day, the other seven were drawn to the same place, and executed in the same fashion, but in a more gentle manner, by the Q●eens special charge, who detested the former cruelty, for they were to hand till they were quite dead. Salisbery first, than Dun, than jones, Cherno●k, Traverse, Gage, and with them Hierome Bellam●, who had concealed Babington after he was Proclaimed Traitor (whose brother being guilty of the same fact, had strangled himself in Prison. When these men were executed, Nave a Frenchman, and Curl a Scots-man, Secretaries to the Queen of Scots, were examined concerning the Letters, the copies of Letters, and priviate Characters found in the Queen of Scots Closet; who under their own voluntary subscriptions acknowledged, that they were their own hand writings, dictated in French by the Queen herself, taken by Nave; turned into English by Curl, and copied out in secret Characters. Hereupon, Sir Edward Wootton was sent out of hand into France, to make known to the King, the order of the Treason, and to show him the copies of the Queen of Scots Letters, confirmed by the testimony of sundry of the English Nobility, that the French King might see what dangerous plots were by Charles Paget, and the English Fugitives contrived against the Queen of England. And now, what should be done with the Queen of Scots, was a great consultation, wherein the Counsellors were not all of one mind; some conceived, That it were not good to take any rigorous course against her, but only to hold her in fast custody; both for that she was not Author of the Treason, but only conscious to it, and because she was crazy, and not likely to live long. Others, out of a care of Religion, were of opinion, To have her forthwith Arraigned and put to death according to the Law; Leicester thought it better to have her poisoned, and sent a Divine to Walsingham to prove it lawful, but Walsingham protested against that course. A difference than arose amongst them, by what Law to proceed against her; Whether by the Law of the 25. of Edward the Third? (In which they are Pronounced guilty of Treason, who plot the destruction of the King or Queen, raise War in his Dominions, or adhere to his Adversaries.) Or else by the 27. of the Queen, Enacted a year since: Their opinion at last prevailed, who thought best to proceed against her by this latter Law, as being indeed in this case provided. Whereupon, divers of the Lords of the Privy Council, and other of the Nobility, are Authorized by the Queen's Letters, to inquire by virtue of that Law, and pass sentence against all such as raised Rebellion, Invaded the Kingdom, or attempted any violence against the Queen. These Commissioners therefore upon the 11. day of October, repaired to Fotheringay Castle in Northamptonshire, where the Queen of Scots was then held prisoner; and the next day, sent unto her Walter Mildmay, Pawlet and Edward Barker, public Notary, who delivered her the Queen's Letters; which, having with a settled countenance read, She said, It seems to me stranger that the Queen should lay her Command upon me, to hold up my hand at the Bar; as though I were a Subject, seeing I am an absolute Queen, no less than herself; but howsoever, I will never do any thing prejudicial to Princes of my degree, nor to my Son the King of Scotland. After many meetings, she standing still upon her innocency, and upon her exemption from answering, as being an absolute Prince, and specially for yielding to be tried by the English Laws; of which, One (she said) had lately been made of purpose for her destruction. It was at last told her plainly, by the Chancellor and Treasurer, That if she refused to answer to such crimes as should be objected, they would then proceed against her, though she were absent. Being brought at last, with much ado to consent, the Commissioners came together in the Presence Chamber; a Chair of Estate was set for the Queen of England, in the upper end of the Chamber, under a Canopy; beneath over against it, was placed a Chair for the Queen of Scots; on both sides of the Cloth of Estate, stools were set, upon which on the one side sat the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Treasurer, the Earls of Oxford, Kent, Derby, Worcester, Rutland, Cumberland, Warwick, Pembroke, Lincoln, and Viscount Mountacute● On the other side sat the Lords Aburgavany, Zouch, Morley, St. john of Bletsho, Compton, and Cheyney; Next to these, sat the Knights that were Privy Councillors, Sir james Crofts, Sir Christopher Hatton, Sir Francis Walsingham, Sir Ralph Sadler, Sir Walter Mild●●, and Sir Amis Pawlet; Forward, before the Earls, sat the two Chief Justices, and the Lord chief Baron; on the other side, the two Barons, and the other Justices; Dale, and Ford, Doctors of the Civil Law, at a Table in the midst, Popham the Queen's Attorney General, Egerton her Solicitor, ●●●die her Sergeant at Law, the Clerk of the Crown, and two Notaries. When the Queen of Scots was come, and had placed herself, silence being made, Bromely Lord Chancellor turning towards her, said; That the Queen had appointed these Commissioners, to hear what she could Answer to crimes laid to her charge, assuring her, that nothing would be cause of more joy to the Queen, then to hear, that she had proved herself innocent. Upon this, she rising up, said; That although, being an absolute Prince, she could not be compelled to appear before the Delegates, yet to manifest her innocency, she was now content to appear. Then Gawdie, opened every speciality of the Law lately made (against which she had taken excception) showing, By Babingtons' confession, by Letters passed between them, by the confessions of Ballard, and Savage, by the confessions of her Secretaries, Nave, and Curl, that she was privy to their Treasons, and consented to the Invasion of England, and destruction of the Queen. To which she answered, That Letters might be counterfeited, her Secretaries might be corrupted, and rest, in hope of life, might be drawn to confess that which was not true: In this she stood peremptorily, That she never consented to any Attempt against the Queen's Person; though for her own delivery, she confessed she did. After many other charges by the Commissioners, and replies by the Queen of Scots; At last, she requested, that she might be heard in a full Parliament, or before the Queen herself, and her Council. But this request prevailed not; for on the 25. day of October following, at the Star-Chamber in Westminster, the Commissioners met again, and there pronounced sentence against her; Ratifying by their Seals and subscriptions, that after the 1. day of june, in the seven and twentieth year of our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth, divers matters were compassed and imagined in this Kingdom, by Anthony Babington, and others, with the privity of Mary Queen of Scots, pretending Title to the Crown of England, tending to the hurt, death, and destruction of the Royal Person, of our said Sovereign Lady the Queen. After a few days, a Parliament was holden at Westminster, the which was begun by Authority from the Queen, derived to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Treasurer, and the Earl of Derby; and the same, not without some Precedents. At this Parliament, the Proscriptions of the Lord Paget, Charles Paget, Francis Inglefield, Francis Throgmorton, Anthony Babington, Thomas Salisbury, Edward jones, Chyd●ock Tichburne, Charles Tilney, and the other complices, was confirmed, and their goods and possessions adjudged confiscate. Also the Peers of the Kingdom, with an unanimous consent, exhibit a Petition to the Queen by the Lord Chancellor, that for the preservation of the true Religion, and safety of the Queen, of themselves, and their Posterity, the Sentence passed against Mary Queen of Scots, might according to Law be presently Promulged: They put the Queen in mind of the fearful examples of God's Judgements extant in Scripture, upon King Saul, for sparing of Agag, and upon Ahab, for not putting Benhadad to death. But the Queen answereth them to this effect: First, acknowledging Gods miraculous preservation of her, and then their constant affections towards her, for whose sakes only she desires to live: Otherwise, when she calls to mind things past, beholds the present, and expects what may happen in time to come, that she accounts them most happy, who go soon hence. That the Law lately made, by which the Queen of Scots is condemned, was not made (as some maliciously have imagined) to ensnare her; but contrariwise, to forewarn and deter her from attempting any thing against it, which though it had not been made, yet were there other ancient Laws enough to condemn her. Nothing could have been more grievous to me, than that a Prince, and one so near Allied unto me, should deserve the Sentence pronounced against her; and seeing the matter is of rare example, and of a very weighty consequence, I hope you will not expect, that I should at this present determine any thing; Yet that there may be no danger in delays I will in due time signify my mind unto you; and in the mean time, would have you to expect from me, whatsoever good Subjects may look for, from a Gracious Prince. Twelve days after, having deeply weighed the matter in her mind, she sent the Lord Chancellor to the Peers, and Puckering to the Lower House, entreating them to advise more diligently concerning so weighty a matter, and to bethink themselves of some wholesome remedy, by which the life of the Queen of Scots might be spared, and their security also provided for. They, when they had a long time in most serious manner deliberated hereof, Return at last this Verdict; That the Queen's life could not be in safety, while the Queen of Scots lived, unless she either repent and acknowledged her crimes, or were kept in strait custody, or bound by her oath and obligations, or gave Hostages, or lastly, departed the Kingdom. And seeing none of these were likely to be remedies; It remained, that only her death would be a remedy. Repentance in her they could little hope for, who would not so much as acknowledge herself faulty: Close Imprisonment, Obligations, Oath, and Hostages they accounted as nothing, which all vanished, if the Queen's life were once taken away; and if she departed the Kingdom, they feared she would straightway go about to Invade it again. These things the Lord Chancellor, and Puckering the Speaker of the Lower-House, declared to the Queen at large, and urged her in their names, to have the Sentence put in execution. Hereupon, the Queen after a short pause, spoke at last to this effect: I protest, my chief desire hath been, that for your security, and my own safety, some other way might be devised, than that which is now propounded; but seeing it is now evident and certain, that my safety without her destruction, is in a more deplorate estate, I am most grievously affected with inward sorrow; That I, who have pardoned so many Rebels, have neglected so many Treasons (either by connivance, or silence) should now at last exercise cruelty, upon a Prince so nearly Allied to me. As for your Petition, I beseech you to rest in an Answer, without an Answer: If I say I will not grant your Petition, I shall happily say what I mean not; I● I should say, I will grant it, than cast I myself into destruction headlong, whose safety you so earnestly desire, And that I know, you in your wisdoms would not I should do. After this, the Parliament was Prorogued, and then were the Lords Buckhurst and Beale sent to the Queen of Scots, to let her understand that Sentence was pronounced against her, and confirmed by Parliament, and that the execution of it was earnestly desired, by the Nobility and the Commons; and therefore persuaded her, that before her death, she would make acknowledgement of her offences, against God and the Queen; Intimating, That if she lived, the Religion received in England, could not subsist. Hereupon, she was taken with an unwonted alacrity, and seemed to triumph for joy, giving God thanks, and gratulating her own felicity, That she should be accounted an Instrument, for establishing Religion in this Island; and therewith requested, She might have some Catholic Priest to administer the Sacrament to her; but was denied, which some deemed, not inhuman only, but tyrannical and heathenish. The Bishop and the Dean, whom for this cause they commended to her, she utterly rejected, and jeered at the English Nation, saying; The English were ever ●nd anon wont to murder their own Kings, and therefore, no mar 〈◊〉 they should now thirst after her destruction. In Dcember following the Sentence against her was Proclaimed, in London first, and after, over all the Kingdom, wherein Queen Elizabeth seriously protested, that this Promulgation of the Sentence was extorted from her, to her great grief, by the importunity of the whole Body of the Kingdom. The Queen of Scots being told hereof, seemed not a whit dejected with it; but writing to the Queen, never maketh intercession for herself, nor expostulateth her death, but only makes three small requests, one, That she might be buried in France, by her Mother; another, That she might not be put to death privately, but her servants to be present; the third That her servants might freely depart, and enjoy such Legacies as she had given them. Of which Requests, she desireth the Queen to vouchsafe her an answer; but whether this Letter ever came to Queen Elizabeth, is uncertain. This condemnation of the Queen of Scots, as a thing strange, and scarce credible, was soon spread far and near; so as intercessions came thick in her behalf to Queen ELIZABETH, but specially from the King of Scots, and the King of FRANCE, who sent their several Ambassadors, using all the reasons that natural affection in the one, and likeness of condition in the other, could urge, for sparing of her life; but when the necessity of the State, seemed to obstruct all ways of clemency, the French Ambassador L' Aubespine, falls from reasons to action, and thinketh no way so effectual for saving the Queen of Scots life, as to take away Queen ELIZABETH'S life; and thereupon, First, he dealeth covertly with William Stafford, a young Gentleman, and prone to embrace hopes (whose Mother was of the Bedchamber to Queen ELIZABETH, and his brother at that time, Ambassador Lieger in France) and afterward, more openly by Trappe his Secretary, to murder the Queen. Stafford, though not daring to act such a villainy himself, yet commended one Moody to him, a resolute fellow, and one that for money would be sure to do it. Upon this, Stafford brings Trap to Moody, being then in the common Gaol, who upon Traps offers, undertakes it: But then the consultation was, by what way it should be done? Moody propounded poison, or else to lay a bag of Gunpowder under the Queen's Bed, and suddenly fire it. But Trappe liked of neither of these ways, but would rather have it done, as was done to the Prince of Orange. But while they are thus consulting about the way of doing it; Stafford discovers all to the Lords of the Council. Whereupon Trappe, who was now bound for France, was apprehended, and being examined, confessed the whole matter. Upon this, the Ambassador himself was sent for to cecils house, the twelveth of january; where met him by the Queen's appointment, Cecil Lord Treasurer, the Earl of Leicester, Sir Christopher Hatton Vice-Chamberlain, and Davyson one of her Secretaries; who declare to the Ambassador every particular which Stafford, Moody, and Trappe his Secretary had confessed. Assoon as Stafford was brought forth, and began to speak, the AMBASSADOR interrupted him, and revyling him, made asseveration, that St●fford first propounded it; when Stafford falling on his knees, made fearful imprecations, that the AMBASSADOR first propounded it himself. But whosoever propounded it (saith BURLEIGH) It appears, that you were made acquainted with the matter. To which he presently Replied; That if he had known of any such thing, yet, being he was an AMBASSADOR, he o●ght not to give notice of it, but to his own King. After much reasoning in this manner; The Lord Burleigh admonished him, to beware how he offended hereafter in this kind; and let him know, That he is not quitted from the offence, though for this time the Queen be pleased to forbear him. But upon this Treason, the Queen of Scots Adversaries put many terrors into Queen Elizabeth's mind, giving out, That the Spanish Navy was come to Milford Haven, That the Scots were broken into England, That the Duke of Guyse with a great Army was landed in Sussex, That the Queen of Scots was escaped out of Prison, and had gotten a Company up in Arms, and many other such feigned suggestions; Through which, at length they drew the Queen to this: That she sealed Letters, for executing the Sentence against the Queen of Scots; and one of her greatest persuaders to it (as the Scots reported) was one whom the King of Scots had sent to dissuade her from it; namely, Patrick Grey, who sounded often in her ears, Mortua non mordet; when she is dead, she cannot bite. The Queen notwithstanding, began to weigh with herself, whether it were better to rid her out of the way, or else to spare her; and many great reasons offered themselves on both sides, but where only speculative reasons presented themselves for sparing her; many practical reasons, and those pressed both by Courtiers and Preachers, were presented to her; so as long holden in suspense, she would oftentimes sit speechless, and her countenance cast down: At last, her fear prevailing, she delivered to Secretary Davyson, Letters under her hand and Seal, to get the Commission made under the Great Seal of England, for the Execution of the Queen of Scots, which might be in a readiness upon any fear of danger; charging him not to disclose the matter, to any whomsoever. But the next day her mind was altered, and sent Sir William Killigrew to Davyson, to countermand the making of the Commission. Whereupon Davyson goes to her, and lets her know, That the Commission was already made, and the Seal put to it; Whereat, the Queen extremely angry, rebuketh him sharply for his hastiness; yet Davyson imparteth the matter to Privy Councillors; and persuades them, That the Queen Commanded, the Commission should be put in execution. Hereupon, Beale Clerk of the Council, is sent down with Letters, wherein authority is deputed to the Earls of Shrewsbury, Kent, Derby, Cumberland, and others, that she should be put to death according to the Law; with which proceeding, the Queen was not once made acquainted; and more than this, Although she had intimated to Davyson, That she would take some other order concerning the Queen of Scots, yet did not he stay Beale from going. And now comes in the last Act of the Queen of Scots Tragedy for assoon as the Earls were come to Fotheringay; They, together with Sir Amis Pawlet, and Sir Drue Drury, with whom she was then in custody; go unto her, and reading the Commission, signify the cause of their coming; and in a few words, admonish her to prepare herself for death, for that she must die the next day. Whereto, without any change of countenance or passion of mind, she made Answer; I had not thought that my Sister the Queen, would have consented to my death, who am not subject to your Laws; but since it is her pleasure, death shall then be to me most welcome. Then she requesteth that she might confer with her Confessor, and Melvyn her Steward, which would not be granted: The Bishop or Deane of Peterborough they offered her, but them she refused. The Earls being departed, she gave order that Supper should be hastened, where she eat (as she used to do) soberly, and sparingly; and perceiving her men and women servants to lament and weep, she comforteth them, and bid them rejoice rather, that she was now to depart out of a world of misery. After supper, she looketh over her Will, read the Inventory of her Goods and Jewels, and writ their names severally by them, to whom she gave any of them; at her wont hour she went to bed, and after a few hours sleep, awaking; spent the rest of the night in her devotion. And now the fatal day being come, which was the 8 of February, she getteth up, and makes her ready in her best Apparel, and then betook herself in her Closet to Almighty God, imploring his assistance with deep sighs and groans; until Thomas Andrews Sheriff of the County gave notice, that it was time to come forth, and then with a Princely Majesty, and cheerful countenance, she came out, her head covered with a linen vail, and carrying an Ivory Crucifix in her hand; In the Gallery the Earls met her, and the other Gentlemen, where Melvyn her servant upon his bended knees, deplored his own fortune, that he should be the messenger to carry this sad news into Scotland; whom she comforted saying, Do not lament Melvyn, Thou shalt by and by see Marry Steward freed from all cares. Then turning herself to the Earls, She requested that her servants might stand by her at her death, which the Earl of Kent was very loath to grant, for fear of superstition; To whom she said, Fear nothing, these poor wretches desire only to give me my last farewell. I know the Queen my Sister, would not deny me so small a request. After this, the two Earls, and the Sheriff of the County leading the way, she came to the Scaffold, which was set up at the upper end of the Hall, where was a Chair, a Cushion, and a Block, all covered with Mourning. Then the Dean of Peterborough going to Prayers, she falling upon her knees, and holding up the Crucifix in both her hands, prayed with her Servants in Latin, out of the Office of the blessed Virgin. Prayers being ended, she kissed the Crucifix, and signing herself with the Sign of the Cross, said, As thy arms, O Christ, were spread forth upon the Cross, so embrace me with the open arms of thy mercy, and forgive me my sins. Then the Executioner ask her pardon, she forgave him. And now her women helping off her outer Garments, and breaking forth into shrieks and cries, she kissed them, signed them with the Cross, and willed them to leave lamenting, for now an end of her sorrows was at hand; and then shadowing her face with a Linen Cloth, and lying down on the Block, she repeated the Psalm, In te Domine speravi, ne confundar in aeternum; at which words she stretching forth her Body, her head at two blows was taken off. Her Body was afterward Royally buried in the Cathedral Church at Peterborough; but since that, her Noble Son james, King of Great Britain, erected a Royal Monument for her, in King Henry the seventh's Chapel at Westminster. This end had Mary Queen of Scots, in the six and fortieth year of her age, and of her Imprisonment in England the eighteenth; a Lady so complete in all excellent parts of body and mind, that must needs have made her a happy woman, if she had not been a Queen; and perhaps a happy Queen too, if she had not been Heir to the Crown of England: For why did all her endeavours want success, but only from the fear of that Succession; and no Innocency of heas could be a Defence, where the fury of Jealousy made the Assault. Assoon as it came to the Queen's knowledge, that the Queen of Scots was put to death, her countenance grew dejected, and her speech failed her; insomuch that all in mourning weeds, she gave herself over to sorrow, Commanded her Councillors from her Presence, and caused Davyson to be cited to the Starchamber. And assoon as grief would suffer her, She wrote a Letter with her own hand to the King of Scots, and sent it by Sir Robert Cary, to this effect; That her mind was infinitely disquieted, in regard of this lamentable event, against her meaning and intent; entreating him to believe, That if she had commanded it, she would never have denied it, and withal, Protesting her true affection towards him, and her assiduous watchfulness for the prospering of his affairs. While Carry was on his journey, Davyson is cited to the Star-Chamber before these Delegates, Sir Christopher Wray Chief Justice of the Kings-Bench, for that time made Lord Privy Seal, the Archbishop; of Canterbury and York, the Earls of Worcester, Cumberland, and Lincoln, the Lords Grey, and Lumley, Sir james Croft, controller of the Queen's House, Sir Walter Mildmay, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Edmond Anderson, Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, and Sir Roger Manwood, Lord Chief Baron (where note, That Bromely Lord Chancellor, Burleigh Lord Treasurer, Leicester, and Hatton, who were indeed more guilty of the fact, than Davyson, were none of the number.) Before these Delegates, Popham the Queen's Attorney layeth to Davysons' charge, Contempt of the Queen; Majesty, violating of his trust, and neglect of his duty, laying open all particulars of his fact; which after Egerton the Queen's Solicitor, Gawdy, and Puckering her Sergeants at Law, urged also against him with great aggravation: To which Davyson mildly answered, That he would not contest with the Queen; only protests, That if he had done any thing otherwise than he ought, it was out of ignorance and mistaking, and not out of any purpose to disobey her Majesty. It seems the Queen had carried herself, as one that would have it done, and yet was loath to do it, scarce knowing her one mind, and yet would have another know it; meaning to make it the work of mistaking, rather than of purpose, that so at least she might leave some place of satisfaction to herself, that it was not absolutely of her doing. The Plead ended, the Commissioners went to censure; Manwood began, and gave his opinion, That Davyson, for the inconsiderateness of his fact● should be fined ten thousand pounds, and Imprisonment during the Queen's pleasure; the rest went on in that Sentence, only the Lord Grey excused Davyson so far, That he tho●ght him worthy of reward, rather than of punishment: The conclusion was, the first Sentence for his Fine and Imprisonment, was by Wray keeper of the Privy Seal confirmed; and Davyson never after recovered the Queen's favour, though she relieved him sometimes in his necessity. A man ingenious indeed, but not throughly acquainted with the ways of the Court; and thought to have been raised to this place, of purpose to Act this part, and for nothing else. By this time Sir Robert Cary, Son to the Lord Hunsdon, who was sent to excuse the Queen, was come to the Borders; but being come thither, was not suffered to set foot in Scotland, The King would scarce hear him by another, and with much ado received his Letters. He called home his Ambassador out of England, and thought of nothing but revenge. But the Queen still laying the fault upon Davyson, and the unadvised credulity of her Councellroes, by little and little allayeth his passion; and expecting, till time had somewhat assuaged his grief, that it would endure to be touched, at length, by her Agents in Scotland; And soon after by the Lord Hunsdon Governor of Berwicke, She admonished him, How dangerous it would be for him, to break out into War against England, and what little help he could justly expect from either Spain or France, but if he persisted in the amity with England, he might be sure the Queen of England, would most lovingly account him for her Son. And to the end, that he should assure himself, that the Queen his Mother was put to death without her privity, she sent him the Sentence against Davyson, under the Seals of all the Delegates, and attested under the Great Seal of England; and another Instrument likewise signed with the hands of the Judges of England; in which they aver, That the Sentence against the Queen of Scots, could in no wise be prejudice to his right in the Succession. Having now by these and the like courses, somewhat assuaged the King of Scots indignation; to prevent the War which they foresaw was imminent from the King of Spain, they send forth Drake with four of the Queen's ships and others, unto the Coast of Spain, to set upon their ships in the Have●s, and to intercept their Munition. Drake entering into the Port of Cales, sunk, took, and fired, about an hundred ships, wherein was great store of Munition and Victuals: Then returning to the Cape of St. Vincent, he set up three Forts, and compelled them to yield. Thence setting sail towards the Western Islands, called Azores, under the great Meridian; by great good fortune he happened upon an huge and wealthy Carack, called St. Philip, returning from the East-Indies, and easily vanquished it; Whereupon the Mariners on both sides, from the name of Philp, portended no good luck to Philip King of Spain. At the same time, Thomas Cavendish of Suffolk, in the other part of the World, who two years before had set sail from England with three ships, passing through the straits of Magellan, in the Coast of Chily, Peru, and Nu●va Hispania, fired a great number of Spanish Towns, took and pillaged ninteen great ships, and amongst them a wealthy ship of the Kings, nigh unto Caliphornia, in North America; and so by the Philippine Isles, the Mol●cce, the Cape de Bone Esperance, and the Island of St. Helen, returned home the next year, being the third after Magellan, that sailed about the World. As Drake and Cavendish at this time gained great fame and renown● so two other men in the Netherlands (Stanley and York) purchased as great infamy and disgrace: This York was a Londoner, a bold fellow, and of loose behaviour; famous for bringing first into England, the manner of turning the point upon the Adversary in single Combats, whereas the English till this time, were wont to be armed with Bucklers and swords, and to strike with edge, and it was held no manhood to turn the point, or strike below the girdle. He suffering some affront from the Earl of Leicester, fled away, and for a time, served under the Spaniards in the Netherlands, till at length being reconciled to Leicester, he was sent over the Fort near Zutphen; but being bribed, he not only yielded up the place to the Enemy, but drew to the like villainy one Stanley, who with great valour had served in an Irish expedition; to yield up Daventry to the Spaniards, a wealthy and well Fortified Town. But what got they by their treachery, The Spaniards set York and Stanley at variance, they poison York and seize upon his goods, his carcase was three years after digged up by the State's commandment, and hanged upon a Gibbet till it rotten aways Stanley went into Spain, where there was no credit given to him; for the Spaniards have a saying, It is lawful to give honour to a Traitor sometimes, but never to trust him. These late treacheries, wrought the Earl of Leicester much envy with the Confederate Netherlands, because the Traitors were very intimate with him; whereupon the States in large letters to the Queen, accuse Le●cester for his ill managing of the Weal-public, in the matter of money, Merchandise, and Military affairs; and to his credulity, They impute the harm which accrued by York and Stanley. The Queen, for the narrow sifting of the matter, and composing it; sent thither Thomas Sackvile Lord Buckehurst (lately taken into her Privy Council in Leicester's absence) Norris, and Bartholomew Clerk: B●t when as the officious diligence of Buckhurst, seemed to trench upon Leicester's re●utation; his grace with the Queen proved so forcible, that Buckhurst at his return, was for certain months confined to his house. Afterward, Sluice being beleaguered by the Prince of Parma, Leicester was by the States sent for out of England, to succour it; the Town was furiously assaulted, with seventeen thousand great shot, and a mighty breach was made into it; which nevertheless, Roger Williams, Franis Vere, Nicholas Baskervile, with the Garrison of the English and Walloons, were valiantly defended for a while, but at last were enforced to yield it up● Leicester, that came to relieve it, finding himself too weak for the Besiegers, being gone away. And indeed, the States would not commit any great Army to his Command; who (they knew had a determination to se●ze L●yden, and some other Towns into his own hands, and had a purpose to surprise the absolute Government. Whereupon, the States used means, that Leicester was called home; gave up the Government to the States, and in his room succeeded Maurice of Nassaw Son to the Prince of Orange, b●ing now but twenty years of age.) Peregrine Lord Willonghby, was by the Queen made General of the English Forces in the Low-Countries, to whom she gave command to reduce the English Factions into the State's obedience; the which, with the help of Prince Maurice, he easily effected. Leicester being now come home, and perceiving that an accusation was preparing against him by Buckhurst and others, for his unfaithful managing of affairs in Holland; privately with tears he cast himself down at the Queen's feet, entreating her, that she would not receive him with disgrace, at his return, whom she had sent forth with honour; and so far prevailed with her, that the next day being called to examination before the Lords, he took his place amongst them, not kneeling down at the end of the Table, as the manner of Delinquents is; and when the Secretary began to read the heads of his Accusation, he interrupted him, saying; That the public instructions which he had received, were limited with private restriction; and making his appeal to the Queen, eluded the whole crimination, with the secret indignation of his Adversaries. This year was famous for the death of many great Personages: In the month of February, died Henry Nevil Lord of Aburgaveny, great Grandchild to Edward Nevil, who in the Reign of King Henry the Sixth, got this Title in the right of his Wife, only Daughter and Heir to Richard Beauchamp Earl of Worcester, and Lord of Aburgaveny; In which right, when as the only Daughter of this Henry, Wife to Sir Thomas Fane, challenged the Title of Baroness of Aburgaveny; a memorable contention arose concerning the Title between her, and the next Heir Male, to whom by Will (and the same confirmed by Authority of Parliament) the Castle of Aburgaveny was bequeathed. This question being a long time debated; at last in a Parliament holden in the second year of King james, the matter was tried by voices; and the Heir Male carried the Lordship of Aburgaveny, and the Barony Le Dispenser, was ratified to the Female. This year also, in the month of April, died Anne Stanhope Duchess of Somerset, ninety years old, who being the Wife of Edward Seymer Duke of Somerset, and Protector of England, contended for precedency, with Katherine Parr, Queen Dowager to King Henry the Eight. There died also, Sir Ralph Sadler, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, the last Baneret of England, with which dignity he was adorned at the Battle of Musselborough in Scotland. After him died Thomas Bromley Lord Chancellor of England; and six days after, He, whom the Queen meant should have succeeded him, Edward Earl of Rutland; but he now failing, Sir Christopher Hatton was made Lord Chancellor, who though he were a Courtier, yet the Queen knowing him to be an honest man, thought him not unfit for that place, where conscience hath, or should have more place than Law; although some were of opinion, That it was not so much the Queens own choice, as that she was persuaded to it by some that wished him not well; both thereby to be a cause of absenting him from the Court, and thinking that such a sedentary place, to a corpulent man that had been used to exercise, would be a means to shorten his life, and indeed he lived not full out three years after. This year Sir john Perot was called home out of Ireland, and left all in 〈◊〉 quiet to Fits Williams his Successor. For hitherto the English 〈◊〉 it no hard matter to vanquish the Irish, by reason of their unskil●ulnesse in Arms; eight hundred Foot, and three hundred Horse, was ●●ld an invincible Army: but after that by Perots command, they were ●●●●cised in Feats of Arms, and taught to discharge Muskets at a Mark, 〈◊〉 had in the Low-Countries learned the Art of Fortification, they held the English better to it, and were not so easily overcome. And now we are come to the one and twentieth year of Queen Eliza●●●●s Reign, being the year 1588., long before spoken of by Astrologers, 〈◊〉 be a wonderful year, and even the Climacterical year of the World. And yet the greatest Wonder that happened this year, was but the wonderful Fleet that Spain provided for invading of ENGLAND, if the defeat of that wonderful Fleet were not a greater Wonder. It is true, there was at this time a Treaty of Peace between England and Spai●; and the Earl of Derby, the Lord Cobham, Sir james Crofts, Dale and Rogers, Doctors of Law, Commissioners for the Queen: for the Prince of Parma, the Count Aurenberg, Champignie, Richardot, Ma●s, and Garvyer, Doctors, had many meetings about it near to Ostend; but it seemed on the p●rt of Spain, rather to make the English secure, that they should not make provision for War, than that they had any purpose of real proceeding, seeing they accepted not of any reasonable Conditions that were offered, but trifled out the time, till the Spanish Navy was come upon the Coast, and the Ordnance heard from Sea, and then dismissed the English Delegates. The Spanish Navy consisted of one hundred and thirty Ships; whereof Galleasses and Galleons, seventy two, goodly Ships, like to floating Towers; in which were Soldiers, 19290; Mariners, 8350; Galleyslaves, 2080; Great Ordnance, 2630: For the greater holiness of their Action, twelve of their Ships were ca●led, The twelve Apostles. Chief Commander of the Fleet, was Don Alphonso, Duke of Medina; and next to him, john Martin Recalde, a great Seaman. The twentieth of May they weighed Anchor from the River Tagus, but were by Tempest so miserably dispersed, that it was long ere they m●t again: but then they sent before to the Prince of Parma, That he with his Forces, consisting of fifty thousand old Soldiers, should be ready to join with them, and with his Shipping conduct them into England, and to land his Army at the Thames Mouth. The Queen's Preparation in the mean time, was this; The Lord Charles Howard, Lord Admiral, with all her Navy; and Sir Francis Drake, Vice-admiral, to be ready at Plymouth; and the Lord Henry Seymor (second son to the Duke of Somerset, with forty English and Dutch Ships, to keep the Coasts of the Netherlands, to hinder the Prince of Parma's coming forth. Then for Land-Service, there were laid along the Southern Coast, twenty thousand soldiers, and two Armies besides of Trained men were levied; over one of which, consisting of a thousand Horse, and two and twenty thousand Foot, the Earl of Leicester commanded, and pitched his Tents at Tilbury, near the Thames mouth: Over the other, appointed to Guard the Queen's Person, and consisting of four and twenty thousand Foot, and two thousand Horse, the Lord Hunsdon was General. Arthur Lord Grey, Sir Francis Knolles, Sir john Norris, Sir Richard Bingham, Sir Roger Williams, and other Military men, were chosen to make a Council of War, and consult how the Land-service should ●e ordered. These declared, amongst other things, That the places which lay fittest for the enemies landing, as Milford Haven, F●lmouth, Plymouth, Portland, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, the Downs, the Thames mouth, Harwich, Yarmouth, Hull, and such other, should be fortified with Works and Garrisons; the Trained Soldiers of those Shires which lay near the Sea Coast, should defend those places, and be ready at the Alarm to hinder the Enemy from Landing; but if he did land, then to spoil the Country round about, that he might find no food; and by continual crying, Arm, Arm, give the Enemy no rest, but yet should not give Battle, till good store of Commanders were come together. At this time many fearing the Papists at home, no less than the Spa●iards abroad, persuaded the Queen to take off the heads of some of t●e greatest of them; but she detesting such cruelty, took order only, That some few of them should be committed to custody in Wisbych Castle. And now all things on both sides prepared, the Spanish Navy set forth out of the Groin in May, but was dispersed and driven back by weather. The English Navy set forth somewhat later out of Plymouth, bearing up towards the Coast of Spain; but partly by occasion of contrary winds, partly by advertisement that the Spaniards were gone back, and upon some doubt also that they might pass by towards the Coast of England, whilst they were seeking them afar off, they returned to Plymouth; At which time, a confident (though false) advertisement came to the Admiral, That the Spaniards could not possible come forward that year: whereupon the English Navy was upon the point of disbanding, and many of the men were gone on shore; when suddenly the invincible Armada (for so it was called in a Spanish ostentation) was discovered upon the Western Coast: whereof the Lord Admiral being informed, had much ado to get the Queen's Navy out of the Haven (the wind being contrary) yet at length he haled it forth. The next day, the English beheld the Spanish Ships, in height like to Castles, sailing slowly along, whom they suffered peaceably to pass by, that they might have the benefit of the wind to follow after. The one and twentieth day of july, the Admiral of England sent a Pinnace before, called, The Defiance, which by a great shot, challenged the Spaniards to fight, and by and by they fell to it. Then Drake, Hawkins, and Forbisher let fly against the outmost Squadron, which Recalde commanded, making him glad to fly to their main Navy for succour. The night following a mighty Biskayner of Oquenda's (in which the King of Spain's Treasure was) was by chance fired with Gunpowder, but was timely quenched by other Ships sent to her succour; one of which Ships, was the Galleon of Don Pedro, whom Sir Francis Drake took prisoner, and sent him to Darthmouth. The Biskayner itself (the Treasure being taken out by the Spaniards) they left behind them, which the English brought into the Haven at Weymouth. The three and twentieth day of this Month, they had a seco●d Fight, in which most of the Spanish Shot flew over the English Ships, and never hurt them; Only Cock an Englishman, being with his little Vessel in the midst of the enemies, died valiantly. The four and twentieth day, they rested on both sides; in which time the Lord Admiral ranked his whole Fleet into four Squadrons: The first he ruled himself, Drake the second, Hawkins the third, and Forbisher the fourth. The five and twentieth day (which was the Saint james day) they fell to it the third time; in which Fight, the English had again the better, so as after this time, the Spaniards would no more turn upon the English, but holding on their course, dispatched a Messenger to the Prince of Parma; Requiring him forthwith to join himself to the King's Fleet, and withal to send them Bullets. The day following, the Lord Admiral Knighted Thomas Howard, the Lord Shefield● Roger Townsend, john Hawkins, and Martin Frobisher; and holding a Council of War, they decreed not to set again upon the Enemy, till they came to the straight of Calais, where the Lord Henry Seymor and Sir William Winter waited for their coming. And now so far were the English from being terrified with this invincible Navy, that many of the Nobility and other of special note, hired Ships at their own charges and came to the Admiral; as the Earls of Oxford, Northumberland, Cumberland, Thomas and Robert Cecil, Henry Brook, Sir Charles Blunt, Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir William Hatton, Sir Robert Carie, Sir Ambrose Willoughby, Sir Thomas Gerard, Sir Arthur Gorge and others. The seven and twentieth of July towards the Evening, the Spaniards cast Anchor near unto Calis, and not far from them road the English Admiral, within shot of a great Ordnance, to whom Seymor and Winter joined themselves, so as by this time there were in the English Navy a hundred and forty Ships, nimble and serviceable for Fight or Sailing, yet only Fifteen of them bore the stroke of the Battle. And now again the Spaniards sent Post after Post to the Prince of Parma to send them forty Flye-boates, without which they were not able to skirmish with the English, by reason of the greatness and unweldinesse of their Ships, and importune him presently to put to Sea with his Army; But he was unprepared, and his Flat-bottomed Boats were full of chinks and leaked, and besides, the Hollanders hovered before the Ports of Dunkirk and Newport, in such sort, that he durst not look forth. The eight and twentieth day; the Lord Admiral made ready eight of his worst Ships, on the outside daubed with wildfire, Rozin and Brimstone, within, full of combustible matter, and under the conduct of Young and Prowse, sent them down with the wind in the silent time of the night towards the Spanish Fleet; the which when the Spaniards saw approach them, and the Sea as it were all on a light fire; imagining withal, that those Fireships might carry in them some murdering Engines, they made ● hideous noise, took up Anchours, cut Cables, spread Sails, and betook themselves to their Oars, but more to flight: One of the Spanish Galleasses having lost her Rudder, and floating up and down, was held in fight by Annias Preston, Thomas Gerard, and Harvie, who ●lew Captain Hugh Moncada, cast the Soldiers over board, and carried away a great deal of Gold, but the Vessel and Ordnance was wreck to the Governor of Calais. Drake and Fencz in the mean while perceiving the Spanish Fleet to gather togethea again before Gravelling, set upon them with great violence, to whom str●ightwayes, Fenton, Southwell, Beeston, Cross, and Riman join themselves, and soon after the Admiral himself, Sir Thomas Howard, and the Lord Sheffield, the Galleon called Saint Matthew, was sorely battered by Seymor and Winter, driven toward Ostend, and set upon again by the Zelanders, and at last was taken by the Flushingers. And now the Spanish Navy having want of many necessaries, and no hope of the Prince of Parma's coming, they resolved to return Northward for Spain; in which passage they lost both many Ships and men, the English Navy still following them close, till they were fain to give them over for want of Powder. Whilst these things passed at Sea, the Queen ●n Person came to Tilbury to view the Army and Camp there, where she showed such undaunted Courage and Resolution, that it wonderfully animated the spirits of them all. And thus this Navy, which was three whole Years in preparing, in the space of a month was often beaten, and at length put to flight, many of their men being slain, more than half of their Ships taken and sunk (of the English not above a hundred at the most missing, nor so much as a Ship, but Cocks little Vessel) and Sailing about all Britain by Scotland, the Orkeneys and Ireland, they returned into Spain with as much dishonour as they came out with boasting, for indeed Mendoza in France by a Book in Print, Triumphed before the Victory. For the happy success of this Action, Queen Elizabeth appointed prayers and thanksgiving over all the Churches of England, and she (as it were in triumph) came in Person, attended with a great Troop of the Nobility into the City, and went into the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul (where the Banners taken from the Enemy was placed in view) and there in most humble manner gave thanks to Almighty God. And ●hat which increased the public joy, was the news which Sir Robert Sidney brought out of Scotland, That the King had overpast all injuries, was lovingly affected towards the English, and desired to embrace sincere and perfect amity with the Queen. For as for the King of Spain, he wittily told the Ambassador, that he expected no other courtesy from him, but such as Polyphemus promised Ulysses, that he should be the last whom he would devour. And now died the great Earl of Leicester the fourth day of September, at his Manor of Killingworth of a violent Fever; I may well say the great Earl, considering the many great Honours he enjoyed, which are extant in the Story; yet one honour greater than any he had before, he effected even then when he was ready to go out of the world, and that was● To be Vicegerent in the high Government of England and Ireland, for which the Patent was already drawn, and had been sealed; but that Burleigh and Hatton showed the Queen how dangerous a thing it might prove, for so great Authority to reside in one Subject. He was while he lived in so great favour with the Queen, that some thought (and himself not the least) that she meant to marry him; yet when he died, his goods were sold at an Outcry to make payment of the debts he owed her. About this time Philip Earl of Arundel, who three years before had been cast in prison, was now cited in Westminster Hall, to the judgement of his Peers, and Henry Earl of Derby was made High Steward of England for the time. The matters laid to his charge were these: That he had contracted friendship with Cardinal Allen, Parsons the Jesuit, and other Traitors, exciting divers both abroad and at home to restore the Romish Religion, promising his assistance thereunto: and for that reason had a purpose to depart the Kingdom. That he was privy to the Bull, in which Pope Sixtus Quintus had deposed the Queen, and given England to the Spaniard; that being imprisoned in the Tower he caused Mass to be said for the prosperous success of the Spanish Fleet, and for that purpose had framed peculiar prayers for his own private use. Being demanded whether he were guilty of these things; turning himself to the Judges, he asked them these questions: First, whether it were lawful to heap up so many crimes together in one Bill of Indictment? They answered that it was: Then whether Arguments taken from presumptions were of force? They answered, that it was lawful for him to interpose exceptions if he saw cause. Then again, if he might be Arraigned for those things which were Capital, by the Law made the thirteenth year of the Queen, after that the time expressed in the Act was expired? They promised, they would proceed against him by no Law; but the old Statute of Treason, made in the Reign of King Edward the Third. But now again asked if he were guilty or not● He pleaded not guilty, whereupon Puckening the Queen's Sergeant at Law, Popham Attorney General, Shuttleworth Sergeant at Law, and Egerton the Queen's Solicitor, in their turns, urged and proved the crimes objected; some whereof he denied, some he extenuated; but in conclusion was by his Peers found guilty and condemned; yet the Queen spared his life, and was content with thus much done in terror to the Papists. It was now the year 1589. And the two and thirtieth of Queen Eliza●eths Reign; when to be in some sort revenged of the Spaniards for their invasion, she gave leave to Sir john Norris and Sir Francis Drake to undertake an Expedition at their own private charges, requiring nothing of her but a few Ships of War, who took along with them Anthony the bastard, laying claim to the Kingdom of Portugal, and of Souldidrs to the number of eleven thousand, of Seamen about fifteen hundred: setting Sail from Plymouth the fifth day of April, they arrived at the Groin in Ga●acia; whereof, with great valour they took first the Lower town, and afterward the Higher, and from thence sailing toward Portugal, they met Robert Earl of Essex, who without the Queen's leave had put to Sea: After two days they arrive at Penycha a Town of Portugal, which they took; and left the Castle to Don-Antonio, and from thence they march by land towards Lisbon threescore miles off: The Foot Companies led by Norris, whom Drake promised to follow with the Fleet. Being come to the West Suburbs of Lisbon, they found no body there but a few poor disarmed portugals who cried out, God save King Antonio. The day following the Spaniards made a sail out, in which Skirmish Bret, Caresley, and Car, (stout Commanders) were slain; yet did the Earl of Essex drive the Spaniards to the very gates of the City. And now having tarried here two days, and seeing no sign of the Portingalls revolting; which Don-Anthonio had assured them would be, finding fresh supplies come into the Town, their own Army sickly, Victuals and Powder failing; and that which most of all Sir Francis Drake not bringing the great Ordnance as he promised, they departed from the Suburbs of Lisbon towards Cascais, a little Town at the mouth of the River Tagus, which Town Drake had taken this mean while, who excused his not coming to Lisbon, by reason of the Flat● he must have passed, and the Castle of Saint Julian, Fortified with fifty pieces of great Ordnance. Near this place they found threescore Hulks of the Hause towns of Germany, laden with corn and all manner of Munition, which they took as good prize towards their charges, in regard the Queen had forbidden them to carry Victuals or Munition to the Spaniard. From hence they set sail toward Virgo, a forlorn Town by the Seaside, and pillaging all along that Quarter, returned for England, having lost in the Voyage of Soldiers and Mariners about six thousand; yet not so much by the Enemy, as by eating of strange fruits and distemper of the Climate. It concerns the state of England, to look at this time into the state of France; for while those things were in doing between Spain and England, the Popish Princes of France, under pretext of defending the Catholic Religion, entered into a combination, which they called, The holy League: The purpose whereof was, to root out the Protestants, and to divert the Right of Succession to the Crown of France; For they bound themselves to each other by oath, to suffer no person but a Catholic to be King of France; which was directly to exclude the King of Navarre, and the Prince of Conde, if the present King, without issue male, should fail. The head of this League, was the Duke of Guise, who having given some overthrows to the Germane Forces, that came into France in aid of the Protestants, was immeasurably extolled by the Clergy and others; and grew to such a height of reputation, that entering into Paris, he made the King glad to leave the City, and in an Assembly at Bloys, to make him great Master of the French Cavalero, and to consent by Edict, to the cutting off the Protestants. So as the King standing now in fear of him, used means at last, even in the very Court, to have him murdered; and soon after, the Cardinal his brother to be strangled. Hereupon so great a confusion followed, that the people every where disobeyed the Magistrates, and spoiled the King's very Palace at Paris. Some Cities affected a Democr●cie, others an Aristocracy, but few liked of a Monarchy. The Confederates in the mean while, made a new Seal, usurped the Royal Authority, seized into their hands the best fortified places, intercept the King's Revenues, call in Spanish Soldiers, and in all places denounce war and violence against the King. And the King in this case being forced to fly to the Protestant's for succour, they then most wickedly, by one james Clement a Monk, made him away. The King being ready to die, Declareth the King of Navarre to be his lawful successor, but the Confederates would exclude him as an open Heretic; and yet whom to make choice of they cannot well agree, some would have the Duke of Lorraine, as being descended from the ancient Kings of France, some th● Duke of Savoy, as borne of the French Kings daughter, a Prince Po●e●t and Courageous; others would have the Duke of Guise's brother that wa● murthered● others the King of Spain; but the greatest part gave thei● voices for the Cardinal of Bourbon, who was one degree nearer al●yed to the slain King, than the King of Navarre his Nephew. He therefore was presently proclaimed King of France, with the Title of Charles the Tenth; but he being a Priest, the King of Navarre also was at the same time proclaimed King of France, who abode at deep a Sea Town of Normandy, and doubted not to drive the Cardinal easily out of France. The King of Navarre being thus raised in Dignity, but weak in means, implored Aid of the Queen of England, offering to make a League Offensive and Defensive; the Queen out of a pious respect to a King of her own Religion, sent him presently two and twenty thousand pound sterling in Gold (such a sum of Gold, as he professed he had never seen at one time before) and withal supplied him with four thousand Soldiers, under the command of Peregrine Lord Willoughby; for Colonels, she appointed Sir Thomas Wilford, who was made Marsh●ll of the Field, john Boroughs, Si● William Drury, and Sir Thomas Baskervyle, and gave them a months pay in hand. Hereupon the Confederates (whom the King had vanquished ● little before at Arques beyond all expectation) began to quail, and the day before the Arrival of the English they vanished away, with this addition of Forces the King marcheth to Paris, and being ready to enter the City, causeth a retreat to be ●ounded, as loath to have spoil made of a City, which he hoped shortly should be his own. Afterwards by the assistance of the English he won many Towns, and then having marched at least five hundred miles on foot, he gave them leave after a long winter's service, to return into England. In which Voyage of men of note, died Captain Hunnings, but of a natural death, also Stubbs (he whose right hand was cut off for writing the book against the Queen's marriage) and Sir William Drury slain by Master Boroughs in a single Combat, where the quarrel was, that he being but a Knight, would take place of Boroughs that was the younger son of a Baron, contrary to the Laws of the English Gentry. About this time, james King of Scots (with Queen Elizabeth's good liking) Espoused Anne the daughter of Frederick the second King of Denmark by his Deputy; but she afterward sailing for Scotland, was by tempest cast upon Norway, and there, through continual storms forced to stay, so as the King in the winter season set sail thither, that the marriage according to his vow might be accomplished within the year: some were of opinion that those storms were caused by witchcraft, and was confirmed indeed by some witches taken in Scotland; who confessed they had raised those storms to keep the Queen from landing in Scotland, and that the Earl of Bothwell had asked Counsel of them concerning the King's end; who was thereupon cast into prison, but in a short time breaking loose, occasioned new stirs in Scotland. This year, many Noble personages died; Frances Countess of Sussex, sister to Sir Henry Sidney, Sir Walter Mildway, Chancellor and Vice-Treasurer of the Exchequer, William Somerset Earl of Worcester, so numerous in his offspring, that he could reckon more children of both Sexes, than all the Earls of England. Also john Lord Sturton, Henry Lord Compton, and at Brussels the Lord Paget. At this time, the Queen who was always frugal, strained one point of Frugality more than ever she had done before; for upon the information of one Caermarden, (though Burleigh, Leicester, and Walsingham were offended, that credit should be given to such a one, and themselv●s neglected) she raised Thomas Smith the customer from thirteen thous●nd pounds yearly, to two and forty thousand pounds, and at last to fifty thousand. It was now the year 1590. and the three and thirtieth of Queen Elizabeth's Reign, in which, the Earl of Cumberland made a Voyage to the Indies, where he laid level to the ground the Fort of the Isle of fiala, and brought away eight and fifty Pieces of great Ordnance. This year was fatal to many Noble personages; first died Ambrose Dudley Earl of Warwick, (son to john Duke of Northumberland) without issue. After him Sir Francis Walsingham, Secretary, a man more skilful in the Politics, then in the Economics; more cunning in managing matters of the public State, then of his own private estate, which he left so mean, and died so much indebted, that he was fain to be buried by night, without a●y Funeral pomp, in the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul; leaving behind him one only daughter, famous for her three husbands, all of them the goodliest men of their time; the first, Sir Philip Sidney; the second, Robert Earl of Essex; the third, Richard Burgh Earl of Clanricard, by King Charles made Earl of Saint Alban. Within two Months after W●lsingham, died Sir Thomas Randol●, who had been fourteen times sent in Embassage to several Princes, yet was never rewarded with any greater dignities, than the Chamberlainship of the Exchequer, and the Postmastership of England. Soon after him died Sir john Crof●s, who had done good service in Scotland, in Edward the sixths' time; in Queen Mary's time was condemned of high Treason; in Queen Elisabeths' time set at liberty, and made controller of her house. After him died George Talbot, the seventh E. of Shrewsbury of this house; he was made Earl Martial of England, and left behind him a memorial of Wisdom and Integrity. Lastly died Thomas Lord Wentworth, the last of the English that had been Governor of Calais. In Ireland at this time Hugh Gaveloc (so called, because he had been long kept in Fetters) the natural son of Shan O Neale, accused Hugh Earl of Tir-Oen, for holding private consultations with certain Spaniard, who in 88 were by Shipwreck cast upon the coast of Ireland: Tir-Oen to prevent the Accusation, took the said Hugh, and when others refused to do it, took a cord and with his own hands strangled him. Hereupon he was sent for into England, and came, and upon pardon obtained, solemnly undertaken in presence of the Queen at Greenwich, to maintain the peace with Turlogh Leynigh; Not to usurp the Title of O-Neale, nor any authority over the Gentry about him; to reduce the Territory of Tir-Oen to the form of a County, and civil behaviour, and many such matters; giving hostages for his true performance; and indeed for a time he observed all things very duly. This trouble allayed, another arose; for soon after this, Hugh Roe Mac-Mahon, a Potentate in the Territory of Monaghan, compelled those under his jurisdiction to pay him tribute; whereupon the Deputy caused him to be taken, and tried by a Jury of common Soldiers, and then to be hanged up, dividing his lands amongst certain English; and some of the Mac-Mahons, reserving a certain yearly Rent to the Crown of England, by this means thinking to extinguish the Power and Title of Mac-Mahon. But hereupon, O-Rork, fearing he should be served in like manner, took up Arms against the Queen, whom Bingham Precedent of Connacht soon distressed, and drove into Scotland, and at the Queen's request, was by the King delivered up into his hands. It was now the year 1591. and the Four and thirtieth of Queen Elisabeths' Reign, when she, careful lest Britain should come into the Spaniards hands, sent Edmund York into France, to advertise the King to take care thereof; and promising to send him Forces to that end, if he would, some Towns, where they might be in safety. Hereupon he named Cherburg, Granvile, or Breast, as the fittest; and it was agreed, that Three thousand English should be sent into Brittainy and Picardy; but in the mean time, Henry Palmer was sent to Sea, with certain Ships, who seized upon Thirteen Spanish Ships, as they were returning from Nova Francia. And now Roger Williams, with a Company of Six hundred Soldiers, passeth over to deep in Normandy; and Sir john Norris with the rest of the Forces, hasted into Britain soon after. Roger Williams, with his own Six hundred, and the help of Charter Governor of deep, put to rout the Confederates, that had blocked up the passages; whose valour, the French King in his Letters to the Queen, highly extolled. Whereupon growing more courageous, and not minding his charge, which was to stay at deep, he accompanied the King to the very Suburbs of Paris, where in honour of his Nation, he sent a Challenge to the Spaniards, to encounter Two hundred Pikemen of the English, and a hundred Musquetiers, with as many Spaniards in open Field. After this, the King of France acquainted the Queen, that he had a purpose to set upon Rouen, or New-haven, before the Prince of Parma should come into France, and thereupon requested her, to send Four thousand English into Normandy, which upon certain conditions she willingly did, and sent them under the Command of Robert Earl of E●sex, accompanied with Sir Thomas Leighton, and Sir William Killigrew, as his Counselors. When the Earl came into France, he found that the King was at Noyon, and in Normandy no preparation for the War at all, which seemed strange, and much troubled him; but by and by Sir Roger Williams comes to him from the King, requesting him to come to Noyon, that they might confer concerning a course of War. Thither the Earl made a tedious journey, and being come thither; the King told him, he was now of necessity to go himself into Champagne; but promiseth to send Marshal Byron, and the Duke of Montpensier forthwith to him, to lay siege to Rouen. Hereupon the Earl returned to his Tents, expecting their coming, but neither of th●m ●●me, which troubled the Earl more than before; so as being weary now 〈◊〉 doing nothing, he made himself one approach to Rouen, where hi● Brother W●lt●● Devereux was unfortunately slain. Indeed the affairs of the ●ing of Fr●nce were at this time upon so uncertain terms, that before he could ●●t 〈◊〉 h● had resolved, something still intervened, that diverted him; for which, by his Letters he excused himself to the Queen of England, and by the mediation of the Earl, and Mornay Lord du Plessie, whom to that end he sent into England, obtained new supplies, and then besieged Rouen. At this time was memorable the prodigious carriage of one Hacket, born at Oundale in Northamptonshire, a mean fellow of no learning, whose first prank was this; That when, in show of Reconciliation to one with whom he had been at variance, he embraced him, he bit off his Nose, and the man desiring to have his Nose again, that it might be sowed on, while the wound was green, he most villainously eat it up, and swallowed it down before his face. After this, all on a ●udden, he took upon him a show of wonderful holiness, did nothing but hear Sermons, and getting Scriptures by heart, ●●d counterfeiting Revelations from God, and an extraordinary calling, and ●rew to be so magnified by certain zealous Ministers, and specially of one ●●●ard Coppinger, (a Gentleman of a good house) and one Arthington, a great admirer of the Geneva Discipline; that they accounted him as sent ●rom Heaven, and a greater Prophet than Moses or john Baptist, and finally, that he was Christ himself, come with his fan in his hand, to judge the world. And this they proclaimed in Cheapside; giving out that Hacket participated of Christ's glorified body, by his especial Spirit, and was now come to propagate the Gospel over Europe, and to settle a true Discipline in the Church of England; and that they themselves were two Prophets, the one of Mercy, and the other of Judgement; with many other such incredible blasphemies; whereupon Hacket was apprehended and arraigned; and at last, hanged, drawn and quartered, continuing all the time, and at his death, his blasphemous Assertions. Coppinger a while after starved himself to death in prison, Arthington repented, and made his Recantation in a public writing. Besides these, other also at this time opposed the established Government of the Church of England, crying down the calling of Bishops, with whom sided some Common-Lawyers also, affirming, that the Queen could not depute, nor these men exercise any such Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction; and that the Oath Ex Officio was unchristian. But the Queen conceiving, that through the sides of the Prelates, she herself was shot at, suppressed them what she could, and maintained the Government formerly established. About this time, the Lord Thomas Howard, with six of the Queen's ships, having waited at the Azores six whole Months, for the coming of the Spanish Fleet from America, was at last set upon by Alphonso Bassano, with three and fifty ships, sent out for the Convoy of the American Fleet, where Richard Granvile Vice-admiral, being in the Revenge, and separated from his company, was so hemmed in by the Spanish ships, and so battered with great shot; that most of his men being slain, his Mainmast cut off, himself sore wounded in the head, he commanded to sink the ship, that it might not come into the Spaniards hands; but this being countermanded by most voices, it was agreed, to yield it to the Spaniards, upon condition that the men should be set at liberty. Granvile himself was carried into the Spanish Admiral, where within two days he died, not without praise of his very enemies: Thus the great ship called the Revenge, was yielded, but had so many leaks in the Ke●l, that soon after it was cast away in a storm; and the loss of this one ship the English soon made good upon the Spaniards, by taking many of theirs. About this time also, Cavendish, who in the year 1578. had sailed round about the world, now with five ships bend his course toward the Magellan Straits, but by reason of foul weather, was not able to pass them, being driven to the coast of Brasile, was there cast away. And now, enmity increasing daily between Spain and England, two Proclamations were set forth; one, prohibiting upon pain of high-Treason, to carry Victuals or Munition into any of the King of Spain's dominions: Another, forbidding all persons to entertain any in their houses, till inquiry made, what they were, lest they might entertain Popish Priests, who at this time came swarming into England, by reason the King of Spain had lately founded a Seminary at Valledolid for the English. At this time died Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancellor, whom of a mean Gentleman's house, the Queen's favour had raised to this height of Dignity; a goodly personage of body, of Noble, but no aspiring spirits; the only of all the Queen's special Favourites, that died a Bachelor; and therefore left William Newport his sister's son his heir, who erected for him, in Paul's Church, a sumptuous Monument. After his death, the keeping of the great Seal was for certain Months committed to the Lord Burleigh Treasurer, Hunsdon, Cobham and Buckhurst: Afterward, Puckering the Queen's Sergeant at Law was elected, not Chancellor, but Keeper of the great Seal. At this time also, Brian O-Rork, the Irish Potentate, was arraigned at Westminster; his Indictments were, For raising Rebellion against the Queen, for dragging her Picture at a horse tail, for giving the Spaniards entertainment; which things being told him by an Interpreter, (for he understood no English) he said, He would not be tried, unless the Queen herself in person sat to judge him. Yet being told, that it was the Law; he only said, If it must be so, let it be so; and so condemned, was executed at Tyburn as a Traitor, whereof he seemed to make as little reckoning, as if it had but been in jest. And now this year, the Queen made the College of Dublin in Ireland, an University, which was formerly the Monastery of All-Saints, endowing it with power to confer Scholastical Dignities. At this time, Sir john P●rot, who had been Deputy of Ireland, and done good service there, was yet by the malice of Adversaries, of whom Hatton was one, called in question, before the Baron Hunsdon, the Lord Buckhurst, Sir Robert Cecil, (lately made a Counsellor) Sir john Fortescue, Sir john Wolley, and some of the Judges: His Accusations were; first, that he had spoken opprobrious words against the Queen, saying, She was illegitimate and cowardly; secondly, that he had fostered notorious Traitors, and Popish Priests; thirdly, that he held correspondence with the Prince of Parma, and the Queen's enemies. To the first of which he confessed, that in his passion he had spoken of the Queen unadvisedly, for which he was infinitely grieved; the rest he denied: And all men knew, he was never Popishly affected. His Accusers were, one Philip Williams, sometime his Secretary; Denys O-Roghan an Irish married Priest, whose life he had saved; and one Walton, a fellow of no worth or Reputation. Yet the crimes being urged against him, by Popham and other Lawyers, till eleven a clock at night; he was at last condemned of high Treason, but Sentence wa● not pronounced till twenty days after; and yet was not put to death, but died a natural death in the Tower; he was a man of a goodly personage, stout and choleric, and one whom (many thought) the Queen had the more reason to respect, for her father King Henry the Eighths' sake. The Earl of Ess●x, after a tedious Winter's siege in Normandy, challenged Monsieur Villerse Governor of Rouen to a single combat, who refusing to meet him; he then returned into England, being called home by the Queen, whose favour, by his long absence, might else have suffered prejudice. And now the King of France, hearing that the Prince of Parma was coming into France, once again was fain to fly to the Queen for succour, to whom, upon certain conditions, she granted an Army of four thousand men, and some great Ordnance, with which Sir john Norris was sent into France; whom yet the French King employed not, as was agreed, to the great displeasure of the Queen. But as for the Prince of Parma's coming into France, he was prevented by death, when he had governed the Netherlands under the Spaniard fourteen years; a Prince of many excellent parts, and whom Queen Elisabeth never mentioned but with honour. And now Queen Elizabeth considering that the King of Spain's chief strength was in his Gold of America, sends forth Sir Walter Ralegh with a Fleet of fifteen Ships to meet with the Spanish Fleet; who passing by a Promontory of Spain, received certain intelligence, that the Spanish Fleet was not to come forth that year: Whereupon, dividing his Navy into two parts; whereof, the one he committed to Sir john Burroughs', the other to Sir Martin Forbysher; he waited other opportunities, when soon after, a mighty Caraque came in view, called The Mother of God, which from the Beak to the Stern, was a hundred threescore and five foot long, built with seven Decks, and carrying six hundred men, besides rich Merchandise. This great Vessel they took, and in it, to the ●●lue of a hundred and fifty thousand pounds sterling, over and above what the Commanders and Seamen pilfered. This year, the Queen going in Progress, passed through Oxford, where she was entertained by the Scholars with Orations, Stageplays, and Disputations; and by the Lord Buckhurst Chancellor of the University, with a sumptuous Feast. At her departure, She made a Latin Oration, wherein she vowed a vow, and gave them counsel; Her vow was, That as she desired nothing so much, as the prosperity and flourishing estate of her Kingdom, so she as much wished to see the Universities and Schools of learning to flourish likewise. Her Counsel was, That they would serve God above all, not following the curiosity of some wits, but the Laws of God, and the Kingdom, That they would not prevent the Laws, but follow them, nor dispute whether better Laws might be made, but observe those which were already Enacted. This year, died Anthony Brown Viscount Montacute, whom Queen Mary honoured with this Title; because his Grandmother was Daughter, and one of the Heirs of john Nevil marquis Montacute; who, though he were a great Roman Catholic, yet the Queen finding him faithful always, loved him, and in his sickness went to visit him. There died at this time also, Henry Lord Scroop of Bolton, Knight of the Garter, and long time Governor of the Western Border toward Scotland. At this time Henry Barrow, and his Sectaries, condemning the Church of England to be no Christian Church, and derogating from the Queen's Authority in matters Ecclesiastical; he the said Barrow, as Ringleader of the rest, was put to death, in terror to all such disturbers of the peace of the Church. About this time, by reason of the Queen's correspondence with the Turk, to the end, her Subjects might have free Trading in his Territories; It was maliciously given out by some, that she had excited the Turk to a War against the Christians; which caused the Queen to write to the Emperor, showing him the falseness of this report, wherein she gave him full satisfaction. And now a constant report came into England, That the King of France had already embraced, or was ready to embrace the Romish Religion, which so much troubled the Queen, that she presently sent Thomas Wilkes into France; with reasons (if it were not too late) to divert him from it. But before Wilkes came, the King indeed had openly professed the Romish Religion, at the Church of Saint Denis in Paris; of which his Conversion, he declared the causes to Wilkes at large, showing, the necessity of it, unless he would suffer himself to be utterly thrust out of the Kingdom. And the French AMBASSADOR signifying as much to the Queen, in great perplexity, She writ to him to this effect. Alas, what grief? what anxiety of mind hath befallen me, since I heard this news? was it possible that worldly respects should make you lay aside God's fear? ●●uld you think, That He, who had hitherto upheld and kept you, would now at the last, leave you? It is a dangerous thing to do evil, that g●od may come thereof. But I hope your mind may alter; In the mean while, I will pray for you, and beg of God, That the hands of Esau, may not hinder the blessing of Jacob. To this the KING Answered, That though he had done this in his own Person out of necessity; yet, He would never be wanting to those of the Reformed Religion, but would take them into his special care and Protection. And now was Richard Hasket, condemned and executed for Treason, being sent from the English Fugitives beyond Sea, to persuade Ferdinand Earl of Derby, Son to Henry newly deceased, to assume the Title of the Kingdom; by right of Descent from Mary, Daughter to Henry the Seventh; and threatening him, that unless he undertook this enterprise, and withal, concealed him the Abettor, he should shortly die in most wretched manner. But the Earl fearing a trap was laid for him, revealed the matter; yet the fellows threating proved not altogether vain, for the Earl within four Months, died a most horrible death. This year, Death had his tribute paid him from the Nobility; for there died Henry Ratcliff Earl of Sussex, and three renowned Barons, Arthur Grey of Wilton, Henry Lord Cromwell, and Henry Lord Wentworth; besides Sir Christopher Carlisle, whose Warlike Prowess at Sea and land, deserves to be remembered. In IRELAND, at this time, divers great men in Connaght Rebelled; and Tu●logh Leynigh being dead, Tir-Oen assumed to himself, the title of O-Neale, (which in IRELAND is more esteemed, than to be called EMPEROR) But upon a sudden, dissembling his discontent, he submitted himself to the DEPUTY, and promised all obedience. I● was now the year 1594, and the seven and thirtieth of Queen ELIZABETH● Reign; when the good correspondence between the King of Scots and Queen ELIZABETH, gave the Papists small hope that ever he would prove an Instrument to restore the Catholic Religion. Whereupon, they began to bethink themselves of some English Papist, that might succeed the Queen; but finding none of their own Sect, a fit person, they fixed their thoughts upon the Earl of Essex, who always seemed a very moderate man; and him they devised to have some right to the Crown, by Descent from Thomas of Woodstock, King EDWARD the Thirds Son. But the English Fugitives, were for the Infanta of Spain, and desiring to set the King of Scots and the Earl of Essex at odds; they set forth a Book, which they Dedicated to Essex, under the name of Doleman, but was written indeed by Parsons (Dolemans' bitter Adversary) Cardinal Allen, and Francis Englefield. The scope of which Book was, to exclude from Succession, all persons whatsoever, and how near soever Allied to the Crown, unless they were Roman Catholics; Contending further, for the right of Isabel, Infanta of Spain, as being descended from Constance, Daughter of WILLIAM the Conqueror; from Eleanor eldest Daughter to HENRY the Second, Married to Alphonso the ninth King of Castille; from Beatrix, Daughter to King HENRY the Third, Titles obsolete, and which exceed the bounds of Heraldry to discuss. This year, the nineteenth of February, was Henry Prince of Scotland born, to whom the Queen was Godmother, and sent Robert Earl of Sussex for her Deputy. But now greater matters were in hand, Plots were laid against the Queen's life; some Spaniards thinking to make her away by Poison, and not daring to trust any Englishman in such a business; they treat to that purpose, with Roderick Lopes a JEV●, and Physician to the Queen, wi●h Stephen Ferreir●, Emmanuel Loyfie, and other portugals; for divers of that Nation came into England at this time, in relation to Don Anthonio● who being discovered by letters of theirs, that were intercepted, were Arraigned at Guildhall, and by their own confessions convinced, to have conspired against the life of the Queen, they were all condemned, and Exe●●●ed at Tyburn; LOPES professing that he loved the Queen, as well as Jesus Christ, which was cause of laughter to them● that knew him to be a JEW. The next day after them, was condemned Patrick C●llen● an Irish Fencer, sent hither by the English Fugitives, to kill the Queen, who was straightway executed, though he were at that very time sick and ready to die. About this time, Sir john Norris having been in a hot conflict at sea against the Spaniard, where Sir Martin Forbysher received his death's wound, was now called home, with a purpose to send him into Ireland. In which mean while, Richard Hawkins, Son of Sir john Hawkins the famous sea Captain, had been set forth a year since, with three of the Queen's ships, and two hundred men in them; whereof, one of them at the Isle o● St. Anne, was by chance fired, another of them separated by tempest, returned into England; himself in the third, passed the straits of Magellan, being the sixth man in the Spanish account, that had ever done it; and being now come into the wide Southern sea, he took five ships laden with Merchandise; one whereof he took away, the rest he suffered to redeem themselves for two thousand ducats: But at last, being set upon by Bertrandus a Castro, who was sent out by the Viceroy of those parts, with eight ships against him; after three day's battery, he yielded, and though upon composition, yet was nevertheless sent into Spain, and there for divers years kept prisoner. But james Lancaster in another part of America, had better success; for being set forth by some London Merchants (whose goods the Spaniards had seized) with three Ships and a long Boat, He took nine and thirty Spanish Ships, and at Fernanbucke in Brasile, where the wealth of an East-Indian Caraque was lately unloden; he desperately venturing upon the Shore, Loaded Fifteen Ships with the wealth of the Indian Caraque; Sugar, Reed, Redwood called Brasill, and other Merchandise, and then safely and victoriously returned home. At ROME, about this time died Cardinal ALLEN, borne in Lancashire of an honest Family, brought up in Oxford, in Oriall College. In Queen Mary's days he was Proctor of the University, and after Canon of the Cathedral Church at YORK. Upon the change of Religion in ENGLAND, he left the Kingdom, and was Divinity Professor at Douai in Flanders, and made Canon of the Church at Cambray. He procured a Seminary to be set up in Douai, for the English, another at Rheims, and a third at Rome; and through zeal of the Romish Religion, forgot whose subject he was born. At home, at this time, died john Peers Archbishop of York, in whose place, succeeded Matthew Hutton, translated from the See of Durham. There died also Ferdinand Stanley Earl of Derby, being in the flower of his age, miserably tormented, and vomiting stuff of a dark rusty colour, being thought to have been poisoned or bewitched. There was found in his chamber a little image of wax, with hairs of the colour of his hairs, thrust into the belly; which some thought was done of purpose, that men should not suspect him to be poisoned; his vomit so stained the silver Andirons, that it could never be gotten out, and his body though put in searcloathes and wrapped in lead, did so stink and putrify, that for a long time none could endure to come near where he was buried. The Master of his Horse was much suspected, who the same day the Earl took his bed, took one of his best Horses, and fled away. About this time also died Gregory Fines Lord Dacres, a man somewhat crazed, the Son of Thomas Lord Dacres, hanged in the Reign of King Henry the Eight. And now Sir William Fitz William's Lord Deputy of Ireland was called home, and William Russell youngest Son of Francis Earl of Bedford, was sent in his room; to whom presently came the Earl of Tir-Oen, and in humble manner craved pardon of his fault, that he had not presented himself at the call of the late Lord Deputy. Bagnall Marshal of the Irish Forces, exhibited many Articles against him, but he so pleaded for himself with promise of loyalty hereafter, that he was dismissed. But see the subdolousnesse of this man, for he would never after be gotten to come again, though the Deputy sent for him with many kind messages. It was now the year 1595, and the eight and thirtieth year of Queen Elizabeth's Reign; when Ed●ond York, and Richard Williams who were formerly apprehended, came to their trial, and were executed at Tyburn, for being bribed to kill the Queen. At this time a constant rumour was blown abroad from all parts of Europe, that the Spaniards were coming again against England, with a far greater Fleet than that in Eighty Eight, and that it was already under sail; whereupon, Soldiers were levied, and placed on the Sea-coast. Two Navies were made ready, one to expect them at home in the Channel; the other, to go for America, under Hawkins and Drake; but when all came to all, it was but certain Spaniards, who loosed from the sea-coast of France, with four Galleys, which betimes in the morning landing in Cornwall, fired a Church standing alone in the fields, and three Villages of Fishermen, Neulyne, Moushole, and Pensaus, and then presently retired, not taking or killing any one person; And these were the first and last Spaniards, that in hostile manner ●ver set foot upon English ground. And now mischiefs growing daily in France, a great number persuaded the King, to conclude a Peace with Spain, and the Queen herself began to mistrust him; especially, having lately received intelligence out of the Pope's Conclave; that he was received into the bosom of the Church of Rome, with the Pope's Benediction, and that upon conditions prejudicial to the Protestants. And therefore at this time, were divers undertake of the English against Spain; Sir Walter Raleigh Captain of the Guard, having deflowered a Maid of Honour (whom afterward he married) had lost the Queen's favour, and was held in Prison for certain months; but afterward being set at liberty, though banished the Court. He undertook a Voyage to Guyana, setting sail from Plymouth in February, he arrived at Trinidada, where he took St. Joseph's Town, but found not a jot of money there: From hence, with Boats, and a hundred soldiers, he entered the vast River Orenoque, ranging up in Guyana four hundred miles, but getting little, but his labour for his travel. In like manner, Amyas Preston and Summer, Pillaged sundry Towns of the King of Spain's in the Western parts; and three ships of the Earl of Cumberland, set upon a huge Caraque, which by casualty was fired when they were in fight, and these were the enterprises of private persons: but the Queen being informed, that great store of wealth for the King of Spain's use, was conveyed to Port Rico, in St. john's Island; sent thither Hawkins, Dr●k●, and Baskervile with land Forces, furnishing them with six ships out of her own Navy, and twenty other men of War. They set sail from Plimmo●th the last of August, and seven and twenty days after, came upon the Coast of the great Canary, which being strongly Fortified, they forbore to assault. A month after, they came to the Isle of St. Dominicke, where five Spanish ships being sent forth to watch the English, lighted upon one of the small English ships which was strayed from the Company, and ●●●ting the Master and Mariners upon the Rack, understood by them, That the English Navy was bend to Port Rico; whereupon they make all possible speed to give notice thereof, that being forewarned, they might accordingly be armed. And thereupon, as soon as the English had cast Anchors 〈◊〉 the Road at Port Rico, the Spaniards thundered against them from the shore; si● Nicholas Clifford, and Brute Browne were wounded as they sat at ●upper, and two days after died. Hawkins also, and Drake, partly of dis●●se, and partly of grief for their ill success, died soon after. At the end of eight months, the Fleet came home, having done the enemy little hurt, fired only some few Towns and ships, but received infinite damage themselves; lost two such Seamen, as the Kingdom, I may say, all Europe had ●ot their like left. For the Spaniards having of late years received great ●●rms by the French and English, had now provided for themselves with Fortifications which were not easy to be won. At this time the Queen made known to the States in the Low-Countries, the great charges she had been at in relieving them ten years together; for which she requiteth some considerable recompense: The States again allege the great charges they were at in Eighty Eight, in repelling the Spaniards in her cause; yet (not to fall out about the matter) they were content to allow some reasonable retribution; but yet for the present, nothing was concluded. Likewise at this time, the Hanse Towns in Germany make complaint to the Emperor, and the Princes of the Empire, That the Immunities from customs anciently granted them by the Kings of England, began to be Antiquated, and that a Monopoly of English Merchants was set up in Germany; to which, the Queen by Sir Christopher Perkins, first showing the cause of the first Grant, and then the Reason of Queen Mary's prohibiting it afterward, makes them so satisfactory an answer, that those very Hanse-Towns which complained, brought into England at this time, such store of Corn, that it prevented a mutiny, which through dearth of Corn, was like to have happened in London. This year was famous for the death of many great Personages, Philip Earl of Arundel, condemned in the year 1589. The Queen had all this while spared, but now death would spare him no longer, having since that time been wholly given to contemplation, and macerated himself in a strict course of Religion, leaving one only son, Thomas, by his wife Anne Dacres of Gillis●and. He had two brothers, Thomas Lord Howard, whom Queen Elizabeth made Baron of Walden, and King james afterward Earl of Suffolk; and William Lord Howard of the North, who yet liveth; and one sister, the Lady Margaret, married to Robert Sackvile, afterward Earl of D●rset, and father of Edward Earl of Dorset now living; a Lady so mild, so virtuous, and so devout in her Religion, that if her brother macerated himself being in prison, she certainly did no less, being at liberty; whom I the rather mention, because I had the happiness to know her living, and the unhappiness to be a Mourner at her Funeral. There died this year also, William Lord Vaulx, a zealous Papist, and Sir Thomas Hineage, Vice-Chamberlain, and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, whose only daughter married to Sir Moyle Finch of Kent, was no small advancer of that House. There died also William Whitaker, Master of S. john's College in Cambridge, and Divinity Professor: As likewise Sir Roger Williams, and Sir Thomas Morgan; so as this year was honoured with the deaths of two great Lords, one exquisite Courtier, one great Scholar, and two famous Soldiers. In Ireland at this time, Russell the Deputy doubting a storm of War from Tir-Oen, sent into England, requiring to have some experienced soldier sent to him with Forces, who though he desired Baskervyle to be the man, yet Sir john Norris was sent, with thirteen hundred old soldiers, besides a further supply; whom Tir-Oen hearing to be coming, set presently upon the Fort of Blackwater, and in the absence of Edward Cornwall the Governor, took it. But now being doubtful of his case, in a subdolous manner (as he was a double dealing man) he both offereth his help to the Earl of Kildare, against the Deputies servants; and at the same time, maketh promise to the Earl of Ormond, and Sir Henry Wallope, of loyalty and obedience; but notwithstanding he was forthwith proclaimed Traitor, under the name of H●gh O Neal, bastard son to Con O Neal. There was at this time with the Rebels in Ulster, a thousand Horse, and 6280 Foot: and in Connaght, two thousand three hundred, all at Tir Oens command; and the Forces of the English under Norris, not much fewer, with whom the Deputy himself joined, and marched together to Armagh; which so terrified the Rebels, that Tir Oenone forsaking the Fort of Blackwater, began to hide himself. Whereupon the Deputy returned, leaving Norris to follow the War, with the Title of General of the Army. But this satisfied not Norris, and therefore out of emulation betwixt himself & the Deputy, he performed nothing worth the speaking of, and seemed to favour Tir Oenone, as much as the Deputy hated him; insomuch, as he had private conference with him (a thing not lawful with proclaimed Traitors) and upon his submission, and Hostages given, a Truce was granted both to him and Odonell, till the first of Ian●ary. When the Truce was expired, Tir Oenone exhibited certain Petitions, protesting, if they were granted, he would then perform all duties of a loyal subject. In consulting about which Petitions, another Truce was concluded, till the first of April: during which Truce, Tir Oenone dealt secretly with the King of Spain for Aid to be sent him, making nevertheless a fair show of willingness to obedience, so far, that by the procurement of Norris and Fenton, a pardon was granted him; the which he pretended to receive more joyfully, than the Instrument whicd conferred the Earldom upon him; yet all this was but dissimulation, to win the time for his own ends. In the midst of these Irish Affairs, Albertus' Archduke of Austria, and Cardinal, whom the King of Spain had newly set over the Netherlands, mustered together the Spanish Forces, upon pretence of raising the Siege of La Fere in Picardy; but upon a sudden turneth aside, and besiegeth Calais; and taking Newnham Fort, the very first day became Master of the Haven. The Queen informed hereof, forthwith, upon the very Sunday, in time of Divine Service, commandeth to levy soldiers, whom she committeth to the Earl of Essex; but before they could be shipped, certain News came, That the Town and Fort were taken by the Spaniard: Whereupon, the Queen's Army was dismissed, and only some money lent to the French King. But a few days after, a far greater, and more select Army is raised in England, wherein many of Noble Houses served as Voluntaries: For the Queen, to divert the King of Spain from invading her Borders, thought it the best way to invade his: Whereupon a Navy of a hundred and fifty Ships was made ready; where were soldiers under pay, 6360; Voluntaries of the Nobility and Gentry, 1000; Mariners, 6772, besides the Dutchmen, who brought two and twenty ships. Robert Earl of Essex, and Charles Howard Lord Admiral of England, were made Generals with equal Authority; but the Admiral to hold Prerogative at Sea, Essex at Land. To these, for a Council of War, were joined, the Lord Thomas Howard, Walter Raleigh, Francis Vere, George Carew, and Conyers Clifford. The whole Fleet was divided into four Squadrons; the Admiral commanded the first, Essex the second, the Lord Thomas Howard the third, and Raleigh the fourth. The Officers of the Army were Francis Vere, Serjeant Major General, or Marshal; john Winkfield, Quartermaster General; George Carew, Master of the Ordnance; Conyers Clifford Sergeant Major. Colonels were, Robert Earl of Sussex, sir Christopher Blunt, sir Thomas Gerrard, sir Richard Winkefield; William Winkefild was Commander of the Voluntaries, and Anthony Ashley, Secretary to the Council of War, was to Register their Acts and Consultations. The Commission being drawn, the Queen gave them private Instructions, and withal, a Prayer of her own making, to be d●ily used in every Ship. This F●eet set forth from Plymouth at the beginning of june. Nigh un●o Cabo S. Vincent they lighted upon an Irish Bark, which told them, That at Cales they were secure, and that in the Haven there were at Anchor Galleys, ships of War● and a great many Merchant's Vessels. The twentieth of june, they cast Anchor on the West side of the Island; within two days they were agreed to set upon the Spanish ships, whereat the Earl of Essex cast up his Cap for joy. This business was allotted to the lesser ships, because the Road was too shallow for the great. The Galleys quickly fled, and creeping along the shore, shifted away, but the Spanish ships that lay at Anchor at Puntall, turned their broad sides; so as the English Fight with them, lasted from break of day till noon; at which time, the Spaniards having their Gallons miserably tor●, and many of their men slain, resolved to fire the the ships, or run them ashore. The Spanish Admiral, being fifteen hundred Tun of Burden, was fired by a Moor, and two other ships which lay next her took the fire, and were lost likewise. When this Sea-Fight was ended, Essex landed eight hundred soldiers at Puntall, a league from the Town of Cales, when half a mile from the Town, the Spanish Horse and Foot showed themselves, and presently gave back again; but straightway cometh forth a greater number: Then Essex commanded his Forces to make a fair Retreat; and having enticed forth their enemies, they turned upon them with such violence, that they forced them back into the Town. Then the Earl got up to a Bulwark newly raised, near the Gate, where he spied a passage into the Town● but so high from ground, that they must leap a Spears length to get down. Yet Evans the Earl of Sussex his Lieutenant, Arthur Savage, and other, leapt down; and the mean while Sir Francis Vere broke the Gate, and rushed in, and the rest with him. In the Market place john Winkfield was shot in the head, and with stones from the tops of the houses divers were wounded; amongst whom, Samuel Bagnall received eight wounds, and Arthur Savage was bloody all over; which two were Knighted in the place. The next day the Castle was yielded, upon condition, That the Inhabitants might depart with the clothes on their backs, the rest to be left for spoil. For five hundred and fourscore thousand Ducats the Castle was to be redeemed; and for the payment, forty of the chief Citizens to be sent Hostages into England. Now Raleigh was commanded to fire the Merchant's Ships lying at Port Real, when they promised two Millions of Ducats to redeem them: but this the Admiral would not hear of, saying, He was sent to destroy Ships, not to dismiss them upon Composition. A world of Munition was found in the City, and great store of money privately carried away, every one shifting for himself. It was thought by the wiser sort, That the Spaniard could not be damnified less by this Expedition, than twenty Millions of Ducats. None of note was slain amongst the English, but only Winkfield, who also slew a Spanish Captain; and now at last, threescore Military men were honoured with Knighthood. After this, having spoilt the whole Island● and demolished the Forts● they returned into England, much against the will of Essex, who would fain have been attempting some other enterprise. The Queen received them home with much affability, giving many thanks to those of principal note, but extolling the Earl of Essex and the Admiral, above the rest. And now bethinking herself of a fit man to be Governor of the Bryll, which was given by the States as a Caution Town for money due, she made choice of Sir Francis Vere, although Essex commended other to her for the place: but another thing he took with great indignation, That in his absence she had made Sir Robert Cecil Secretary, whereas he had formerly with great instance commended Sir Thomas Bodley to her● And now the King of Spain, to recover his honour lost at Cales, setteth forth a Navy for England and Ireland, with a great number of Irish Fugitives● but being at Sea, most of his ships were either run upon Rocks, or cast away in storms; so as this Expedition came to nothing. But the Queen at this time, for her better security, entered a League of Defence and Offence with the French King, against the Spaniard, upon certain Conditions; which League, she confirmed by Oath, in the Chapel at Greenwich, the nine and twentieth of August, laying her hand upon the hand of Henry de la Tour, Duke of Bulloign, and Marshal of France; the Bishop of Chichester holding forth the Evangelists, and a great company of the Nobility standing round about. In September following, Gilbert Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, was sent on Ambassage into France, to take the French Kings Oath, and to present Sir Anthony Mildmay for the Queen's Ambassador in Ordinary, in the room of Sir Henry Unton lately there deceased, and to invest the King with the Order of the Garter. Soon after, Baskervile wafted into Picardy with two thousand soldiers; for no more were by agreement to be sent this year. It was now the year, 1596, and the nine and thirtieth of Queen Elizabeth's Reign, when Thomas Arundel of Warder returned into England, from the Wars in Hungary against the Turk; whom, for his good service done there● the Emperor by his Letters Patents, had created Earl of the sacred Empire, and all and singular his Heirs and their Posterity, Males or Females, lawfully descended from him, to be Earls and Countesses of the holy Empire for ever. Those who are graced with this Title, have a Place and Voice in the Imperial Diets, May purchase Lands in the Emperor's Dominions, May take up voluntary soldiers, And are not bound to answer any matter before any Judge, but only in the Chamber of the Empire. At his return, a great Question came in agitation, Whether Titles of Honour given to the Queen's subjects without her privity, aught to be accepted by them, or admitted by her. For this new Earl stuck in the stomaches of the English Barons, who inwardly grudged to give him place. The matter was long disputed on both sides, but what issue it had, or whether he were permitted this Honour here at home, I find not: Certain it is, That Sir Nicholas Clifford, and Sir Anthony Shirley, whom the French King two years since received into the Order of S. Michael, were laid in prison at their coming home, and charged to resign their Robes of the Order. This year many great persons died; john Puckering, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, whom Thomas Egerton succeeded; Richard Fletcher, Bishop of London; who for marrying the Lady Baker (as goodly a Lady as he was a Prelate) incurred the Queen's displeasure; and to cure his cares, fell immoderately to drinking of Tobacco, and so expired. Henry Cary, Baron of Hunsdon, Lord Chamberlain of her Majesty's House, and her Cousin German. Sir Francis Knolls, who married Hunsdons' sister, in Queen Mary's days an Exile in Germany for the Gospel, by Queen Elizabeth made first Vice-Chamberlain, than Captain of the Guard, afterward Treasurer of the Household, and Knight of the Garter. Henry Hastings Earl of Hu●tington, and Precedent of the Counsel in the North, who spent his estate upon Puritan Ministers: Francis Lord Hastings, Nephew to him by his brother George, who succeeded him in the Earldom, and Margaret Clifford Countess of Derbie, (who descended of the blood Royal, from Charles Brandon) consulted with sorcerers and cunning men, and thereupon a little before her end, was in a manner excluded from the Queen's favour. The Queen at this time was told, that the King of Spain was preparing a new Fleet against Ireland; whereupon to encounter him, she also prepared a Navy of a hundred and twenty Ships, seventeen of the Queens, Three and forty lesser Ships of War, the rest for the carriage of provision: They were parted into three Squadrons: Essex Commanded the first, who was also chief Commander in the expedition; The Lord Thomas Howard the second, and Raliegh the third. In this Fleet were sundry of the Nobility and Gentry, Charles Blunt, Lord Mountjoy, Vere, Carew, Sir Christopher Blunt, the Earls of Rutland and Southampton; the Lords, Grey, Crumwell, Rich, and many other. The ninth of July they weighed Anchor from Plymouth and were to direct their course to Ferall and the Groin, to seize upon the Spanish Fleet in the Harbour, and towards the Isles called Azores, to intercept the Indi●n Fleet at their return into Spain; but this expedition was crossed and overthrown by Tempests, for they had not sailed forty Leagues from Plymouth, when they were shaken with such a terrible Tempest for four days together, that the Mariners themselves were at their wit's end, and the Fleet had much a do to recover Plimmo●th; the Navy being mended, then hoist up sail the second time, but the wind ●ell presently again so cross, that for a whole Month's time they could not get out of the Haven, returning to Plymouth the seventeenth of August they got out of the Haven; and now the third time, with a side wind hoist up sail, but before they came in view of Spain, they were dispersed by another horrible Tempest● wherein of the two great Ships which were taken at Calis, one was dashed in pieces, the other wandered no man knew whither. At the Island Flores the Fleet met again, where Raleigh being distressed for water, went on shore without leave; and ere he had watered, had charge to follow Essex to Fay●ll: but not finding him there, he observed the Port, and calling a Council, the Commanders wished him to set upon the place, and not let slip so fair a booty. Upon this, Raleigh with some of the prime Voluntaries, got to shore, and won the Town, but found no booty in it. The next day Essex came thither, whom Merrick informeth what Raleigh had done, affirming spitefully, that he had done it only to prevent his Lordship in the honour of the exploit: whereupon, some persuaded the Earl to call a Council of War and than displace him, others again? to take of his Head for going to Land, without the chief Commanders leave; saying, he was never like for to have such another opportunity to be rid of his Adversary; upon this, Sidney, Brett, Berry, and other of Raleigh's company were displaced, and laid by the heels; Raleigh himself was sent for, and entertained with a grim look by Essex and all his Party; Essex rebuketh him angrily, for landing his Forces, which none upon pain of death might do, without the General's command; Raleigh made answer, that the Captains indeed, Shipmasters & the rest were within the compass of that Law; but not the Three prime Commanders, of whom himself was One: That he had a long time waited his coming, and longer would have waited, but that the Islanders provoked him to fight. And now the L. Thomas Howard mediated, that no severity might be used against Raleigh, & persuaded him to acknowledge his fault; which being done, all were friends, and the displaced Captains were restored to their places, for the Earl was of a placable disposition; easily apt to take offence, and as easily ready to remit it. From hence they sail to Gratiosa, where the Inhabitants crave mercy and obtained it; & here Essex would have tarried, in expectation of the Indian fleet; but that Graves the Pilot dissuaded, because the harbour was not good: and now see the unluckiness of ill counsel, for the English were not gone above an hour, or two, ●rom this place; when lo, the American fleet; (wherein were forty Ships, and seven of them loaden with treasure) cometh thither; which, hearing that the English were there abouts, directed their course to Tezcera, where they gained the haven, all but three ships, indifferent wealthy; which English took: and then were minded to set upon the rest, in the Port; but finding the attempt not forcible, they passed from hence, to Saint michael; where Southampton, Rutland, Evers, Bredon and Dockwray, were Knighted● and then Essex landed within six miles of the Town; nigh unto Villa Franca, a fair Town, and well furnished with merchandise; wine, wood, and corn; where they tarried six days: and the common soldiers found good booty. And now a Caraque was espied, coming out of the east Indies; which, by a warning piece shot off in a Dutch ship, perceiveing that the English were there; run herself a shore, unloaded her merchandise, and then fired herself. Thus the English had ill luck every where in this expedition: And the ninth of October they hoisted sail for England; but within two days, a terrible tempest, from the northward dispersed them; and the Spanish Fleet also at the same time, so as they never came in view of one another: one Spanish ship was cast upon Dertmouth, the Mariners and soldiers half starved in her; who intimated, that the Spanish fleet intended to seize upon some haven in Cornwall, which being nigh the mouth of the channel; might be convenient to receive forces from Spain: but the divine providence frustrated the designs both of the Spaniard and the English. But now at his return, the Earl of Essex found that done in England, in his absence, which infinitely discontented him: Sir Robert Cicill made Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster; & which was more, Charles Lord Howard, created Earl of Nottingham, with relation in his patent to the Victory in eighty eight; and his good service at Cales: This glory he envied him, and besides stomached it; that he must now take place of him. It being enacted in the Reign of Henry the eighth, that the chief Officers of the Kingdom, should have Presidence of all men of their degree. Whereupon the Queen, to give him content, was fain to create him Earl Martial of England; by which he recovered his place again. About this time, an Ambassador came into England, from the KING of Poland; who, when the Queen expected he should give her thanks for having procured a Peace between the King his Master, and the Turk, he clean contrary expostulated unkindness, for breach of Privilege in trading with Spain, requiring a present remedy, or else the King would otherways right himself. The Queen not a little offended, suddenly replied, ●ow was I deceived? I expected an Ambassador, and behold a Herald; such a speech I never heard in all my life time: And after some further checking of him for his boldness, she referred him to her Council; and then retired into her Closet. The Ambassador afterward, in private conference with some of the Council, excused himself, saying, that his speech was penned by others, and then given him in wrighting. To his Message, the Council gave the like answer; as they had given before the Hanse-Townes, upon the like occasion: though now again, the Hanse-Townes obtain of the Emperor, to prohibit the English from trading in Germany, which made the Queen to prohibit the Hause towns from trading in England, and put them out of the Stilyard till this difference was accorded. This year the Chancellor of Denmark came into England to restore the Garter, which she had bestowed upon the King's Father, and withal offering the King's help, to make a peace for the Queen with the Spaniard. The Queen thanked him; but meant not to use his help for that which she did not desire, and especially not now, when he had newly molested the King of France her Ally, and had taken Amiens the strongest Town of Picardy: Though why should the Queen be so tender of the French King, when now to get an aid of four thousand Soldiers from her, he fell to Devises; intimating unto her, that he was now offered by the Pope's Nuntio a very commodious peace, if he would but forsake her. But while these things were in Treaty, Amiens was recovered again by the valour of Baskervile (who died at the siege) and of Sir Arthur Savage, as the King in His Letters to the Queen thankfully acknowledged. About this time a Parliament was holden at Westminster, where Subsidies were willingly granted; and to this Parliament was called the Lord La Ware and restored to his blood, which by Act of Parliament in the Reign of King Edward the sixth was tainted; Also to this Parliament was called Thomas Lord HOWARD, by the Title of Baron Howard of Walden. In Ireland at this time, a great part of Ulster, and almost all Connacht was in Rebellion; Whereupon Russell the Deputy was called home, and Thomas Lord Burrough sent in his place, a man very stout and courageous, but no soldier: This infinitely discontented Norris, who thought himself sure of the place himself, and now to see his Rival preferred before him, and himself to be under him, Precedent of Munster, drove him into such a melancholy, that in a very short time, (and as he thought to himself with much disgrace) he ended his life. And now the Farl of Tir-Oen craveth, and obtaineth a month's Truce of the new Deputy, at the month's end, the Deputy marcheth against the Rebels, and gaineth the Fort at Blackwater, when suddenly the Rebels sl●w themselves upon a hill hard by, against whom the Earl of Kildare marcheth and puts them to flight; but yet with some loss of his own side, as Francis Vaughan the Deputies brother in Law, Turner a Sergeant Major, and two Fosters, brothers of the Earl of Kildare, whole death he took so heavily, that within a few days he died himself. As soon as the people had fortified the Castle at Blackwater and withdrawn his Army, the Rebels began to besiege it again; (for this was the main place of their strength) which caused the Deputy with all possible speed to make thither, but unhappily died by the way. Whereupon the Rebels set upon the Fort more fiercely than before; but being still reppelled; they comforted themselves with this, that there was not many day's provision left in the Fort; yet the admirable fortitude of Thomas Williams the Captain, and the Garrison Soldiers saved the place, who, when their horseflesh was all spent, fed upon weeds growing within the Trenches, and endured all kind of misery. And now the Lord Burrough the Deputy being dead, the Army by direction from England, was committed to the Earl of Ormond, and the Government to two Lords Justices, Adam Lofthouse Archbishop of Dublin and Chancellor, and Robert Gardyner: To this new Lieutenant, Tir-Oen exhibiteth a Bill of his oppressions and greivances with request of pardon, and at the same time stirreth up Mac-Hugh to a new Rebellion in Leinster. In France at this time, the French King being importuned by the Pope, and by his own Subjects, began to incline to a Peace with Spain, which the Queen understanding, she sent into France, Sir Robert Cecil, Herbert and W●lks, (who died at his landing in France:) The States likewise sent thither, justine of Nassaw, and Barnevolt, and others likewise into England to dissuade the Peace: but notwithstanding all they could say, or do, the French King shortly after concluded a Peace, to the great discontentment of the Queen and the States, but to the great good, and establishment of the French Commonwealth. And now the Queen providing for her own and her people's safety, sent Sir Francis Vere to the States, to know if they were willing to join in a Treaty of Peace with the Spaniard; if not, what they would afford toward a War; and to deal earnestly with them, about repayment of money due to her from them. At home in the mean time, a great Consultation was holden, whither a Peace with Spain were convenient for England, or no; and many Reasons were on both sides alleged. Burleigh Lord Treasurer was for Peace, Essex for War, and so vehement in it, that the Treasurer, after a long debating, in a strange manner of Presage, reached forth the Book of the Psalms to him, pointing him to that Verse, The bloody minded man shall not live out half his days. Which made Essex afterward to set forth an Apology, with Reasons for justification of his opinion. But now another Consultation was held, about a fit man to be Deputy of Ireland; The Queen intended to send Sir William Knolles, Essex his Uncle; but Essex was violent for Sir George Carew, whom he had a mind to remove from the Court; and when he could not by any means persuade the Queen to it, he then, forgetting himself and his duty, uncivilly and contemptuously turned his back upon the Queen, muttering certain words. Whereupon she growing impatient, gave him a box on the ear, and bid him be gone with a vengeance; Essex laid his hand upon his sword hilt, and swore a great oath, That he could not, nor would not put up such an Indignity; and that he would not have taken it at King Henry the Eighth his hands; and so in a rage flun● away from the Court. But afterwards, admonished by the Lord Keeper, he became more mild, and in a short time, returned into the Queen's favour. About this time, William Cecil Lord Burleigh, and high Treasurer of Eng●and, finding himself to droop with age, (for he was now threescore and seventeen years old) sent Letters to the Queen, entreating her to release him of his public charge; whereupon she went to visit, and comfort him, but within a few days he ended his life, after he had been the principal stay of the English Commonwealth for many years together. One great good he did to his country, a little before his death, that he brought the States of the Low-Countries to a Composition, for the payment of Eight hundred thousand pounds, by Thirty thousand pounds yearly; likewise, a new League to be concluded with them. The King of Denmark's Subjects having lately seized upon some goods of the English as Prize, to the value of a hundred thousand Dollars; the Queen sent the Lord Zouch, and Christopher Perkins Doctor of Law, in Embassage to the Dane, both to congratulate his late marriage with the Electors daughter of Brandenburg; and also to crave restitution of the English goods; who obtained, that in lieu thereof, Threescore thousand Dollars were repaid. And now George Clifford Earl of Cumberland, having with a Navy of eleven ships, waited for Portugal Cariques, and the American Fle●t, till the season of the year was passed (they not daring to stir forth) he at last set upon Port-Rico and took it; but seven hundred of his men falling sick of Calentures, and dying within forty days, he was fain to return home with some honour, but little profit. About this time, one Edward Squire was Arraigned of high Treason, he had been at first an ordinary Scrivener, afterward a Groom in the Queen; stable, and going as a Soldier in Drakes last expedition, was taken prisoner and carried into Spain, there he came acquainted with one Wallpoole an English Jesuit, who caused him to be put into the Inquisition for an Heretic, and the fellow tasting of misery, was easily drawn to become a Papist, and afterward to attempt anything for the Catholic cause. His ghostly father persuaded him it were meritorious to make away the Queen and the Earl of Essex, and sent him into England with a certain poison, wherewith to anoint the pommel of the Queen's Saddle, and the chair in which the Earl should sit, which he accordingly performed, but neither of them took effect, whereupon Wallpoole suspecting Squires fidelity was bend to revenge it, and sent one into England, who in general terms should lay this aspersion upon him; whereupon Squire is called in question, and never thinking that his Confessor would detect him, directly denied all at first; but after seeing himself betrayed, confessed all the matter and was executed. This whole year the Rebellion was hot in Ireland; For Tir-Oen notwithstanding his pardon lately obtained, all on a sudden besieged the Fort at Blackwater, to the raising of which siege, the Lieutenant General (for there was as yet no Deputy) sent 13 Companies under the command of the Marshal, Tir-Oens sworre adversary, him Tir-Oen slew, and put his whole Army to rout, and achieved such a Victory, with so great loss to the English, as they had never ●elt the like since they first set footing in Ireland● for thirteen valiant Commanders; and fifteen Hundred Common Soldiers were slain at this Skirmish, and soon after the Fort of Blackwater was yielded up. And now Tir-Oens fame began to resound, as the Assertor of the Liberty of the Nation, and upon a sudden all Munster broke forth into rebellion. For the cherishing whereof Tir-Oen sent thither O●ny Mac-Rorye and Terrell (who originally an Englishman, was grown a deadly enemy to the English Nation) with four hundred Kerns. Against these; Thomas Norris Precedent of the Province, marcheth to Killmallock with a good force; but finding that the Irish Soldiers of his Company were ready to revolt, he was fain to disperse his Army and retire to Cork. Hereupon the Rebels grew insolent, spoilt the Country, and in cruel manner put all the English to the sword. Furthermore they declare Fitz Thomas to be Earl of Desmond● but upon condition he should hold of O-Neal●, that is, of Tir-Oen, who now dispatched Letters to the Spaniard, relating his victories to the full, and vowing to accept no terms of peace with the English, and yet at the same instant (after his wont treacherous manner) proffered some kind of submission to the Lieutenant; but withal made unreasonable demands. The State of Ireland being thus in combustion, a serious consultation is holden whom to send to quench it, the Queen and most of the Counsel thought Sir Charles Blunt Lord Mountjoy the fittest man● but Essex covertly intimated, that he had no military experience, and besides was too bookish to prove a good Commander, he seemed to aim at the place for himself, though he made a show modestly to refuse it, and yet still ready with his exceptions if any other were nominated● many thought it dangerous to have an Army put into his hands, for his followers talked of great matters, that he (forsooth) was descended of the blood Royal of Scotland and England, and had better Right to the Crown, than any other of the Competitors. In Conclusion, he is appointed Viceroy; with ample Authority, to make War or conclude Peace, and pardon all offenders, even Tir-Oen himself. An army is allotted him as great as he desired: Indeed greater than ever Ireland had seen before; Twenty Thousand Foot, and Thirteen Hundred Horse: with these, and a great Retinue besides of the Nobility, he passeth into Ireland; where as soon as he had taken the Sword, contrary to his Commission (which was to go immediately against the arch-rebel) he marcheth towards Munster, against the petty Rebels, taketh the Castle of Cahir, and driveth the Rebels into the Woods and Groves adjoining. His Forces being now impaired, he tarrieth to make them up; but in the mean time sendeth directions to Sir Coniers Clifford, Precedent of Connacht, to set upon the Rebels in one place, (thereby to sever their forces) while he assaulted them in another; Clifford marcheth toward Belike, with 1500. Soldiers, where the Rebels are upon them at unawares, under the conduct of O-Rorke, (his Son that was hanged here in England) The English repel them at first with ease, and march along, but the Rebels finding they wanted Powder, set upon them again, and put them to flight; in which Skirmish, Clifford and many of the old Soldiers were slain. Essex having by this time received new supplies out of England, and a check for neglecting the Queen's Command, setteth forth at length toward the Borders of Ulster, with Thirteen hundred Foot, and five hundred horse, being come thither, Tir-Oen by a Messenger requesteth Parley, Essex refuseth saying, he might speak with him the next morning, between the two Armies; the next day, word is brought to Essex, that Tir-Oen craved the Queen's mercy, and that he might only be heard speak, appointing the shallow of Balla Clinch for a most convenient place; thither came Essex alone, with whom Tir-Oen (riding his horse up to the girts) had private conference a full hour; A while after, Con Tir-Oens base Son came to Essex, requesting in his Father's name a second Parley, and that some of the chief on both sides might be present: Essex consented, so there came not more than six. At the day appointed, many words had not passed, but it was argued, that their Delegates should Treat the next day concerning a Peace: between them it was concluded, that a Truce should be held from six weeks to six weeks, till Mayday. By this time, the Qu. understanding that no more was done, after so much time and money spent, in a great anger taxeth the Earls proceedings, and I know not how, it fell from her to some others that stood by, that he had other thoughts in his mind, than the good of his Prince and Country: And thereupon dispatched very sharp Letters to him, blaming his delay, and letting slip every fair opportunity: with which Letters Essex was so nettled and chiefly troubled, that the Queen had now made Cecil Master of the Wards, which he expected himself: that he began to cast strange Projects within his mind, and held private consultations of returning into England with part of his Forces, to surprise his Adversaries; But from this course, the Earl of Southampton, and Sir Christopher Blunt dissuaded him, as being dangerous and wicked. Yet within a month, over he went, and came to the Court at Nonesuch; to inform the Queen of the State of Ireland. By the way, the Lord Grace of Welton crossed him, but saluted him not; whom one of his followers offered to kill for his contempt: but Essex would not suffer him: And made such haste, that early in the Morning he was upon his Knees, before the Queen in the Privy Chamber. She enteriained him courteously, but not with the countenance She was wont: and after a little talk, bid him keep in his Chamber; And soon after, Committed him to Custody, in the Lord Privy Seals House; where entering into Consideration of his case, he giveth himself wholly to Divine Contemplation, and writeth wonderful Letters to his friends, of the vanity of the things of this life. It was now the year one thousand six hundred, and the two and fortieth of Queen Elizabeth's Kaign, when after the departure of the Earl of Essex, Tir-Oen began to carry himself as Monarch of Ireland, and sendeth Kerns to make spoil in the possessions of such as continued in their loyalty to the Queen, under Mac-Guir their Captain, who lighting casually upon Sir Warham Saint Leger, thrust him thorough with a speer, and was himself thrust through withal. Whereupon the Queen sent Sir Charles Blunt Lord Montjoy, to take upon him the Deputies place, who looseth no time, but first of all marcheth towards Ulster buildeth a fort, within eight miles of Armagh, which, in hononr of Sir john Norris, under whom he had his first military schooling, he calleth by the name of Mount N●rris; there he placed Edward Blanye who kept the Rebels in awe in those pa●●s, from thence back he goeth into Leynster, wherein the Glynnes he reduceth into order, Donell-Spaniah, Phelim Mac-Pheoph, and the Rebelling Nation of the Otooles, taking hostages of them, than back into Ulster again, being victor wheresoever he cometh, and at Tradagh, receiveth into protection Mac-Henry, Mac-Cowly, and other rebels who fell at his feet for mercy. All this and more he did in his first year, and no less successful was Carew Precedent of Munster, who drove out of the County the Titular Earl of Desmond, and having found Munster a turbulent Province in April, he overcomed and made it so quiet by December following, that the Rebels maintained not one Fort in it against the Queen. And now a new consultation was holden in England, touching a peace with the King of Spain, the which he sought both by the French King, and by Alb●rtus the Archduke, who was now returned into the Netherlands out of Spain, where he was married to the Infanta. The Queen consenting to a Treaty, left it to the French King to nominate both the time and place for the meeting of the Delegates, who set down the Month of May, and Boulogne in France; But now foreseeing that a question would arise about Precedency, some were appointed to search Ancient Records concerning that point. These men found in the Book of the Ceremonies of the Court of Rome, which (according to the Canons) giveth Rule to the rest, as the Lady and Mistress; that amongst Kings, the first place is due to the King of France, the second to the King of England and the 3. to the King of Castille; That the English quietly held this privilege in the General Counsels of Basill Constance, and others, besides the Kingdom of Castille, which is the Spaniards first Title, is but an upstart in regard of England, which had Earls, but no Kings till the year one 1017. In like manner, that Pope julius the third, gave sentence for Henry the seaventh of England, against Ferdinand, who was then King of Castille. At the day appointed, the Delegates met at Bulloign, Sir Henry Nevyll, Legier Ambassador, Sir john Herbert, Robert Beale, and Thomas Edmunds for the English, and other for the King of Spain and the Archduke. The English had Instructions, first concerning Precedency, in no case to give way to the King of SPAIN; yet if they contended, to put the matter to the division of Lots, rather than the Treaty should be dissolved; and for the rest, to propose and mention the renewing of the ancient Burgundian League, freedom of commerce, etc. At the meeting, when the had severally showed their commissions; the English challenge the Precedency, the Spaniards do the like, and in so peremptory a manner, that without it they would dissolve the Treaty: hereupon the English made a proposition, to let pass the question of Precedency; and to transact the business by wrighting, and Messengers between them: Or that the Treaty might be intermitted only for threescore days, not quite brooken off; but all was to no purpose; And at three months' end, they parted. The States the mean while, were so far from regarding a Peace, that at this time, they thought upon reducing the Sea Coast of Flanders into their command● and thereupon they landed an Army there, of Fourteen thousand Foot, and three thousand horse under the conduct of Maurice of Nasaw; and Fifteen hundred of the English under the command of Sir Francis Vere, and his Brother Horatio: At which true happened the famous battle of Newport, against the Archduke, wherein nine thousand of the Spaniards were slain; and the Victory by the valour of the English, fell to the Dutch, for so forward were the English in this Battle, that of their fifteen hundred, eight hundred were slain and sore wounded, eight Captains killed, and of the rest every man hurt. All this year, and the year past, sundry quarrels and complaints arose between the English and the French, touching reprisals of goods taken from each other by Pirates of either Nation: Also touching Customs and Impositions, contrary to the Treaty of Bloys, and deceit in English Clothes, to the great infamy of our Nation. In Denmark likewise arose controversies touching Commerce, and the Fishing of the English upon the coast of Island and Norway. The Queen also either time, for the increase of Navigation and Commerce, Founded the Company of East-India Merchants, allowing them large Privileges: but whether, thi● hath proved beneficial to the Commonwealth, (there having been by this means such a mass of money and great store of other commodities c●rried out of the Kingdom, and so many Mariners lost every year) wise men make a question. About this time also, Pope Clement the eight, perceiving the Queen to be in her declining age, sent two Breeves into England, the one to the Popish Clergy. the other to the Laity, to suffer no person whatsoever, to take the Kingdom upon him after the Queen's death, but one that should promise by Oath to promote with all his might, the Roman Catholic Religion, how near soever otherwise, he were allied to the Blood Royal of the Kings of England. This year by reason of intemporate weather, happened a great scarcity of Corn in England, and thereby many grievous complaints was occasioned. The common people cast out reproachful slanders, against the Lord Treasurer Buckhurst, as the granter of Lycences for transportation of Corn; but he appealing to the Queen, she forthwith defended his Innocency, and made it known by open Proclamation, imputed the fault, upon the Broggers of Corn, and Forestallers of Markets, and gave order that the slanderers should be reprehended and punished. The Earl of Essex, who had now been Prisoner six months in the House of the Lord Privy Seale● he then began to repent in good earnest, resolving to put away his perverse Councillors, Cylly Merick and Henry Cuffe, and then he showed so much patience and great submission, that the Queen then sent him to his own house, and to be there confined, always protesting that she would do nothing that should be for his ruine● but only that, which should be for his amendment. Nevertheless, when as the common people extolled his Innocency, she could not, for the removal of suspicion of injustice, free herself and her counsellors, but bring him to a trial, not in the Star-Chamber, lest the Censure should fall too heavy on him; but in the house of the Lord Privy Seal, where the cause should have a plain hearing before the Lords of the Council, four Earls, two Barons, and four Judges of the Realm. The objections were, That contrary to his Commission, he had made the Earl of Southampton, General of the Horse, had drawn his Forces into Munster, neglecting the Arch-rebel Tir-Oen, entertained a Parley with him, against the Dignity of the Queen's Majesty, and the person of a Viceroy, which he represented; and that the said Parley was suspicious, in regard it was private. Some aggravations the Lawyers added from abrupt sentences, in his Letter to the Lord Privy Seal, written two years since, as these; No storm is more fierce than the indignation of an Impotent Prince. What? Cannot Princess err? May they not injure their Subjects, and such like. He falling upon his knee at the end of the Board, professed he would not contest with the Queen, nor excuse the faults of his young years, either in whole, or in part, Protesting that he always meant well, howsoever it fell out otherwise, and that now he would bid the World farewell, withal, shedding many tears, so as the standers by wept also. Yet could he not contain himself, but began to plead excuses, till the Lord Privy Seal interrupted him, advising him to proceed as he had begun, to fly to the Queen's Mercy, who would not have him questioned for disloyalty, but only for a contempt; and that he did not well to pretend obedience in words, which in deeds he had not performed. At length, in the name of the rest, he pronounceth this Sentence against him; That he should be deposed from the office of a Privy Councillor, suspended from the functions of the Earl Martial, and Master of the Ordnance, and be Imprisoned during the Queen's pleasure. She had given express charge, not to suspend him from the office of Master of the Horse (minding to take him shortly into favour) and that his Censure in no case should be Recorded. Af●er this, he made show of wonderful humility and mortification, which so affected the Queen, that shortly she removed Barkeley his keeper, and gave him leave to go at large; only admonishing him, To make his own discretion his keeper, and not to come at the Court, or in her Presence. After this Sentence, Cuffe, who always persuaded the Earl to stand stoutly in his own defence, began so plainly to tax him of cowardice and pusillanimity; that the Earl in anger, commanded his name to be put out of the Rowl of his servants, yet Merrick the Steward did it not, as being of Cuffs mind himself. Essex, being now ready to go into the Country, remembered himself to the Queen, by the Lord Henry Howard, in these words; That he kissed the Rod, and the Queen's hands, which had only corrected, not overthrown him; yet he should never enjoy solid comfort, till he might see those blessed eyes, which had been his load-stars, whereby he had happily steered his course, whiles he held on his way at lawful distance; But now he resolved to eat grass with Nabuchadnezzar, till it please the Queen to restore his senses. She being greatly joyed with these his speeches; Would to God (said she) his deeds might be answerable to his words; he hath long tried my patience, I must now make trial of his humility. And now the Earl grew so confident of thee Queen's favour, That he became a suitor to her for the Farm of sweet Wines; but she to try his temper, and with what mind he would bear a repulse, made him Answer; That she must first know what it was worth, and not give away things hand over head; and had oftentimes in her mouth, the Aphorism of Physicians, That foul bodies, the more you nourish them, the more you corrupt them. And indeed, this was the right way to find, whether the ulcer of his mind were throughly cured or no; for being not throughly cured, it would endure no touching; and no more did his, but as though every denial of a courtesy, were an injury that required revenge; his melancholy was presently turned into choler, and now began to hearken to Cuffe again; telling him, That it was now plain, the Queen determined to make him as poor as job, that he should live of the basket, and gather crumbs under the Ta●●e. Hereupon he returned to London, Southampton is sent for out of the Low-Countries, his doors are set open for all comers, Merricke his Steward receiveth to his own table decayed soldiers, discontented and audacious persons; Sermons are made there every day by Puritan Ministers, to which the Citizen's flock, and all signs of popularity appeared; which matters coming to the Queen's ears, Alienated her affection from him daily more and more; but especially she was exasperated, that her Person was despised by him; for (not to say the worst) he had muttered, That the Queen was now old and decrepit, and withered as well in mind as body. And now again, he runneth upon desperate counsels, for the removal of his adversaries from the Court, seeketh to screw himself into the King of Scots favour, to whom he traduceth his adversaries, by name Raleigh, Cobham, Carew, Cecil, and the Admiral, as inclined to the Spanish Faction, and at one and the same time, seeketh to win to him both Puritans and Papists. Many were of his party, but few of his counsel; and these were the Earl of Southampton, Sir Charles Davers, Sir Ferdinando Gorge, Captain of the Garrison of Plymouth, Sir Christopher Blunt, and some other. With these he met privately in Drury House to avoid suspicion, where he first giveth them a Catalogue of the Nobility and gentry that favoured him, to the number of a hundred and twenty. Then they consult, whether it were better to set upon the Tower of London, or the Queen's Palace; this latter they resolve upon, which should be done in this manner. Blunt should keep the great Gate, with a selected number of men, and Danvers seize upon the Presence Chamber: Then Essex with his company should come from the Mues, and present himself before the Queen. But now suspicions arising from divers circumstances, Secretary Herbert was sent to call him before the Council, at the Treasurer's House; but he doubting the matter, excuseth himself, that he was not very well. And now the Plot of seizing upon the Court, which had been four months in contriving, was by this means quite dashed, for they had ready at the present, neither Soldiers, nor muition, so as some speedier course must now be thought on; at which time very opportunely cometh one to them (set on no doubt by Essex his Adversaries) as if he had been sent on purpose from the Citizens, to promise him their Aid, which made Essex to applaud his own great good fortune. And now were four of the Lords, namely the Lord Keeper, the Earl of Worcester, Sir William Knolles, and the Lord Chief Justice of England, sent by the Queen to Essex house, who could hardly be suffered to come, in, all their Attendants were kept out, save he that carried the Seal before the Keeper. In the Court, they found a confused number of people, and the Earls of Essex, Rutland, and Southampton in the midst of them. The Keeper turning himself to Essex, telleth him, The Queen had sent him and the rest to understand the cause of this concourse, promising Justice, if any person had done them wrong. Essex with a loud voice cryeth out, They lie in wait for my life, we are met to defend ourselves. The Keeper urging Essex again to unfold some part of his grievance; the unruly multitude crieth out, Away, let us be gone, they come to betray you, Kill them, cast away that Great Seal. Essex retireth into the house, the Lords follow him, he chargeth them to make the doors fast, and turning him to the Lords, Have patience for a while (saith he) I must go into the City, to dispatch a little business with the Mayor and Sheriffs, I will return presently. There the Lords are kept prisoners; Essex maketh haste into the City, with a Troop of 200 men at his heels; the E. of Bedford, the L. Cromwell, and ●●her Lords meeting him by the way, join themselves: coming into London, ●e cryeth out aloud, For the Queen, for the Queen, they lay wait for my life. The Citizens came running to gaze, but not so much as one person took Arms to take his Part. Passing along the City, he came all in a sweat to the Sheriff Smith's house, who shifteth himself forth at a back door, and goeth to the Lord Maior. By this time, certain of the Nobility entered the City with a Herald, declaring Essex and his adherents Traitors. Hereupon, hearing also that the Lord Admiral made towards him with an Army, he began to be disheartened; Gorge taketh care for himself, requesteth he might be sent to release the Counsellors, and with them to crave the Queen's mercy, whiles the issue was yet doubtful. The Earl content, that Popham only should be freed; but he refused, unless the Keeper also might be dismissed. Then Gorge freeth them all, and goeth along with them to the Court by water. Now when Essex thought to return, he found a Chain fastened cross the street, at the West end of Paul's, and men in Arms on the other side: then he began to draw his sword; and having once given the word, Blunt letteth fly at them, slew one of them incontinent, himself being sorely wounded and taken. Essex himself had his Hat shot thorough; whereupon retiring, he took Boat at Queen Hythe, and went to Essex House; where finding the Counsellors all dismissed, he grew extreme angry and dismayed, and cast certain papers into the fire, saying, They should tell no tales. By and by the Admiral besiegeth the house, commanding them to yield. Southampton offereth, if the Admiral would give Hostages to secure them, they would present themselves to the Queen. The Admiral answereth him by Sidney, That Rebels are not to proffer Conditions. Within an hour, Essex finding the case desperate, resolved to rush forth; and the Lord Sands (the most aged in the company) greatly urged it, saying, It were better to die valiantly, than by the hands of a Hangman. But Essex his mind, upon a little deliberation altering, they fell upon their knees, and deliver their weapons to the Admiral, when it was ten a clock at night. Owen Salisbury, and one or two more were slain with Musket Shot, and as many of the Besiegers. The next day, Thomas Lea, Commander of a Company of Soldiers in Ireland, who to one Cross a Sea-Captain (that detected him) intimated, how noble an exploit it were, for six stout fellows to go to the Queen, and compel her forceably to release Essex and Southampton, was presently apprehended, examined, found guilty and executed. Essex and Southampton were carried first to Lambeth, to the Archbishop's house, because it was a dark night; but anon were sent to the Tower, by the Queen's direction; and with them, Rutland, Sands, Cromwell, Mounteagle, Danverse, and Bromley, the rest were put in common prisons. On the nineteenth of February, Essex and Southampton were called to their Arraignment, before their Peers in Westminster-Hall, where Buckhurst Lord Treasurer, was appointed Lord High Steward of England for that time. The Peers being severally called by their names, Essex demanded, If it were not lawful for them to except against some of the Pee●s, as private persons might do against the Jurors. The Judges made answer, That the credit and fidelity of the Peers of England was presumed to be such, that in Trials they were not bound to take an Oath, nor are they liable to any exception. Then were they jointly indicted of High Treason; namely, That they plotted to deprive the Queen of her life and Kingdom, To surprise her in her very Palace; And that they broke forth into open Rebellion, by imprisoning the Counsellors of the Kingdom, By exciting the Londoners to Re-bellion with vain Fictions; By assaulting the Queen's loyal Subjects in the City, and by defending of Essex House against the Queen's Forces. Hereunto they pleaded, Not guilty. Essex withal averring, That they had done nothing but of necessity, and the Law of Nature. Yeluerton aggravateth the specialties; and Edward Cook Attorney, argueth, That the Earl could not excuse himself from the Law of Nature, seeing Majesty is not to be affronted for private revenge. The Earl of Essex with great confidence made answer, That to his Prince and Country, he always had and would bear a loyal affection. The Francis Bacon (one that was little expected to speak against Essex, by whom he had been raised) in defence of Cobham, Cecil, and Raleigh, aggravateth his crying out, That the Crown of England was sold to the Spaniard: whereto Essex replied, that he heard indeed, that Cecil the Secretary should say to one of the Lords of the Council, That the Right of the Infanta of Spain to the Kingdom of England, was as good as any of the Competitors. Upon this Cecil (who stood by as an Auditor) steppeth in, and falling upon his knees, beseecheth the Steward that with his good leave, he might quit himself from this foul aspersion: which leave being granted him, he provoked Essex, if he durst, to name the Counsellor; but he would not: therefore (saith Cecil) It is a Faction: still Essex averreth it. Then Cecil turning himself to Southampton, besought him, by all manner of Obtestations, to name the man. He referreth it to the Honourable Assembly, and to Cecil himself, if in Honour and good Reason he ought to do it: they affirming, He might, Southampton nameth Sir William Knolles, Essex his Uncle. He being sent for, at cecils entreaty, said, That Cecil two years since told him, that one Dolman, in a Book, had asserted the Right of the Infanta, and had spoken no otherwise than so. Now after the Judges had delivered their opinion what was Law in the matters alleadge●, the Earls, by the Steward's direction, were taken aside: Then the Peers rose, and went apart, and having consulted about an hour, returned to their seats, and in their order, pronounced the Earls guilty of high Treason. Then the high Steward, advising Essex to implore the Queen's mercy, giveth Sentence, and that done, broke his Staff and departed. The next day, Sir Robert Vernon, Sir William Constable, Sir Edmund Baynham, Littleton, Cluff, Captain Whitlock, john and Christopher Wright and Orell an old Soldier, were called to their Trial: but the Queen (informed by Sir Fulk Grevill, That most of them were drawn unwittingly into the danger) commanded that only Littleton, Baynham, and Orell should have their Trial, the rest to be sent back to prison. These were all condemned, but their lives spared; which favour, Raleigh (for a good sum of money received of Baynham) procured. Essex in the mean while, requested he might speak with some of the Counsellors, to whom he reconciled himself, and to Cecil especially; and then intimated, That the Queen could not be in safety while he lived; he requesteth he might be executed privately in the Tower: He grievously inveigheth against some of the Conspiracy, and wished to speak with some of them, but specially with Blunt and Cuffe; whom as soon as he saw, he broke forth into these words; O Cuffe, ask pardon of God and the Queen, for thou hast chiefly provoked me to this disloyalty. Also he intimated Sir Henry Nevil, ordinary Ambassador in France, to have been acquainted with the Conspiracy; and that other in Scotland, France, the Netherlands, and the Lord Mountjoy, Deputy of Ireland, knew of his purpose, and other in England; who being many in number, and the Lord Mountjoy ordering the Affairs of Ireland in good fashion, the Queen wisely would take no notice of it. The five and twentieth day of February, which was to be the fatal day, there were sent to the Earl divers Ministers, to give him ghostly comfort. The Queen now wavering in herself, one while remembering the ●●ci●nt kindness she had showed him, she commanded he should not be executed; then again, thinking of his stubbornness, That he would not once ask her mercy, and had said openly, That he could not live, but she must perish; countermanding her former word, she gave order that he should ●e executed. Then was he brought forth into the Yard, where a Scaffold was erected, and sundry of the Nobility present, amongst whom Raleigh also; but being ●old, It was an inhuman thing to stand by and behold the death of his adversary, he withdrew himself into the Armoury, and from thence beheld the Tragedy. Essex being ascended the Scaffold, uncovered his head, cast up his eyes towards Heaven's and cried God mercy for the manifold sins of his youth, but this last specially, which he said was a bloody, crying, and contagious sin; craved pardon of the Queen and her Councillors, commended his Spirit into the hands of God, and had his head taken off at the third blow, though the first bereft him both of sense and motion. The fifth of March, Sir Christopher Blunt, Sir Charles Davers, Sir john Davis, Sir Gyllie Merrick, and Cuffe, were brought to their Trial in Westminster-Hall, before the Queen's Delegates. The Heads of their Inditements, were the same which were objected to Essex and Southampton. The others said little in their defence, only Cuffe stood upon these two Answers; Whereas (saith he) I am challenged of Treason, because I was in Essex house the day of the Rebellion; by the same Argument the Lion in the Cellar might be indicted; all that day I lamented the Earls Fortune, and dealt with him to fly to the Queen's mercy. And as for the Consultation in Drury House, it is no more to be called High Treason, than an Embryon may be accounted a perfect man. The Lawyers on the other side demonstrated, That no necessity lay upon him to tarry in the House; and that the Consultation in Drury House was itself a Treason, though it had never broke forth into act. Merrick said only this, The Earl of Essex raised me, and he hath overturned me. The thirteenth of March, Merrick and Cuffe are drawn to Tyburn, where Cuffe entering into a long Speech, was by the Sheriff interrupted; and then, after prayers to God, and desiring God and the Queen to pardon him, he was cast from the Ladder: a man of great Wit and Learning, but of a boisterous and turbulent disposition. In the same manner died Merrick. The fifteenth of March, Sir Charles Davers, and Sir Christopher Blunt were beheaded on the Tower-Hill; albeit Davers offered ten thousand pounds to redeem his life, though with perpetual Imprisonment. The Earl of Southampton, and the Sheriff Smith, were kept prisoners; though Smith, after some time, was upon sureties suffered to go at large. The eighth of july, Sir Henry Nevil was cited before the Lords of the Counsel, where it was laid to his Charge, That he was present at the Consultation in Drury House, yet had not revealed their sinister purposes; and had imparted to Essex the secrets of his French Ambassage. He confessed, That at the Earls entreaty, he showed him the Commentaries of the French proceedings, was present at one of their Consultations only, but contemned their counsels, yet durst not be an Informer against so great Personages. Hereupon he had a grievous check given him, and was committed to prison. One Act of the By, is not here to be omitted. Essex at his Arraignment had complained, That his hand-writing was counterfeited. It happened, the Countess of Essex being fearful in her husband's behalf, gave a Letter which she had received from him, to the custody of one Ri●ove, a Dutch-woman that waited on her: this Dutch-womans' husband, named Daniell● lighted by chance upon the Letter, and perceiving some passages in it which might bring the Earl of Essex into danger, got a cunning fellow to draw a counterfeit Copy of the said Letter; with this he cometh to the fearful Lady, who was newly brought to bed, threatening to give the same to her husband's adversaries; unless she would presently give him three thousand pounds. She to shun the danger, paid him eleven hundred and seventy pounds at the very instant; yet did he deliver her the counterfeit Copy only meaning to make use of the true one, to get another sum of the Earls adversaries. This imposture being found out, he was censured to perpetual Imprisonment, condemned in three thousand pounds (two of which were to go to the Countess) and his ears nailed to the Pillory, with this Writing over his head; A notorious Cheater. Soon after, a Parliament was assembled, wherein grievous complaints being tendered to the lower House touching Monopolies; the Queen, by way of prevention, sendeth out Proclamations, declaring the said Licenses and Patents to be void in part, leaving some part to the discussion of the Laws: which thing was so acceptable to the Lower House, that they presently sent 80 selected persons; together with the Speaker, to give the Queen thanks; and she on the other side, gave them thanks, for being such faithful Monitors to her, to recall her from an error, whereinto through ignorance, not wilfulness, she was fallen. In Ireland, the Deputy, at the entry of the Spring, draweth his Forces together and driveth Tir-Oen from where he had fortified himself; Carew, Precedent of Munster, taketh the titular Earl lurking in a Cave, and receiveth intelligence, That the Spaniards, invited by Tir Oenone, had a purpose to land in Munster, yet could not persuade the Deputy they had any design for Ireland; but in the midst of September, certain news was brought, The Spaniards were in sight, who wanting wind to carry their Fleet to Cork, put in to Kinsale, the three and twentieth of September, and land their Soldiers without resistance. Richard Percy, having but few Soldiers to defend the Town, is commanded to come away, and leave Kinsale to the Spaniards, into which they enter with Ensigns displayed, and by the Magistrates and Inhabitants, were bidden welcome. D'Aquila, who commanded the Spaniards, publisheth a Declaration, wherein he showeth, That Queen Elizabeth was deposed from her Kingdom by sentence of the Pope, her subjects absolved from their Allegiance; And that the Spaniards were now come to deliver Ireland from the Jaws of the devil. Tir Oenone joineth his Forces with them, so as they were now six thousand Foot, and five hundred Horse, and promised themselves assured Victory, the English being not near so many. The four and twentieth of December, a Battle is joined; where, after a long Fight, the Victory inclined to the English. Tir Oenone, O donell, and the rest, cast away their Weapons, and save themselves by flight. Alphonso O Campo, chief Leader of the Spaniards, together with three other Captains, was taken prisoner, and six Ensignebearers, twelve hundred were slain, nine Colours taken, whereof four belonged to the Spaniards: of the English not many were slain, but a great number wounded. After six days, D'Aquila sendeth Letters to the Deputy by a Drummer, requesting that some person of account might be sent to him, with whom to confer; Sir William Godolphine is sent, to whom he complained of cowardice, and (he feared) treachery of the Irish; and therefore, although he wanted nothing to hold out the Siege, and did daily expect great Forces from Spain, yet was willing to make a Composition: whereupon, at last it was agreed, The Spaniards should yield up Kinsale to the Deputy, as also the Castles and Forts at Baltimore, Berehaven, and Castle-haven, and should depart with life and goods, and Colours displayed. The English, at a reasonable price, should furnish them with Ships and provision into Spain; and that they should not carry Arms against the Queen of England, till they were arrived in Spain, etc. And now the Spaniards being driven out of Ireland, the Queen, to prevent their coming again, sendeth out Sir Richard Levison, and Sir William M●●son, with eight Ships of her own, and some smaller Ships of War, to attempt something upon the Coast of Spain. On the nineteenth of March, Levis●n hoiseth Sail, and Monson afterward, having in vain tarried behind, for some Dutch Ships to join with them. Levison in the mean time lighted upon the Spanish Navy of eight and thirty Ships, which brought the Treasure from America, and set upon them, but to no purpose. When Monson was come with the rest of the Fleet, they had certain notice, That a mighty Indian Caraque of sixteen hundred Tun, and richly laden, was upon the Coast of Portugal. There indeed they found it, but it lay close under a Fort, attended with eleven Galleys; and the Caraque itself appeared as big as a Castle; yet they resolved to fire it, if they could not take it. The next day, they thundered so violently against the Galleys, that within seven hours the marquis of St. Cross, together with Portugal Galleys which he commanded, withdrew themselves; two of them were taken and fired; and in them was great store of Powder, which was going for the Low-Countries. And now Levison signified to the Captain of the Caraque, That the Galleys which they trusted to, were driven away, and therefore, if they now refused mercy, they must expect none hereafter. After much speech to and fro, it was at last agreed, That the Caraque, with the Ordnance and Merchandise, should be yielded up. Thus the English, having a fair wind, returned homeward with a Booty, to the value of a Million of Ducats, by the Portugal account, and not past five of their men lost in the Voyage. At this time there arose a Contestation amongst the Popish Clergy here in England; for the Jesuits and the Secular Priests, made bitter Invectives in their writings, one against the other. The original of the Priest's quarrel was, That Blackwell, one wholly at the beck of the Jusuites, was set over them as Arch-Presbyter, who first of all despoiled them of their Faculties; and when they appealed to the Pope, caused them to be declared Schismatics and Heretics. They in sundry Books extolled the Queen very highly, as one that dealt mildly always with the Catholics, till such time as they set all in a combustion in England; and by their Treasons, caused most severe Laws to be enacted against the Catholics. Parsons they traduced, as a Bastard, an Equivocator, and a Traitor. Whether they contended thus in good earnest, or in jest only, is hard to say; but the Bishop of London politicly nourished the contention; and all he gained, was this, That the Queen and her Council, finding them dangerous to the Commonwealth, both the one and the other, upon Penalty of the Laws, were by Proclamation commanded to depart out of the Kingdom presently. In France, the Marshal Byron, for entering into dangerous attempts against the public Peace, was arraigned, and lost his head. His confession brought some other into danger; and amongst them, the Duke of Bulloign, of the Protestant Religion, that when he was cited, he durst not appear, but fled into Germany. Hereupon the King of France sendeth to Queen Elizabeth, complaining that the Duke held his Marriage unlawful, and the Pope's Dispensation nothing worth, pronouncing his son Illegitimate; had destined the Prince of Conde to the Succession of the Crown, and conspired the destruction of the prime of the Nobility. The Queen, by her Legier Ambassador, adviseth the King not too credulously to entertain those reports, as doubting these suggestions might proceed from some of the Spanish Faction. Hereupon the King grew very angry, saying, The Queen held a better opinion of the Duke than he deserved, and that he was one of the chief Architects of Essex his Treason; and being questioned by the King about it, was not able to deny it. About this time also, the Duke of Savoy, by cunning slights, and open force, practised against the State of Geneva; and the Queen relieved them with a great sum of money, gathered amongst the Clergy and Laity all over England. And now the Earl of Tyrone, perceiving himself in a desperate estate, resolved to sue for mercy, and promised at last to submit his life and Fortunes to the Queen's pleasure, absolutely without condition. Hereupon, being admitted to the presence of the Deputy, at the very entry of the room, he fell on his knees; and then passing on a few steps, prostrated himself again, saying, I confess and crave pardon for my great fault, against God, and a most bountiful Prince, my dread Sovereign: I fly to the Queen's mercy, as a sacred Anchor, permitting her to dispose of my life and Fortunes at her pleasure. Upon this his submission, the Deputy commanded him to go aside, and the next day took him along to Dublin with him, meaning to bring him into England, that the Queen might deal with him according to her Royal pleasure: But before he could come into England, the Queen died. Her TAXATIONS. IN a Parliament holden the first year of her Reign, a Subsidy was granted, of two Shillings eight pence the pound of Goods, and four Shillings of Lands, to be paid at two several Payments, of every person Spiritual and Temporal. In her sixth year, in a Parliament holden at Westminster, one Subsidy was granted by the Clergy, and another by the Laity, together with two Fifteenths and Tenths. In her eighth year, in a Parliament then holden, there were offered to her four Subsidies, upon condition she would declare a Successor; but she refused their offer, and directly remitted the fourth Subsidy, which they had granted, saying, It was all one, whether the money were in her Subjects Coffers, or in her own. In her thirteenth year, in a Parliament then holden, towards her charges of repressing the Northern Rebellion, there was granted her by the Clergy, a Subsidy of six Shillings in the pound: and by the Temporalty, two fifteen, with a Subsidy of two shillings and eight pence in the pound. In her six and thirtieth year, a Parliament was holden, wherein was granted by the Clergy, two whole Subsidies, and by the Laity, three, besides six Fifteen and Tenths; but it was put into the Act, That this great Contribution, the like whereof had not been known in former Ages, should not be drawn into Example. In her fortieth year, in a Parliament at Westminster, were granted her by the Clergy, three entire Subsidies; and by the Laity, as many, with six fifteenths and Tenths. In her two and fortieth year, to furnish herself with money towards the Irish War, she delegated certain Commissioners, to confirm the Crown Lands to the possessors, that held any of controverted Titles, and to take money for the Confirmation, thereby to take away the troubles by concealers, who at this time were very busy. Of her LAWS and ORDINANCES. IN a Parliament holden in her first year, an Act was made, That every person should go to Divine Service upon Sundays and Holidays, or else pay twelve pence to the poor. Also it was enacted, That Bishops should not let the Lands of the Church, longer than for one and twenty years, or three Lives, except to the Queen or her Successors. In her third year, Proclamation was made, That the Teston, coined for twelve pence, and in the Reign of King Edward embased to six pence, should not be currant but for four pence; the Groat, but for two pence; and the piece of two pence, but for a penny: And not long after, all the said base Monies were called in, and fine Sterling money was allowed for them, after the Rate. For Ireland also, she coined Sterling money; where nine pence in England, went for twelve pence there. The Queen was the first that brought certain Counties to deliver Provision at a certain rate, that so they might be freed from the Purveyors: Also the first that granted allowance to Judges for their Circuit. In her sixth year, in a Parliament then holden, it was made Treason to refuse taking the Oath of Supremacy; yet with this limitation, That by it the blood should not be dishonoured, nor goods confiscate; nor the Oath to be required of any Baron of the Kingdom. Also this year, by a Common Council in London, It was enacted, That all such Citizens as from thenceforth should be constrained to sell their householdstuff, Leases of houses, or such like, should first cause the same to be cried thorough the City, by a man with a Bell, and then to be sold by the common Outcryer appointed for that purpose, and he to receive one farthing upon the shilling for his pains. In her three and twentieth year, she represseth by Proclamation excess in apparel, Gold Chains, and Cloaks which men wore down to their heels. The length of Swords was limited to three Foot, and Daggers to twelve Inches, besides the Hilts. Buildings likewise in the Suburbs were restrained, Inmates forbidden, and express charge set forth, That no dwelling house should be new built within three miles of any of the City Gates, under pain of imprisonment, and loss of the materials. In her time was set on foot by Sir Thomas Smith, the Law made for the serving of Colleges with provision, to the great benefit of those Scholastical Societies. In her two and fortieth year, she setteth forth Proclamations against the Transportation of Gold or Silver, wrought or unwrought, according to the former Acts of Parliament in that case provided. This year also she founded the Company of the East India Merchants, and allowed them ample Privileges. In her three and fourtieth year, all Monopolies are called in by Proclamation. In her four and twentieth year, severe Laws are made against Papists, some inflicting death, some fine and imprisonment. In her eight and twentieth year, a Proclamation was set forth, prohibiting to sow Wo●d within eight miles of any of the Queen's Houses, and four miles off any Cities or Towns Corporate. AFFAIRS of the CHURCH in her time. ON Sunday the first of january, next after the Queen's coming to the Crown, by virtue of her Proclamation, the English Litany was read accordingly as was used in her Grace's Chapel, in all Churches thorough the City of London, and likewise the Epistle and Gospel of the day, begun to be read at Masse-time in the English Tongue. Also in a Parliament holden in her first year, the first Fruits and Tenths were restored to the Crown, and the Supreme Government over the State Ecclesiastical, and the book of Common-Prayer, and Administration of the Sacraments in the English Tongue was restored, and by degrees the Protestant Religion was established. The Bishops that refused the Oath of Supremacy, were all removed, and Protestant Bishops placed in their room. It was enacted also, That all persons should go to Divine Service upon Sundays and Holidays, and a Fine of twelve pence imposed upon every one that should be absent, and the same to be given to the poor. In her fourth year, the Queen was solicited by Pope Pius, to send her Orators to the Council of Trent, which she refused, as not acknowledging it a lawful Council. In a Parliament holden in her eighth year, it was enacted, and by a general consent declared, That the Election of the Archbishops and Bishops in England, together with their Consecration, Confirmation, and Investiture (which some persons slanderously called in question) was lawful and Canonical, and that they were rightly, and according to the Acts and Statutes of the Kingdom, chosen and consecrated. In her eleventh year, there arose in England two contrary factions in Religion: on the one side, Thomas Harding, Nicholas Sanders, and other Divines that had fled out of England, began to exercise the Episcopal Jurisdiction upon the Queen's Subjects, which they had derived from the Sea of Rome: On the other side, Colman, Burton, Hallingham, Benson, and other, making profession of the pure Religion, would allow of nothing but what was directly taken out of the Scriptures, openly condemning the received Discipline of the Church of England, together with the Church Liturgy, and the very Calling of Bishops, as savouring too much of the Romish Religion, protesting in the Pulpits, That it was an impious thing to hold any thing common with the Church of Rome; and used all diligence to have the Church of England reform in every point, according to the Rule of the Church of Geneva. These, although the Queen commanded to be committed to prison, yet it is incredible how upon a sudden their followers increased, known by the envious name of Puritans. This sect so mightily increased, that in her sixteenth year, the Queen and Kingdom was extremely troubled with some of the Clergy, who breathing out nothing but Evangelicall parity, cried down the Ecclesiastical Form of Government (as a thing polluted with Roman dr●ggs) and setting forth Books likewise, Entitled, The Admonition to the Parliament, and the Defence of the Admonition: they refused to resort to the Divine Service publicly in use, and framed to themselves other Rites. Whereupon, the Queen, to suppress them, whom by no means she liked, commanded every where the severity of the Law touching the Uniformity of Common-Prayer, to be put in execution, and those books, upon pain of Imprisonment, to be delivered into the hands of the Bishops, or some of the Queen's Council. And this year were taken at Mass in their several houses, the Lord Morley's Lady and her children, the Lady Guildford, and the Lady Browne, who being thereof indicted and convicted, suffered the penalty of the Law in that case provided. Until the twentieth year of Queen Elizabeth's Reign, the Papists in England were mercifully connived at, while they solemnised their own Rites within their private houses (though that also were against the Laws) but when as that Thunderbolt of excommunicating the Queen came abroad, then was the Law enacted against those who brought into the Kingdom any Agn●s Dei, or hallowed Beads, or reconciled any of the Queen's subjects to the See of Rome; yet for six whole years together after this Law was made, it was not executed upon any Papist, till Cuthbert maine, a Priest, and an obstinate maintainer of the Pope's Authority against the Queen, was executed at Launston in Cornwall, and the Gentleman's goods that harboured him confiscate, and himself adjudged to perpetual Imprisonment. In her three and twentieth year, divers Priests and Jesuits came into England; amongst whom, Robert P●●sons, and Edmund Campian, Englishmen and Jesuits, being now bound for England, to promote the Catholic Cause; at which time a Proclamation was set forth, That whosoever had any children beyond the Sea, should by a certain day call them home; and that no person should receive or harbour any Seminary Priest or Jesuit. At this time also, there arose up in Holland a certain Sect, naming themselves, The Family of L●ve, who persuaded their followers, That those only who were adopted into that Family, were elected, and no other could be saved, but were all reprobates, and damned, and that it was lawful for them to deny upon oath whatsoever they pleased, before any Magistrate or whomsoever, that were not of their Family. Many of their books were printed, under these titles, The Gospel of the Kingdom, The Lords Sentences, The Prophecy of the spirit of love, The publication of Peace upon earth, by the Author H. N. but who this Author was, they would by no means reveal: at last) he was found to be Henry nichols of Leyden, who blasphemously preached, That he was partaker of the Divinity of God, and God of his humane Nature: all which books were by Proclamation commanded to be burnt. In a Parliament holden the eight and twentieth year of her Reign, some, out of a desire of a Reformation, began to pick quarrels at the Clergy, desiring to pass Laws for the restraint of Bishops in their granting of Faculties, conferring of holy Orders, Eccles●asticall Censure, and the Oath Ex officio. They complained likewise of the nonresidency of Ministers, and the like. But the Queen; who always hated Innovation (which for the most part changeth for the worse) would give no ear unto them; conceiving besides, That these proceedings in Parliament in Ecclesiastical Affairs, derogated from her Prerogative. In her six and twentieth year, the Queen gave a special charge to Whitgift Archbishop of Canterbury, to settle an Uniformity in the Ecclesiastical Discipline, according to the Laws, which through the connivance of Bishops, and perverseness of the Puritans, lay now almost gasping, Whereupon, he provided three Articles, to which every Minister should subscribe: The first, That the Queen had Supreme Authority over all persons born within her Dominions, of what condition soever they were; and that no other Prince, or Prelate, or Potentate, hath, or aught to have any jurisdiction, Civil or Ecclesiastical, within her Realms and Dominions. The second, That the Book of Common-Prayer, and of the Ordination of Bishops, Priests and Deacons, containeth nothing contrary to the Word of God, but may lawfully be used; and that they will use that, and none other. The third, That the Articles agreed on in the Synod holden at London, in the year 1562, and published by the Queen's Authority, they did allow of, and believe them to be consonant to the Word of God. It is incredible, what reproaches the Archbishop incurred by setting forth these Articles, both from factious Ministers, and from some also of the Nobility; yet by his patience and constancy, he brought at last Peace to the Church, making this his Motto, Vincit qui patitur. Neither did these at home only disturb the Peace of the Church, but others also from abroad, as Robert Brown, a young Student of Divinity in Cambridge; from whom came the Sectaries called Brownists; and Richard Harrison, a petty Schoolmaster. These presuming to judge matters of Religion by their own private spirit, by books set forth in Zealand, and dispersed at this time over England, condemned the Church of England for no Church, and ensnared many in the nets of their new Schism. Neither could they be restrained, though their books were prohibited by the Queen's Authority, and sound confuted by sundry learned men; and one or two of the Ringleaders executed at S. Edmunds Berry. In her one and thirtieth year, these Puritans flames broke forth again, Books are written by the names of Martin Mar-Prelate, and A Demonstration of the Discipline, by Penry a●d ●●dall, against the Government of Bishops; and nothing would please them, but the Discipline of Geneva: Many Abettors they had, Knightly and Wigstone, Knights, besides Cartwright (the father of them) Snape, King, Pradlow, pain, and others; who though called in question, fined and imprisoned, could never be reclaimed. In her six and thirtieth year, the Queen caused the severity of the Laws to be executed upon Henry Barrow and his Sectaries, for disturbing the Church, and the public Peace, by scattering of their monstrous Opinions, condemning the Church of England as no Christian Church, and derogating from th● Queen's Authority in Causes Ecclesiastical. WORKS of Piety in her time. THis Queen converted Westminster Abbey into a Collegiate Church, and there ordained a Dean, twelve Prebendaries, a Master, Usher, and forty Scholars, Vicars, Singing-men, and twelve Alms-men. In her third year, the Merchant-Taylors, founded a notable Grammar-School, in the Parish of S. Laurence Pountney in London. Also this year, William Harper, Maior of of London, founded a Free-School in the Town of Bedford, where he was born. In her seventh year, on the seventh of june, Sir Thomas Gresham laid the first stone of the Royal Exchange in Cornhill, which in November the year after, at his own charges was finished, being the year 1567. In her tenth year, the Citizens of London builded a new Conduit at Walbrook corner, near to Dowgate, the water whereof is conveyed out of the Thames. Also this year, Sir Thomas Roe Mayor of London, caused to be enclosed within a wall of Brick, one Acre of ground, near unto B●dlam, without Bishopsgate, to be a place of Burial for the dead of such Parishes in London as lacked convenient ground within their Parishes: He also builded a convenient room in Paul's Churchyard, on the South side of the Cross, to receive a certain number of Hearers at the Sermon time. Sir William Peter, having himself been born at Exeter in Devon-Shire, he gave to Exeter College in Oxford, a hundred pounds Lands a year: He also builded at Ingerstone in Essex, Almshouses for twenty poor people, and giving them some competent maintenance. Sir Thomas Gresham had his dwelling house in Bread-str●et London, which he dedicated to the profession of the Liberal Sciences, erecting there Lectures of Divinity, Civil Law, Physic, Geomitry, Astronomy, Music, and Rhetoric, alloting to the Professors very competent allowance. In her seventeenth year, died Matthew Park●r, Archbishop of Canterbury, who founded a Grammar School in Rochdale in the County of Lancaster: He also procured to Corpus Christi College in Cambridge, thirteen scholarships, and built two Chambers for Scholars, and the inward Library of the same College, and procured to it the Patronage of S. Mary Abchurch in London, with many other works of like kind. Sir Nicholas Bacon, Lord Keeper gave for six Scholars to be found in Ben●t College in Cambridge, three pounds, six shillings and eight pence a piece for ever. Edmund Grindall Archbishop of Canterbury, founded a Free-School in Cumberland, where he was born, and gave many Pensions to both Universities. Frances, Countess of Sussex, sister to Sir Henry Sidney, founded Sussex-Sidney College in Cambridge: As likewise Sir Walter Mildmay, Chancellor of the Exchequer, founded Emmanuell College in the same University. Sir Thomas Bodley erected and furnished the famous public Library at Oxford. Alexander Nowell Dean of Paul's, endowed Brazen nose College in Oxford, where he was brought up, with two hundred pound per annum, and died in the year 1602. Sir Roger Manhood, chief Baron of the Exchequer, built seven Almshouses in Canterbury, giving to every Almsman four pounds yearly: and our worthy Countryman William Lambard built an Alms-house at Gr●enwich, which he called, The College for the poor of Queen Elizabeth. CASUALTIES in her time. IN the first year of her Reign, died Sir Thomas Cheyney, Lord Warden of the Cinque-Ports, of whom it is reported for certain, That his Pulse did beat more than three quarters of an hour after he was dead, as strongly as if he had been still alive. In her third year, there was found near Keswrick in Cumberland, a most rich Veyn of pure and native Brass, which had lain neglected a long time: Also the Stone called Lapis Calaminaris, which is of great use in Brass Works, was first brought into England at this time, and that in most plentiful manner. Likewise this Queen was the first that caused Gunpowder to be made in England, which before was had from foreign parts, and at dear rates. In her third year, the Spi●e of the Cathedral Church of Paul's, being five hundred and twenty foot from the ground, and two hundred and sixty from the square Steeple where it was placed, and was made of wooden materials, but covered with Lead, was with lightning burnt down, together with the Roofs of that large Church, and that within the space of five hours; the Roofs were after re-edified, but the Spire is yet wanting. The Queen gave towards it a thousand Marks in money, and a thousand load of Timber; and the City granted a Benevolence, and three Fifteen; and the Clergy also contributed towards it. Also this year there were many monstrous Births: A Mare brought forth a Foal with two heads, and a long tail growing out between the two Heads. A Sow farrowed a Pig with two Bodies, eight Feet, and but one Head. A man-child was born at Chichester in Sussex, having arms and legs like to an Anatomy, the Breast and Belly monstrous big, about the neck a great collar of flesh and skin, growing like the ruff of a Shir●. In her sixth yeer● upon the returning of the Army from Newhaven, the Pestilence war brought into England, but especially into London; where in o●e year there died one and twenty thousand and five hundred. This year also, in the Month of December, was driven on the shore at Grimseby in Lincolnshire a monstrous Fish, in length nineteen yards, his tail fifteen foot broad, and six yards between the eyes. Twelve men stood upright in his mouth to get the Oil. In her seventh year; on the one and twentieth of De●ember began a Frost, so extreme, that on Newyears Even people passed over the Thames on foot; some played at Football, some shot at pricks, as if it had been firm ground. Yet this great Frost, the third of january at night began to thaw, and by the fifth day, there was no Ice at all to be seen; which sudden thaw caused great Inundations. In her eighth year, within the space of ten Months, there died in London seven Aldermen, namely, Edward Banks, Richard Chamberlain, Sir Martin Bowes, Sir Richard Mallory, Sir William H●wet, Sir Thomas White, and Richard Lambert, one of the Sheriffs for that year. The same year also, in the Town of Ossestry in Wales, two hundred houses, in the space of two hours, were consumed with fire. In her tenth year, were taken in Suffolk, at Downham Bridge near to Ipswich, seventeen monstrous Fishes; some of them being seven and twenty foot in length: And in the same year, many Dutch flying into England, to avoid the persecution of the Duke D'Alva, were the first that brought into England the Art of making Bays, Says, Serges, and such woven stuffs, both Woollen and Linen. In her time a rich Veyn of Copper was found in the Earl of Nor●humberlands Grounds, which she by her Prerogative seized upon. In her thirteenth year, a prodigious Earthquake happened in the East parts of Hereford-shire, at a little Town called Kinnaston. On the seventeenth of February, at six of the clock in the evening, the earth began to open, and a hill with a Rock under it (making at first a great bellowing noise, which was heard a great way off) lifted itself up a great height, and began to travel, bearing along with it the Trees that grew upon it, the Sheepfolds, and Flocks of Sheep abiding there at the same time. In the place from whence it was first moved, it left a gaping distance forty foot broad, and fourscore els long; the whole Field was about twenty Acres. Passing along, it overthrew a Chapel standing in the way, removed an Yew-tree planted in the Churchyard, from the West into the East: with the like force it thrust before it Highways, Sheepfolds, Hedges and Trees, made tilled ground Pasture, and again turned Pasture into Tillage. Having walked in this sort from Saturday in the evening, till Monday noon, it than stood still. In her fifteenth year, in the Month of November, a new Star, or rather a Meteor (but that it was found to be above the Moon) was seen in Cathedra Cassiopeaes, exceeding jupiter in brightness, and in that place was carried with the Diurnal motion of the Heavens sixteen Months together, though after eight Months it was perceived to grow less and less. In her sixteenth year, was a great Dearth, so as Wheat was sold at five and six shillings the Bushel, and other things in proportion. In her seventeenth year, a vast mighty Whale was cast upon the Isle of Thanet in Kent, twenty els long, and thirteen foot broad from the belly to the back bone, and eleven ●oot between the eyes. One of his eyes being taken out of his head, was more than a Cart with ●ix horses could draw; the Oil being boiled out of the head, was Parmasittee. This year also, the River Thames ebbed and flowed twice within an hour: and in the Month of November, the Heaven seemed to be all on fire. Also on the four and twentieth of February, being a great Frost, after a Flood which was not great, there came down the River of Severn such a swarm of Flies and Beetles, that they were judged to be above a hundred Quarters; the Mills thereabout were dammed up with them for the space of four days, and then were cleansed by digging them out with Shovels. In her thre● and twentieth year, in the beginning of April, about six a clock after noon, happened an Earthquake not far from York, which in some places, struck the very stones out of Buildings, and made the Bells in Churches to jangle. The night following, the earth trembled once or twice in K●nt, and again the first day of May. In her six and twentieth year, being the year 1583, the like Prodigy happened in Dorset-shire, as in the year 1571 had happened in Hereford-shire; A field of three Acrees in Blackmore, with the Trees and Fences, moved from its place, and passed over another Field, travelling in the Highway that goeth to Herne, and there stayed. In her eight and twentieth year, Tobacco was first brought out of the West Indies into England, by Ralph Lane. In her five and thirtieth year, there was so great a Drought, that not only the Fields, but the Springs themselves were dried up, and many cattle every where died for want of water. The River of Thames likewise did so fail, that a horseman might ride over at London Bridge. In her six and thirtieth year, was a great Plague in London, so as there died this year, in London and the Suburbs, seventeen thousand eight hundred and ninety, besides the Lord Maior, and three Aldermen; and Michaelmas Term was holden at S. Albon. Of her PERSONA●E and CONDITONS. SHe was of stature indifferent tall, slender and strait, fair of Complexion, her hair inclining to pale yellow, her forehead large and fair, her eyes lively and sweet, but short sighted; her nose somewhat rising in the midst; the whole compass of her countenance somewhat long, yet of admirable beauty, but the beauty of her mind was far more admirable: She had been a subject, which taught her to rule; she had been in misery, which taught her to be merciful; and indeed, never Prince ruled with more Justice, and with her Justice mingled more mercy. She had more Valour in her than was fit for a woman, but that she was a Ruler over men; and more Humility in her than was fit for a Prince, but that she meant to be a Precedent to women. She delighted in nothing so much, as in the love of her People, which she procured by ordaining good Magistrates, and forbearing Impositions. Her way not to need them, was frugality; and her way to have them when she needed them, was liberality. She made Honour in her time the more honourable, by not making it common; and indeed, knowing it to be an influence from herself, she kept it, as herself, a Virgin, and would not prostitute it to unworthy persons. She declined being a mother of children, to the end she might be a mother of her Country; and indeed, no mother ever loved her children more, than she did her people; and therefore never children loved a mother more, than her people did her. She cove●ed not so much to be an owner of riches, as of rich Subjects; for she thought money did as well in their Coffers, as in her own: and indeed, ●he never wanted it, when they had it; and they always had it, when she ●●eded it. Never Prince had a wiser counsel than she, yet never Prince ●eeded it less; for she was herself a Counsellor to her Counsel. In sum, whatsoever may in flattery be said of a wise, just, merciful, religious, and learned Prince, may truly be said of her; in all which, if ever she had an ●●uall, yet she never certainly had a superior. In playing her game of ●ortune, she loved not an aftergame; for she liked Preventions, better than Remedies. She was admirable in expressing her mind, both by speech and writing: and if collection could be made of her Apophthegms, and extemporal Orations, it would certainly excel any thing extant in that kind: And for her writing, Sir Henry Savile affirms, That he had seen some Translations of hers, which far exceeded the Originals. Never Prince kept greater State with less stateliness: Her Pensioners and Guard were always the tallest and goodliest Gentlemen and Yeomen of the Kingdom: her maids of Honour, and other women about her, the fairest and most beautiful Ladies of the Realm; and yet herself a Diana amongst her Nymphs; insomuch that a great Lord of France being entertained at Court, and the Queen ask him how he liked her Ladies, made answer, It was hard to judge of Stars, in presence of the Sun. Of her DEATH and BURIAL. IT was now the year 1602, when she feeling some Infirmities of Old-age and Sickness, retired herself at the end of january, to Ri●hmond; at which time, in a sad Omen, she commanded the Ring to be filled off her finger, wherewith she was solemnly at the first inaugurated into the Kingdom, and since that time had never taken it off, it being grown into the flesh in such manner, that it could not be drawn off without filing. At the beginning of her sickness, the Almonds of her Jaws began to swell, and her appetite by little and little failed her; withal she gave herself wholly to sadness and heaviness, which some imputed to her care for the loss of the Earl of Essex; others, because she heard, That divers of the Nobility sought the favour of the King of Scots, adoring him as the Sun rising, and neglecting her: but howsoever, in March a kind of benumbedness seized upon her, with a deep melancholy, so as she would sit silently, refrain her meat, and not admit of any conference, but with the Archbishop of Canterbury, with whom she prayed fervently, till such time as her speech failed her, which failed her a day before she died. She being in this case, it was thought fit the Admiral and Secretary should go to her, to know her mind concerning a Successor; to whom she gave this answer; My Throne hath been the Throne of Kings, I would not a mean person should succeed me. The Secretary requesting her to speak more plainly, I will (said she) have a King succeed me; and what King, but the King of Scots, my nearest Kinsman? After this, the Archbishop exhorting her to think of God, That do I (said she) nor do my thoughts ever wander from him. And when her tongue no longer served her, it was evident by the lifting up of her hands and eyes, that her thoughts were fixed upon him. And so on the four and twentieth day of March, being the last day of the year 160●, she yielded up her soul to God, when she had lived threescore and nine years, six months, and seventeen days; Reigned four and forty years, four months, and seven days. Her Body was embalmed, wrapped in Lead, and brought to Whitehall, from whence on the eight and twentieth of April following, in great solemnity, it was carried into the Collegiate Church of S. Peter's at Westminster, and there interred in the Vault of her Grandfather, K. Henry the seventh, in his magnificent Chapel, where our renowned Sovereign K. james hath built her a Princely Monument, inscribed with Epitaphs to her eternal glory. At her Funeral were said to be Mourners in black, to the number of on● thousand and six hundred persons. MEN of NOTE in her time. THe Ocean is not more boundless, than the number of men of note in her time; but though all of them cannot be reckoned, yet some of them must not be omitted. And to begin with Sates-men: An exquisite Statesman for his own ends, was Robert Earl of Lèicester; and for his Country's good, Sir William Cecil, Lord B●rleigh; as also Sir Francis Walsingham, that great underminer of Conspirators. Famous Seamen, were the Earl of Cumberland, the Lord Thomas Howard, afterward Earl of Suffolk: and of meaner Rank, Sir john Hawkins, Sir Martin Forbys●er, Sir Walter Raleigh, Cavendish, Preston, Ryman; and, to name the worthiest last, Sir Francis Drake, who though he were but a short square bodied man, yet his great Acts have made the Spaniards believe that he was some goodly Personage. Great Commanders by Land, were Robert Earl of Essex, the Lord Willoughby, the Lord Grey of Wilton, Sir Francis Vere, Sir Roger Williams, Baskervile, Savage; and the Honour of his Family, and our English Nation, Sir john Norris. Learned Gentlemen and Writers, were Sir Thomas Chaloner, employed by Queen Elizabeth as her Ligier in Spain, who wrote five books of the restoring of the English Commonwealth, in elegant Verses, while (as he said) he lived in a Stove in Winter, and in a Barn in Summer: Roger Askam, born in Yorkshire, notably skilful in the Greek and Latin Tongues, who had sometime been Schoolmaster to Queen Elizabeth, and her Secretary for the Latin Tongue; but taking too great delight in Gaming and cockfighting, he both lived and died in mean estate, yet left behind him sundry Monuments of Wit and Industry. Sir Thomas Smith, born at Saffron Walden in Essex, sometime Secretary to K. Edward the 6, who wrote an imperfect Work of the English Commonwealth, a singular Book of the Orthography of the English Tongue, and another of the Pronunciation of the Greek; the first man that set on foot the Law for serving the Colleges with Provision. Sir Henry Savill, Provost of Eton, and Reader to Queen Elizabeth, who set forth all S. Chrysostom's works in Greek, and by translating of Cornelius Tacitus,, deserved as much of the English Tongue, as he of the Latin: But above all, the admirable sir Philip Sidney, who by writing in a light Argument, showed how excellently, and beyond all comparison he could have done in a grave. Learned Divines were john jewel, born in Devon-shire, a Student in Corpus Christi College in Oxford, in Queen Mary's time an Exile, by Queen Elizabeth made Bishop of Salisbury, who wrote an Apology for the Protestant Doctrine, and died at scarce fifty years of age, in the fourteenth year of Queen Elizabeth. john Whitaker, Master of S. john's College in Cambridge, who learnedly answered all the books of Bellarmine. Bilson, Bishop of Winchester, sometimes Fellow of New College in Oxford, who, amongst his other learned Works, hath written notably of Christ's descent into hell. Richard Hooker, Preacher at the Temple, who with too much meekness smothered his great Learning, yet hath something discovered it in his five Books of Ecclesiastical Discipline, and died in the year 1599 Alexander Nowell, Dean of Paul's, who forbearing deeper Works, set forth a Catechism, according to the Doctrine of the English Church, and died in the year 1602. After such men, it might be thought ridiculous to speak so Stage Players; but seeing excellency in the meanest things deserves remembering, and Boscius the Comedian is recorded in History with such commendation, it may be allowed us to do the like with some of our Nation. Richard Bourbidge, and Edward Allen, two such Actors, as no age must ever look to see the like: and, to make their Comedies complete, Richard Tarleton, who for the Part called the Clowns Part, never had his match, never will have. For Writers of Plays, and such as had been Players themselves, William Shakespeare, and Benjamin johnson, have specially left their Names recommended to posterity. THE REIGN OF King james. JAMES the fourth King of Scotland, married Margaret elder daughter of Henry the 7 K. of England, by whom he had james the 5, who had one only child Mary Q. of Scots, who had one only son james the 6, who from james the fourth had undoubted right to the Kingdom of Scotland● and from Margaret, King Henry the 7 eldest daughter (the male line being clean extinct) unquestionable title to the Crown of England: whereupon Q. Eliz. being dead about 10 a clock in the morning, K. james the 6, K. of Scotland was the very same day (M. Secretary Cecil himself reading his Title, and Q. Eliz. Will) proclaimed K. of Eng. Scot and Ireland, by sound of Trumpet, first at White-Hall, and then in Cheapside, in presence of all the Lords and the Counsel, and other of the Nobility, with a general acclamation of all sorts of people, that we may truly say, sorrow was never more deceived than at this time; for where upon the death of Q. Eliz. It was expected there would be nothing for a long time but sorrowing and lamenting. Now that very sorrow was swallowed up of joy, her death bringing with it no other alteration but only of sex, in all other points in a manner the same, the like wisdom, the like learning, the like justice, the like religiousness in them both: only bettered in this, that we changed a Q. of 70 years old, whom we could not look to keep long, for a K. of 36, whom we might well hope to enjoy many years. Q. Eliz. was not sooner dead● but Sir Robert Cary a younger son of the Late L. Hunsdon, posted away unsent, to K. Ia●es in Scotland, informing him of the accidents for bringing which news, the K. afterwards rewarded him with making him a Ba●on of the Realm, and L. of Leppington. But though it were sufficient for the K. information that he heard the news by Sir Robert Carry; yet it was not sufficient for the Lords of the Counsel in discharge of their duty, if he heard it not from them, and therefore within a very few days, as soon as they could provide fit men, they sent first Sir Charles Percy and Mr. Thomas Somerset, and after them Sir Thomas Lake Clerk of the Signet, a man well acquainted with the State of the Kingdom, both to acquaint him with the general applause of all the Realm, to receive him for their Sovereign, and also inform him in what terms the State of the Kingdom stood, that so he might not come altogether a stranger when he came into it. Q. Elizabeth indeed had left him not only a Kingdom, but a Kingdom without encumbrance; No wars abroad, no sedition at home, and not only so, but a kingdom furnished with all the fruits of Peace, plenty of all things necessary, and of all necessary things; the chiefest a wise Cousell, for the left Sir Thomas Egerton L. Chanselor, Thomas L. Buckhurst, L. Treasurer: Charles E. of Nottingham, L. Admiral & Sir Rob. Cecil principal Secretary. Four such men that the meanest of them were sufficient to sit at the Helm of any Kingdom. Yet to these and 〈◊〉 other besides (all wh●● the K. now by his letters authorizeth to exerc●●●●●eir several places, ●s formerly they had done) he addeth certain new ones of his own choosing, as namely the E. of Northumberland, and Cumberland● the L. Th●. Howard, and then after the L. Henry Howard; the one the brother, the other the son of the late D. of Nor●olk, who had suffered so much, that at last, he suffered for the Q. his mother. But although the calling of these two last to such place, was done (no doubt) out of ●avour to that house; yet one of them being known, the other doubted to be a Papist, it was presently apprehended, as a favour to that sid●; and the Catholics were not a little confident of his good inclination to them all in general. And it was indeed but necessary they should at this time have such a conceit, for in the late Q. sickness, a little before her death, Pope Clement the 8, had written two Brieves to the Catholics in England, to admit of none to succeed in the Kingdom, when that miserable woman should happen to die (so he pleased to s●il● the most glorious Q. that ever lived) but such a one, of whose good inclination to the See of Rome, they should at least be well persuaded. And now K. james having settled the Government of his Kingdom of Scotland, and made convenient preparation for his journey: on the 5 of April 1603, he set forward, and road that day from Edinburgh to Dunglasse, and from then●● the next day to ●●rwick; who having stayed two days● the 8 of April he r●de to With●rington● a house of Sir Robert Caries, from thence the 9 to Newcastle, wh●re he stayed Sunday and heard the Bishop of Durham preach, and so joyful w●re the Townsmen of his being there, that all the time of his stay they bore the charge o● his household. The 13 of April he set forward to Durham, and from thence the 14 to Walt●orth, the 15 towards York, where his train increased to such a multitude, that he was fain to publish an inhibition of the people's resort, and flocking to him. At York it was a question to whom it belonged to bear the sword before the K● in that place, for both the E. of Cumberland claimed it, as hereditary to his House, and the Precedent of the North claimed it as belonging to his place, but it was adjudged to George E. of Cumberland, who accordingly did it●●rom York the 18 day the K. r●de to Grimston, to a house of Sir Edw. Stanhopes, the 19 to P●●f●● and so to Duncaster, where he lodged at the sign of the Bear and Sun● The 20● of Aprill●e ●e road towards Worsuppc. a house of the E. of Shrews●●ri●s; from thence the 21 to Ne●●rk upon Trent, where a Cutpurse being taken in the fact, was by the K. warrant hanged, a most unseasonable delinqennt, who would force the K. to commit justice at a time when he intended nothing but mercy, the as to Beaver Castle, a house of the E. of Rutland's, hunting all the way as he road: From Beaver the 23 to Burleigh, who having stayed 2 or 3 days, the 27 he removed to Hitchinbr●●k, a house of Sir Oliver Cromwel's, where the heads of the University of Cambridge met him● From thence he road towards Royston, and as he passed through Godmanchester a Town close by Huntingdon, the Bailiffs of Town presented him with 70 Teeme of horse, all traced to fair new Ploughs' at which the K. wondering, they said, it was their ancient custom so to do, when any K. of England passed through their Town, and by which as being the K. tenants they held their Land. At Royston he lodged that night at M. Chester's house, at his own charge, which he had not done before, since his coming into Eng. The ●0 of April he road to Stand●●, a house of S. Thomas Sadlers, where he stayed Sunday, and heard the Bishop of London preach. The 2 of May he removed to Brosbourne, a house of S● Henry Cocks, cofferer to the late Q. and now to the K. where ●●t him the L. Keeper, the L● Treasurer, the L. Admiral & divers other Lords: The 3 of May he came to Theobalds', a house of Sir Robert Cecils; when all the Lords of th● late Queen's most honourable Privy Counsel; presented themselves, and th●r● the Lord Keeper made a grave Oration. At this house, the fourth of 〈◊〉, the King made divers Noblemen of Scotland, of his Privy Counsel here in England; namely the Duke of L●n●x, the Earl of Marre, the Lord 〈◊〉, Sir ●●●rg● 〈◊〉, Treasurer of Scotland, S. james Elphingston his Secretary and the Lord of Kinlosse made afterward Mr. of the Rolls. Saturday the se●●●th of May, he road towards London, where by the way, the Sheriff Swyn●er●●● and the Aldermen met him; and by their Orator Mr. Richard Martin; made him an eloquent Oration; and then he road on to the Charter-house nee●e Smithfield, a house belonging to the Lord Thomas Howard, where he stayed four days: and at his departing from thence made the Lord Zouche● and the Lord Burgley, of his privy Counsel. But we must here omit, that from the King's first setting forth of Scotland● as he was in all places received with most Royal entertainment and rich presents; so he again carried himself most affable, and distributed his favours in most plenteous manner: in some places, discharging all prisoners, but such as lay for Treason or murder: but specially in conferring the order of Knighthood, of which sort the first he made, was Mr. john Peyton, son to Sir john Peyton, Leiutenant of the Tower. After him divers Scots in sundry places at Theobalds', eight and twenty; (of which number the compiler of this work, though the unworthiest was one;) at Charter-house above fourscore: and not many days after, no fewer than at least a hundred, and before the year went about, God knows how many hundreds; that one would wonder what the King would do with so many Milites, having no war toward. But it wa● indeed fit to give a vent to the passage of Honour, which during Queen Elizabeth's Reign had been so stopped, that scarce any County of England had Knights enough in it to make a Iury. Before we go further, it will not be amiss, to show what great men attended King james out of Scotland; as namely the Duke of Lenox, the Earl of Marre, the Lord Hame and many other great Lords: and many other whom he afterward made great Lords, as bring in his special favour; first Sir George Hame, made afterward Earl of Dunbarre: then Sir Thomas Erskin, made Earl of Kelly; then Sir john Ramsey made Earl of holderness; (which two last had the fortune to come first in to his rescue against the Gowries) than Sir james Hay, made afterward Earl of Carlisle; and then Sir Richard Preston made Earl of Kildare in Ireland; but whose great fortune by marrying the Heir of that Earldom, was afteward the occasion of his great misfortune; for coming out of Ireland he was unfortunately cast away and drowned. But though King james was now safely come himself to London; yet he accounted himself but half come, until his Queen and children were come to him; and therefore there are now appointed to go to conduct them, of Lords, and Earl of S●ssex, the Earl of Lincoln, the Lord Compton, the Lord Norris, and Sir George Carow Knight, Lord Precedent of Munster: of Ladies the Countess of Worcester, the Countess of Kildare, the Lady Anne Herbert's daughter to Henry Earl of Pembroke; the Lords Scroope's Lady, the Lady Rich wife to the Lord Rich, and the Lady Walsingham, one of the late Queen's bedchamber: But although these only were appointed to go, yet many other Lords and great Ladies went of themselves to attend her Majesty, as the Countess of Bedford, the Lady Hastings, the Lady Cecil, the Lady Hatton, the Lady Harington, and divers other: and with this Princely attendance, the Queen with two of her children, namely Prince Henry of the age of nine years, and the Lady Elizabeth on the eleventh of june came to York: where resting themselves some few days, on the seven and twentieth of june they came to Easton in Northamptonshire, a house of Sir George Fermors, where the King met them at dinner: and afterward they road together to a house of Sir john Fortescue, and so to London. The Kings younger son, Charles Duke of Albany came not at this time, as being not three years old, and therefore not thought able to endure such a journey, but the year following falling sick of a favour, Doctor Atkins one of the King's Physicians was sent to conduct him, who in six weeks cured him of his fever; and the first week of October brought him safe to Windsor, where the King then lay; for which service he was so well rewarded, that together with the gains of his usual practice● he grew to a greater wealth than was usual for Physicians. King james had distributed the meaner Order of Knighthood very plentifully; now he thinks fit to raise his distributions to a higher degree, and thereupon on the twentieth of May, he made Sir Robert Cecil Baron of Esindon; Sir Robert Sidney Baron of Penshurst; Sir William Knowles Baron of Greyes; and Sir Edward Wooten Baron of Morley: and not long after he made the Lord Henry Howard Earl of North-Hampton; and Thomas Sackvile Lord Buckhurst, he made Earl of Dorset. The King had by this time found the love and affection of his own people; but the affection of neighbouring Princes towards him stood yet in suspense, when now to take away that doubt came first in the beginning of june, an Ambassador from the Palsgrave of Rhyne; presently after another from the States of Holland and Zealand; another from the Archduke of Austria; another from the King of Spain; from the signory of Venice another; another from the Duke of Florence; and lastly on the eight of june, Mon●ieur de Rhosny from the King of France: all congratulating his happy coming to the Crown of England, for entertainment of which Ambassadors, and all other that should come after; the King had erected an Office by the name of Master of the Ceremonies, allowing him two hundred pounds a year Fee, and the first that had the place was Sir Lewis Lewkenor: a Gentleman, who besides other good parts was very skilful in the neighbouring languages. Upon the seventeenth of May this year, were made fourteen Sergeants at Law: whereof eleven had received Writs the last year of Queen Elizabeth: namely, Thomas Coventry, Robert Haughton, Laurence Tanfield, john Crook, Thomas Foster, Edward Philips, Thomas Harris, james Altham; Henry Hubbard; Augustine nichols; and Robert Perker; to whom the King added three new; john Shirley; George Snygge; and Richard Hutton, who all kept their Feast together in the Middle Temple Hall One would think that by this time, all Offences against Queen Elizabeth had been forgotten: but King james more tender of wrongs done to her than to himself, would not suffer Valentine Thomas so to escape; who after he had lain many years' prisoner in the Tower, was on the fourth of ●une arraigned at the King's Bench-Barre; and for conspiracy against the late Queen and some of her Counsel, was on the seventh of june after six a clock at night, drawn to S●● Thomas Water, and there hanged and quartered. About this time the Honourable Charles Lord Montj●y, returned out of Ireland; bringing alone with him Hugh O Neale, Earl of Teroen; at whose coming to the King, the Lord Montjoy was sworn of the King's Privy Counsel, and the Earl of Teroen who had been the cause of so much English blood shed, was yet pardoned; and Proclamation made, that by all men he should be used with respect and honour. All this while the King had moved within his own Sphere, and had done nothing out of the Realm; his first Employment abroad was now in june, to his brother the King of Denmark, to whom he sent in Embassage the Earl of Rutland upon two occasions: the one to be Godfather to his son, who was named Christianus, the other to present him with the Order of the Gar●er, upon the like employment; soon after, he sent the Lord Spen●er to Frederick Duke of Wirtenberg; which Lords, saw the said Princes Invested with the Garter, and after honourable entertainment returned home. It was now a time that every man might sit under his Vine: and enjoy the happiness of a peaceable Government: when suddenly like a storm in a fair Summer's day, broke forth a Treason of a strange Composition: for where in all Treasons commonly they are all of some one Faction in this, there were people of all sorts; Priests and Laymen, Papists and Protestants, Noblement, Knights and Gentlemen; that one would think it should be a well managed Treason, and yet was the shallowest that was ever set on foot; so shallow, that it could scarce be observed, either what the Authors of it ailed, or what it was they would h●ve done. Indeed the great favour which King james at his first coming to the Crown, showed to the Earl of South-Hampton, was like to breed no good blood in those that were his oposites; and it was said (how true I know not) that as the King had sent to enlarge the Earl of South-Hampton, and appointed him to meet him upon the way: So when he heard of an Intention that the Lord Cobham and Sir Walter Ralegh had to meet him; he sent them word they should spare their labour. But why there it were so or no, it seems they found some ●ause of discontentment, and discontentment will never want complies; and by this means was the composition of this Treason made up, and thereupon were apprehended Henry Lord Cobham, and George Brook his brother, Thomas Lord Grey of Wilton, Sir Walter Ralegh, Sir Griffith Markham, and Sir Edward Parham Knights, Bartholomew Brookesby and Anthony Copley Gentlemen, William Watson and William Clerk Priests: But though they were apprehended in july, yet they come not to their arraignment till November following; for by reason of the sickness, which was then hot in London, the Term was put off till Crastino Martini, and then to be kept at Winchester in Hamp-shire, only the Courts of the Exchequer, Wards, Liveries and the Duchy of Lancaster were kept in the King's Manor at Richmond in the County of Surrey; and so in the fourth of November following, all the foresaid Delinquents were removed from the Tower of London and other Prisons, by strong Guards to Winchester, and there arraigned; whose Indictment was for Conspiring, 1 To kill the King. 2 To raise Rebellion. 3 To alter Religion. 4 To subvert the State. 5 To procure Invasion by Strangers. Concerning the first Point, it was proved, that the Lord Grey intended to obtain the levying of two thousand men, for defence of the Low-countrieses, and with them to seize u●on the King and Prince, and take the Lords of the Counsel in their chambers. For the other Points, It was proved, that the Lord Cobham and Sir Walter Ralegh, met at S, martin's in the Fields; and there consulted about raising Sedition, moving Rebellion, altering Religion, subverting the State, and to set up the Lady Arbella. And particularly for the Point of subverting the State: It was proved, that Watson was designed to be Lord Chancellor, George Brooke Lord Treasurer, Sir Griffin Markham Secretary, and the Lord Grey to be Master of the Horse, and Earl Martial of England, and for effecting of these Treasons, It was proved that Waston the Priest had devised Oaths in writing, by which all parties were bound to keep them secret. And for the last point, It was proved, that Sir Walter Ralegh was appointed to treat with Count Aramberg for six hundred thousand C●owns, and the Lord Cobham to go to the Archduke and to the King of Spain, to persuade them to assist the Lady Arbella. These things being proved against them, on the days in which they were severally Indicted, the most which was replied in mitigation of their fault, was first by Waston, who affirmed it could not be Treason, because the King was not yet Crowned; and then by the Lord Grey, that it was but a verbal matter and never took effect, and therefore could be no Treason, but these assertions being both refuted; they were all (except Sir Edw● Parham, who only was acquitted) on their several days of indictment, found guilty of Treason; and had judgement accordingly. The Priests Watson and Clerk were executde at Winchester, the nine and twentieth of November: George Brooke was beheaded the fifth of Decemb. but then the hand of justice stayed● and this was the course which the K. held in showing mercy. After the death of the three before named he signed three other warrants for the execution of the late L. Cobham, the Lord Gr●y; and Sir Griffin Mark●h●m, on a certain day then following; but before that day came he privately framed another warrant, written with his own hand to the Sheriff; (who was then Sir Benjamin Tichburne,) by which he countermanded the former Warrants: and that there might be no notice taken of it: he sent it by Mr. john Gybbe: a Scotchman: and one utterly unknown to all the company, appointing him to deliver it so, that it might not take effect, till after their several confessions, and at the very point of their Execution, which was accordingly performed: At which time it was a wonderful thing to see how the Delinquents falling on their knees, lamented their misdoings, and most of all how they extolled the King's unspeakable mercy. But though thus pardoned: yet were they carried back to the Tower, where the L: Grey not long after died, and in him was extinct that Barony, which had formerly brought forth many valorous & worthy men. Sir Griffin Markhan after some time was set at liberty & passed beyond sea, where he lived long after in mean account. The Lord Cobham likewise was afterward discharged of imprisonment, but deprived of his Estate, lived divers years after in great penury; and in him ended that noble Family, which had flourished in great honour many Ages. Sir Walter Ralegh was kept in the Tower, where to his great honour he spent his time in writing, and had been a happy man if he had never been released. But such is our state, that no man's fortune is understood, whether it be good or bad, until it be discovered by the Event. But in this mean time many things had passed● for his Majesty having deferred the Feast of St. George until his being at some of his own houses: held now the said Feast at Windsor, the second of july where the Prince was installed Knight of the Garter; as also the Duke of Lenox, the Earl of South-Hampton, the Earl of M●rre, and the Earl of Pembroke; and at the same time were elected the King of Denmark, and the Duke of Wirtenberg: though their investing have been spoken off before. And now was preparation made for the King's Coronation, and for a preparative unto it, h● first restored the Earl of South-Hampton, and then raised in honour these following: Sir Thomas Eger●on Lord Chancellors he made Baron of Elsemere; Sir William Russell, Baron of Thorn●ugh; Sir Henry Grey Baron of Grobye; Sir john Peter Baron of Writtle; Sir john Harington, Baron of Exton; Sir Henry Denvers, Baron of Da●sey; Sir Thomas Gerard Baron of Gerads Bromely in the County of Stafford; and Sir Robert Spenser, Baron of Wormeleyton. After this he conferred inferior Orders; and made Knights, all the judges and Sergeants at Law, all Civilians and Clerks of the Signet: all his Gentlemen Ushers and divers other: and lastly made Knights of the bath threescore and two, most of them Noble men's sons, and the rest Gentlemen of special worth. These things done, on the five and twentieth of july being St. james day; the King and Queen were together crowned, and anointed at Westminster by the hands of john Whitegift Archbishop of Canterbury, in presence of the Nobility and other, namely Sir Robert Lee Lord Major of London, in a gow●e of Crimson Velvet, his brethren the Aldermen in gowns of Scarlet, and twelve principal Citizens admitted to attend on them: all other Citizens stayed from passing thither, either by water or by Land, by reason of the sickness; and the first of A●gust following, all suitors were by Proclamation forbidden to repay●e to the Count till the winter following. At this time the King forgot no● a deliverance he had formerly had, which though it were had in Scotland, yet he would have notice of it taken in England, which was his deliverance from the conspiracy of the Go●ries, on the fifth day of August three ye●●es before, and thereupon Friday being the fifth of August was by commandment appo●●●ed to be kept Holy day with Morning Prayer, Sermons, and Evening Prayer th●t day, and Bonfires ●t night which was then; and after during his life solemnly observed. King Ia●●● had in hi● a● it were two Persons; one as he was King of Scotland; and in this he was in perfect amity with ●he King of Spain●, another as he was King o● England, and in this he had some difference with Spain; but he, as Rex pacifical, ●●oke the best from both, and was altogether for the Olive branch, and thereupon when at his coming into England, he found letters of Mart granted against Spaniards: he first caused them all to be called in, and then consented to a Treaty of per●it reconcilment: In which Treaty handled at London, the 18 o● August 16●4: The Commissioners for the King of England were Thomas Earl of Dorset, Charles' Earl of Nottingham, Charles Earl of Devonshire, Henry Earl of North-Hampton and Robert Viscount Cranbourne: For the King of Spain, john de Velasco Constable of Castille, john de Tassis Earl of Villa Media●a, and Alexander Robidius Professor of the Law in the College of Milan: For the Archdukes, Charles Count of Aramberg, john Richardo● Precedent of the Privy Counsel, and Lodowick Verreikin principal Secretary: by whom a Peace being concluded and contained in many Articles. The Summer following, the King of Spain sent Don john de Velesco Constable of Castille and Duke of Fryas, also Pedraca de la Syerra, his great Chamberlain: accompagnied with divers Marquises, Earls and Barons, who coming into England, were by the Earl of Devonshire on the nineteenth of August brought to the Court, where the King in his Chapel in the presence of the commissioners and other English Lords, (the Duke of Fryas holding the King's hands between his) took his Oath upon the holy Bible, religiously to observe and keep all the Articles of the Peace and League agreed upon, and in March following, being now the third year of King james, Charles Earl of Nottingham, Lord high Admiral of England was sent into Spain to take in like manner the King of Spaine's Oath: who accompanied with three Barons, and many Knights, Gentlemen and other, to the number of six hundred and fifty, the fifteenth of April arrived at Groin, from whence he was conducted to Valledolid, three hundred miles off, where the King of Spain then kept his Court, entertained in all places as he passed, at the King of Spaine's charge, with so great provisions and such demonstration of love and gladness: that it plainly showed the Spaniards were as glad of our friendship as we of theirs. The Lord Ambassador being come to Court: He caused Thomas Knoll Esquire, to deliver the presents sent from the King of England, which were siz goodly Horses, with saddles and saddle clothes very richly embroidered, whereof three for the King, and three for the Queen: two crossebows with sheaves of arrows● four fowling pieces, inlaid with plates of Gold: and a couple of Lyme hounds, of singular qualities: which the King and Queen in very kind manner accepted, and then on the thirtyth of May, the Lord Ambassador being sent for, the King came forth into a large room: where having a little Table set before him, and a Bible very reverently laid upon it, together with a Crucifix: The Archbishop of Toledo read the Oath, at the reading whereof, the Lord Ambassador held the King's hands between his and the King kneeling down, laid his hands upon the Book, and after his Oath, subscribed to the Articles formerly concluded. Whilst the E. of Nothingham was thus employed in Spain, the right honourable Edward Earl of Hartford, was likewise sent Ambassador to Albertus and Isabel, Archdukes of Austria, to take their Oaths, for confirmation of the said Articles of Peace, which were taken at Bruxell the first of May with great State and solemnity: After which, as the Earl bestowed on the Archduks' servants, to the full sum of three thousand pouns; So the Archduke at his departy, bestowed upon the Earl, a jewel worth nine hundred pounds, and a suit of Arms worth three hundred, and bore his charges all the time of his stay at Brussels. And now was King james, truly Rex Pacificus, Piece and amity with all Princes of Christendom, which few of his Ancestors ever were A little before this, in the Month of August, in the year 1604, the strong Town of Ostend in Flanders, after above three years' siege, and the slaughter of a hundred and twenty thousand men of both sides, and in defence whereof, Sir Francis Vere General, and his brother Sir Horatio Vere had showed great Valour, was by the Marquis Spinola taken; for which Service, the King of Spain made him Duke of Santa Severina, and Lord General of all his Forces in the Low-Countryes. It was now the third year of King james his Reign, when he kept Saint George's Feast at Grenwich, and there made two new Knights of the Garter; namely, the High and Mighty Prince Duke Ulrick, heir of Norway, and brother to our gracious Queen Anne: and the right Noble Lord Henry Howard, Earl of North-Hampton. And upon the Saturday following, in the Hall at Grenwich, being richly hanged with Arras, he created three Earls, one Viscount and four Barons: namely, Sir Robert Cecil Viscount Cranbourne, he created Earl of Salisbury: Thomas Cecil, Lord Burley his eldest brother, he created Earl of Exeter, and Sir Philipe Herbert, younger brother to the Earl of Pembroke, he created Earl of Montgomery: then Robert Sidney Baron of Penshurst, Lord Chamberlain to the Queen, he created Viscount Lisle: Sir john Stanhope, Vicechamberlaine to the King, he made Lord Stanhope of Harington: Sir George Carew Vicechamberlaine to the Queen, he made Lord Carew of Clopton● Master Thomas Arundel of Devonshire, he made Lord Arundel of Wardez: and Master William Cavendish, he made Lord Cavendish of Hardwick. About this time a strange fancy possessed the brains of a professed Physician, one Richard Haidock of new College in Oxford, who pretended to preach at night in his sleep, in such sort, that though he were called aloud or stirred and pulled by the hands or feet, yet would make no show of either hearing or feeling: And this he did often, in the presence of many honourable persons, that came to hear him; so as within a short time, his fame was spread through the land, by the name of the sleeping Preacher. At length the King commanded him to be brought to the Court, where his Majesty sat up the most part of a night to attend the event: when at last, Haidock making a show to be a sleep, began to Pray; then taking a Text, made his Division; applying it to his purpose, for in his Preaching his use was to Inveight against the Pope, against the Cross in Baptism and against the last Canons of the Church of England; and having ended his Sermon seemed to continue sleeping. His Majesty having well observed the manner of his carriage; after a few days, called the said Haidock before him, and in Conference with him (as he had indeed an admirable sagacity in discovering of Fictions) made him confess, that all he did was but imposture: and thereupon to fall upon his knees, and ask forgiveness, which the King granted, upon condition, that in all places he should openly acknowledge his offence; because many were brought into belief, that his nightly preaching was either by inspiration or by vision. We may not here think it unworthy the relating, seeing King james thought it not unworthy the seeing, thereby to observe the nature of the Lion, and made a solemn matter of it: for on Monday the 3 of june (taking with him the Duke of Lenox, and divers Earls and Lords) he went to the Lion's Tower and caused two Lions a male and a female, to be put forth, and then a live Cock to be cast before them● which they (as being their natural enemy) presently killed and sucked his blood. Then a live Lamb to be put down to them, which the generous Lions (as having respect to its Innocency) never offered to touch, though the Lamb was so bold to go close unto them. Then the King caused those Lions to be taken away and another Lion to be put forth, and two Mastiffs to be put into him, who presently flew upon the Lion and turned him upon his back, and though the Lion were superior to them in strength, yet it seems they were his matches in courage and so much superior, as that they were the first assailants, with whom otherwise, perhaps the Lion would not have offered to meddle. On Friday the 4 of january in the King's second year, Charles Duke of Albany the King's second son being then but 4 years old, was created Duke of York; ●hich, because it was done with extraordinary solemnity, is not unworthy to ha●e the manner of it, here related. First were appointed Knights of the bath, the Duke of Albany himself, than the Lord Willowby, the Lord Chandois, the Lord C●mpton, the Lord Norris, William Cecil, son and heir to the Viscount Cranbourne, Allan Percy, brother to the E. of Northumberland, Thomas Somerset second son to the Earl of Worcester, Francis Manners brother to the Earl of Rutl●●d; Thomas Howard second son to the Earl of Suffolk, and john Harington son and heir to the Lord Harington, the Earls of Oxford and Essex were Esquires to the Duke of Albany; all the Knights took their lodging that night in the first Gatehouse going to King's street; where they supped, and had Baths provided for them. The next morning being Saturday, they went out into the Park in their Hermit's weeds, the Minstrels playing and the Heralds going before them into the Court, and so into the Chapel, where every Knight with his Squires went to the Altar, and there offered (the Dean of the Chapel, in a rich Cope, holding the Basin. After this they went up into their lodgings, and ●here new attired themselves in robes of Crimson Taffeta, with hats and white feathers, and so went back to the great Chamber: where by the King they were girded with the sword, and had gilt spurs put upon them. This done, they were solemnly served at dinner, and after went again to the Chapel, and there offered their swords. The next day being Sunday and Twelve day in robes of purple Sattin● with Doctor's hoods on their shoulders and hats with white feathers, they issued out of the Revestry, with the Duke of Albany (being then to be made Duke of York) into the Hall, where the King sat under the cloth of Estate, and then the Heralds going before, the Knights of the Bath followed, and then the Earl of Suffolk, Lord Chamberlain came alone, then followed Henry Howard Earl of North-Hampton and Charles Blunt Earl of Devonshire, carrying the robes of Estate, for the Duke of York, after whom Wriothsley Earl of South-Hampton carried the Coronet, George Clifford Earl of Cumberland, the Golden Rod, the Earl of Worcester the Cap of Estate, and the Earl of Nottingham bore the Duke of Albany in his Arms, supported by the Earls of Dorset and Northumberland, who all coming in this order before the King; the Duke of Albany was after the Patent read Created Duke of York, with the Robes and Coronet put on him and the Golden Rod, delivered into his hand: all which performed, they went to dinner, and the solemnity ended. About this time on the fifteenth of june, Thomas Dowglas a Scotchman, was committed to the Tower and had Irons put upon him, being sent hither, but three days before, from the Count Palatine of the Rhine. His offence was, that he had counterfeited the King's Privy Seal to divers Princes of Germany; One to the Archbishop of Cullen, another to the Archbishop of Tryer, another to the Duke of Cleve, another to the Archbishop of Moguntia, and a fifth to the Count Palatine of the Rhyne● whereof being examined and convicted; he was drawn on a hurdle into Smithfield, and there hanged and quartered: And now was a second Parliament appointed to be held at Westminster, on the nineteenth of March following, when four days before the day of sitting; The King, the Queen and Prince road solemnly in great state through the City of London, where in divers places were erected Pageants: Presents given, Orations made and all demonstrations of love and observance; and then the Parliament beginning, the King made a long and loving Speech to the House, wherein he signified the ●auses of his calling it; but in the time, when it should have proceeded, there was suddenly discovered a Plot of Treason (●o damnable and foul, that posterity will hardly think it true, when they shall hear it) the ●●ot was, to blow up with Gunpowder, both Houses of Parliament at a time, wh●n the King, Prince and all the Nobility should be sitting in the upper House, and all the Knights and Burgesses in the Lower. The principal contriver of this Plot was Robert Catesby, a Gentleman of great account in Northamptonshire, descended from that Catesby who had been a special Counsellor of King Richard the third, to whose family the Divine Providence had now ordained to give a disastrous period. This Catesby not able to perform the work himself alone, draws in many to assist him, as namely, Thomas Percy, Thomas Winter, john Grant, Ambrose Rookwood, john Wright, Francis Tresham, Guido Fawkes, and at last Sir Edward Digby, all earnest Papists, and all bound by Oath, and by receiving the Sacrament to be secret; For effecting of this plot, they hired a house close adjoining to the Upper house of Parliament, where they were to dig thorough a Wall, for the fit placing of their Powder. About Candlemas they had wrought the Wall half thorough: when suddenly they heard a noise in the next room which made them fear they had been discovered: but sending Guy Fawkes (who went now under the name of john johnson, as Master Percies man) to see what the matter was, he brought word, that it was a Cellar where Seacoles had been laid, and were now a selling, and the room offered to be let for a yearly rent. This room therefore as most fit for their purpose, being right under the Parliament House, Master Percy presently went and hired, laying into it twenty barrels of powder, which they covered with Billets and Faggots, for being discovered. Thus the first part of the plot was put in a good readiness. It now remained to consider what was to be done, when the blow should be given: for though the King and Prince might be slain, yet the Duke of York, and the Lady Elizabeth should still be safe, and so they should be no nearer their end than now they were. This work therefore for surprising the D. of York, Percy undertook, and for surprising the Lady Elizabeth, they agreed upon a match of hu●ting near to Dunchurch, under colour whereof they would draw company together, and surprise her at the Lord harington's house in Warwickshire, where she than lay, and then proclaim her Queen, and so be sure to have all things done, as they would themselves. Thus far their bloody plot went fairly on, and had perhaps gone on so still, if they had continued only bloody; but now a tenderness of heart took some of them, lest their friends should perish together with the rest, and this tenderness overthrows them; for to prevent such promiscuous slaughter, a Letter was framed, and sent to the Lord Mounteagle, son and heir to the Lord Morley, brought him by one of his Footmen, which he received from an unknown man in the street. The Letter was this. My Lord, out of the Love I bear to some of your friends, I have a care of your preservation; therefore I would wish you, as you tender your life, to forbear your attendance at this Parliament; for God and man have concurred to punish the wickedness of this time: And think not slightly of this Advertisement: for though there be no appe●r●ce of any stir; yet I say, they shall receive a terrible blow this Parliament, and yet shall not see who hurts them. This Council is not to be contemned, because it may do you good, and can do you no harm; for the danger is past, as soon as you have burnt this Letter; and I hope you will make good use of it. My Lord having read the Letter, though much perplexed, yet went presently to the Court at White-hall● (the King being then a hunting at Royston) a●d delivered it to the Earl of Salis●●●ie, principal Secretary of State, and the Earl having read it, acquainted first the Lord Chamberlain with it, and then the Lord Admiral, the Earl of W●rcester and Northampton, who as soon ●s the King was returned from Hunting acquainted him with it: the Earl of 〈◊〉 telling hi●, th●● he thought it must be written either by a fool, or by a mad 〈◊〉, because of those words, for the d●●ger is past as soon as you ●ave 〈◊〉 thi● Letter) ●or i● the da●g●r-w●re so so●ne passed, what needed 〈◊〉 warnings But th● 〈◊〉 considering it more deeply, apprehended presently some violent 〈◊〉; and th●t it must be some sudden danger 〈◊〉 blowing up with powder; and thereupon commanded, than diligent search 〈◊〉 be made in the Parliament house, and all other rooms and lodgings 〈◊〉 adjoyning● which search was made by the Lord Chamberlain, accom●●ny●● with the Lord Mount●●gle, who entering the Cellar under the upper 〈◊〉 ● found there great store of Faggots and Billets; which was answered to 〈…〉 Mr. P●rcie's own provision; but then (it being considered why such sto●e 〈◊〉 be laid in for Mr. Percy, who used to make but little stay in Towne● and ●hereu●on more diligent search being made, there was found under the Billets one of the Barrels of powder; and after that all the rest, being six and thirty; ●og●ther with other instruments fit for their purpose, and then spying the 〈◊〉 F●wkes to stand suspiciously, they apprehended him, and found in his pocket a piece of Touchwood; a Tinder box to light the Touchwood, and a Watch, which Mr. Percy had bought the day before, to try the short and long burning of the Touchwood, which he had prepared to give fire to the train of powder. The plot being thus discovered, yet the most of the confederates met at Dunchurch, as they had agreed; where they divulged many detestable untruths against the King and State: signifying withal, that they were there met for advancement of the Catholic cause; hoping thereby to have drawn many to join with them in their Rebellion: but this availed them no●●ing: for first Sir Richard Verney high Sheriff of Warwickshire chased them from thence; and then Sir Richard Welsh, Sheriff of Worcestershire, knowing them to be entered into Master Littleton's house at Walbach, beset them round, where Cate●●i● and Percy issuing forth, were both slain with one shot of a Musket; and after them, both the wright's, john and Christopher were likewise slain outright; Thomas Winter was taken alive; all which time, Francis Tresham remained still about the Court, offering his service for their suppression: but being suspected, was examined, and sent to the Tower, where he confessed all, and within a few days after died of the Strangury. On the seven and twentieth of januarie following, a Commission was directed to divers Lords and judges of both Benches, for trial of the rest of the Confederates: namely, of Thomas Winter, Guydo Fawkes, Robert Keyes, Thomas Bates, Robert Winter, late of Hoodington in Warwickshire Esquire, john Grant, late of Yorthbrook, in the County of Warwick Esquire, Ambrose Rookwood, late of Staningfield in Suffolk Esquire, Sir Edward Digby, late of Gotthurst, in Buckingham-shire, Knight, who were all condemned, and had judgement to die, and on the thursday following Sir Edward Digbie, Robert Winter, Grant and Bates, were accordingly drawn, hanged and quartered, at the west end of Paul's Church in London, and on the friday, the other four; namely, Thomas Winter, Keyes, Rookwood, and Fawks were executed in the Parliament yard at Westminster. Of all whom, none was so much lamented as Sir Edward Digbie, and indeed worthily; for he was a goodly personage, and of excellent parts, and had it seems been cunningly drawn in, and bound to secrecy by Oath, when he little thought of any such treason. The seventh of November the Earl Northumberland, upon suspicion of being acquainted with the plots, was first commanded to keep his house, and after a while committed to the Tower. And thus was this great plot discovered, and the Plotters punished, to the great rejoicing of all people: insomuch, that even the King of Spain's and Archduke's Ambassadors made Bonfires, and threw money amougst the people in token of joy. And at this time, on the fourth of januarie, the Spanish Ambassador delivered a Present to the King from the King his Master: namely six gennets of Andalusia, with saddles very richly embroidered, and saddle-cloathes of cloth of Tissue: One of which gennets was snow white, and had a Main which reached to the ground. But this was a Present sent before any knowledge had of the Powder Treason: but as soon as that was known, there was presently another Present sent from the Queen of Spain to the Queen of England● of purpose to congratulate the King's happy deliverance from the intended Powder Treason; and the Present was brought by D●● Io●n de Mendosa, which was a Roave of Murrie Satin, embroidered all over with Amber leather; and upon the leather, in every s●ame and skirt twice embroidered about with gold; the forepart whereof was set with eight and forty tags three inches long of beaten gold, hollow within, and filled with Ambergris; also two large Chains of Amber-greece● Two Carcanets of Ambergris, a velvet Cappe with gold Buttons, curiously enameled, and a girdle suitable to the Buttons; all which were presented together in a large vessel of gold, in form of a ●ason, so as it seems there was none rejoiced more for the overthrow of this plot for the Catholic cause, than the Catholic King himself. And now King james, not to be unmindful to the Lord Monteagle, for being the means of discovering this treason, he gave unto him in Fee Farm of Crown land 200 l. a year to him and his heirs, and 500 l. a year besides, during his life: and not to be unthankful to God for the deliverance, he caused the fifth of November, being the day of the discovery, to be kept holy, which Prayers and Thanksgiving to God, which was then solemnly performed, and hath been since, and is likely for ever to be continued. But in the midst of this great joy, there was suddenly spread a rumour of greater sorrow, for on Saturday the two and twentieth of March, news was brought to the Court for certain, that the King was slain at Oking, twenty miles from London, stabbed with an envenomed knife; whereupon the Court gates were presently shut, and double guard set in all places about London, and all men's minds were infinitely distracted; but within two hours all these clouds were clean dispersed, and the Sun began to shine out again; and it was certainly known, that the King was safe, and in perfect health: for which a Proclamation was presently set forth to signify it to the people; and that afternoon the King came himself to Whitehall, where thousands of people, ravished with joy, came flocking to see him; and so general was the rejoicing, that the Spanish Ambassador, gave Sir Lewis Lewk●●r, Mr. of the Ceremonies, a chain of gold of good value for bringing him the news: Though afterward it was thought by some, that this rumour was but politicly devised to make the Parliament and people more tender of the King's safety, and by making them more sensible what a treasure they had of his life, to make them more willing to part with their treasure for his living, as indeed this Parliament they did, giving more Subsidies than are usual. The eight and twentieth of March following, Henry Garvet Provincial of the English Jesuits, was arraigned in Guildhall, for concealing the foresaid treason, where he had judgement to be hanged, drawn, and quartered, and accordingly on the third of May, was drawn from the Tower to the west end of Paul's Church, and there executed. At his death, he confessed his fault, asked forgiveness, and exhorted all Catholics never to attempt any treason against the King or State; as a course which God would never prosper. On Tuesday the twentieth of May, were installed at Windsor Knights of the Garter, Robert Cecil, Earl of Salisbury, and Thomas Howard Viscount Byndon; both of them honourably attended, but the Earl of Salisbury beyond ordinary proportion. There was yet a Fag end of the late powder treason behind to be examined: whereupon two Barons of the Realms; namely, Henry Lord Mordant, and Edw. Lord Sturton, were brought from the Tower, to the Star-Chamber: and there, not charged indeed with any point of the treason, but only reflectingly, because they neglected to appear at the Parliament, according to their summons, for which neglect only, without any further charge, they were fined to pay to the King, the Lord Mordant ten thousand Marks, and the Lord Sturton six thousand, and to be prisoners during the King's pleasure. But on the 27. of june H●●rie Earl of North●mberla●d was likewise brought from the Tower to the 〈◊〉 Chamber, and more directly charged with circumstances concerning the 〈◊〉, specially in regard of Thomas Percy, whom he had admitted to be 〈◊〉 of the King's Gentlemen Pensioners, without ministering unto him the Oath o● Supremacy● knowing him to be a Recusant; for which, and some misprisions, he was fined to pay to the King thirty thousand pounds, to forfeit all his Offi●●●, and to be kept prisoner during the King's pleasure, as indeed he continued m●ny years, and at last released, was yet confined. It was now the 4. year of King james his Reign, and was a time of Princely ●i●itation; for this Summer, the 17. of july, Christianus King of Denmark, brother to the Queen, having been long expected, with eight ships came into the River of Thames, and Anchored before Gravesend; to whom the next day, King james, with Prince Henry, and divers of his Lords went by Barge, and conducted him to London, where he stayed till the twelfth of August following: in which time, he was entertained with all the magnificence that could be de●vised; the King and he riding in great state thorough the City; where Pageants in many places were erected; and a●ter he had been showed the chief places about London● as namely, the old Exchange, the Tower, the Monuments at Westminster, and had gone up to the top of Paul's, had been feasted by the King, by the Earl of Salisbury four days together at Theobalds', had seen Tilting, Fencing, wrestling, and many other pastimes, on the twelfth of August, conducted by the King, the Queen, and Prince, with many other great Lords, he departed to his ships, and in eight days arrived at home: A happy thing when Princes can converse together like private persons, and are not kept asunder with jealousies of State. After the King of Denmark's departure, on the 23. of September, arrived at London Francis Prince of Vaudemount, third son to the Duke of Lorraine, accompanied with seven Earls, ten Barons, forty Gentlemen of quality, and sixscore common persons; who all the five and twentieth of September went by Coach to the King at Hampton Court, where fourteen days together they were feasted and royally entertained, and then returned. But these Festivals were follwed with a little disturbance; for in May, the year after, great Assemblies were gathered together in Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, and Leicester-shire, throwing down Enclosures, at first, without any particular head: but at last rose up a base fellow, called john Reynolds, whom they named Captain Pouch, because he had a great leather Pouch hanging by his side, who affirmed to the Company, that in that Pouch he had sufficient to defend them against all comers: but when he was afterward apprehended, and his Pouch searched, there was nothing found in it but a piece of green Cheese. Proclamation was made, commanding them to surcease their disorder: But this prevailed nothing, till the King sent Henry Earl of Huntingdon, Thomas Earl of Exeter, Edward Lord Zouch, and Sir Edward Co●ke Lord Chief justice of England to suppress them by force of Arms, and to punish the Levellers according to the nature of their offences; some by Death, as for Treason; some by Fines, as for Routs: but Captain Pouch was made exampler. On Friday, the twelfth of june, his Majesty attended with divers Lords, dined with the Lord Major, Sir john Wats, who after dinner presented him with a purse full of Gold, and humbly besought his Majesty, that he would be pleased to be free of his Company, the Cloathworkers: To which, the KING graciously condescended; and thereupon called to Sir William Stone, Master of the Company, and said, Stone give me thy hand; and now I am a Cloath-worker: And in token of my special favour to this fraternity, I do here give to this Company a brace of Bucks yearly for ever, against the time of the Election of the Master and Wardens: at which time also many Lords and Gentlemen were made Free of the Cloathworkers. On Thursday the 16. of july, the King and Prince with many Lords, dined at Merchant T●l●rs-Hall, where the Master and Warden of that Society, presented the King with a Purse of Gold, giving him humble thanks for gracing their Fraternity with his ●oyall presence● and therewithal showed him a Roll, wherein were Registered the names of seven Kings, one Queen, 17, Princes, and Dukes, two Duchess', one Archbishop; one and thirty Eearles, threescore and six Barons, seven Abbots, seven Pryors, with a great number of Knights and Esquires, who had been free of that Company; which His Majesty graciously accepted, but told them, that he himself was already free of another Company: but the Prince his son should be free of theirs, and that he would see the Garland put on his head: whereupon the Master presented the Prince also with a purse of Gold, which he graciously accepted, and said, that not only Himself would be free of the Merchant Tailors● but the Lords also that were with him should do the like, all which was performed with great solemnity. The fourth of july this year, Sir Thomas knevet was called by Writ to the Parliament by the name of Baron of Estrick, the next day Sir julius Caesar, Chancellor of the Exchequer was sworn a Privy Counsellor; and the sixteenth of November fallowing Sir ●ervis Clyfton Knight, was called to the Parliament by Writ, by the name and title of Baron of Layton Brameswold, whose only daughter and heir, was soon after married, to Eysme Steward, Baron of Aubigny in France, sole brother of the Duke of L●nox; whom he afterward succeeded in that Dignity. About this time, Hugh Earl of Tervon, most ungratefully and utterly forgetful of the King's great clemency to him, together with Te●rconell: Hugh Baron of Dungaunon, and divers other Irish Lords, fled into the parts beyond Sea, with a purpose to solicit foreign Princes against the King, and to offer the Kingdom of Ireland to the Pope, which was presently signified to the Realm by Proclamation. On the Eleventh of April this year, George jervis a Seminary Priest, and the three and twentieth of Iune● following: Thomas G●rnet a jesuit, were both executed at Tyburn; Thom●● Garnet having the favour offered him to be pardoned, if he would but take the Oath of Allegiance, which he refused. The nineteenth of April at Whitehall, died Thomas Earl of Dorset Lord Treasurer, whose death (because he died suddenly as he sat at the Counsel-table) was by some untowardly interpreted; but being dead and his head opened, there were found in it certain little bags of water, which whither by the straining of his study the night before, in which he sat up till eleven a clock, or otherwise by their own maturity, suddenly breaking and falling upon his brain, caused his sudden death. So certain it is that death comes not always by determinate steps; but sometimes per saltum, and we all carry about us the causes of sudden death, though unsensible of them till we be unsensible. This Lord was of excellent parts, and in his place exceeding Industrious, and I have heard many Chequer men say, there never was a better Treasurer, both for the King's profit and the good of the subject. The twentieth of May at Windsor, were made two Knights of the Ga●ter, George Earl of Dun●arre, and Philip Earl of Mo●●g●mery; but the Earl of Dunbarra, within a year or two after left both his honour and his life; but not his life without honour, having been a faithful servant, and a wise Counsellor to the King, and was honourably Interred in the Church at Westminster. About this time were many famous English Pirates that stuck not some of them to turn Turks and lived in great state at Tunis, of whom the chief were W●rd, Bishop, Sir Francis Verney and Gl●●●●le, whom after many depredations and outrageous acts at Sea, partly the King of Spain suppressed, and partly the King of Eng. and 19 of their associates being taken, were hanged a● Wapping. Also at this time, in the Strand on the North side of Durham house, where ●●ood an old long stable: Robert Earl of Salisbury now Lord Treasurer of Eng●●●d, caused to be erected a stately Building; which upon Tuesday the tenth of April, in the year 1609, was begun to be richly furnished with wares; and the next day after, the King, the Queen, and Prince, with many great Lords and Ladies came to see it: and then the King gave it the name of Britteines ●urse. On the eight of May this year, the King by Proclamation prohibited all foreign Nations, that after August they should not fish upon any of the Coasts of England, Scotland or Ireland, nor the Isles adjacent, without the special Licence from the Commissioners in that behalf Ordained. At this time the making of Alum, which heretofore with great charges, had been fetched from foreign parts, was by divers that laboured in it, and now lastly by Sir john Burchier, brought to perfection in England, and thereupon the King prohibited upon pain of confiscation, any Alum to be brought from beyond the Seas, and took the whole traffic thereof to himself. And now the King according to an ancient custom, had aid of His Subjects through England: for making his eldest son Prince Henry Knight, which yet was Levied with great moderation, and the Prince to show himself worthy of it: performed His first Feats of Arms at Barriers, with wonderful skill and courage: being not yet full sixteen years of Age. It was now the eight year of King james His Reign; being the year 1610, when Prince Henry being come to the age of seventeen years; It was thought fit, He should be Initiated into Royalty: and thereupon the thirtieth of May this year, He was Created Prince of Wales in most solemn manner; which was this; Garter King at Arms, bore the Letters Patents, the Earl of Sussex the Robes of Purple Velvet, the Earl of Huntingdon the Train, the Earl of Cumberland the Sword, the Earl of Rutland the Ring, the Earl of Derby the Rod, the Earl of Shrewsbury the Cape and Coronet, the Earl of Nottingham and North-Hampton supported the Prince: being in His Surcoate only and bareheaded: and in this manner being conducted to the King, attended on by the Knights of the bath, five and twenty in number, all great men, and great men's sons: The Earl of Salisbury principal Secretary, read the Letters Patents: the Prince kneeling all the while before the King: and at the words accustomed, the King put on him, the Robe, the Sword, the Cape and the Coronet, the Rod and the Ring, and then kissed him on the cheek, and so the solemnity ended. After this, it was thought fit, he should keep his Court by himself: and thereupon Sir Thomas Chaloner, a learned Gentleman, who had before been his Governor, was now made his Lord Chamberlain, Sir Edw. Philip's his Chancellor, and all other officers assigned him, belonging to a Prince's Court: wherein he showed himself so early ripe for Majesty, that he seemed to be a King, while he was yet but Prince: And all men's eyes began to fix upon him. King james had long since shut up the Gates of janus, and was in Peace with all Princes abroad; his only care now was how to keep Peace at home; and to this end, the three first days of june, in his own person he heard the differences between the Ecclesiastical and the Temporal judges, argued touching Protections out of the Kings-bench and Common-Pleas, to this end, the eight, ninth, & tenth of june, he heard the manifold complaints of the abuses of the Victuallers, & other Officers of his Navy Royal; to this end, the 4 of june, 1610, he once again by Proclamation, commanded all Roman Priests, Seminaries and jesuits, as being the chief Incendiaries of troubles, to depart this Kingdom by the 5 of july next, and not to return upon pain of severity of the Law: also all Recusants, to return home to their Dwellings, and ●ot to ramaine in London, ●o● to come within ten miles of the Court, without special Licence; a●●●r which Proclamation, the O●th of Allegiance was presently ministered to all sorts of people, and their names certified to the Lords of the Counsel, that ref●●ed to take it; and this He the rather did out of consideration of the bloody fact, committed lately by one Revill●ck, upon the person of the renowned K. of France, Henry the fourth, & whereas Queen Elizabeth in her 43 years had granted her Letters Patents to continue for 15 years, to the East India Merchants, now upon their humble petition, the King was pleased to enlarge their Pate●●s, giving them a charter to continue for ever, enabling them thereby to be a body Corporate and Politic, which so encouraged the Merchants, that they built a ship of twelve hundred ●un, the greatest that was ever made in this Kingdom by Merchants; which the King and Prince honoured with going to Deptford to see it; and then named it, The Trades increase: and at this time gave to Sir Thomas Smith, (Governor of that Company) a fair chain of Gold, with a jewel, wherein was his Picture. But this great Ship having been in the Read Sea, and returning to Banthem, was there lost and most of her men cast away. But then the King himself builded the goodliest Ship of War, that was ever built in England, being of the burden of 1400 tun, and carrying threescore and four pieces of great Ordnance, which he gave to his son Prince Henry, who named it after his own dignity, The Prince. And now whereas a Parliament had been holden this year, and was Prorogued to a certain day; the King perhaps, not finding it to comply with his designs, or for some other cause known to himself, on the last day of December, under the gr●●t S●ale of England, dissolved it. Before this time, one Sir Robert C●rre, a Gentleman of Scotland or of the bord●●●, being a hunting with the King, chanced with a fall off his horse to break his leg; upon which mischance, he was forced for some days to keep his bed, in which time the King was sometimes pleased to come and visit him: and then it was first perceived that the King had begun to cast an eye of favour upon him: and indeed ●ro● that time forward (as he was a very fine Gentleman and very wise) many great favours were heaped upon him: So as on Easter Monday, in the year 1611, he was Created Viscount Rochester. On the two and twentieth of April, 1612, was swo●ne a privy Counsellor. On the fourth of November 1613, was Created Earl of Summersault, and the tenth of july following, made Lord Chamberlain. B●● this Sunshine of Fortune lasted not long; yet not by any inconstancy in the King, but by the Earls own undeserving, which thus fell out: The Right Honourable Robert Earl of Essex, had before this time married the beautiful Lady Francis Howard, daughter of Thomas Earl of Suffolk, who upon cause's ●udicially heard, were afterward Divorced and left free to marry any other. After which Divorce, this great favourite (the Earl of Somerset) takes her for wife; th● King gracing their marriage with all demonstrations of love and favour; and the Lords gracing it with a stately Masque that night, and a few days after, the Bride and Bridegroom, accompanied with most of the Nobility of the Kingdom were ●easted at Merchant Tailor's Hall, by the Lord Major and Aldermen. But see how soon this fair we●●her was overcast: For it happened, that one Sir Th●mas overbury, a very ingenious Gentleman, and the Earls special f●●●●d, who had written a witty Treatise of a Wife: and it seems, not thinking th● Lady in all points answerable to his description, had been an earnest disswa●●● of the M●●●●, and to strengthen his dissuasion, laid perhaps some unjust 〈◊〉 up●● the Lady's 〈◊〉, which so incensed them both against him; that 〈…〉 could not give them satisfaction, than to take away his life: So 〈…〉 saying: Improbe 〈…〉 r, quid non mortalia pectora cogis? 〈◊〉 this, they find pretences to have the said Sir Thomas committed to the ●●wer, and there by their Instruments effect their revenge: some say by a ●●●●oned Tansy sent him to eat, some by a poisoned clyster ministered unto 〈◊〉, but howsoever effected it was● for which Fact Sir jervis Elvis then Lieutenant of the Tower, and three or fou●e other of inferior condition were put to death, the Lady and Earl themselves were arraigned and condemned: but through the King's great clemency had their lives spared, but in such a sort spa●ed● as was to them no less grievous than death it s●lf, being never after suffered to see the King's face, nor to come near his Court. This Favourite being thus out of favour, there was place made for entertaining another; for indeed King james was of so sociable and loving a nature, that he could not be long well without an Altar idem; a bosom friend with whom to communicate his Internos sensus, and upon whose shoulders he might sometimes lay a burden, which he was not willing to beat himself; and this new friend was Mr. George Villers, a Gentleman of a good House, but a younger brother, but of so delicate a composure of body, and withal of so excellent pa●ts of mind, as if nature had framed him of purpose to be a King's Favourite. And indeed never any man was partaker of the Royal Influence like to him, made first a Knight, and Gentleman of the King's Bedchamber, soon after made a Viscount and Master of the Horse; a while after erected Earl of Buckingham, than Marquis of Buckingham, and made Lord Admiral: Lastly, made Duke of Buckingham, the greatest Title of Honour that a Subject is capable of● and yet his Title not greater than his Power: for all matters of Grace passed from the King by him, and to grace him the more, his Mother (who after his Father's death) had married a younger son of the Lord Comptons', was created Countess of Buckingham, his sister who had married a Gentleman of no extraordinary Family: had her husband made Earl of Denbigh, his two brothers were made, one of them Viscount Berbach; the other Earl of Anglesey; besides many other of his friends and kindred highly advanced; For this Lord affected not an advancement that should be only personal, but rather be in common to all his Family, and was not of the disposition of some, who like to great Oaks, love to keep all that are near them underwood; though it be in truth both against Nature and Policy to stand alone, when they would be less subject to the violence of winds, if more stood together. And though never any man had juster cause to be envied than he, yet never any man was less envied; because though his Honours made him great, yet they made him not swell, but he retained the like temper of affable carriage after his advancement, as he had done before. But before all these favours were heaped upon him, many other great passages had intervened; for first, after the death of Thomas Earl of Dorset, Robert Earl of Salisbury had been Lord Treasurer, and after him Thomas Earl of Suffolk. But this Lord, though of a most noble disposition: yet as having had his training up another way, seemed less ready in discharging the place, and whether for this, or for his Ladies taking too much upon her by his indulgence; the staff was soon after taken from him; after whom there came in, such a sequence of Treasures as no Age before had ever seeney all wise and able men indeed; but yet in whom the Office seemed an employment, rather to ennoble the Officer than to enrich the King. For first Sir Henry Montague was taken from the King's Bench: and on the fourth of December 1620. made Lord Treasurer, and presently upon it Earl of Manchester, and before the year went about put off. After whom Sir Lionel Cranfield, from Master of the Wards was made Lord Treasurer, and shortly after, Earl of Middlesex: and then not only put off, but fined to pay the King fifty thousand pounds: After him Sir james Lee from chief justice of the King's Bench was made Lord Treasurer, and soon after Earl of Marleborough; and then having made a good return of his Place, p●● i● off himself. After him Sir Richard W●ston, from Chancellor of the Ex●he●●●r was made Lord Treasurer, and soon after Earl of Portland: so as within the compass of little more than four years, four Treasurer's in a row were made four● Earls; enough to make a praescription for all Treasurers hereafter, to claim a Right of being made Earls, which yet I speak not as derogating from those worthy men whose memories I reverence, but as observing, Fataq●e F●rtunasque Virum; so rare as that there was never any Precedent of the like. Also the five and twenteth of june, 1612. the Lord S●nquer a Nobleman of Scotland, having in a private revenge suborned Robert Carlisle, to murder john Tu●ner a Master of Fence, thought by his greatness to have borne it out; but th● King respecting nothing so much as justice, would not suffer Nobility to be a shelter for villainy, but according to the Law; on the nine and twenteth of june; the said Lord Sanquer having been arraigned and condemned by the name of Robert Cr●ight●● Esquire; was before Westminster Hall gate executed, where he died very penitent. About this time, the King in special favour for the present Plantation of English Colonies in Virginia, granted a Lottery to be held at the West end of Paul's; whereof one Thomas Sharplys a Tailor of London had the chief Prize, which was four thousand Crowns in fair Plate. At this time also the Corpse of Mary late Queen of Scotland, the King's Mother was translated from Peterborough, to St. Peter's Church in Westminster, and from thence was carried to the Chapel Royal there; where it was interred in a Royal Tomb, which the King had erected for her. About this time also Sir Robert Shirley, third son of Sir Thomas Shirley of Sussex Knight, who sixteen years past had betaken himself to travail: and had served divers Christian Princes for the space of five years; but chiefly Rodolphus the Roman Emperor; who for his service, made him an Earl of the Empire, he afterward went into Persia, and served the Persian ten years, who made him General of the Artillery: and held him in so great account, that he gave him the Lady Teresia in marriage, whose sister was one of the Queens of Persia, after which the Persian employed him to sundry Princes of Europe; and se●t him in special Embassage into England to King james, to whom he delivered his Letters, and showed his Commission, all which signified the Persians great love and affection to his Majesty: with frank offer of free Commerce to all his Highness' Subjects, through all the Persians Dominions: After a years stay here, in which time his Lady lay in of a son, to whom the Queen was Godmother, and Prince Henry Godfather; he left the child here in England, and then with his Lady departed into Persia. It was now the year 1612. and the tenth of King james his Reign, when the Illustrious Prince Frederick Count Palatine of the Rhine; with whom a Treaty of marriage had been before, with the Lady Elizabeth: on the sixteenth of October arrived at Gravesend; to whom the Duke of Lenox and divers other Lords were sent by the King, who conducted him to White-Hall, and from thence into the great Banqueting-house, where the King, the Queen, Prince Henry, and the Lady Elizabeth entertained him in all kind manner, and after by Barge conducted him to Essex House, appointed for his lodging. It was many ye●res since any King's Daughter had been married in England; which now happening, and to so Illustrious a Prince; was just cause of Triumph and rejoyceing● but see the misery of Humane Affairs; joy can no sooner be setting forth, but sorrow will be sure to follow her at the heels, as now indeed it happened: for on the nine and twentieth of October, the Prince Palatine, with all the great Lords of the Kingdom in most jovial manner, dining at Guild-Hall: Prince H●●●● who wa● also invited and expected, could not come, being newly fallen exce●ding sick of a popular malignant fever, which reigned that year in most parts of this Land: whereof on the sixth of November, between seven ●nd eight a Clock at night, at his Court of St. james he died. But he being infinitely beloved of the people, and one that had given great hope of pro●ing an Heroic Prince. It caused suspicion in many men's heads, that his death was not without violence offered to Nature; some said, by bunches of Grapes given him to eat: some by gloves of a poisoned perfume, given him ●or a present: but these were but idle rumours and conceits: It seems the Divine Providence had ordained it should be said of him; Hanc tantum terris ●●●endent Fata nec ultra● esse sine●t: whose death would have given a great blow to the happiness of this Kingdom, if there had not been another Prince left of a milder spirit perhaps, but so accomplished with all excellent endowments, that there could be no great want of Prince Henry, as long as there was left Prince Charles. The Corpse of Prince Henry, who died at the age of eighteen years, eight months, and seventeen days, was drawn in a Chariot to the Abbey Church at Westmin●ter, and there interred in the Chapel Royally on the seventh of December following. This Accident something appealed the general joy, but yet triumphs went on. Upon Saint Thomas day, the Palsgrave and Grave Maurice were Elected Knight of the Garter; and the seven and twentieth of December, the Palsgrave was betrothed to the Lady Elizabeth. On Sunday, the seventh of February, the Palsgrave in person was installed Knight of the Garter at Wind●or, and at the same time was Grave Maurice installed by his Deputy, Count Lod●wick of Nassaw. On the fourteenth of February, being Shrove-Sunday, and Saint Valentine's day, this happy marriage of the Palsgrave with the Lady Elizabeth was solemnised in the Chapel at Whitehall: The Bride was led to Church by two Bachelors, her brother Prince Charles, and the Earl of Northampton, Lord Privy Seal: she was attired all in white, having a rich Crown of Gold upon her head, her hair hanging down at length, curiously be●e● with Pearls and precious stones, her Train supported by twelve young Ladies in white Garments: The King gave her in marriage, the Archbishop of Canterbury married them, the Bishop of Bath and Wells preached the Bridal Sermon: which ended, the Bride was led home by two married men, the Duke of Lenox, and the Earl of N●ttingham, Lord Admiral. This marriage was solemnised the first night with a stately Masque of Lords and Ladies: the second night with a magnificent Masque of the Gentlemen of the middle Temple, and Lincoln's Inn: The third night with a sumptuous Masque of the Gentlemen of the Inner Temple, and Graees Inn, provided indeed then, but was not performed till the satturday night following, by reason the concourse of people was so great, it would have hindered the Show. After this, the Lord Major and Aldermen gave the Bride a Chain of Oriental Pearl, valued at two thousand pounds: and now when all things had been done for honouring their marriage, which either love and observance could device, or Art and Magnificence could perform: On the tenth of April, the Bridegroom with his Bride took leave of the King and Queen at Rochester, (who had by Barge conducted them thither) and there taking Ship: On the nine and twentieth of April they arrived at Fl●shing; from whence the Duke of Lenox, the Earl of Arundel, the Viscount Lisle, and the Lord Harington, waited upon them to their chief City of Heydelburgh; in all places as they passed, being received with all State and magnificence: but then on the foureteenth of june, the English Lords returning home, the Lord Harington died by the way at Worms, whose Corpse was brought over, and bu●ied in England And here it will not be amiss, to show of what extent and largeness the Palsgrave's Country is● because of the iniquity of some that seek to disgrace it. It is in length about two hundred English miles, taking the lower and upper Country. In the lower he hath six and twenty walled Towns, besides an infinite number of fair Villages, and two and twenty houses of residence. In the uper, not so many walled Towns, and houses, but those that are generally fairer than in the lower, especially Amberg, and New-market. But it is now time to look home; in the year 1609. the King having care for the quietness of Ireland, had granted to the City of London the present possession and Plantation in the Province of Ulster: whereupon afterward in the year 1612. they sent thither about three hundred persons, of all sorts of handicraft's men, chiefly to inhabit the two Cities of London-Derrie and Coleraigne: where they ordained Alderman Cockaine for their first Governor. And for the advancing of this, or the like Plantation in Ireland, King james about this time began a new Order of Knights, which are called Barone●s, because they take place next to Barons younger sonnes● and he apppointed certain Laws, to make them capable that should be admitted. First that they should maintain the number of thirty foot soldiers in Ireland, for three years, after the rate of eight pence a day, and to pay the wages of one whole year, upon the passing of their Patent: Then that they should be Gentlemen of Blood of three Descents; and lastly, should have land of Inheritance, in possession or immediate Reversion, to the value of a thousand pounds per annum: And to keep the Order from swarming, he stinted it within the number of only 200. and as the issue should fail, the Order to cease. But he that will look, how well the end of the Institution, and the Laws of it have been observed shall perhaps find it to be here, as it was in the Order of St. Michael in France, into which at first● there were none admitted, but Princes and Eminent persons: but afterward, all sorts of men, without any difference, were admitted, that it came almost to be doubted, whether the Dignity of the Order did more grace the persons, or the meanness of the persons disgrace the Order: and indeed, when the Laws of an Institution are not in some measure observed, it seems to make a kind of nullity in the collation. About this time, on Sunday the ●4. of October, an exemplar penance was imposed upon Sir Peck●all Br●●kas Knight, which was to stand at Paul's Cross in a white sheet, holding a stick in his hand, having been formerly convicted before the high Commissioners, for many notorious Adulteries with divers women. This year 1614 in the month of july, Christianus King of Denmark, (out of his love to his sister, and King james) came the second time into England; but as being now secure of himself, privately, and with a small company, so as he came to the Queen at Somerset house unexpected, and before any knowledge was had of his coming; but K. james being then in progress in Bedford-shire, and hearing of it, came presently back, and after he had entertained him here, with Hunting, Hawking, running at Ring, Bear-baiting, Plays, Fire-works● and Fencing, on the first of August Prince Charles brought him aboard his Ship, who then took his leave, and returned home. In Octob. this year was a call of Sergeants' at Law, being 11. in number, namely, George Wild, Will Towes, Rich● Bawtrie, Henry Finch, Th●● Chamberlain, Francis Mo●r●, Thomas Attow, john Mo●re, Francis Harvie, Charles Chibbourn, and Tho. Richardson; and in Trenity Term before there had two other been called, namely, Sir Randal Cre● of Lincol●s Inn, and Sir Robert Hitcham of Gray's Inn, Knights. About this time an Ambassador came from the young Emperor of Russia to King james, desiring his continual love and amity, and to be a means of making attoneme●●, between him and the K. of Swethland, and withal presented him with a rich present of Furs: which was no small honour to the K. of great Britain to have so great a Potentate as the Emperor of Russia a solicit him to be his mediator. Though King james out of all natural goodness was addicted to peace, yet out of providence he neglected not to be prepared for war, and thereupon in the year 1610. had granted privileges to a society called of the Military Garden; and this year 1614, caused a Muster of men to be presented before him, which was performed to his great liking, and to the great commendation of the City. About this time a memorable Act was performed by M. Hug. Middleton, Citizen and Goldsmith of London, and borne in Den●igh-shire, who having an Act of Parliament for his Warrant, with infinite cost and indefatigable labour, brought water to the City of London, from the two great springs of Chadwell and Amwell in Hartfort-shire, having cut a Channel from thence to a place near Islington, whither he conveyed it, to a large Pan, and from thence in pipes of young Elms to all places of the City: for as the Poeth saith: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Nothing is so commodious for the life of man, as water. Another memorable Act was about this time done on the North side on Lon. called moorfield's, which being before environed with deep stinking ditches and noisome common showers, was now, not only made fair & sweet, but so leveled into walks and let with trees, that it is the pleasantest place of all the City. The next year being 1615, another memorable Act, for the benefit and beauty of the City of London, was performed; for Smithfield, which was before a rude dirty place, was now paved all over, and strong rails sequestering the middle part of it, were set up, to make it a fair walking place, and fit for Market or any other use. The Lady Arbella a near kinswoman of the Kings, had sometime before, without the King's privity, secretly married Master William Seymour, younger son of the Earl of Hartford, now Earl of Hartford himself; for which they were both committed to the Tower: and now this year, on the seven and twentieth day of Sep. she ended her life there, and was buried in the Chapel Royal at Westminster. This year also in july, were Installed Knights of the Garter, Francis Earl of Rutland, Sir George Villers Master of the Horse, and Sir Robert Sidney Viscount Lis●●: and in another kind of Honour, the Earl of Arundel, the Lord carew's, and Doctor Andrews Bishop of Ely, were sworn Privy Counselors. Wales by the death of Prince Henry, had been a good while without a Prince, and now to supply that place, Prince Charles' is Created Prince of Wales: In joy whereof, the Town of Ludlow in Shropshire, and the City of London, performed great Triumphs: and the more to honour his Creation: There were made five and twenty Knights of the bath; all them Lords or Barons sons, and yet more to honour it, there were forty selected Gentlemen of the Inns of Court, that performed a solemn justs at Barries, with great magnificence. This year was a Censure of divers great Delinquents, for first Sir Edward Cook●, was upon displeasure discharged from being Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench; and two days after his discharge, Sir Henry Montag●e the King's Sergeant at Law, was placed in his room: Next to him the Lord Egerton, whither disabled by sickness or age, to exercise the place, or upon displeasure also, had the Sele taken from him, which was delivered to Sir Francis Bacon the King's Attorney, he made first Lord Keeper; and the Lord Egerton dying soon after, Lord Chancellor. Not long after him Sir Henry Yeluerton the King's Attorney, for adding new privileges to the Londoners Charter, without the King's privity, was in displeasure put from his place; and in his room was placed Sir Thomas Coventry, the King's Solicitor. But awhile after, Sir Henry ●elverton, was made a puny judge of the Common Pleas; having indeed the reputation of an excellent Lawyer. And yet this work of Censuring stayed not here, for much about this time; Thomas Earl of Suffolk Lord Treasurer of England, had the staff of his Office taken from him; which was soon after delivered to Sir Henry Montag●● Lord Chief justice of the King's Be●ch. If Sir john Benet, judge of the Prerogative Court, had made a little more haste, he might have made one in this number of Delinquents: but he came short three or four years; and then being charged by his own servant with bribery, he was put from his place and censured in the Star-chamber to pay twenty thousand pounds: and in his room was placed Sir William Bird a man of more integrity. Though King james upon the death of Queen Elizabeth, came to reside in England, yet ●e forgot not that Scotland was his native Country; and therefore after he had spent some years in England, to acquaint himself with the State of the Kingdom. In March this year one thousand six hundred and sixteent●, he made a journey into Scotland: for though he had left very able men to sit at the Helm there in his absence: yet he knew, that as it is the Master's Eye, that makes the Horse fat: So it is the Prince's presence sometimes that keeps out many distempers in a State, that would otherwise creep in● and now, when in his staying six Months there, he had seen all things well settled, both in the Ecclesiastical State and in the Temporal, and made it appear, that he resided not in England out of any neglect of Scotland; but to the end, he might be in the place of most conveniency to both Kingdoms: on the fifteenth of September, he returned to London, not more to the grief of the Scots to leave him, than to the joy of the English to receive him, so much was King james as a just and wise Prince, beloved of both the Nations. Now comes to be related a matter of special observation; Sir Walter R●wlegh had lived a condemned man many years in the Tower, and now his Destiny brought him to his end (by liberty) which it could not do by imprisonment, for out of a longing for liberty; he propounded a project to the King, upon which (as he was a well spoken man and of a great capacity) he set such colours of probability; especially guilding it over, with the Gold he would fetch from a Mine in Guyana; and that without any wrong at all to the King of Spawn (if he might be allowed to go the journey) that the King, if he gave not credit that he could perform it, at least gave way that he should undertake it: and thereupon with divers ships, accompanied with many Knights and Gentlemen of quality, he set forward on the Voyage; but when after long search, or show of search, no such place of Treasure or no such treasure could be found, whether it were, that he thought it a shame, to return home, with doing nothing: or that his Malus Genius thrust him upon the Design: He fell upon Saint Th●m●, a Town belonging to the King of Spain: sacked it, pillaged it, and burned it: and here was the first part of his Tragical Voyage acted, in the death of his eldest son: the last part was Acted in his own death at his return. For Gundomore the Spanish Lieger, did so aggravate this fact of his to the King, against him; that it seemed nothing would give satisfaction but Rawlegh's head, without which he doubted there would follow a breach of the League between the two Nations. Rawlegh excused it, by saying that he was urged to it by the Spaniards first assaulting of him; and besides, that he could not come at the Mine, without winning this Town: but Gundomor was too strong an Adversary for him; and the King preferring the public Peace, before the life of one man, already condamned, gave way to have the Sentence of his former Condemnation executed upon him; and thereupon, brought to the King's Bench Ba●●e: he was not newly Arraigned or Indicted, as being already M●rtuus in Lege, but only hath the former Sentence averred against him, and so carried to the Gatehouse, and from thence the next morning to the Parliament Yard: a Scaffold was there erected, upon which after fourteen years' reprivall, his head was cut off: at which time, such abundance of blood issued from his v●i●es, that showed he had stock of Nature enough left to have continued him many years in life: ●hough now above threescore years old, if it had not been taken away by the hand of Violence. And this was the end of the great Sir Walter Rawlegh: great sometimes, in the ●●vour of Queen Elizabeth, and next to Drake the great scourge and hate of the Spaniard, who had many things to be commended in his life; but none more, than his constancy at his death, which he took with so undaunted a resolution that he might perceive, he had a certain expectation of a better life after it: so far he was from holding those Atheistical opinions; an aspersion whereof some traducing persons had cast upon him. About this time King james made a progress to the University of Cambridge, who delighted with the Disputations and other scholastical exercises: he stayed three whole days, and could have been content to have stayed as many years: for next being a King, he was made to be a Scholar. In the year 1619. being the seventeenth year of King james his Reign, that knot of love which above twenty years had been tied, between him and his Queen was by death dissolved; for on Tuesday this year the second of March, Queen Anne died at Hampton Court, whose Corpse was brought to Denmark house, and from thence conveyed to Westminster: wherein the Royal Chapel, with great solemnity it was interred: a Princess very memorable for her virtue, and not a little for her Fortune, who besides being a Queen, was so happy as to be Mother, of such admired children, as she brought into the World. But the dissolving of this knot cast the King into an extreme sickness; and after some recovery, into a Relapse: from which notwithstanding, it pleased God to deliver him, as having yet some great work to do. This year on Monday the third of May, one Mr. Williams a Barrister of the Middle Temple, was arraigned at the King's Bench, for civilling, and for writing Books against the King: and upon Wednesday following was hanged and quartered at Charing Crosse. But an action of another nature was performed this year, the seventeenth of july; not unworthy the relating, which was this; that one Bernard Calvert of Andover, rode from St. George's Church in Southwark to Dover, from thence passed by Barge to Calais in France, and from thence returned back to Saint George's Church the same day, setting out about three a clock in the morning, and returned about eight a clock in the Evening, fresh and lusti●. In the year 1621. a Parliament was holden at Westminster; wherein two great examples of justice were showed; which for future terror are not unfit to be here related: One upon Sir Gyles Montpesson, a Gentleman otherways of good parts; but for practising sundry abuses in erecting and setting up new Inns and Alehouses, and e●acting great sums of money of people, by pretence of Letters Patents granted to him for that purpose, was sentenced to be degraded; and disabled to bear any office in the Commonwealth, though he avoided the execution by flying the Land; but upon Sir Erancis Michael, a justice of Peace of Middlesex, and one of his chief Agents, the sentence of Degradation was executed: and he made to ride with his face to the horse tail, through the City of London. The other example was of Sir Francis Bacon, Viscount, St. Alban Lord Chancellor of England, who for bribery was put from his place, and committed to the Tower: but after some few days enlarged: in whose place Doctor Williams Deane of Westminster was made Lord Keeper. The Count Palatine, being now strengthened with the alliance of the King of Great Britain, was thought a fit man to be King of Bohemia, and accordingly was elected, by the States of that Kingdom, but he was no sooner invested in the Crown; but the Emperor with great Forces assaulted him in Prague, and not only drove him with his wife and children from thence; but took from him also his own Patrimony the Palatinate: so as though now a King he was fain to fly to the States of the Low Countries for a place of residence, King james though he had never given his consent to the Palsgrave's taking upon him that Kingdom, as foreseeing in his great judgement what the event will be: yet in this distress, he could no● forbear to take care of his daughter, and thereupon sent Sir Richard Wes●on the same that was after Lord Treasurer in Embassage to the Emperor to solicit the restoring of the Palatinate to the Palsegrave; but he returning without success; the King had then conference with Count Gund●mar the King of Spain's Ligier in England, what course might be taken to procure the restoring it: who made him answer, there could be no better course than to make a marriage, between his son the Prince of Wales, and the Infant of Spain which he said would easily be effected, if the Prince might have leave to make a journey into Spain. King james though he considered the inveterate grudges between Spain and England, and as dangerous it might be● to put the heir of the Kingdom into the Spaniards hands, yet grounding himself upon the saying: Fidelem si putaveris, facies: and drawn on by the insinuating speeches of Count Gundomar, not perhaps without some Indinction in the Marquis of Buckingham, was contented at last the Prince should go. And so Prince Charles sending his ships about, and taking along with him only the Marquis of Buckingham (who in the time of his being in Spain was created Duke of Buckingham) Endymion Porter, and Mr. Francis Cottington: (two that were well acquainted with the Language and affairs of Spain) he took his journey by the way of France, went to Paris, and secretly in disguise to the Court there, where he had the sight of that Lady, that might well have stayed him from going further, but yet on he went. In the mean time Gundomar a cunning man, and one that besides his Masters had ends of his own, and could play his Game no less for his own profit than his Master's Honour; as he had persuaded the King of the facility of the Match with Spain, so he persuaded a certainty of it, especially amongst Catholic Ladies, by which means he brought no small store of Grists to his own Mill, receiving from one Lady three hundred pounds to be made Groom of the Stool, when the Spanish Princess should come; of another a good round sum to be made Mother of the Maids, and of divers other the like for other places. But the Prince being arrived in Spain, was received indeed with all the demonstrations of love and kindness that could be devised, so as the charge of his entertainment was said to stand the King of Spain in nine and forty thousand ducats; but yet his acquaintance with the Lady was much restrained, for in all the time of his staying in Spain, which was no less than eight months, being from February to October) he saw her but very seldom, and that at good distances, never spoke with her but twice, and that before company, besides that his speeches were limited, how much and what he should say, far from any means of tying the knot between them which was pretended, what the cause should be was much in obscurity; some thought that a difference between the Duke of Buckingham, and the Count Olivares, the King of Spayne's great Favourite was a great hindrance of the proceeding: but other, and more likely that the Spaniard indeed never really intended the Match at all, but had drawn the Prince into Spain for other Ends: but what those ends were, was no less uncertain; (one thought it was done to hold the Prince in a treaty of marriage with a Daughter of Spain, till the Daughters of France should be bestowed, thereby to keep him from that alliance, but others and more likely, that the King of Spain entertained this Treaty with the King of great Britain, meaning to spin it out till he had compassed some designs in the Low-Countries, and the Palatinate, at least to make King james, most vigilant for those pa●ts. But when much time had been spent in protracting, upon pretence of difficultities in obtaining the Pope's dispensation, King james partly wearied with delay, but chiefly angered with delusion, sent to the Prince, with all speed to return into England; which the Prince presently signified to the King of Spain, and had his leave to depart; but upon promise to continue the treaty of the marriage still. Though it was said, the Prince was gone but a few days on his journey, when a Post was sent to have stayed him, if he had been overtaken. But whether it was so or no, it was God's providence that he came safely to his ships, and in them safely into England; arriving at Portsmouth, where he was beheld of the people, with no less gladness, than the Sun after a long Eclipse: and now his safe returning did both justify King james his judgement in suffering him to go, and the King of Spain's justice, in suffering him to come back: and was cause, that the people began to have a better opinion of the Spanish faith, than they had before. But now it presently broke out, that this match with Spain could never take effect: for King james having received Declarations of the Articles touching the marriage, found many very strict and large for exercise of the Catholic Religion: but none at all for restitution of the Palatinate; which made him so much discontented, that he presently broke off all treaty of the marriage; and signified as much, not only to the King of Spain, but to divers other Princes of Christendom: Upon which breach, two great Points were presently had in consultation: One for preparing forces, for recovering the Palatinate by way of Arms, which could not be done by a way of friendship: and for this purpose, a Council of war was called, and a proposition resolved on both of men and money, for undertaking the enterprise: as also a great contribution by way of benevolence was collected; towards which, the compiler of this work, gave himself fifty pounds: as many other far greater sums, though the collection went not thorough the whole Land● by reason there was hope given of a peaceable reconcilement: so as many that were not overhasty in their payments escaped without contributing at all. The other point was for providing a fit wife for the Prince, in some other place. It was said, the States of Holland offered a very great portion in marriage to the Prince, if he would match with some Lady of that Country: but matches are made in heaven, and there was a young Lady of France destined to his bed: and for this purpose, the Earl of Carlisle, and the Earl of Holland were sent into France, to treat of a marriage with a younger daughter, of the Great Henry the fourth, King of France deceased, and sister to the present King Lewis; which marriage afterward took effect, but was not accomplished in King james his days; who died soon after the agreement. It was now the year 1623. in which in Michaelmas Term, there was a Call of fifteen Sergeants' at Law, who kept their Feast in the Middle-Temple Hall. Some Passages of small moment I confess are omitted by me, in this Reign of King james, as whereof, for want of knowing the particulars, I dare not venture upon making the Relation: which if some men would have done, the truth of our Chronicles should not have been mingled with so many falsities. Of his TAXATIONS. IN his second year, in the month of September, he sent Privy Seals, to the wealthiest Citizens of London, for moneys to be borrowed of them: and in October following, the customs of Merchandises, both outward and inward were raised, and then were let out to Farm. In a Parliament holden at Westminster, the third year of his Reign, there were given him three entire Subsidies, and six fifteen by the Temporalty, and by the Clergy four entire Subsidies. This year also Henry Lord Mordant, convicted in the Star-Chamber, for divers misprisions, was fined to pay ten thousand Marks, and Edward Lord Sturt●n for the like offence to pay six thousand Marks, and Henry Earl of Northumberland for offences laid to his charge, to pay thirty thousand pounds, and some years after Sir john Bennet, judge of the Prerogative Court was fined to pay twenty thousand pounds. In his fourth year he repaid threescore thousand pounds to the Citizens of London, which the Londoners had lent to Queen Elizabeth, three years before her death; an act by which he got more love, than he paid money. In his seventh year he had aid throughout England, for making his eldest Son Prince Henry Knight: which though levied with great moderation, brought him in great sums of money. In his eighteenth yea●e, in a Parliament holden at Westminster, the Temporalty gave him two Subsidies, and the Clergy three: and in another Parliament, in the year 1623. the Temporalty gave him three subsidies; and three fifteen; the Clergy four Subsidies. Besides these Subsidies he sent abro●d many great Privy Seals, and had also a benevolence throughout the Realm: not without some grudging, but without any just cause; for it should have been remembered, that he took it not out of covetousness to gather wealth, but out of very necessity to supply wants: For by his employing many Ambassadors in Ordinary, many Extraordinary, by his necessary bounty to his followers, and by his charge of keeping several Courts; none of all which he could avoid: His expenses were far greater than any of his Predecessors had ever been, Of his Laws and Ordinances. THE day of his removing from Charter-house, at his first coming into England, he caused Proclamation to be made, that all Monopolies and Protections should cease; as likewise all oppressions done by Salt-Peeter men, by Purveiers, and Carters. On the 26. of May following he set forth a Proclamation, restraining all persons under great penalties from killing of Deer, or any kind of Fowl used for Hawking. The seventeenth of May, Proclamation was made against Robberies on the borders: and on the nineteenth of May, another for ●niting the people inhabiting about the borders of England and ●c●●land, to live in love ●nd quietness. In this first year, in a Parliament ●hen holden● it was Enacted, that neither Archbishop, nor Bishop, should Alienate, Grant, or Demise, or in any sort convey, no not to the King himself ●●y of the Honours, Lands, Tenements, or Hereditaments, being parcel of the possessions of his Archbishop, or Bishopric: and if any were, it should be utterly void, and of no effect, notwithstanding any former Law, Act, or Ordinance to the contrary. He then also, caused himself by Proclamation to be Enstyled King of Great Britain, that the division of England and Scotland might be no more remembered. In his second year, by his Letters Patents he incorporated the Feltmakers of London, by the name of Master, Wardens, and Communality of the Art or Mystery of the Feltmakers, granting them divers privileges and liberties, for their good government of their Corporation. In Novem. of his second year, were Proclaimed in London certain new pieces of coin, both of gold and silver, with the true valuation and weights of them, according to the Mint of both Nations, English and Scottish. In a Parliament holden the 3. year of his Reign, the Oath of Allegiance was devised and ordained, and soon after ministered to all sorts of people. This year also he m●de Proclamation to redress the misimployment of L●●ds, or goods given to 〈◊〉 uses. Also this year, he set forth a Proclamation for bearing of 〈◊〉 in S●ips to be in this manner, that from thenceforth all the Subjects of gre●● ●ritt●●●● should bea●e in their main top, the Red-Crosse, commonly called the 〈◊〉 Ge●●ges Cr●sse, and the 〈◊〉 Cross, commonly call●d St. Andre●●● Cr●sse joyn●d together, and the Subjects of South-Brit●●●●● should ca●●y in their Foretop only the Red-●ro●se as they were wont; and 〈◊〉 subjects of North-britain only the White-Cro●se. In this forth year on the 〈…〉 he set ●orth a Proclamation, commanding all jesuits, Semin●ry 〈…〉 to depa●● the Realm before the first of August following and 〈…〉 return upon pa●ne of death, according to divers Statutes in that 〈◊〉 provided. In his second year he had set forth a Proclamation against 〈…〉 increase of new buildings, which being little regarded; Now in his four●● y●●re he renewed the said Proclamation● adding withal that the 〈◊〉 and windows of all new buildings should be either of Brick o● stone● 〈◊〉 disobeying whereof, many were called in the Star-chamber, and there fined● 〈…〉 year, he gave order for planting of Mulberry Trees; and breeding of 〈◊〉 worms, that England might be a Country as well of silk as clothe: In his ●●venth year, he instituted the Order of the Baronet's, which hath much degenerated ●ince his institution, and thereby having been devised for the benefit of 〈◊〉, hath caused but little contentment unto England. This year also the ●ing himself in person came to the Star-chamber, where he had appointed the 〈◊〉- men to meet● and there, for the better keeping of Coins of Gold within 〈◊〉 Realms he raised the prizes of them; ordaining the price called the Unity, which went before but for twenty shillings, to be cur●ant now for tw● and twen●y, the double Crown and all other pieces to increase in the l●ke proportion. in his fifteenth year, he granted to the Apothecaries of London to be a Corporation for themselves, and their successors for ever; and by Letters Pa●en●s made them a Body Politic and corporate. In his time by his appointment ● strict decree passed in the Star-chamber against Duels and single Combats, and a strict Law was made in Parliament against stabbing with a dagger o● knife, making it to be wilful Murder. Affairs of the Church in his time. THe King as a Religious Prince, desiring nothing so much as to settle Peace in the Church, and hearing of some dissensions of his Divines in points of Religion, in the very first year of his Reign, appointed a Conference to be holden before himself at Hamp●on Court, to which were called divers Bishops, Deans, and Doctors of one side, and of the other, four eminent Divines; namely, Doctor Reynolds, Doctor Sparkes, Mr. Knewstabbs, and Mr. Chadderton: who all meeting before the King the 14 day of january: the King first signified, the cause of his calling them together, and then told them he was there ready to hear, what they could object or say against the present Government of the Church, whereupon Doctor Reynolds being their Foreman, reduced all matters disliked, or questioned to these four Heads. 1. First that the doctrine of the Church might be preserved in purity, according to God's Word. 2. That good Pastors might be plan●ed in all Church●s to preach the same. 3. That the Church Government might be sincerely administered, according to the Word of God. 4. That the Book of Common Prayer might be fitted to more increase of Piety. Out of these Heads, he drew and moved divers points: One that Confirmation might not be by Bishops only, but that every Pastor in his Parish might Confirm, but this was thought to trench too much upon the jurisdiction of Bi●hop●, and to be a step to bring in a Presbiterian government, which the King much misliked, and the Bishop of Winchester challenged Dr. Reynolds with a●● his learning to show, where ever he had read, that Confirmation was at a●● used in ancient times, by any other than by Bishops. Another motion of Doc●o● Reynolds was; That there might be a new Translation of the Bible because the present from sevenscore to two hundred, so he increased their Pensions, from two shillings a day, for three months in the summer, to seven groats a day for six months in the summer. Then, where at his coming, he found but only four judges in the Courts of Law at Westminster, he added a fifth, with the like allowance as the former had; besides many other Pensions of like nature. But the works of Piety done by others in his time, were very many: whereof we may justly set in the first place, the repairing of Paul's Church, begun in his time, though not finished till many years after; a work of as great cost and labour, as the first founding it: towards the furtherance whereof, though many well devoted persons contributed liberally: yet none was more industrious, than the learned Doctor Laud, first Bishop of London, and after Archbishop of Canterbury; who also was a bountiful Benefactor to the College of Saint john's in Oxford, where he had his Education. Next to him his Predecessor next before him, the worthy George Abbot, Archbishop of Canterbury, founded a fair Almshouse at Croyden in Surrie: as likewise Robert the second Earl of Dorset, founded another in Sussex; to the maintenance whereof, he gave Lands to the value of three hundred pounds a year. But of all the Almshouses that were ever founded in Christendom, there is none I think can parallel that of Thomas Sutton Esquire. This man borne at Snayth in Lincolnshire, having always lived a Bachelor, and by sundry employments, and parsimony, being grown to great wealth, bought of the right Honourable, Thomas Earl of Suffolk, his Mansion house, called the Charter-house, near to Smithfield in London, and out of a pious mind converted it into an Almshouse, by the name of Suttons Hospital, endousing the same with above three thousand pounds of yearly rent: wherein are maintained fourscore poor men, with convenient lodging, diet, and allowance of money for apparel: also forty poor children with the like provision, and a Grammar School, with a Master and Usher to teach them: overall whom, he ordained a learned man to be Master of the household, and to be chosen by the Governors, whom he appointed for the present, by the Authority of the King's Letters Patents, to be George, Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Lord Elsmore, Lord Chancellor, Robert Earl of Salisbury Lord Treasurer, john Bishop of London, Launcelet Bishop of Ely, Sir Edward Cook, chief justice of the Common Pl●as, Sir Thomas Foster, a judge of the Common Pleas, Sir Henry Hubbard the King's Attorney general, Doctor Overall Deane of Paul's, Doctor Mountain Deane of W●stminster, Henry Thursby Esquire, Master of the Chancery, Richard Sutton Esquire, Auditor of the Imprests, Ieff●rie Nightingale Esquire, john Low Gentleman, Thomas Browne Gentleman, and Master of the Household for the time being, to be always one: and as any of these six●eene Governors should die, the Survivers to make present addition of others. Next to this, was a fair College in Oxford founded by Nicholas willbe Esquire, and called after his name. About this time also Edward Allin of Dulwich in Surrie, founded a fair Hospital at Dulwich for six poor men, and six poor women, and for twelve poor children, from the age of four or six years, to be there maintained and taught till the age of fourteen or sixteen, and to have a Schoolmaster with diet, and a convenient stipend. This man may be an example, who having gotten his wealth by Stage-playing, converted it to this pious use● not without a kind of reputation to the Society of Players. In this King's time also, William Cambden, King at Arms, founded an History Professor in Oxford, to which he gave the Manor of Bexley in Kent, which some years expired, will be worth four hundred pounds a year. In his tenth year, Sir Baptist Hicks, one of the justices of Peace in Middlesex, who was after made Viscount C●●bden, built a fair Session's house of Brick and Stone in St. john's street, which by the justices was called after his name, Hicks Hall, a great convenience for the justices; who sat before in a common Inn, called the Castle. He also founded a fair Hospital of Free stone at Cambden in Gloucester-shire, for six men and six wowomen, allowing each of them a yearly Gown, and two shillings six pence a week, with two rooms and a garden. In this King's time, George Patyn Citizen and Grocer of London, gave to good uses, three thousand an six hundred pounds, whereof twelve hundred pounds to the two Universities, nine hundred pounds for an Almshouse, and a certain sum of money to buy two Bells, and make a Chime in Bow-Church. Also Thomas Teasdale of Glympton in the County of Oxford Gentleman, gave five thousand pounds to purchase lands, for perpetual maintenance of seven fellows, and Six Scholars, to be placed in Baylyoll College in Oxford, and to be chosen thither from time to time, out of the Free-school of Abbington in Berk-shire: to which School he also gave lands for maintenance of an Vsher. In this King's time also, Sir Mermaduke Darrell, being Lord of Fulmer, a Town in Buckingham shire, where was an old ruinous Church, standing a mile distant from the Town, pulled down that old Church, and at his own charge builded a fair new one in the Town, and furnished it with a Font, a Pulpit, and all Ornaments necessary. Also Thomas Watson of Halstead, in the County of Kent, Esquire, new builded a fair Chapel, on the North side of the parish Church of Halstead, of Freestone from the ground, and gave to the Church four new Bells, and two Pulpits. In his time also Doctor Aylmer Bishop of London, and Elizabeth Countess Doweger of Shrewesburie, gave certain sums of money towards the better maintenance of Sermons hereafter at Paul's Cross: As likewise Thomas Russell Draper gave ten pounds a year for ever, to be given to unbeneficed Ministers, that should preach there: and to the same use, George Bishop Stationer of London, gave ten pounds a year more. In this King's time also, the Citizens of London new builded Algate, where pulling down the old Gate, they found many ancient R●ma● Coins. On the fi●●een●h of june, 1614 died Henry Earl of Northampton, who built from the ground a house near Charingcross; and dying, was buried in the ancient Chapel of Dov●r Castle, who in his life time founded three fair Hospitals, and endowed them with large maintenance for ever, one at Rising in Norfolk for twelve poor women, and a Governess, a second at Clun in Shr●p-shire, for twelve poor men and a Governors The third at Greenwich in ●ent, for a Governor, and twenty poor Almes-men. In this King's time also, Master Robert Dove's of London Merchant Tailor, give a competant maintenance for ever, unto Sepulchers parish, for the tolling of the great Bell, and for finding some Divine to come to the prison of New-ga●e, the midnight before Execution, and there to ring a hand Bell, and put the prisoners in mind of their approaching death, with a Christian remembrance and exhortation; and the next morning to toll the great Bell, from six a Clock till ten, and then to ring it out when the Execution should be passed. He also established a free singing School, in Christ's Hospital: for the better education of the poor children there● besides many other good deeds of Alms. About the same time, Robert Peake of London Goldsmith, gave to Sepulchers Church a Communion Table of two yards long, and three quarters and a half broad, richly guilded over, and at every corner embossed with places of silver. In this King's foureteenth year, William jones of London Merchant, gave about eight thousand pounds to found a Free-school in Wal●s, where he was born, with Almshouses and Pensioners in London: and a hundred pounds a year for ever to a learned Preacher in London: ord●yning all things to be ordered by the Company of Haberdashers, whereof himself was free. This year also the old ruinous gate, called Aldersgat● was quite taken down, and new builded from the foundation, to●wa●ds the b●●●●ing whereof, William Par●et, Merchant Taylor of London, gave a thousand pounds. In this King's time also, was erected a building near to Chels●y● with a purpose to be a College for Divines to study the Controversies of Religion: but upon the second thoughts, the Cage indeed stands finished, but 〈◊〉 Birds have ever yet been brought to sing in it; and perhaps never will. If any other deeds of Alms, or public benefit were done in this King's time, as perhaps there were many, the Reader may be pleased both here and in other Kings Reignes● to add them, as he meets with them: for partly to this end, I have digested this Chronicle into such several Heads and Chapters. Of Casualties happening in his time. IN his first year, on the seven and twentieth of April, thirteen persons were slain, by misfortune with Gunpowder, at the Gunpowder Mill in ●●driffe, and much other hurt done in divers places. This year also, the plague in London was so great, that from the three and twentieth of December, 1602. to the two and twen●ieth of December following, there died in London, and the Liberties, eight and th●rty thousand, two hundred and four and forty, whereof the Plague thirty thousand, five hundred threescore and eighteen of them in one week, three thousand fourscore and ten, where the next year after, though the City were increased with great number of strangers, yet there died that year of all diseases, within London and the Liberties, but only four thousand, two hundred threescore and three persons. In the second year of his reign, a strange accident happened, to the terror of all bloody murderers, which was this; one Anne Waters enticed by a lover of hers, consented to have her husband strangled, and then buried him secretly under the dunghill in a Cowhouse; whereupon the man being missing by his neighbours, and the wife making show of wondering what was become of him: It pleased God, that one of the inhabitants of the Town, dreamt one night, that his neighbour Waters was strangled, and buried under the dunghill in a Cowhouse; and upon declaring his dream, search being made by the Constable, the dead body was found, as he had dreamt: and thereupon the wife was apprehended, and upon examination, confessing the fact, was burned. And now what hope can murderers have of being concealed, when they are subject to be discovered by any man's dream. The nineteenth of januarie in his third year, a great Porpus was taken at Westham; in a small Creek, a mile and a half within the Land: and within few days after, a Whale came up within eight miles of London, whose body was seen divers times above water, and judged to exceed the length of the largest ship in the River: but when she tasted the fresh water, and scented the Land, she returned into the Sea. In his fourth year, being the year 1607. a mighty west wind brought in the sea into the River of Severne, with such violence, that in some places of Somerset-shire and Gloucestershire, the waters in divers Towns and Villages, grew higher than the tops of their houses; so as (notwithstanding all courses that could be taken, there were drowned in Somerset-shire 80. Persons, and damages done to the value of twenty thousand pounds. At Coventrie also, the seventh of April so sudden a flood came into the Suburbs and City, that in one hour it rose in some places above 3 yards in height, to the great damage and hurt of many, and that which is much strange, as it suddenly came, so it suddenly abated: so as in four hours and a half, it both came and went away. In his 6. year, being 1608. a frost began in Decem. which continued till April following, with such violence that not only the Thames was so frozen, that Carts laden were driven over as on dry land, but many fowls and Birds perished, as also much herbage in gardens, especially Artichokes and Rosemary were destroyed. This year also the 11. of April a Malt-house in the Town of St. edmond's berry being by chance set on fire, continued burning till it had consumed 160. houses: but by the King's bountifulness, (giving 500 loads of timber) and the City of London's relief, the Town was forthwith new builded, in a fairer manner than it was before. In the year 1613● on the seventeenth of April, in the parish of Standish in Lancashire, a maiden child was borne, having four legs, four arms, two bellies joined to one back: one head with two faces, the one before, the other behind, like the picture of janus This year also on the 26. of june, in the parish of Christs-Church in Hampshire, on john Hitchel a Carpenter, lying in bed with his wife & a young child by them, was himself & the child both burned to death with a sudden lightning, no fire appearing outwardly upon him, and yet lay burning for the space of almost three days, till he was quite consumed to ashes. This year also on the seventh of August, the Town of Dorchister was quite consumed with fire, begun on the house of a Tallow Chandler, destroying all the houses, except a few near the Church, and all their wares and goods, to the value of two hundred thousand pounds, yet not any man or woman perished. About the same time also, the Playhouse called the Globe upon the Banks side near London, was quite consumed with fire, by discharging a Piece of Ordnance, and yet no man hurt: and about four years after, a new built Playhouse, near Golding-lane, called the Fortune, was by negligence of a Candle, clean burnt to the ground. In the year 1614 the Town of St●atford upon Avon, was burned: and left the water should be behind in doing of mischief, so great jundations were at this time in Norfolk and Lincolnshire, that the sea entered twelve miles into the land. In the year 1612, on the 18. of Novemb. a Blazing star bgan to be seen in the Southeast, about five a clock in the morning, the flame or stream whereof, inclined towards the west. This comet, in the opinion of D. B●mbridge, the great Mathematician of Oxford, was as far above the Moon, as the Moon is above the earth: what i● portended is only known to God: but the sequel of it was, that infinite slaughters and devastations followed upon it, both in Germany and other Countries. In the year 1622, on Friday the 24. of October, a Roman Catholic Priest preached in the afternoon, at Hunsdon house in the Black Friars in London, in an upper chamber where there were assembled above 300 men and women, when about the middle of the Sermon, a great part of the Floor broke, and fell down with such violence, that it broke down the next floor● under it: in the fall whereof, were slain the Preacher, and almost 100L of his Auditors, besides as many more hurt. In this King's time course paper, commonly called white brown paper was first made in Engl. specially in Surry, & about Windsor. Of his Wife and Children. HE married Anne, the daughter of Frederick, the second King of Denmark, whose marriage was there solemnised in the year 1589. By whom he had borne in Scotland, two Sons, Henry who died before him, and Charles who succeeded him in the Crown; and one daughter named Elizabeth, married to Frederick the fi●th of that name, Count Palatine of the Rhine, by whom she had many children, both Sons and Daughters. King james had also by his wife Queen Anne, two other daughters borne in England, the Lady Marie, and the Lady Sophia, who both died young● the Lady Marie at about three years old, the Lady Sophia the next day after she was borne, and were both of them buried with great solemnity, in the Chapel Royal at Westminster. Of his Personage and Conditions. HE was of stature somewhat higher than ordinary, of a well compacted body, of an Ambourne hair, of a full and pleasing vi●age● in his latter days inclining to be fat and bu●ley● of bodily exercises, he took most delight in hunting which yet (some thought) he used rather as a retiring himself from the importunity of Sta●e affairs, than for any great pleasure he took in it. It is said, he had such a fashion in riding, that it could not so properly be said he rid, as that his horse carried him; for he made but little use of his Bridle, and would say, a horse never stumbled, but when he was reined. He was of an admirable pregnancy of wit, and that pregnancy much improved by continual study from his childhood: by which, he had gotten such a promptness in expressing his mind, that his extemporal speeches were little inferior to his premeditated writings. Many no doubt had read as much, and perhaps more than he; but scarce ever any concocted his reading into judgement as he did: by which he became so judicious, that though he could not Prophesy, yet he could presage; and his Conjectures were little less than Oracles. In all the Liberal Sciences, he was (we may say) a Master of Arts: but in Divinity, a Doctor, as he made appear in the Conference at Hampton Court, and is seen still by the learned Writings he hath le●t behind him. And as for that part of the Politics, which concerns Monarchy, Regere Imperio populos, which himself used to call King Craft: in this he excelled. He knew how to take the inclinations of the people at their first bound, and never suffer them to rise higher, than he could well reach them: nor to grow stronger, than he could either alter or divert them. He would be sure to keep his Subjects in a temper of contentment; which if he could not do by preventives, he would by lenitives. He was so wise, that he could dissemble, without seeming a Dissembler: be free in opening his mind, and yet keep counsel. He was as a provident Pilot, that in a calm would provide for a storm: and you should never find him committing the fault of Non p●taram. He was both Marti & Mercurio; but not tam morti quam Mercurio, as being of his temper who said, Cedant Arma Toga: and indeed, seeing peace is the end of both. It were not wisdom to seek it by Arms, if it may be had by the Gown, as it is in the Aphorism, Consili● omnia experiri prius, quam Armis sapientem Decet. That which was bounty in him being a King, would have been frugality, if he had been a private person, there being of both, one radical reason. Of all the Moral virtues, he was eminent for chastity; in which the Poet seems to include all virtue: where he saith; Nulli fas casto sceleratum in sistere limen. By nulli casto, meaning no virtuous person; it was a manifest argument of his, being an excellent Prince, that coming next to the admirable Queen Elizabeth, which was, in a manner to compare them together: yet there appeared no inequality, that it might not untruly be said, King james was but the continuation of Queen Elizabeth, the same virtue, though different sexes: and now to express his Character in a word, which worthily might be matter for many volumes: He was to his wife a most loyal husband, to his children a most loving father, to his servants a most bountiful Master, to his Subjects a most just prince, to all Princes near him a most peaceable neighbour; that more justly it may be said of him, than of whom it was said; Quaete tam laeta telerunt saecula? a Prince af●e● Plato's own heart, for his learning, and which is infinitely more worth, after Gods own heart, for his religiousness and Piety. O● his Death and burial. OF his death, there were many scandalous rumours spread, and some were so impudent as to write that he was poisoned, as the Duke of Richmond, and the Marquis Hambleton had been before: but King james being dead, and his body opened, there was found no sign at all of poison, his inward parts being all sound, but that his Spleen was a little faulty, which might be cause enough to cast him into an Ague: The Ordinary high way, especially in old bodies to a natural death: Of this ague after a months anguishing, notwithstanding all the remedies that could be applied, he departed this life a● Th●●balds, on the 27 of March, in the year 1625, in the 59 year of his age● when he had Reigned two and twenty years complete. His body for the greater Sta●e, was conveyed by Torch light, from Theobalds' to Denmark house; who having tested from the 23 of April, to the 7 of May: it was carried to Westminster, and there interred in the Chapel Royal with great solemnity, but with greater lamentation: there being scarce any of the infinite multitude that was present, of whom it might not be said, Multa gemens, largoque humectat flumine Vultum. Of Men of note in his time. MIlitary Men of Note, in a time of Peace, as the whole Reign of King james was, we have no reason to expect; yet if we look amongst the Voluntaries that went to the School of War in the Low-Countryes; we shall find a pair of brothers, that may stand in comparison, with the greatest Soldiers in the most Martial times, S. Francis Vere, who as another Hannibal, who with his own eye, could see more in the Martial Discipline, than common men can do with two; and Sir Horatio Vere; who as another Philopaemen, contained in a very little body, a very great, both skill and courage. But for Men of Note in Learning: as being in the time of a most learned Prince, there was never greater store; of whom these for example. In curiousness of Preaching, there was Doctor Andrew's Bishop of Winchester; who hath left to posterity, a Century of such golden Sermons, that shows, he as well deserved the name of chrysostom, as he that had it. In multiplicity of Reading, there was Doctor Reynolds of Corpus Christi College in Oxford; who seemed as it were, a living Library; and one would have thought his Memory to be a perfect Index of all the Books had ever been written. In knowledge of Law there was Sir Edward Cook, Chief justice of the King's Bench; who hath written such excellent Commentaries of the Law, that he seems as another Bartholus or Baldus amongst us. In Elegancy of writing, there was Sir Francis Bacon, Viscount Saint Alban; who besides his profounder Books of Novum Organum, hath written the Reign of K. Henry the 7, in so sweet a style, that like Manna, it pleaseth the taste of all palates. In the skill of Antiquities, there was William Camden, King at Arms; who hath set forth the Description of Britain, and the life of Q. Eliz. in so lively colours, that he seems to have brought Britain out of darkness into light, and to keep Q. Eliz. alive after her death. And to speak it in a word, the Trojan Horse was not fuller of Heroic Grecians, than K. james His Reign was full of men excellent in all kinds of Learning. And here I desire the Reader leave to remember two of my own old acquaintance, the one was Mr. john Dunne, who leaving Oxford, lived at the I●n●● of Court, not dissolute, but very neat; a great visitor of Ladies, a great frequenter of Plays, a great writer of conceited Verses; until such time as King james taking notice of the pregnancy of his Wit, was a means that he betook him to the study of Divinity● and thereupon proceeding Doctor, was made Deane of Paul's; and became so rare a Preacher, that he was not only commended, but even admired by all that heard him. The other was Sir Henry Wootton● (mine old acquaintance also, as having been fellow pupils, and chamber fellows in Oxford divers years together.) This Gentlemen was employed by K. james in Embassage ●o Venice; and indeed the Kingdom afforded not a fitter man, for ma●ching the Capriciousnes of the Italian W●●s: a man of so able dexterity with his Pen, that he hath done himself much wrong● and the Kingdom more, in leaving no more of his Writings behind him. Of the English Plantation in the Indies, that w●re i● King JAMES his time. AN● now we are come to a time, wherein we may very near say as much of King james, as was said of Agustus Caesar: Super & Garamantus & Indos profert Imperium. In this better, that where Augustus did it by the violent way of Arms, King james did it by the civil way of Plantations: for in his days began the great plantation of the English in the Indies; and must be acknowledged the proper effect of his peaceable Government. The first Plantation of the English in the Indies, was that which is now called Virginia, in memory of the Virgin Queen Elizabeth: but called before Wingandacoa. It was first discovered by Sir Walter Rawlegh, in the year 1584.; to whom the first Letters Patents were granted for making a Plantation there: but yet no Colony was sent thither, till the year 1606. It is a Country in America, between the degrees of 34, and 45, of the North Latitude: but that part of it which is planted by the English, is under the Degrees of 37, 38, and 39 It is no Island, as many have imagined, but a part of the Continent adjoining to Florida. The first and chief Town made here by the English, is called james Town, in honour of the Kings most Eexcellent Majesty. It is a Country abounding with all sorts of Fish and Fowl; so fruitful, that it yields thirty and sometimes forty Bushels of Corn upon an Acre: and that, (which to us is more strange) hath three harvests in a year, the Corn being sowed, ripe, and reaped, in little more than two months. Many● Plantations had been attempted here before, but came to nothing: the first to any purpose was in the year 1607. under the conduct of Captain Gosnoll, john Smith, and Mr. Edw. Maria Winkfield, who carried a Colony thither of a hundred persons; but of these, many dying of sickness, or slain by the Savages, a new supply came in the year 1608. of a hundred and twenty persons, under the Conduct of Captain Nels●n. After which, was sent another supply of threescore and ten persons: and in the year 1609. a third supply came of five hundred persons, under a Patent granted to Sir Thomas West, Lord de la Ware, but conducted thither by Sir Thomas Gates, Gates, Sir George Summer, and others. In the year 1611. was a fourth supply of three hundred men under the conduct of Sir Thomas Gates. In the year 2612. two other supplies were sent of forty men in each; and now was the Lottery spoken of before granted by the King, for further supplies of this Plantation. After this Master Samuel Argall being apppointed Governor in in the year 16●8. the Lord De la Ware came thither with a supply of two hundred people; but in his stay there, died. After this, in the year 1620. were sent thither eleven Ships, with twelve hundred and sixteen persons, and now they founded themselves into Corporations. In the year 1621. Sir Francis Wyatt was sent thither Governor, with thirteen hundred men, women, and children, and now they founded Schools, and Courts of justice; and the Plantation was extended a hundred and forty miles up, on the River of both sides. But now when the English were secure, and thought of nothing but peace, the Savages came suddenly upon them, and slew them, three hundr●d and seven and forty men, women and children. For repairing of which loss, the City of London sent presently over a supply of a hundred men. This massacre happened, by reason they had built their Plantations remote from one another, in above thirty several places, which made them now, upon consultation, to reduce them all to five or six places, whereby they may better assist each other: since which time, they have always lived in good security. And thu● much for Virginia. Next was the Plantation of the Island called Bermuda, so called of a Spanish ship, called Bermudas, which was there cast away, carrying Hogs to the West Indies, that swum a shore, and there increased. The first Englishman that entered this Isle, was one Henry May in the year 1591.: but in the year 1610, Sir George S●mers was sent thither, who dying there, in memory of his Name, the Isles have ever since been called Summer's Isles. In the year 1612. One Mr. Moor landed there with 60 persons, and then builded the chief Town there called S. George's, together with 8 to 9 Forts. The same year a supply of 30 more persons was sent thither, and the year after 60 more, under one Mr. Bartlet; with a show to survey the land; but with a purpose indeed to get from thence a great lump of Ambergris, and no less than 80 po●●d weight, that had been found & taken up in the Island some years before, and was there still retained. A while after this, came a Ship called the Blessing, with a hundred passengers; and two days after came the Star, with a 180 more; and within 14 days after that again came thither the Margaret and two Frigates, with 130 passengers: So as now they began to divide the Country into Tribes, and the Tribes into shares. In the year 1616, Captain Da●●el Tuckard was sent from Virginia to be Governor there, and now it began indeed to be a Plantation; for now they began to build them houses: and now was sent from thence into England, a Ship freighted with 30000 weight of Tobacco, valued there but at 2 s. 6 d. the pound, though sold here oftentimes for V●rinos at great rates. In the year 1619● Captain Nathaniel Butler was sent Governor, with new supplies; in whose time they build them a Church; held Assizes for Criminal Causes, twice a year; and began to have Parliaments as in England: and now in the Ship called the Magazine, came divers Gentlemen of good fashion, with their wives and families: so as now their number, was no fewer than fifteen hundred people: Dispersed twenty miles in length. In the year 1622, came Governor M. john Bernard, bringing with him a supply of a 140 persons; but he and his wife dying presently upon their coming: M. john Harrison in the year 1623. was chosen Governor. These Isles of Bermudas are in 32 degrees of Northern latitude: So as they are distant from Virginia, at least 500 leagues, and from Egland above three thousand three hundred. This Country is of a most healthful Air, abounding with all sorts of Fowls, Birds and Fish; and where great pieces of Amber-gr●ce are oftentimes found, which is valued there at no less than three pounds an ounce. And thus much concerning the state of Bermudas, till the year 1624. Next comes the Plantation of New England, concerning which, we must first know, that King james in the year 1606, granted two Letters Patents for Plantations in Virginia, one to the City of London; another to the City of Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth; with power to plant Colonies any where between the Degrees of 38 and 44, provided there should be at least a 100 miles' distance between the two Colonies. So as the first Colony was from the City of London, and is that which is called Virginia. The Second Colony was from Bristol and the other Towns, and is that which is now called New England, and is situate between the Degrees of 41 and 45: the very mean betwixt the North Pole and the Line. And now to speak a little of the Country, there are on the Sea Coast, 25 excellent good Harbours, in some whereof there is Anchorage for 500 sail of Ships of any burden. The Earth as fruitful and the Air as healthful, as any part of the World: abounding with all sorts of Grain, Fowls and Fish: Many of such kinds as a●e to us unknown, yet excellent meat: Many Voyages had been made for the perfect discovery of the Country: Many Attempts for settling a Plantation there: Many Miscarriages and Disasters in making the attempts: but all at last came to this, that in the year 1624. (which is the limit of ou● Narration) there was a Plantation settled; though but a small one: but a few years after (by the sending forth of new supplies) increased to so many thousands, that if God continue to prosper it, as he hath begun: the New England in a few ages may prove as populous as the Old; and the King of England likely to have as many and greater Crowns in the Indies, than he had in His Realms of Great Britain and Ireland. But seeing of these and all other English Plantations in the Indies, whereof there are many large discourses written by divers Authors; It should be more than supperfluous to speak more of them in this place: It is sufficient to have showed, that King james had the honour, to have them settled in His time, and under the Influence of His peaceable Government. Of the Earls and Barons made by King JAMES. IN former Kings Reigns, the making of Earls and Barons was but rare, and therefore they are fitly set down, at the several times of their making; but in King james His Reign, there were so many made, that it may not be unfit, to set them down in a Cathalogue together. In His first year were made four Earls and nine Barons: namely, Henry Howard, younger brother of the last Duke of Norfolk, was made Earl of Northampton: Thomas Sackvile Lord Buckhurst, was made Earl of Dorset; and shortly after Charles Blount Lord Montjoy, was made Earl of Devonshire, and Thomas Howard Baron of Walden, was made Earl of Suffolk: Henry Grey was made Lord Grey of Groby, (afterward by King Charles made E. of Stamford) Henry Danvers was made Baron of Dansley, (afterwards by K. Charles made Earl of Danby) Sir john Peter of Essex, was made B. of Writtle: Sir W. Russell was made Baron of Thornaugh: Sir Thomas Gerard was made Baron of Gerard's Bromly in Stafford-shire: Sir Robert Spencer was made B. of Wormelayton in the County of Warwick: Sir Thomas Egerton was made B. of Elesmore: and Sir Robert Cecil was created B. of Henden in Rutlandshire: and Sir john Harington was made Baron of Ex●on. In His second year on the 20 of May were made four Barons and one Viscount: Sir Robert Sidney was made Baron of Penshurst: Sir William Knowles, Baron of Gray's: Sir Edw. Wotton, Baron of Marley: and Mildmay Fanc, Lord de Spencer; and in August the same year, Sir Robert Cecil Baron of Essenden, was created Viscount Cranbourne. In His third year of the 4 of May, were created three Earls, and one Viscount, and four Barons; namely, Sir Robert Cecil Viscount Cranbourne, was created E. of Salisbury● Sir Thomas Cecil his elder brother L. Burghley, was created E. of Exeter; and Sir Philip Herbert, younger brother to the E. of Pembroke, was created E. of Montgomery: Robert Sidney Baron of Penshurst, was created Viscount of Lisle: Sir john Stanhope, was made Baron of Harington: Sir George Carew, Baron of Clopton: Mr, Thomas Arundel of Devonshire● Baron of Warder and Master William Cavendysh, Baron of Hardrick● In his fourth year, on the fourth of july, Sir Thomas Kneve●t, was called by writ to the Parliament, by the name of B●ron of Estrick● and was thereby Baron of that Title: and on the seventh of September, Sir jervys Clifton was likewise called by writ to the Parliament, by the name of Baron of Layton Bromsensold, and was thereby Baron of that Title. In his ninth year, upon Easter-munday, Sir Robert Car was created Viscount Rochester: and In his tenth year, an the fourth of November, was created Earl of Somersett. In his eleventh year, Lewis Steward Duke of Lenox, was made Earl of Richmond, and after, Duke of Richmond. In his thirteenth year, on the 29. of Iu●e, Sir james H●y of Scotland was created Baron of Sawley, and about three years after, was made Viscount Doncaster, and Sir ●obert Dor●er was created Ba●on of Wing, (afterward by K. Charles, made Earl of Car●arvan.) In his fourteenth year, on the 9 of july, Sir john Hollis was created Baron of Haughton, and Sir john Roper of Ken●● was made Baron of Tenham: and on the 17. of August, Sir George Villiers was created Baron of Whadden and Viscount Villiers, and on the 7. of November, Thomas Egerton L. Elsemore, was created Viscount Brackley (and he dying soon after, his son john was created Earl of Bridgewater, William L. Knowles was created Viscount Wallingford; and Sir Philip Stanhope was created Baron of Shelford: On the 5 of january, the Viscount Villiers was created Earl of Buckingham, and on the third of March, Sir Edward noel of Rutland-shire; was made Baron of Rydlington. In his fifteenth year, on New-year's day, Sir George Villiers Earl of Buckingham was created Marquis of Buckingham, and on the 12 of july, Sir Francis Bacon Lord Chancellor, of England, was created Baron of Verulam, and not long after, Viscount Saint Alban. Also in the Summer of this year, the King created four Earls and one Countess: namely, the Viscount Lisle was made Earl of Leycester, the Lord Compton was made Earl of Northampton, the Lord Richardo was made Earl of Warwick, the Lord Cavendish was made Earl of Devonshire, and the lady Compton wife to Sir Thomas Compton, and mother of the Marquis of Buckingham was created Countess of Buckingham. In his sixteenth year, on the 25 of November, Sir john Digby Vice chamberlain to the King was created Baron of Shirbourne, by Patent to him and his heirs Males. In his seventeenth year, in the month of june Esme steward Lord d' Aubigny; younger brother Duke of Lenox, was created Earl of March; james Marquis Hamilton was created Earl of Cambridge, and Sir john Villiers brother to the Marquis of Buckingham was Baron of St●k and Viscount Purbeck. In his eighteenth year, William C●vendish was created Viscount Mansfield; (afterward by King Ch●rl●s m●de Earl of Ne●castle) and on Monday the fourth of Dec●mber; Sir Henry M●●tague, being first made Lord Treasurer, was created Baron of Kimbolton, and Viscount M●●devile, and not long after, Earl of Manchester, and Sir john Ramsey Viscount Haddington of Scotland, was created Earl of holderness, and William Fielding was created Baron of Newhen●●● and Viscount Fielding. In his ninteenth year, Henry Cary was made Lord Cary of L●ppington, (afterward by King Charles made Earl of Manmouth, Sir Edward Montague elder Brother to the Viscount M●●devile was made Baron of Boulton, the Lord Darci● of Essex, was created Viscount Colchester, (afterward by King Charles made Earl R●vers) the Lord Hu●sdo● was created Viscount Rochfort, (afterward by King Charles, made Earl of D●ver) Sir Lionel Cranfield, Master of the Wards, was created Baron of Cranfield in Bedford-shire, and Sir Thomas Howard● second son to Thomas Earl of Suffolke● was created Baron Chorleton, and Viscount Andover, (afterward by King Charles made Earl of Berkshire. In his twentyth year, in the month of September, the Viscount Doncaster, was created Earl of Carlisle, the Viscount Fielding was created Earl of Denhigh, the Lord Digby was made Earl of Bristol, the Lord Cranfield, was created Earl of Middlesex, and Sir Henry Rich was made Baron of Kensington. In his one and twentyth year, the Marquis of Buckingham, being then in Spain with Prince Charles, had his Patent sent him to be Duke of Buckingham, William Grey was created Baron of Work, Elizabeth the widow of Sir Moyle Fynch of Kent, was created Viscountesse Maidestone, (afterward by K. Charles made Countess of Winchelsly. ●his two and twentieth year, the Earl of Clanricard of Ireland, was created Viscount Tunbridge in Kent (afterward by King Charles made Earl of Saint Alban) Sir john Hollis Baron of Haughton was created Earl of Clare, Sir 〈…〉 Ri●h Baron of Kensington was created Earl of Holland, the Lord 〈…〉 Baron of Say and Seal, was made Viscount Say and Seal: Sir 〈…〉 ●ane was created Earl of Westmoreland, Oliver Lord St. john of Blet●●● 〈◊〉 made Earl of Bullinbrook, Sir Christopher Villers brother to the Duke of B●ckingham, was made Earl of Anglesey, and Sir james Ley was made 〈…〉 (afterward by King Charles made Earl of Marlborough.) Also this year●● Sir Francis Leak was made Baron of Deincourt, and Sir Richard Roberts was made Lord Roberts of Truro in Cornwall. And this was the number of all the Earls and Barons made by King Iames● but in his time also began another sort of Nobility to be made in England, which had none of the Privileges of English Barons, but had only Title to be called Lords, of some place either in Scotland or Ireland, although they possessed not a foot of Land in either: Of which ●o●t, the number being great, I forbear to rehearse them, lest I should be tedious, or otherwise be thought to encroach too much upon the Herald's office. It is sufficient to have showed, that King james advanced so many in honour, that in a kind it might be said of him, as was said of Augustus Caesar, That he left Rome of Marble, which he found built of Brick. The beginning of THE REIGN OF KING Charles'. KING james being deceased on the 27 day of March in the forenoon, the same day in the afternoon, Charles Prince of Wales His only son, then living, was Proclaimed King of Great-Brittain, France and Ireland, with the General acclamation of all sorts of People, as being a Prince of admirable endowments both of mind and body. He was now about the age of 25 years, whereof, the most part of one he had spent in Spain; where, although he was frustrated of the end for which he went, yet it gave him a tincture of Travail and Expe●ience, more worth perhaps, than the end he went for: For by this means he attain●● to a greater degree of that, which made Ulysses so famous: Quod mores hominum multorum vidit & urbes. The first thing he did after his Coronation, was to proceed in the marriage agreed upon in His Father's time, with the beautiful & virtuous Lady Henrieta Maria, younger daughter of the Great Henry the 4● K. of France; after which marriage, we have only to say, that he was happy in the Wife of His bosom: Happy in His hopeful Issue: Happy in the love of His people: Happy in the Peace and tranquillity of his Kingdomes● and Happy in the continuance of all these Happinesses, for 15 years together, and might have so continued still, if it had not been for, Discordia Demens Viperiu●s crinem vitti● innexa cruentis. But of that which happened afterward, I dare not take upon me to be a Register: Neither is it indeed safe to begin a Narration, which I must be fain to break off in amazement, as having nothing left me to say, but Omnia in malu●●●ere; and so far from any appearance of humane remedy; that our only Anchor must be this: supersunt● Yet our hope is, It will be but a fit, and the storm once past, fair weather again, and fairer perhaps than it was before, and then with joy we shall resume our stile. Laetumque choro Poeana canemus: In the mean time comforting ourselves with the words of the Prophet David; Many are the troubles of the Righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Carolus en Rex magnus in armis, major in ermis. Quid mirum? Imperio magnus, amore magis. FINIS.