ILLUST▪ HENRICUS PRINCEPS WALLIAE.  
W. M. Sculp    

THE LIFE AND DEATH OF our Late most Incomparable and heroic Prince, HENRY Prince of WALES.  
A Prince (for Valour and virtue) fit to be Imitated in Succeeding Times.  
Written by Sir CHARLES Cornwallisknight, Treasurer of his highness' household.  
LONDON, Printed by John Dawson for Nathanael Butter. 1641.   

TO THE HIGH AND MIGHTY PRINCE CHARLES, Prince of WALES, &c.  
SIR,  
FInding this Manuscript, amongst others, I could not pass by it, as I did the rest: The subject thereof being so rare a Prince, as it may seem worthy Your highness' perusal: In reading Him You may read yourself▪ His Titles of Honour were the same with Yours: Your titles of virtues the same with His: He was, as You are the Mirror of the Age; which, that You may still continue, shall ever be the prayer of▪  
Your highness' most humble servant, N. B.   

THE LIFE AND DEATH OF HENRY, Prince of WALES.  
SIR,  
YOur imposed task, when with the eyes of my mind I considered, I found such a multitude of lets and rubs therein, that it seemed unto me a thing impossible to dare to look after, much more to adventure to write any thing touching the Life and Death of our late most noble, and ever renowned Prince, whose high soaring thoughts, because the world was not able to contain, the heaven of heavens vouchsafed to entertain; for both his far everywhere renowned Fame throughout this Isle, and the whole world being too great, that who should adventure to say any more, should but in vain add water to the Sea: As also the numbers of others nearer unto him, of most assured knowledge, and better judgement, all which knew him a great deal better than I, being able to give the world and you more full and absolute satisfaction; together with the multitude and divers sorts of Religious, wise, grave, judicious, learned, critic, and curious censurers; all who, if it should happen but once to peep into the world, for the well-beloved subject thereof, would greedily entertane and welcome the same with their divers humours, and piercing judgements. These, and many more, with the conscience of my unworthiness, & insufficiency to perform so high a task, (which rather would become some Homer, Virgil, Demosthenes, Cicero, or rather some one in whom all their excellencies are combined, to perform aright) like mountains appeared at first in my way; yet because (as one saith) In magnis voluisse sat est, rather than it should not be done at all, and with the loss, the remembrance also perish, how and in what manner we lost so brave a Prince. Sometime the expectation of the world, and that it might for ever be known unto it, and you both, how exceeding great this last duty is, which I owe to the dead, as also how absolutely you may command him, whom your love long since hath strictly bound to be perpetually yours, in place of a better, I have adventured upon these ensuing conditions, to launch out my frail bark, into that great Ocean of sorrow, even from the cradle to the grave, whence storm-beaten as you see, I have with much ado recovered my desired haven. First, that whatsoever distaste you find therein of any thing, you would not impute it to any presumption of mine, but rather to my frailty and ignorance, which (rather than to offend you) I have herein bewrayed: Next, that whatsoever is here written of his late highness, not content herewith, you would only use the same as a Ladder to mount up your thoughts to a far more excellent meditation of his virtues; further also that you would not be too busy upon this report to censure any of your physicians, or any other; all whom, I protest, I have endeavoured to please, without partiality, so far, as in my judgement, the truth would suffer me, rather imputing the blame unto my relation, than any of their actions. As also, that with your accustomed patience, you would delay to censure me for this letter, until with mature judgement you have throughly perused the same, considering how much more easy it is to censure others, then to do well ourselves. Again, that since the way by which I must pass, is through a long, dark, silent, solitary, untrodden path, leading even to the chambers of death, fraught altogether with sorrow, ending in tears, wherein I cannot choose (but by the excess thereof) many times fall, stumble, and miss of my way, you would with your gentle excuses reach out your hand of love to help me up again, rather expecting what is intended, then done▪ Lastly, that you, with my other discreet Reader, who hereafter shall see the same, would only use it as a hunter's bait, to stay your stomachs a little, until some others of better knowledge, and sounder judgement, do feed you with a better dinner.  
KNow then that the King's majesty and the Queen lying at the Castle of Striveling, (a place famous for antiquity, fair for Building, pleasant for situation) on Tuesday the 19 of February 1594. about 3. a clock in the morning, his highness was born, to the great joy of all the whole Isle, and all foreign true hearted Princes and people, his majesty's well-willers, and confederates, but chiefly the phoenix of her age, great matchless Elizabeth, to show the exceeding love to his majesty, did not only ●end, the Right Honourable the Earl of Sussex, with rich presents to the christening, but also by him, and for Her, did give unto his highness the Name of HENRY, most renowned and Victorious; after which by special appointment from his majesty, he was resigned to the custody and keeping of the Earl of Marre, assisted also by the continual and vigilant care of the venerable and noble Matron his Mother, unto whom the chief charge of his highness' person, by his majesty was given, she also for many years before, being his own great happy Nurse, with whom he no less prospered in all things, than his royal Father before him did in the self same place, and keeping. Thus continued the strength of his Father, and the glory of his Mother a great while in the hands of women, giving in this his tender age, by his wonderful courage, infallible tokens of a Noble and heroic Spirit, no music being so pleasant in his ears, as the sounding of the Trumpet, the beating of the drum, the roaring of the Canon, no sight so acceptable, as that of Pieces, Pistols, or any sort of Armour; all which evidently show, that (if he had lived) Mars himself would not one day have dared to look him in the face.  
Thus he remained until the 5. or 6. years of his Age, at which time his majesty thought it expedient he should no longer want a Tutor. Whereupon Master Newton (afterwards his Secretary) was by his Majesty thought fittest for the said place, who presently with all care possible did begin to teach his highness the grounds of Learning, with the Introductions leading to the same.  
A little after, the Women being put from about his highness, divers of good sort were appointed to attend upon his Person; amongst whom, as chief, was the Right Honourable the Earl of Marre, together with Sir David Murray Knight, first and only Gentleman of his highness' bedchamber, to lie therein, (continuing so always until his death) assisted also by sundry Lords, Barons, Knights, and Gentlemen: at which time, in the 7. 8. and 9 years of his Age, leaving those Childish and idle toys, usual to all of his years, he began to delight in more active, and manly exercises, learning to Ride, Sing, Dance, leap, shoot a Archery, and in pieces, to toss his Pike▪ &c. Whereof all these things in young years, to the admiration of all, chiefly strangers, he did wonderfully perform▪ and that with such a grace, as it seemed incredible to foreign Nations; save that those of their own, who were spectators of the same did assure them thereof.  
Now began those sparks of piety, Majesty, Gravity, &c. which before were true, though small, to flash out bigger every day, using a mild and gentle behaviour towards all, chiefly to strangers, before whom he used (if they were of good sorts, and Nobles) to show these exerci●es, wherein he excelled all those of his age, thereby filling their hearts with love, and all their senses with delight, departing exceeding well pleased, that they had seen Prince Henry.  
Mean while swift winged Time, the mother of Change (whilst we expected no such alteration) joining with the eternal Decree, which pitying that Elizabeth, now overcloyed with earthly ●oyes should any longer be detained in ●his vale of Misery, did send the blessed Angels to change her corruptible for an incorruptible crown. The news whereof (in a shorter time than ever was ●oasted so great a journey) was brought into his majesty by the Honourable Sir Ro. Carey Knight, who out of the abundance of his love, preventing all others, was the first news-bringer, not only of so lamentable death, but also of the sudden ensuing joy, of his majesty's Right, lawful, lineal, Proclaimed Succession: who shortly after was se●onded by honourable Gentlemen, Sir Charles Percy, and Sir Thomas Somersett Knights, with a Letter from the Right Honourable, the peers of England, and Lords of Her late Majesties most Honourable Privy counsel, presenting ●eapes of all sorts of dutiful services, from so loving Subjects to so beloved a King; withal wishing a hasty dispatch of his majesty's affairs, that they the sooner might enjoy His royal presence, which being with speed performed, they also (out of their great love) longing for the rest. The Queen with his highness took their journey from Edinburgh the first of June, 1602. the last of the said month coming to Windsor, where, what joy was at so loving a meeting, and so long wished, I leave for you to imagine.  
His majesty lying at this foresaid town, his highness and some other Lords, were installed Knights of the most Honourable and Noble Order of the Garter; after which (the sickness increasing) His highness removed from thence to Oatelands', where by appointment from his majesty, he took house by himself, having so many to attend upon him in every Office, as was thought fitting for his years. A little after removing to Nonsuch, and from thence being sent for to Winchester by his majesty, he again returned to Oatelands', where he begun to ply his book hard for two or three years, continuing all his Princely Sports, Hawking, Hunting, running at the Ring, Leaping, riding of great Horses, dancing, Fencing, tossing of the Pike, &c. In all which, he did so far excel as was fitting for so great a Prince; whereby, together with his continual travail, being ever in action, he came to have a very active and strong body; so that then he would many times tire all his followers before he himself would be weary.  
Much about this time, being thirteen years of age, he began to know himself a little better, and finding himself to be a Prince indeed, began not only to strive for virtues answerable, but also to chase away the relics of childish imperfections natural to all, increasing every day in favour with God and man.  
In the 14. and 15. years of his age, he began to be very judicious, almost in every thing, drawing nearer to a majestic gravity; to be a reverent and attentive hearer of Sermons, to give commendations to the same, to have Boxes kept at his three several standing Houses, Saint-Iames, Richmond, and Nonsuch, causing all those who did swear in his hearing, to pay moneys to the same, which were after duly given to the poor; he began now also to be of an excellent discourse, putting forth, and asking strange Questions and Suppositions, both of this, and foreign States, and desiring to know, and to be resolved almost of every thing, whereby at length he attained to have a reasonable insight and judgement, in state-affairs; now also delighting to shoot in great and small Field-pieces, to level them to the white, and see them shot off.  
The 16. year of his Age, being to come to the time of his Investment in the principality of Wales and Cornwall; He did advance his own Title and Right so far, as with modesty he might: which presently was gently and lovingly entertained, and granted of his majesty, with the consent of the Right Honourable, the High Court of Parliament: The fourth of June following, being appointed for that solemn action, the Christmas before which, his highness not only for his own Recreation, but also that the World might know, what a brave Prince they were likely to enjoy, under the Name of Meliades, Lord of the Isles, (an ancient Title due to the first borne of Scotland) did in his Name, by some appointed for the same of purpose, strangely attired, accompanied with drums and Trumpets in the Chamber of Presence, before the King and Queen, and in the presence of the whole Court▪ delivered a Challenge to all Knights of Great Britain, in two Speeches; the relation whereof were out of purpose, but the sum was:  
That Meliades, their Noble Master, boiling with an earnest desire, to try the Valour of his young years in foreign countries, and to know where virtue triumphed most, had sent them abroad to espy the same, who after their long travails in all countries, and return; showing, how nowhere in any Continent, save in the Fortunate Isle of Great Britain, they had found his wishes; which ministering matter of exceeding joy to their young Meliades, who (as they said) could lineally derive his pedigree from the famous Knights of this Isle, was the cause that he had now sent to present the first fruits of his chivalry at his majesty's feet. Then after, returning with a short speech to her majesty, next to the Earls, Lords, and Knights, excusing their Lord in this their so sudden & short warning: and lastly, to the Ladies; they after humble delivery of their Chartle, concerning time, place, conditions, number of weapons, and Assailants, took their leave, departing solemnly as they entered.  
Now began everywhere preparations to be made for this great fight, and happy did he think himself who should be admitted for a Defendant, much more Assailant: At last, to encounter his highness, with his six Assailants, 58. Defendants consisting of Earls, Barons, Knights, and Esquires, were appointed and chosen, eight Defendants to one Assailant, every Assailant being to fight by turns, eight several times fighting, two every time with push of Pike and Sword, twelve strokes at a time; after which, the bar for separation was to be let down until a fresh onset.  
The great night of this Solemnity now approaching, his highness in his own lodging, in the Christmas, did Feast the Earls, Barons, and Knights assailants, and defendants, until the great Twelfth appointed night, on which this great fight was to be performed; which being come, his highness, to the great wonder of the beholders, did admirably fight his part, giving and receiving that night, 32. bushes of Pikes, and about 360. strokes of Swords, which is scarce credible in so young years, enough to assure the World, that Great Britain's brave Henry aspired to immortality.  
Against the morrow, after the same said fight, was also prepared a magnific Feast at his highness' house at Saint James, at which his majesty, his highness, his Brother and Sister, with all the other Earls, Lords, and Knights of the Court were present; where after Supper (according as before they had been judged) his highness gave three prizes, to the three best deserving, viz. to the Right Honourable the Earl of Montgomery one, and to Sir Thomas Darcy, and Sir Robert Gourdon Knights, the other two.  
The Barriers finished, and prizes won, judged and delivered, shortly after began preparation everywhere to be made for his highness' Creation, every one from the highest to the lowest (to show there exceeding love) striving who should exceed in bravery, until fast-posting Time at length brought forth the long wished for day; before which, his highness then lying at Richmond, a House situate on the river's side, seven miles from Westminster, the place of his Creation, the custom being to be brought from such a place, the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor of London, with the worshipful Aldermen his Brethren, accompanied with thirty six several Companies of Citizens of divers callings, in so many several Barges, and all city-like bravery possible, with their several flags, Banners, Colours, arms, Trumpets, drums, and Phyfes, with other such provision, came from their mighty and renowned City, up the silver-streamed River, to welcome, meet and accompany his highness, towards the solemn Action, where having encountered with his highness' Barges with all the joy, love, and kindness possible, to the wonder of the World; all eyes were bent towards so joyful and desired a sight: they came altogether rowing down the proud River, which for two or three miles together, seemed to be covered with Pinnaces, Barges boats, and oars unto Whitehall bridge at the Court, where he was also received, and welcomed by the Right Honourable the Lords of his majesty's most Honourable privy Counsel, with divers others, and from thence by them conducted unto his majesty, where he remained until the time of his Creation, which being the next day, he was in presence of the right honourable the High Court of Parliament, Lords Spiritual and temporal, By his majesty, the King his Father, Created Prince of Wales, Duke of Cornwall, great Earl of Chester, &c. with a full Investment in all the Ancient and great Liberties, ever possessed by any of his famous Predecessors, and with the joy and approbation of the whole House.  
His highness being now absolute of himself, did take up House with a full addition of high Officers, Sir Thomas Challener Chamberlain, Sir Charles Cornwallis Treasurer, and Sir John Hollis Comptrouler of his House, making good and strict Ordets through the same, both above and below stairs, more like a grave wise, and ancient counsellor, surveying, disposing, & dispatching his affairs, than so young and great a Prince: Now were allorted unto him certain Lands for his revenues, which he was so far from diminishing, that he left the same increased, by thousands a year; his servants did now begin to look which way to help themselves, since his highness, was every day more and more able to give: yet he being very sparing to give any thing, did only give Grants unto some, with promises, hopes and delays unto others, because he would not (He said) dispose of any thing, until with the gift he might perpetrat the same, which could not be, until either years, or the High Court of Parliament should enable him, but this time as yet not being come, he went on his own frugal courses, suffering almost nothing to pass in his House, or other affairs, which he himself did not oversee.  
At last, bethinking himself that Wales and Cornwall, &c. his principality had a long time been without a Prince of their own, he thought he might the rather show his Authority in renewing and avoiding Leases; wherefore having first by a Writ called Scire facias, avoided and annihilated all their former Rights and Leases, he brought them unto a general submission to compound, take and hold new of him; which they were all ready to perform, a little before his death: Whereupon Surveyors, and Commissioners were appointed, and dispatched to survey all his Lands, and to return a true certificate of the whole value; until which, (being but a little before his sickness and death) he deferred all manner of Suits, because he would first be informed truly, what, and how great their demands were.  
In the 17. and 18. years of his Age he began not only to be a Man in stature, but also in courage and wisdom, to the admiration of all, and with the eyes of his Spirit surveying the mighty Inheritance whereunto he was heir apparent, he did also strain to be the better furnished (if ever his shoulders should undergo so great a burden with furniture befitting the same, it being wisdom, in the time of peace, to prepare for the same, knowing that Peace is the harbinger of war, (chiefly in Ships, counted the brazen Wall of this Isle) he in the time of our security thought thereof: and therefore did not only entreat his majesty to cause his Officers of the Navy to build him a Ship, called the Prince, (Than the fairest of this Isle) but also to advance the affairs of the Navy, to his power, now and then got leave of his majesty to go in person to view the Ships, and Storehouses, which divers times he did. Not content herewith, he did also practise Tilting, charging on horseback with Pistols, after the manner of the Wars, with all other the like inventions. Now also delighting to confer, both with his own, and other Strangers, and great captains, of all manner of Wars, battles, Furniture, arms by Sea and Land, Disciplines, Orders, Marches, alarms, Watches, Stratagems, Ambuscadoes, Approaches, Scalings, Fortifications, encampings, and having now and then battles of headmen appointed both on Horse and Foot, in a long Table; whereby he might in a manner, view the right ordering of a battle, how every troop did aid and assist another, as also the placing of the light Horsemen, vanguard, main battle, with the assisting wings, and Rerewards, &c. which are out of my element to speak of. Neither did he omit, as he loved the theoric of these things, to practise the same, entertaining in his House a Dutch captain, sent unto him by his Excellence (Grave Maurice) a most excellent engineer, in all manner of things belonging to the Wars; causing also, from time to time, new Pieces of ordinance to be made, learning to shoot, and level them right to the white; No less provident was he to have great Horses, and those of the best, which were sent unto him from all countries; so that, I may truly affirm, no Prince in Christendom did exceed him therein. Thus, in these, and other worldly pleasures, which stoop for acquaintance unto greatness, did he spend the years past.  
In the 19 year of his Age, whether by his continual toil of body, and mind, or some internal unknown causes (I know not) where before he was of somewhat a full round face, and very pleasant disposition, his Visage began to appear somewhat paler, longer and thinner than before, he himself being also more sad and retired then usual, yet without any complaint of him, or jealousy of his Followers, save that some half a year after, he would now and then complain of a small kind of giddy lumpish heaviness in his forehead, the pain whereof, moved him (as I think) for the most part, ever before he would put on his Hat, to struck up with his hand his brow and forehead; he did also use to bleed at the nose often, and in great quantity, wherein he found great ease, until a little before his sickness, (the passages being stopped) this help, to his further grief, left him; he was now subject to many strong and extraordinary qualms, so that for danger and celerity they were forced many times to fetch him again with strong waters, which being only by intermission now and then, were let pass as they came, without any suspicion of so sudden sorrows.  
Much about the beginning of this Summer, there could almost be no news heard, but of his sister's marriage, of which many speeches went currant, according to the divers affections of Protestants and Papists; some wishing her to be married to the King of Spain, some to the Prince of Savoy, some to the young Lands-grave, and some to his highness the Palsgrave her now husband. But he following the stream of his Fathers well settled affections, for great Britain's eternal felicity, and terror of all Papists, did only fancy the palsgrave's motion, shortly after advancing the same by all means possible at the coming of the Right honourable the Count Hannaw: the palsgrave's great ambassador, whose errand as the speech went, was to knit up this match, unto whose suit his highness did not only give way, and second the business, but also in sign of love, entertain, and countenance the said Count (next unto his Majesty) more than any, never resting until all was agreed (as thanks be to God) it is now finished.  
Matters now being at rest, the Duke of Bovillon, 
His frequent swimming immediately: after supper, was most pernicious to his health: for it stopped his bleeding at Nose, whereupon the blood putrifying, engendered that fatal Feber which followed. Doctor ●●yerne.  and Count Hannaw having returned home again, his highness removed to Richmond, where he lay until the progress; the pleasure of the River running close by the house, inviting him now and then to swim, which he endeavoured to learn in the evening, to the dislike of many, who did see him swim after supper, his stomach being full, affirming it to be full of danger, and that it was needless for him to adventure himself in the water; but no remedy, he would needs continue the same, and did until his removing from thence. He did now also delight many times to walk late at night by the river's side in moon light, to hear the Trumpets sound an echo, which many suspected, because the Dew then falling did him small good.  
But the time of the progress now approaching (when as he was commanded) he must needs meet the King his Father at Beaver Castle in Notinghamshire the second Saturday after the beginning of the same, which now drawing near, his highness neither considering the strength of his body, the greatness of the journey (being near fourscore and sixteen miles) nor the extreme and wonderful heat of the season, and notwithstanding my persuasions to the contrary, determined to ride that great journey in 2. days, according to which he set forth on Friday by one of the clock in the morning from his house at Richmond, coming to Finchingbrooke besides Huntington, a house pertaining to Sir Oliver Cromwell Knight, Master of his game, by ten of the clock in the morning, which as they say is threescore miles, in nine hours posting, where he remained all that night, the next day having six and thirty miles to Beaver Castle, where he meet with his Father just at the time prefixed.  
But the time of one thing, I had almost forgot to tell you, how before his coming from Richmond in intending to feast the Courtat his manor of Woodstock about the end of this progress (it being the first time of their general meeting there, since the house became his) had given order to his Officers to provide a most magnific Feast against their coming to the foresaid house; withal having ordained a great Summer-house of green boughs to be built in the park wherein the great supper should be, all which was with speed performed: mean while, although the season was exceeding hot, his highness did ride many and extraordinary journeys in the same (which as was thought) did much incline his boiling blood towards inflammation.  
At last, their journeys being towards an end, to Woodstock they came, where his highness (accordingly to his former intention) did feast the Lords and Ladies at a long table, near which he himself did bear them company from the Wednesday night of their coming, until the Sunday night, which (Unknown to him) he had appointed for the last great farewell unto all his friends; By this time the appointed night for this great feast being come, his highness did himself in person come into the banqueting house, to see all things in good order, for great was his care to give contentment.  
At last, the King and Queen being set at a Table by themselves at the upper end of the room, his highness with his Sister accompanied with the Lords and Ladies sitting at another Table of thirty yards long and more, by themselves, there was to be seen one of the greatest and best ordered feasts as ever was seen, nothing wanting which any way was fitting to adorn such a solemn meeting; All which to the general joy of the whole Court; his highness' like to a Princely bridegroom cheering and welcomming his Guests, there appeared an universal contentment in all; but little knew he that it was his last great farewell to his Father, Mother, Sister, yea, unto the whole Court, that it was his last Feast of Feasts, one for all. And indeed, when we look back unto the same, therein beholding his highness' cheerful carriage, the Time, Order, State, Magnificence, and greatness thereof, we may behold somewhat Ominous therein.  
The Monday after, the Court removing from thence, his highness, after leave obtained, hasted home again to Richmond, because of the news of the palsegraves' approach, whom he intended to grace with all possible honour. Being returned, he began to give order for every thing, and to dispatch all affairs both of his own, and concerning the following intended triumphs for his highness the palsgrave's better welcome; He now also of himself (I know not by what motion) considering the great pains, deserts, and small means of a number of his Followers, who had spent much, and gotten nothing in his Service, did give order for a number of several pensions, according to his discretion, to some of them, promising also, after a while (that none should be discouraged) to remember the rest.  
But now, whether the continual violences of his Exercises, or his too frequent eating of abundance of Grapes, and other fruits, or some settled melancholy, engendered by some unknown causes, I cannot determine, yet did he look still more pale and thin, from day to day, complaining now and then of a cold, lazy drowsiness in his head, which (as I think) moved him many times to ask questions of divers about him, concerning the quality, cure, and nature of the fever, (called for the strange diversity) The new Disease; belike, fearing some such like thing by his indisposition; He also used before this, now and then, and in his sickness to sigh often, whereof being sometimes demanded the cause by his physicians, Doctor Hamond, and others near him, he would sometimes reply, that he knew not, sometimes that they came unawares, and sometimes also that they were not without cause.  
At the beginning of October, his continual headache, laziness, and indisposition increasing, (which notwithstanding because of the time, he strove mightily to conceal) whereas oft before, he used to rise early in the morning to walk the fields, he did lie a bed, almost every morning until nine of the clock, complaining of his laziness, and that he knew not the cause; during which time (belike jealous of himself) he would many mornings before his rising, ask of the grooms of his bedchamber, How do I look this morning? and at other times the same question again; which they, fearing no danger, to make his highness laugh, would put off with one jest or other.  
But he still continuing ill, the tenth of the foresaid month, he had two small fits of an Ague, forcing him to keep his Chamber, which his highness finding, had some speech with Doctor Hamond, his physician, willing belike to have taken some strong physic, the sooner to have removed the cause. But he not daring to be too bold with his highness' body, without a further consent, did only give unto his highness a softening Glister, which had its own good effects, stirring the humours.  
On the Morning, being Tuesday, the thirteen of October, he having (as was thought) taken cold, had a great looseness, his belly opening 25. times, avoiding a great deal of choler, phlegm, and putrified Matter toward the end, yet for all this, on the morrow, he finding himself (as he said) reasonable well, because of the palsgrave's coming, he hasted from thence to Saint James, whereupon he gave order, and would needs remove on Thursday, the thirteenth of the same month, notwithstanding any persuasions whatsoever to the contrary, neither was it without great danger (as they all showed him) to hazard himself abroad so soon, his Body being yet open: but he affirming himself to be very well, would needs go on with his former determination.  
At last to Saint James he came, seeming well, but that he looked pale and ill, so that sundry did speak suspiciously of his looks, fearing some distemper in his Body: yet so strong was his mind, that complaining of nothing, he did bear out the matter very bravely in show, being so well, that he gave his physician (who had waited a long time) leave to go home to his house; mean while his indisposition still continuing and increasing, there might have been perceived in him a sudden great change, for he began to be displeased almost with every thing, and to be exceeding curious in all things, yet not regarding, but looking, as it were, with the eyes of a stranger upon them, for sundry things showed him● which before he had wonted to talk of, ask questions, and view curiously, he now scarce vouchsafed to look upon, turning them away with the back of his hand, and departing, as who would say, I take pleasure in nothing; yet was he wonderfully busy in providing, and giving order for every thing belonging to his care, for his sister's Marriage, advancing the same by all means possible, keeping also his highness the Palsgrave company, so much as conveniently he could, together with Count Henry his excellency, Grave Maurice his Brother, whom he also much honoured and esteemed, belike because of a Noble and heroic disposition, which he saw in him, fitting his humour, with whom he used to play often at cards, and tennis, delighting much in his company, and above all the rest, one great Match they had at tennis, on Saturday the 24. of October, the day before his last sickness, where his undaunted courage, negligently, carelessly, and wilfully (neither considering the former weak estate of his body, danger, nor coldness of the season) as though his body had been of brass, did play in his shirt, as if it had been in the heat of Summer; during which time, he looked so wonderful ill and pale, that all the beholders took notice thereof, muttering to one another what they feared: But he (the match being ended) carried himself so well, as if there were no such matter, having all this while a reasonable good stomach to meat; yet this night at his going to bed, complaining more than usual of his laziness and headache.  
But oh whether go I now? must I again launch out into a Sea of sorrows, adding more griefs unto our yet bleeding wounds? Oh death! was there no remedy? when wilt thou make an end? shall the grave devour always? was thy charge so straight that thou couldst shoot neither at great nor small, but at the Prince of our Israel? do sweet smelling flowers so much delight thy grisly ghastly senses appetite, that thou wouldst gather none but our fairest well beloved, scarce blown, rose? why didst thou so soon rob us? I know (but that thou, who scornest to reason with thy captives, disdainest to answer thy slaves) thou couldst give us many reasons: Wherefore I leave to reason with thee, and turning again to my doleful Relation, will begin, &c.  Quanquam animus meminisse horret, luctusque refugit 
For  
— Quis talia fando  
Temperet à lacrimis? &c.—  
On Sunday morning the five and twenty of October 1612. the morrow after his highness' violent play at Tennies, it was told him (the custom of his house being to have the Sermon betimes in the morning, for the most part, where the Court lay so near; because he used after his own, to hear the Kings also) that Master Wilkinson one of his father's chaplains, was ready, and did present his service to preach that morning (if it pleased his highness to hear him) which he no sooner heard, but contrary to his late usual custom of long time (although that morning he found himself somewhat drowsy and ill) addressed himself to be made ready, for he wonderfully delighted to hear the said Master Wilkinson; ever since the time (long before) in which he heard him preach a Sermon of judgement, which he did so well like of, that many times he did speak of the same, affirming it to have been so excellent, that he in a manner did show them the same, long it was not ere his highness was ready and gone to the chapel to hear him.  
But ere I proceed, give me leave I entreat you, to admire the wonderful providence and goodness of God, which did so provide for him a Sermon of Mortification, or Preparation, which you will: For the time, text, powerful delivery, Method &c. were also fitting to our following unthought of funeral, as though an angel had come the whole week before from Heaven, prefixing unto him the time, necessity, text, order, and amplifications thereof, so truly did he thunder out the mortal misery of mankind, but chiefly of Princes: The Text was out of Job the 14. and 1. verse, Man that is borne of a Woman, is of short continuance and full of trouble. From which he showed 3. things; first, our miserable entry into the World, and short continuance; lastly, our miserable Pilgrimage, and endurance in the World full of trouble; in which the misery and troubles of all Estates were well showed, but chiefly those of great ones. Sermon being ended, his highness did commend the same, being very attentive all the time thereof; presently thereafter going into Whitehall, where he also did hear another Sermon with the King his Father; which being also done, to dinner they went, his highness in outward appearance eating with a reasonable good stomach, yet looking exceeding ill and pale, with hollow ghastly dead eyes perceived of a great many.  

The first Day.  
After dinner, for all his great courage and strife to over master the greatness of his evil, dissembling the same, the conqueror of all, about 3. a clock in the afternone began to skirmish, with a sudden sickness and faintness of the heart (Usual unto him) whereupon followed shortly after a shaking, with a great heat and headache, which from hence forth never left him; his highness finding himself thus suddenly taken, was forced to take his leave, departing home unto his bed; where being laid, he found himself very ill, remaining all this evening in an Agony, having a great drought (which after this could never be quenched but with death) his eyes also being so dim, that they were not able to endure the light of a candle; for which that night was ordained unto him a cordial of cooling Ptisan for quenching of his thirst, with a moistening broth to be given at the ending of the fit. This night he rested ill.   

The second Day.  
On the morrow after, being Monday the six and twenty of the Month, and the second of his sickness; his highness felt small or no ease of his headache, continuing bound in his belly, his pulse beating exceedingly, his water being crude, thin, and whitish, which moved Doctor Mayerne his majesty's chief physician to appoint for him a softening Glister, which accordingly to their desire did work very well. After which his highness finding intermission (which continued all that day) did arise, and put on his clothes, playing at cards that day, and the next also, with his Brother the Duke of York, and Count Henry; mean while there were many Messages sent from the Court, and everywhere else, to know how things went, all which (no creature surmising the least danger) were answered with good hopes, yet his highness for all this looked ill and pale, spoke hollow, and somewhat strangely, with dead sunk eyes, his dryness of Mouth and great thirst continuing, for the which that night were ordained unto him by the foresaid Doctors, sharp, tart, cordial and cooling juleps, prepared with all kind of Cordials and Anditotes possible, his broths and jellies being with the same care ordained: yet his drought and headache continuing (which could not be stayed) he remained still very ill, this night resting quietly.   

The third Day.  
On Tuesday the seven and twenty, the third day of his sickness, he found some ease in the morning, so that they were all in good hope that it would have proved but some Tertian, or bastard Tertian at the most, notwithstanding that his highness, ghastly rolling uncouth looks, did put them in some fear.  
This day, his Majesty did send Master Nasmith his Surgeon to attend his highness during his sickness, unto whom, and divers others conferring of his highness' sickness, and the danger of the same; Doctor Mayerne did say, that in his judgement the surest way for his highness' safety was bleeding (as was thought) very substantially proving from the very dangerous forenamed actidents and indications of this Tertian, which he feared to be venomous, by reason humours seated in the natural parts, inclining by reason of the quantity, to a continual; that bleeding chiefly, and that in great quantity with reiteration (if need so required:) Now whilst his highness was strong, natural heat not being decayed, nor too much oppressed, before that fever turned continual, and he weaker, and less able to endure hereafter, would prove the surest way for his safety. But the same his opinion, not being allowed of the rest (whom by conference, when he named, or spoke of blood) he found directly opposite▪ there was as yet no consultation for blood letting, nor any inclination that ways.  
This morning he did rise and put on his clothes, but his fit coming about noon; first with a cold, than a great heat, without any sweat, continuing until eight a clock at night, he was forced to go to bed again, this night resting quietly.   

The fourth Day.  
On Wednesday the eight and twentieth, and fourth day of his sickness, in the morning, came Master Butler, the famous physician of Cambridge, a marvelous great scholar, and of long practice, and singular judgement, but withal very humorous; who (whatsoever he thought) comforting him with good hopes, that he would shortly recover, and that there was no danger; yet secretly unto others, did not let to speak doubtfully, (as they say, his humour is) that he could not tell, what to make of it, and that he did not well like of the same; adding further, that if he did recover, he was likely to lie by it for a great while, with divers other like speeches, neither could he be persuaded, all the time of his highness' sickness, to stay any longer with him, than one hour, or thereabouts, every morning, and so in the afternoon, to give his counsel and advise with the rest: what moved him I know not, whether he did mislike the French Doctors company, or because the Cure was not committed to him as chief, or being jealous, and misliking his highness' disease, and therefore loved not to meddle to much in the Cure (which I rather imagine;) or whether his health or humour impeached the same, I dare not judge; the curious may best learn from himself, yet having at his coming inquired what was done, he approved the same, and wished the continuance of the same proceedings, until a further judgement might be given of the same event: yet did his highness find small or no ease, but his fever, as yet not being continual, he did rise and put on his clothes, they all as yet conceiving reasonable good hopes.  
The former days and this, his stomach was not quite lost, but he would now and then take some such meat as the physicians thought fitting; yet the Doctors, viz. Mayerne, Hamond, Butler, all considering the greatness of the danger, and the strangeness of the Disease, the Water in no way showing the same, which made them the loather to meddle, until the Crisis were seen, his highness remaining in the same estate, the many dangerous forenamed accidents, with the good of the former evacuations, his belly now being hard bound, &c. would willingly have had more Doctors called for consultation; which his highness altogether refusing to allow of, because of the confusion. They by a general consent (his highness then having intermission of his Fever) under all their hands, did by their own report, give unto him a Purgation of Seine sod, and Rhubard, infused in cordial and cooling liquours, with syrup of Roses losing, which working seven or eight times, brought away great store of putrid Choler, and in the end phlegm, the urine inclining somewhat towards concoction. But his highness after the working thereof, found not that ease that was expected; yet was still fed with hopes of his recovery. But night being come, (towards which, during all his sickness, he grew worse than in the morning, wherein he was more sober always then in the evening) his headache, droughts and other accidents, continuing, though not with extremity, he rested ill, and unquietly.   

The fifth day.  
On the Thursday the nine and twentieth, and fifth day of his sickness, hopes began a little to diminish, howbeit that morning his headache was somewhat lessened, his breath also (which before was short) being longer, which moved him to put on his clothes, endeavouring to rise as he had done before; but his head being so giddy, that he was not able to stand alone, he was forced to betake him to his bed again, from henceforth ever keeping his bed: nevertheless the tingling of his ears, the leapings and boundings continuing alike; as also a small fit coming upon him, with a little coldness, the Fever thereafter being continual, with many small intermissions, and small and great redoublings, the violence whereof caused his tongue to become black and dry, the leapings, and boundings, and singing of the ears increasing. Many near unto him, jealous of so bad signs without amendment, feared the worst, his highness now being forced to keep his bed continually, his head being so giddy, that he could not stand upright, his eyes also so dim, that he could not endure the candle light; yet still the Doctors, by reason of his extraordinary patience (not fully knowing the danger which afterwards appeared) not willing nor daring to be too bold, until some certain further knowledge, delayed to conclude of any thing, save that his highness should still be plied with all sorts of cordial juleps, which Art, or experience could think of. Master Butler's advise, they say, was the same, that Cordials external, and internal, the restoratives and diet begun, should be continued.  
Thus, no other course as yet being thought of, still expecting the success of new days; delays bred danger, his highness remained ill, having no evacuation by sweat, neither was it expedient (as was thought) to force the same, still expecting Natures own time, which deceived them.  
This evening there appeared a fatal sign about two hours or more within the night, 
A Lunar Rainbow very rare, and commonly fatal.  bearing the colours and show of a Rainbow, which hung directly cross and over Saint James' House, 
V. Arist. Metor.  it was first perceived about seven a clock at night, which I myself did see, which divers others looking thereupon with admiration, continuing until past bed time, being no more seen. This night was unquiet, and he rested ill.   

The sixt Day.  
On Friday the six and thirtieth day of his sickness, he remained in the same estate, no Creature knowing what to say or make of his sickness, some fearing one thing, and some another, the Doctors still attending the issue of the eight day, but for all that his highness' fever remained continual, withal the former cruel accidents, for which this morning was given him a Glister for washing of his bowels, in which he found some ease.  
About three a Clock in the afternone came his lesser Doubling, during which, his breath became short, his face very red, his pulse beating very swiftly; in which fit his nose began to bleed (as some thought about two ounces, then after staying of itself, whereby he found some ease, not having bleed (as his custom was) of a great while before.  
From this time forth, chiefly Doctor Mayerne, with Master Nasmith, his majesty's chirurgeon, began to propound the necessity of bleeding, as heretofore they had done, whereunto nature now invited, the fever remaining continual, with a great abounding fullness, in a constitution excessively hot, in a body which had much used bleeding, deprived of that benefit for some months before, yet the rest being sparing and loath to hear of the same, there was nothing done, this day also passing as the rest; All this while the excessive pain of his head continuing, as also his heat and thirst, for which his mouth and tongue were continually washed; yet for all this his highness and the rest were still encouraged, that he should shortly recover, although indeed he became still worse and worse. This night he rested ill, being always somewhat better in the morning.   

The seventh Day.  
On Saturday the last of the month, and seventh of his sickness, there appeared no amendment, his highness continuing in a wonderful excessive heat, after which came the great redoubling, raving as he was awake, with blackness, dryness, and cliffs in his tongue, was continually applied with all things needful, but to no purpose, save a little ease for the present, as also the tingling of the ears, leapings and boundings became greater, the urines more crude, yet no way showing the danger of the disease all this while, until a little before his death; Over and above all other griefs he found his head exceedingly pained, a thing lying as it had been a lump in his forehead, which together with the ulceration of his throat, made him loath to speak, but when he must needs, and then not without great pain, the extremity, as it were, of the evil overcoming and stupifying the vitals and senses, striving to subdue natural heat, and oppressing the heart, notwithstanding the doubling and trebling of the Cordials to withstand the same.  
This day also, Nature (as the day before) though not in quantity, did (as was said) show the necessity of bleeding, for which cause it was with more instance again propounded, and urged, than ever, as th' only means, under God, to save his highness; at length after much ado pro & contra, Doctor Mayerne urging, and Master Butler chiefly withstanding the same, mistaking the first beginning of his highness' sickness; in the end, the three Doctors, Mayerne, Hamond, and Butler did agree, that on the morrow being Sunday (the eight broken, and the seventh whole day of his last sickness) a vain should be opened; all this while until his bleeding was past, they conceived good hope of his recovery, yet he remained dangerously ill; you must imagine that all this while of his sickness, the whole World did almost every hour send unto Saint James' for news; the better sort who were admitted to visit him; or acquainted with those near unto him, knowing the danger, the rest fearing nothing, imagining it only to have been some Common Tertian, for which cause in many places near unto the City he was thought dead and gone, before they knew that he was dangerously sick. This night was more cruel and unquiet unto him then any other.   

The eight Day.  
On Sunday the first of November, and the eight day of his sickness, according to their former agreement, after much ado, Master Butler resisting to consent that he should be let blood, because (as he said) it was the eight day, proffering to have left them, until he was forced to stay and give his consent; Doctor Hamond and others proving unto him, that it was not the eight day, his highness being ill of a long time before, (howsoever he strangely with a wonderful courage and patience concealed the same;) his highness being still after one, in the presence of the foresaid Doctors and divers others of very good worth, in the morning was drawn out of the Median of his right arm, seven or eight ounces of blood, during which time he fainted not, bleeding well and abundantly, desiring and calling to them to take more as they were about to stop the same, finding some ease as it were upon the instant; The blood being cold, was seen of all to be thin, corrupt and putrid, with a choleric and bluish water above, without any Fibres or small strings therein scarce congealed.  
This day after his bleeding he found great ease, insomuch as since the beginning of his sickness, he had not found himself so well, his pulse inclining towards a more Gentle motion missing his former wonted cruel doublings, and his former accidents being less and more mild. This afternoon he was visited by his royal Father, Mother, Brother, Sister, the Palsgrave, with divers others of the Court, all which conceiving good hopes, departed from thence reasonably cheerful. Yet that night (though better than others) he passed unquietly.   

The ninth Day.  
On Monday the second of November, and ninth of his sickness, he became worse than ever, the great redoubling coming upon him, accompanied with redness of face, shortness of breath, increase of drought, blackness of his tongue, with excessive heat, somewhat less than it was the seventh day, and benumbings, which now with the increase of all the former accidents tormented him; briefly, so many evil signs appeared, that some of the Doctors then plainly affirmed, that by violence of the disease, the blood and humours were retired in abundance, with great violence towards the brain, filling the veins abundantly (as afterwards in the opening did appear) by reason whereof the pain of his head was extreme great, his Spirits being as it were overcome.  
This morning, Doctor Atknis (a physician of London, famous for his practice, honesty, and learning) was sent by his Majesty to assist the rest in the cure; whose opinion (as they said) was, that his highness' disease was a corrupt putrid Fever, the seat whereof was under the liver in the first passages, the malignity whereof, he thought, by reason of the putrefaction (in almost the highest degree) was venomous.  
This day and the next, he was visited by the King his Father, and others of the Court, whose exceeding sorrow I cannot express, yet were they still fed with some good small hopes of his recovery. All this while, although he grew every day worse and worse, yet none discouraged him with any speech of death (so loath they were to think of his departure) he himself being so tormented with this, and the next day's sickness, that he could not think thereof; or if he had, yet the physician's courage, and hope of life, which good opinion (his unspeakable patience not any way complaining, so that he could not have been known to be sick, but by his looks) moved them to conceive, telling him there was no danger, dashed the same.  
This night came upon him greater alieanation of brain, ravings, and idle speeches out of purpose, calling for his clothes, and his Rapier, &c. saying, he must be gone, he would not stay, and I know not what else, to the great grief of all that heard him, whose hopes now began to vanish.   

The tenth day.  
On Tuesday the third of the month, and the tenth of his sickness, he became worse than before, all his former accidents increasing exceedingly, his boundings, being turned into Convulsions, his raving and benumbing, becoming greater, the fever more violent; whereupon bleeding was again proposed by Doctor Mayern and the favourers thereof, who still affirmed, that he did mislike the too sparing proceeding with his highness; aleaging, that in this case of extremity, they must (if they mean to save his life) proceed in the Cure, as though it were to some mean person, forgetting him to be a Prince, whom they had now in hand, otherwise he said, (for aught he saw) because he was a Prince he must die, but if he were a mean person, he might be saved. But this his opinion being disallowed of most, they continued and increased their Cordials, giving unto him a Glister, which brought away abundance of corrupt and putrid matter, together with some raisins, which (as was thought) he had eaten twelve days before.  
This day also for easing of the extreme pain of his head, the hair was shaven away, and Pigeons and cupping Glasses applied to lessen and draw away the humour, and that superfluous blood from the Head, which he endured with wonderful and admirable patience, as though he had been insensible of pain; yet all without any good, save perhaps, some small seeming hope of comfort for the present.  
Now began the Pilots, who guided this frail bark of his highness' body, almost to despair, to escape the ensuing Tempests; some of whose looks did now more than ever discourage the rest. For this night he became very weak, the Fever augmenting, the raving becoming worse then ever, in which he began to toss and tumble, to sing in his sleep, proffering to have leaped out of the bed, gathering the sheets together, the convulsions being more violent; In which extremity, his tongue, mouth, and throat being more dry than ever, yet called he not for any kind of moisture, complaining of thirst, which evidently showed, that the vehemency of his disease had overcome the seat of reason, otherwise he could not but have complained, as he did before.   

The eleventh day.  
On Wednesday the fourth of November, and the eleventh day of his sickness, all hopes of recovery were less than ever, the physicians, Chirurgeons, and apothecary's beginning to be dismayed, but that like sout Pilots, they did bear it out bravely, so long as was possible; yet (as men perplexed in such an extremity) the most part were of opinion, that the Crisis was to be seen, before a final resolution, of which there was as yet small appearance: all the former accidents mean while increased, the whole world beginning to be afraid. This day a cock was cloven by the back, and applied unto the soles of his feet, but in vain; the Cordials also were redoubled in number and quantity, but without any profit.  
This afternoon his majesty hearing of his undoubted danger (although more sober than at other times) came to see him; but being advertised how matters went, and were likely to go, and what addition of grief it would be unto him, to see his best beloved son in that extremity, he was at last persuaded to depart without Visitation, yet giving order and command before his departure, that from thenceforth (because his highness was continually molested with a number, which out of their love came to visit him) no creature should be admitted to see him, save those who of necessity must tend upon him, until the event and issue of his Disease were seen, which was accordingly done; His highness for his more ease, being removed into another longer and quieter 
* just over this Chamber (wherein he died) did the end of the fatal rainbow, aforementioned, hang (as Doctor Mayerne observed.)  Chamber. But now all things appearing to be out of frame, and confusedly evil, without hope of amendment, whereof the Archbishop of Canterbury hearing, he made so much the more haste unto his highness, whom after some discourse fitting that time, seeing so much care to be taken for the mortal body, the immortal soul being 
* Notwithstanding the Prince was seriously remembered, to commend himself into the hands of God, (before this) by Doctor Mayerne, who found his resolution therein, to be most heavenly and Divive.  neglected; He asked his highness, whether there had been any Prayers said in his Chamber, since his sickness, or no? To whom he answered, that there had not: aleaging the cause to have been, the continual toil of the Doctors, Apothecaries, and Surgeons about him; and further, that until now, he was not put in mind thereof. But that, for all that, he had not failed to pray quietly by himself, which his answer pleasing them well; the Archbishop again demanded, if his highness would now from thence forth be contented to have prayers said in his Chamber, which he willingly assented unto, asking which of his chaplains were there present; amongst whom, finding that Doctor Milborne Deane of Rochester was there present, he willed the said Dean to be called, as being one, whom for his learning, good carriage, and profitable preaching, above all the rest he ever affected and respected.  
The Archbishop mean while not willing to much to disquet his highness, called for to say prayers that evening at his highness' bed side, where speaking somewhat low, fearing to offend his distempered ears, his highness willed him to speak aloud, thereafter repeating the confession of his faith word by word after him; from henceforth the foresaid Deane continued to pray daily with him at his bed side until his departure. This night was unquiet as the rest.   

The twelfth Day.  
On Thursday morning the fifth of November, and twelfth of his sickness, news was sent unto his Majesty of the undoubted danger, and that there now remained no hopes or means of his highness' recovery, but with desperate and dangerous attempts, which his Majesty considering, gave leave and absolute power to Doctor Mayerne (his chief physician) to do what he would of himself, without advice of the rest, if in such an extremity it were possible to do any thing for his highness' safety; But he weighing the greatness of the cure & emminency of the danger, would not for all that adventure, to do any thing of himself, without advice of the rest (which he always took) saying, that it should never be said in after Ages, that he had killed the Kings eldest son; His Majesty mean while (whose sorrow no tongue can express) not willing, nor being able to stay so near the Gates of so extreme sorrow, more like a dead, than a living man, full of most wonderful heaviness, removed ●●o Theobald's (a house twelve miles from London) there to expect the doleful event.  
Mean while amongst the Doctors Mayerne, Hamond, Butler, and Atkins, bleeding was now the third time proposed, some of them (as I think Doctor Mayerne) affirming, that the blood, which the vapours being violently thrust upwards, filling the brain, did cause by the malign acrimony and quantity thereof, ravings and convulsions; which accidents (although without seeming pain) because the Spirits were oppressed) did put his highness in imminent danger, more than the benumings, the cause whereof was within the ventricles of the brain, as also the said hot and choleric blood in the membranes; All which considered and that his highness was yet of sufficient strength of body, his pulse also able to endure, they said, the opening of a vain was in their judgement the only means left: But the rest of the counsel misliking this advice did conclude to double and treble the Cordials, making a revulsion from the head with a clyster, whose working was to small effect, save that his highness became more sensible thereafter: In the mean time the Archbishop of Canterbury hearing of the danger, came unto his highness in great haste, where finding him in extreme danger, he thought it now more than high time to go about another kind of cure; and therefore, like a wise and skilful physician, first trying the humour of his patient, before he● would proceed in the cure, he addressed himself gently and mildly to ask how his highness found himself since his departure; at whose reply, seeing every thing amiss, he began again furthe● to feel his mind, first preparing him his Antidote against the fear of death▪ that the preparation thereunto, meditation, and thinking thereof, could, no● would bring death the sooner, but the contrary rather, arming himself so much the more against it; withal putting him in mind of the Excellency and Immortality of the soul, with the unspeakable joys prepared for God's ●hildren; and the baseness and misery of the earth, with all the vain, inconstant, momentary and frail pleasures thereof, in respect of heavenly joys; with many other most excellent meditations against the same fear of death.  
Having thus prepared him to hear, he went further, putting him in mind of the Exceeding great danger he was in, and that although he might recover (as he hoped he should) yet he might also die; and that since it was an inevitable and irrevocable necessity that All must once die, late or soon. (Death being the reward of sin) he asked, if it should so fall out, whether or no he was well pleased to submit himself to the Will of God; to which he answered, yea withal his heart. Then the Archbishop went on demanding questions of his faith; First of the Religion and Church wherein he lived; which his highness acknowledged to be the only true Church, wherein only, and without which there was no salvation▪ Then of his faith in Christ only, by him, and in him, without any merits of his own, being assured of the Remission of all his sins; which he professed he did, hoping and trusting only therein; Then of the Resurrection of the body, life everlasting, and the joys of Heaven▪ All which he confessed and believed, hoping withal Saints to enjoy the same.  
This conference, with a great deals more, the Archbishop had with him to this purpose; (which may also give unto you absolute satisfaction of his souls health▪ if thereunto his life be considered.) After which, fearing he should too much disquiet him, with many good exhortations, he took leave for that time.  
This day being the fifth of November▪ a day of everlasting remembrance and thanksgiving for our deliverance from the Powder Treason, was order given everywhere unto all Churches, to pray for his highness, until when, the great danger was unknown to the Commons, which was effectually as ever until his death performed.  
This day, and at sundry other times since his confusion of speech, he would many times call upon Sir David Murray Knight (the only man in whom he had put choice trust) by his name David, David, David, who when he came unto his highness, demanding his pleasure, in extremity of pain, and stupefaction of senses confounding his speech, sighing, he did reply, I would say somewhat, but I cannot utter it; which form he still used, so long as he had any perfect sense or memory.  
This done, also (but too late) to assist the rest, came Doctor Palmer, and Doctor Gifford famous physicians for their honesty, learning, and physic, who with the former four went all six to a consultation what now remained; finally to be done, wherein by some (as they say) was again propounded the necessity of bleeding, the opportunity whereof, by the evacuation of his belly was now over passed.  
In the end, the Doctors (long before this despairing of his recovery) did at last agree upon Diascordium, as the only means (under God) now remaining, which tempered with cooler Cordials, was given him in the presence of many honourable Gentlemen, about ten a Clock at night, the operation whereof was small or none; neither all this while did nature of itself incline towards sweating, and to force the same they thought it to no purpose. This night was unquiet as the rest, his accidents remaining in the same sort, but now and then speaking, but so confusedly that he could not be understood.  
Among the rest, this night about midnight, Master Nasmith his majesty's Chirurgeon sitting on his bed side, his highness pulled him unto him by the hand, speaking unto him somewhat, but so confusedly, by reason of the rattling of his Throat, that he could not be understood; which his highness perceiving, giving a most grievous sigh, as it were in anger turned him from him; thereafter (Unless he were urged) never speaking unto him, or any.  
In this extremity, (Sir David Murray, who in this one death suffered many) came unto him, entreating him, & asking him, that if he had any thing to say which troubled him, that he would betimes make known his mind: but his Spirits being overcome, and nature weak, he was not able to say any thing, save that of all other business he gave order for the burning of a number of Letters in a certain cabinet in his closet, which presently after his death was done.  
Not long after (as I think) on Friday morning about three a clock, his backbove, shoulders, arms and tongue, by reason of the horrible violence of the convulsions, disjointingly deviding themselves, the effect showing that the retentive power was gone, the Spirits subdued, the seat of reason overcome, and nature spent, in which extremity, fainting and sounding, he seemed twice or thrice to be quite gone, at which time there arose wonderful great shouting, weeping and crying in the Chamber, Court, and adjoining streets, which was so great (together with somewhat else which they used) that they brought him again.  
This cry was so great, that all those in the streets thought he had been dead; whereupon it went for the most part currant in the City and country that he was gone.  
I am not able to express the unspeakable sorrow which everywhere was for this woeful news, chiefly in that doleful house, you may imagine no thought can think the greatness thereof, nor understanding conceive the same, this little which I have said, overlading my weakness.  
Thus given over of all into the hands of God, did his highness' lie in extreme pain; during which, still now and then (till two or three hours before his death) looking up, and speaking, or endeavouring to speak, which for confusion and extremity of pain (being so near gone) could not be understood, all the World were ready in this despair, to bring cordial waters diaphoretic, and Quintissentiall Spirits to be given unto him; amongst which, one in the afternoon was ministered; which set that little nature remaining, on work, forcing a small sweat, which, too late, was the first he had; Sir Walter Raleigh also did send another from the Tower, which whether or no to give him, they did a while deliberate.  
After the operation of the first, his highness rested quietly a little while, presently after falling into his former extremities; whereupon (as the last desperate remedy) with the leave and advise of the Lords of the counsel there present, the cordial sent by Sir Walter Raleigh (after it had been tasted and proved) was given unto him; but in vain, save that forcing that spark of life that remained, it brought him again into a sweat; after which, as before he had some rest for a little while. But, no remedy, death would needs be conqueror; in vain did they strive against the stream, for he shortly after became wonderful ill again; sight and sense failing, as also all the infallible signs of death approaching; In which extremity, the Archbishop of Canterbury being there present, who seeing it was now the time of times, before the last gasp, to minister some comfort unto his highness (if as yet there were any sense remaining) came unto him, first speaking aloud; putting him in mind of all those things which he had spokn unto him the day before in his perfect sense, calling aloud in his ear, to remember Christ Jesus, to believe, hope, and trust only in him, with assured confidence of mercy, to lift up his heart, and prepare him to meet the Lord Jesus, with many other divine exhortations: Thereafter calling more loud than ever, thrice together in his ear, Sir hear you me, hear you me, hear you me; If you hear me, in certain sign of your faith, and hope of the blessed resurrection, give us for our comfort a sign, by lifting up of your hands, which he did, lifting up both his hands together: again he desired him yet to give him another sign, by lifting up his eyes; which having done, they let him alone; For the Archbishop had with streams of tears, poured out at his bed side, a most exceeding powerful passionate prayer.  
All this while also, from three a clock in the morning until night, there was continual prayer in the house, and in every place where the danger was known; by which his time growing nearer and nearer, and he weaker and weaker; Thus did he lie, patiently striving betwixt death and life, unavoidable necessity, and God's will forcing patience, and again invincible courage and magnanimity (loath to be overcome) showing some indignation and contempt of death: yea death itself (for all his cruelty) stood a long while hovering in doubt what to do▪ so did his highness' young years, his triumphs at hand, the tears, and exceeding sorrow of Father, Mother, Brother, Sister, the howling cries of his Servants▪ and of the whole Land (who said, her loss, above all was most unspeakable) move his hard heart to pity: But a greater cry before this, having outcried those cries (even the cry of our sins) there was no remedy: for death (although unwilling) not being able to resist the forepassed decree, must needs strike the cruel stroke; Many times did he from that morning until night offer to shoot and thrust in his dart a little, yet pulling it presently back again, as it were of purpose delaying the time, expecting some merciful Message from Heaven, until at last the cloudy night bewraying the irrevocable doom, by nature's decay, the excess of pain having taken away the sense thereof, of mere pity, that thereby he might open unto him the door of Heaven for his passage into glory, being loath that the angel, (who had long attended to convey his soul unto Heaven, should make any longer stay) he thrust his Dart quite thorough; After which, his highness quietly, gently, and patiently, half a quarter, or thereabouts, before eight a clock at night, yielded up his Spirit unto his immortal Maker, Saviour, and Restorer, being attended unto Heaven, with as many Prayers, tears and strong Cries, as ever soul was, on Friday the sixth of November, 1612. The corpse shortly after (as the custom is) was laid along upon a Table on the floor, being the fairest, clearest, and best proportioned, without any kind of spot or blemish, as ever was seen.  
On the Morrow after came the Lords of the council, by appointment from his majesty, to give order for the opening of his Body, &c. which was the same night effected, about five a clock in the Evening, in presence of the physicians and chirurgeons who assisted the Cure, together with the physician of the Prince Palatine, with many other Knights, and Gentlemen, in the Chamber where he died, by the chirurgeons of his majesty, and his late highness, under all their hands, as followeth.  
The skin like that of a dead man, black; but no way spotted with blackness, or pale marks, much less marked with purples like flea-bites, which could show any contagious or pestilential venom. About the place of his kidneys, hips, and behind the thighs, full of redness; and by reason that with great pain he had a long while lain upon his back, his belly somewhat swollen and stretched out, by reason of the windiness which issued out of the smallest opening made in the navel, somewhat high naturally, incontinently the belly falling; The stomach whole and wholesome within and without, having never all his sickness time been troubled with vomitings, loathings, or yelpings, or any other accident which could particularly show that it was attainted. The Liver without, in his highest parts marked with small spots, and in the lower with small blackish lines, paller and blacker than was fitting; The Gall, Bladder, void of of any humour, full of wind: The Spleen on the top, and in the lower end blackish, filled with a black heavy blood: The kidneys fair, and without any blemish. The midriff under the film, or Membrane, containing the heart (which contained a little moisture) spotted with black, as it were a Leadish colour, by reason of the bruising: The lungs almost for the greatest part black, the rest all spotted with black, all embrued, and full of a dust blood, with a corrupt and thick serosity, which by a vent made in the body of the Lungs, came forth foaming in great abundance; in which doing, and in cutting the small skin which invironeth the heart, to show the same, the Surgeon by chance having cut the trunk of the great vein, the most part of the blood issued out into the Chest, leaving the lower veins empty; upon sight whereof the Company did draw consequents of an extreme heat and fullness, the which appeared yet more evident in this, that the windepipe with the throat and tongue were covered with a thick blackness, and amongst other accidents, the tongue cleft, and dry in many places: The heart sound and dry, in all appearance, good in all his qualities.  
The hinder veins which are in the inmost film of the brain, called pia mater, swollen and stuffed with abundance of blood, a great deal more than natural; the substance of the brain fair and clear, but the ventricles thereof full of a clear water, which after the incision ran forth in great abundance: One part of which accidents (as they thought) was engendered, only by reason of the Fever malign, by reason of the putrefaction of divers humours gathered together of a long time before, his highness not being subject to any dangerous sickness by birth; the other part, by reason of the convulsions, resoundings and benummings, which by reason of the fullness, choking the natural heat, and destroying the Vitals, by their malignity, have conveyed his highness to the grave, without any token or accident of poison.  
Thus (or very near thus) lost we the delight of mankind, the expectation of Nations, the strength of his Father, and glory of his Mother, religion's second hope; Foolish people imagine that they have done enough, when they have railed upon the physicians, as though they could have altered Providence, by prolonging his life, never truly beholding the Omnipotent power bereaving him, which although in his sickness, until the blow was given, could not be seen, yet now (even of the blind) may be easily discerned. And I pray you, if we narrowly look upon the practice of the means, what omission of duty shall we find therein? Some near his highness, together with Doctor Mayern, at first called and wished he might bleed, others again, misliked the same, both learned.  
The physicians, although jarring at first in their Propositions and reasons, at last did every thing by a common consent under all their hands; Nothing was wanting, which either Art or experience could think thereof, whatsoever they did, they always thought most safest and best. They toiled continually day and night▪ and if it pleased not God to give a blessing to the means, must they therefore be blamed? You know Paul may plant, and Apollo's may water but it is God that giveth the increase. But imagine, there had been any such strife amongst them, the physicians, as it is reported, what should we think thereof, but that the God of Order will sometime have his will, brought to pass, by a kind of confusion, as he overthrew the Tower of Babel, with the hosts of Midian, &c. So in physic, when his will must be done, if it please him to break and take away the staff of bread, not blessing the means; who, I say, can let him (whose will must be our law) to do whatsoever he will.  
Indeed his highness' great and extraordinary patience, striving so long to overmaster, and hide the same in his health, in my judgement, did much wrong the physicians, who by reason of his patience, never dreamed of his danger; as also his most wonderful and matchless patience all the time of his sickness, showing no kind of froward disposition; lying in show (for any complaints were heard of him) as though he had never been sick nor sore. As also the Vrines, which until a little before his Death, showed no such danger; with the dangerous unknown state of his greatest grief closely rooted in his head (as in the opening hath been seen) which could not at first be fully known, until too late; the picture of Death by a strange extraordinary countenance, having from the beginning possessed him: vain rumours also have been spread abroad, that he was poisoned: But if the former Discourse be well considered, his Death, in my judgement, will appear to have been natural, grounded upon very urgent causes. For the physicians in opening found no such cause in his internals, upon his skin being no kind of spot, or any such suspicion. To surmise as some have done, that he was poisoned by a scent, considering the premises, methinks were great folly, contrary to the opinions of all the learned, who upon this relation to his Majesty, proved him free from any such infection: For my part, my skill reacheth not to determine of any thing; only I think it best to hold, that he died in the rage of a malicious and extraordinary burning fever, wherein his vitals and senses were from the beginning so over-pressed, stupefied, and amazed, chiefly the heart and head, which notwithstanding all cordials and other helps used (God not blessing the means) could never be relieved.  
The Monday after, the Right honourable the Lords of the Privy counsel of his Majesty, with exceeding care came to Saint James's, to give order for all things belonging to so woeful a business; according to which, the whole House, chapel, great Chamber, Presence, Lobby, Privy Chamber, and Bed Chamber were all hung in black with all things fitting, thick set with Scutcheons of his highness' divers arms, which being done, under the State in the Chamber where he first sickened, appointed for the Coffin, there was a place erected above an Ell in height, where it was to stand to be watched until the funeral; Threescore and ten Gentlemen of his Servants, ordinary and extraordinary (which were all he had) being appointed night and day to attend the same, ten at a time, it being so ordered that the ten who watched in the night, did constantly wait the third day after; mean while was order given that the funeral should be solemnised on Monday the 7. of December following; until which time, I will not renew griefs in remembering the unspeakable sorrow which was in that woeful House, now longing to do their last duty.  
The time of the funeral now approaching, on Thursday the third day of December, the Coffin was removed from the Chamber where it stood all this while, unto the Privy Chamber, there being watched for that night. On the morrow it was removed from thence to the presence Chamber, where it remained all that night until the next day, being Saturday at three a clock in the afternoon, at which time his crown and cap of state were set upon a cushion at the head of the Coffin; after which the Heralds marching before the same, the Coffin was removed by the Gentlemen of his Privy Chamber unto the great Chamber, where his Guard attended, in which it was set down for the space of a quarter of an hour; thereafter being lifted again by the foresaid Gentlemen, it was brought down stairs towards the chapel, where again for a pretty while it was set down in the Court; where being lifted again, the Gentlemen of his majesty's chapel singing mournful ditties before them, it was brought into the chapel and there placed under a Canopy set with great arms of the union at full, chained with divers other Scutcheons and several arms, there to remain until the funeral day; This Sunday at night before the funeral, his representation was brought (made in so short warning, as like him as could be) and apparelled with clothes, having his creation robes above the same, his cap and crown upon his head, his Garter, Coller, with a George about his neck, his golden staff in his Right hand lying cross a little; briefly, every thing as he was apparelled at the time of his creation; which being done, it was laid on the back on the Coffin, and fast bound to the same, the head thereof being supported by two cushions, just as it was to be drawn along the streets in the funeral chariot, drawn by eight black horses, decked with his several Scutcheons and Plumes.  
But now the time being come, and all things to adorn the triumphs of his mournful Hadadrimons black day, the funeral being four hours in marshalling and marching, set forth about ten a clock in the morning, there being (as was thought) the number of 2000 Mourners in black; the Relation whereof were now to no purpose; since the order, ranks, and names are already printed in a book to be seen; As it passed along, the whole World, sensible and insensible things, and creatures seemed to mourn, and have compassion, heaven and earth and all; There was to be seen an innumerable multitude of all sorts of ages and degrees of men, women, and children, whose wonderful sorrow who is able to express? some holding in their heads, not being able to endure so sorrowful a sight, all mourning, which they expressed by several sorts of lamentation and sorrow, some weeping, crying, howling, wringing of their hands, others half dead, sounding, sighing inwardly, others holding up their hands, passionately bewailing so great a loss, with Rivers, nay with an Ocean of tears: Well, on they came at last to Westminster Abbey the burial place, where, after the doleful music of all sorts being ended, the Coffin was set under a great stately hearse built Quadrangle wise with eight Pillars, showing three to the view on each side four square, canopy like, rising small on the top, trimmed and set thick within and without with divers scutcheons, small flags, and pencils of his highness' several arms of the union chained, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Chester, Rothsay, Carrick, &c. mingled here and there with his highness' Motto, Fax mentis honestae Gloria, and that of the funeral hearse, Juvat ireper Altum. After which the whole Assembly having taken their places, banners, banerets, and pencils of all sorts being at rest, after an universal silence, the Archbishop of Canterbury (who was appointed to do his highness the last duty) was seen in the Pulpit, who with a grave sober countenance, showing the inward sorrow of his heart, after a little pause and prayer, did with exceeding passion make the funeral Sermon; Of which though you write that you are marvelous desirous to hear the relation, yet I am loath to say any thing, fearing to wrong so grave and great a Person; nevertheless, since I have adventured thus far (I hope without offence) I shall here (as near as I can remember) rehearse a word or two thereof, whereby you may judge of the rest.  
The Text was out of the 82. psalm the sixt and seventh Verses: I have said ye are God's, and ye are Children of the most high: But ye shall die as a Man, and ye Princes shall fall like others. Where after he had most learnedly by way of introduction spoken of the author, occasion, scope, and meaning of this psalm, he divided the same into two main branches. First, the Exaltation of Princes; I have said ye are God's, &c. Secondly, in what respect they are so called: Again, in the humiliation, lest they should be out of measure exalted, he admirably proved by infinite variety of examples, both divine and moral, the vanity and inconstancy of greatness, with all the shadowish toys thereof; Thirdly, for ocular proof and use of all, inviting their eyes to the present doleful spectacle of their late ever renowned Prince, who, not long ago, was as fresh, brave, and gallant as the best of them, unto whom all the delights and pleasures of the World did beg for acquaintance, lacking nothing which heart could wish for, who yet now for our sins lay thus low, bereaved of life and all being, forced to prove the truth of this Text, not only to fall, but to fall as others.  
After which, when he had most truly and excellently showed a part of his highness' Excellencies, and many Noble virtues (for all was not possible) chiefly his rare and singular piety both in himself, and in the government of his household, which he so extolled, that he professed he would not be ashamed hereafter to propose the same for a rule unto himself. For consolation unto them all, he showed the exceeding measure of felicity, his highness had attained unto by death, and that now in respect of himself he was not to be pitied, being compared with those, who had out lived him, the same one brave ship lying amongst a number of others, all tending towards one Haven, whither at length they must needs all come, or ship-broken perish by the way, which setting forth betimes, as it were, new, fresh, and strong, with a fair gale of wind, arriveth quickly without any danger at the Haven of safety; whereas the rest loitering a long time by these, and these enticements, set forth at last in a more dangerous season, some overladen, some missing of their way, some with leaks, some wracked, some starved, some drowned, all exceedingly tempest-beaten, with much ado recovering their desired Haven: Even so, he said, his late highness had gotten the like advantage of all those that had outlived him; all which laded with infinite more sins, endangering their safe passage, must either perish by the way, or storm beaten, arrive with much toil, whither he betimes with ease attained. So with exhortation unto all, to make right use thereof, with exceeding great passion and many tears, he ended.  
This very day also the two Universities, Oxford and Cambridge, did solemnize this black day, with all the signs of sorrow which could be imagined, having in their two university Churches, funeral Sermons, all mourning, both in heart, habit, and countenance; the forerunners of which their extreme sorrow, long before this, in their several books of mourning Epitaphs burst forth, Oxford in her justa Oxon: and Cambridge in her Epicedium Cantabrig: &c. with divers other Orations to this purpose. The funeral Sermon in Saint Mary's Oxon: was Preached by Doctor Goodwin Deane of Christ-Church college there; The Text being out of Esay, the 57 1. The Righteous perisheth, and no man considereth in his heart; and merciful men are taken away from the evil to come.  
In which he was not only exceedingly moved himself, but also moved the whole university, and City, to shed fountains of tears.  
The other of Cambridge was Preached by Doctor Carey, Master of Christ's college, and vicechancellor of the university, his Text being out of the second of Samuel, Chap. 3. verse 34. the last words of the Verse: And all the people wept again for him. In speaking whereof, and weeping himself, he made all the people weep again and again.  
The Archbishop's Sermon (as aforesaid) being ended, the Earls, Lords, and Barons, &c. by this time having offered up their several Banners, and Honours which they carried; as also the great Officers of his House, Sir Thomas Challenor Chamberlain, Sir Charles Cornwallis Treasurer, Sir John Hollis Comptrouler, together with his three Gentlemen-Ushers, Walter Alexander, Anthony Abington, and John Lumley, having all by degrees (Sir Thomas Challenor beginning) broken their White staves and Rods cross-wise over the Coffin, thereby resigning their places, the Assembly dissolved, the Coffin with the representation (as is before said) remaining still under the Hearse, to be seen of all, until the 19 of the said month of December, when decked and trimmed with clothes, as he went when he was alive, Robes, choler, crown, Golden rod in his hand, &c. it was set up in a Chamber of the said chapel at Westminster, amongst the Representations of the Kings and Queens, his famous Predecessors, where it remaineth for ever to be seen.  
He was of a comely tall middle stature, about five foot and eight inches high, of a strong, straight well-made body (as if Nature in him had showed all her cunning) with somewhat broad shoulders, and a small waste, of an amiable majestic Countenance, his hair of an Aborne colour, long faced, and broad forehead, a piercing grave eye, a most gracious smile, with a terrible frown, courteous, loving, and affable; his favour like the sun, indifferently seeming to shine upon all; naturally shamefaced, and modest, most patient, which he showed both in life and death; slow to anger, that even then, when he was many times most offended, he would (Overcoming himself) say nothing; merciful he was after he had a little punished the offenders; neither did he judge rashly, but after due examination of both parties; Dissimulation he esteemed most base, chiefly in a Prince, not willing, nor by nature being able to flatter, fawn, or use those kindly who deserved not his love. Quick he was to conceive any thing, not rash, but mature in deliberation, yet most constant having resolved: true of his promise, most secret even from his youth; so that he might have been trusted in any thing that did not force a discovery: being of a close disposition, not easy to be known, or pried into: of a fearless, noble, heroic, and undaunted courage, thinking nothing unpossible, that ever was done by any: a few fair words prevailed more with him, than all the threats of the world: very pitiful and tender-hearted unto any in misery, whom upon Petition, he ever some way relieved.  
Most ardent in his love to Religion, which love, and all the good causes thereof of, his heart was bent by some means or other (if he had lived) to have showed, and some way to have compounded the unkind jars thereof; He well showed his love to good men, and hatred of the evil, in discerning a good Preacher from a vainglorious, in whom above all things he abhorred flattery, loving and countenancing the good; of the idle and loitering never speaking but with disdain; in which he showed he had a heart flexible to good, and all kind of goodness, which (as I think) was the cause one day, he uttered this speech of the Dean of Rochester his chaplain.  
That he thought, whereas he and others like him, at their first entry into the Pulpit, did look him in the face, their countenance did, as it were say unto him: Sir, you must hear me diligently; you must have a care to observe what I say: As also in his constancy in observing the Prayer time, duly before Dinner and Supper, which until his death he never willingly omitted, whatsoever haste he had, or were it never so late.  
What should I yet add, his conscience of an Oath, that he was never heard (I now appeal to Envy itself) to take God's Name in vain, with an addition of any other seeming light, much less horrible oaths, with full swing of passion; witness the testimony of the Most Reverend, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in his funeral Sermon, wherein was remembered by him, (amongst many other things) that ever memorable reply of his highness, who being asked one day (by one that greatly rejoiced, his highness was no swearer) why he did not swear in play as well as others; to his eternal praise made this reply, That he knew no Game worthy of an Oath.  
To live long he never desired, nor aspired, many times saying, That it was to small purpose for a brave gallant man, when the prime of his days were past, to live so long until he were full of aches, sores, &c. uttering contemptible speeches of Death; affirming many times, that he neither desired, nor aspired, or hoped to live long, and that when he should be sick three or four days together, than God have mercy on me, would he say.  
Popery with all the adjuncts and adherents thereof, he hated to the death, yet he would now and then use particular Papists very kindly, showing that he hated not their persons, but their opinions.  
I must not forget his love to Learning, to the Muses, to all the Learned who any way did excel; to the two Universities, chiefly Oxenford (because mourning Cambridge did never enjoy his presence) whose unspeakeale sorrow for his death, will show the great portion of his love they enjoyed. I should but increase sorrow, to tell you how exceeding kindly their vicechancellor, Doctors, Graduates, and Students were used, when they came to see him at Woodstock; What care he had to give them contentment, how careful he was, and what special commands were generally given throughout the whole house, that they should not want the same; of his mild and grave carriage towards them, and his loving speeches in their absence.  
No less careful he was to obey the King his Father in every thing, being also very diligent to observe and honour the Queen his Mother, so much as in him lay, or as possible he might; wise he was to know and not know, see and not see, almost every thing which was done or said. Wonderful was his care and wisdom in governing of his house, and revenues, giving order and seeing every thing done almost himself, so that scarce were there any of his household Servants whom he did not know by name, amongst whom there was not one known or suspected Papist; his care being so great, that all Communicantes names should be written up, that he might know if there were any, that would not receive.  
So that I may most truly affirm, that since the beginning of Princes no house did ever exceed him in all things; His revenues he left increased by thousands a year; Sparing he was, yet liberal where either honesty, desert, or poverty did move him; neither (whatsoever the World think) was he ever known to give away any thing, or promise any thing but upon mature deliberation; As for those pensious which he gave a little before his death, they were either given to such as had very well deserved them, or who having spent their means in his service, he could not out of his Noble disposition but relieve, thinking it better to do so, then bestow upon them other unknown suits and leases, which otherwise he must needs have done; he was loving and kind to Strangers, whose hearts upon small acquaintance he did easily gain. In state matters and petitions not pertaining unto him, he was ever sparing and not willing to meddle: In his own affairs touching copyholds, leases, or any thing of like nature, whatsoever abuses were, he ever redressed, or minded to help, upon petition of the party aggreeved.  
Friday being the day wherein he died (I know not by what natural inclination, or motion) he did not of a long time before his death love, misliking it above all the days of the week, upon which he would not willingly use any kind of exercise, or ride any journey, sometimes not so much as play at cards thereon, alleging that he continually found some indisposition upon that day, and that he never had good luck upon a Friday, such an ominous conceit of the dismalness of this day having possessed him, which at length proved to be the period of his days.  
He loved and did mightily strive to do somewhat of every thing, and to excel in the most excellent; he greatly delighted in all kind of rare inventions and arts, and in all kind of Engines belonging to the wars, both by Sea and Land: In the bravery and number of great horses; in shooting and levelling of great pieces of Ordnance; in the ordering and marshalling of arms; in building and gardening, and in all sorts of rare music, chiefly the trumpet and drum; in limming and painting, carving, in all sorts of excellent and rare Pictures, which he had brought unto him from all Countries.  
What should I say more of him? over and above all these things, he had a certain kind of extraordinary unspeakable excellency, my frail pen and dull stile not being able to express the same, gathered (out of question) by him long ago from the plentiful Garden of the King his Fathers all admired Bazilicondor●n, long since in his youth dedicated unto him.  
I dare swear, none will think an ill thought, much less speak an ill word of him, unless it be some janus-faced Machiavellian, or hollow hearted Gunpowderers, who as they would have blown up King, Progeny, and State, cannot choose now but bark against him, who was a terror to all the Papists in Christendom.  
As he was a Man, no question but he had imperfectious as others (otherwise he could not have conversed with men) which I profess, I neither knew, nor delighted to search after; or if I had, you know of all others, I am rather boud to cover and conceal the same with Shem and Japhet, then with Ham to show his nakedness; If I were able, yet certainly whatsoever they were, such a number of noble virtues did cover and weigh down the same, eclipsing their light, that they could not easily be perceived, unless it were perhaps by some maliciously bent, who though they might have gathered great store of honey, have rather chosen (like drones) to open the gall; whom I also leave to the gall of bitterness until it consume them.  
Wherefore now since his soul resteth in Heaven (whereof I entreat you doubt not) let us also leave him; For his good life in general, his unfeigned love to Religion, his love to good men, his sound, and saving knowledge, and practice of the same, his attentive and reverent hearing of the word, his humble flexible heart easily cast down, and drawn by the same, with many other good things, which were in him, are sure signs of the favour of God, and consequently of his salvation. To which if we consider with what innumerable prayers, and strong cries, his soul was attended unto Heaven, we may rest fully satisfied of his felicity; For although the extremity of pain from the beginning of his sickness, did as it were stupefy and bereave him of sense, that he could not give those wished testimonies to the World at full; (the Lord choosing to try him in the furnace of affliction) yet since we shall be judged not according to our death, but according to our life (although his death in such an extremity, as is showed, was very good, we may certainly conclude, that his soul now praiseth God.  
Wherefore when we miss him where we were wont to see him, let us lift up our minds to a higher watchtower, remembering that his soul now resteth in Heaven, where all cares, troubles, sores, sicknesses, crosses, and afflictions, shall no more annoy him; where the fears, jars, jealousies, discontentments, mutinies, uproars, & dissensions of State shall never vex him; where he shall hunger no more, thirst no more, desire no more, having all tears wiped from his eyes, in place of those frail ones, which could not here endure the sight of the Candle, now beholding him whose eyes are ten thousand times brighter than the sun, following the lamb whithersoever he goeth, and in the Heaven of Heavens, enjoying the blessed fruition of his God, in the company of Millions of his Saints and Angels, waiting for the full revelation and felicity of the sons of God, and renovation of us all, when God shall be All in All; where let us leave him (of whom we are not worthy until we be gathered unto him) admiring his incomprehensible wisdom which did bereave us, until he let us know by experience, how he will bring light out of darkness: For since he is goodness itself, his will (whatsoever it be) must needs be good; And I pray you, what, how many, how great, and how wonderful things hath the Almighty done with this one blow, in humbling of some, curbing the pride of others, casting some down, and again in raising up of others; letting all see, as in a mirror, the vain inconstancy of greatness, making some others inexcusable, if they receive no good from so sensible a Lesson, with infinite moe, known only to the All-sufficient, All-seeing majesty.  
Let us therefore admire the infinite and incomprehensible wisdom of Almighty God, which so soon translated him from this Vale of darkness, and misery, into that marvellous joy and light, although it seem strange unto our blind eyes: For what know we but that the boiling headstrong passions of youth, evil company (which corrupteth good manners) the reins of Liberty, the corruption of time, with infinite other enticements, whereunto flesh and blood are prone, might have corrupted him, when dying with a consumed body, and a more corrupted soul, he might with an evil Conscience (though full of years) have gone to the grave, with far more hatred, loaden with innumerable more sins, than now he did; when by the contrary, with the love, prayers, and tears of all, he was attended unto Heaven.  
Thus have I been bold to trouble you, and out of my love (for satisfying your curiosity) to exceed the bounds of a short Letter; which if you mildly Censure, with an impartial judgement, pardoning and excusing what you find amiss, you shall encourage me ever to remain, as still I am  
Your assured friend, Charles Cornwallis.