THE HISTORY OF THE Thrice Illustrious Princess HENRIETTA MARIA de BOURBON, QUEEN OF England.  
LONDON, Printed by E. C. for Philip Chetwind, 1660.   

TO THE Paragon of virtue and Beauty, her Grace, The Duchess of AUBEMARLE, &c.  
May it please your Grace,  
IN imitation of the Inscription of the golden Apple that Paris had to distribute among the Goddesses, which was, Let it be given to the fairest, as a gift which only the greatest beauty was worthy of; I humbly present to your Grace this small Mirror of Feminine yet heroic virtues, as a glass wherein none but the most virtuous are capable to dress themselves: A pattern not to be imitated by the Vulgar.  
Your Grace may herein see briefly, yet fully displayed, the frailty and inconstancy of human greatness, and the height of goodness. A Princess of the greatest Extract, the greatest Alliance, the greatest virtue, that this Western World hath for many years boasted of; reduced to the utmost of those miseries wherewith an adverse Fortune could afflict her; yet in all of them bearing herself up with an unbiased soul.  
'Tis easy, Madam, whilst our Fortunes are constant to us, to be constant to our virtues. That Pilot must certainly be very unskilled, who with a fair and prosperous gale, shall steer an indirect course. Afflictions are the greatest trial of a Noble Spirit; and patience in them the chief of virtues.  
Yet was it not the greatest of this Queen's unhappinesses, that she was unhappy, but that some men by malicious Scandals strove to make her guilty of somewhat they thought deserving so great Afflictions; as if to be miserable, must likewise include being wicked.  
But were happiness, Madam, always appropriate to goodness, or did virtue continually carry its reward along with it, we might have just reason to suspect and believe that some horrid wickednesses lately perpetrated amongst us, were rather piety's in the highest degree.  
But her goodness and patience have overcome all scandals; and as she hath lived the Mirror of the latter to all the World, so she may be a pattern of the other to succeeding generations.  
In the mean time, that the Rising Sun of your GRACES virtues and Honours may still soar higher, but never know a declension, is the earnest prayer of  
Your GRACES Most Humble And Most devoted Servant, John DAUNCY.   

TO THE READER.  
THIS late Age hath had so infinite Examples of Vices made virtues, and virtue's Vices, that a clear display of actions in their true and genuine colours will hardly find credit: So long hath scandal had the predominancy over men's minds, that the continual reiterating of them, hath grounded in them (as it were) a serious opinion of their truth, whilst they were Zealous to believe what was represented, rather than what really and truly was.  
This Illustrious and thrice Noble Princess hath not had the least share in this ill humour of the times, whilst the basely employed industry and disingenuity of some men hath endeavoured to represent her under a black Cloud of guilt, who never knew how to wear other than a pure, white and Angel-like Vest of Innocency.  
Yet so powerful were those scandals which were thrust upon this serene Queen, that none durst adventure to convince them of falsity, by demonstrating that the purity of all her actions were above the reproach of the blackest tongue, for fear of running himself on Scylla or Charybdis, of hazarding himself on the Rock of an Arbitrary Power, or plunging himself in the gulf of a discredit; so firmly had scandal rooted an ill opinion of her Majesty in the minds of most people.  
I need not now fear to fall upon the Rock, and doubting not but that I shall escape that other inconvenience: I have endeavoured to represent her as she is (that is) barely by her actions, by which if I cannot persuade men to a belief of her goodness; yet let them at least believe that character which was given her by him, who of all men must needs know her best, her Royal Husband.  
Reader, 'tis the greatest uncharity in the world to give credit to that evil which malicious tongues would persuade us to be in any person, and never inquire into those goodnesses wherewith they are really endowed: For most certain it is, 

Qui causam statuerit, parte in audita altera,  
Aequum licet quod statuerit haud aequum est.   

Who judges ere he hear another tell  
His cause, may judge right, but shall ne'er judge well.    
And that makes me the more confident, that this small piece will find a clearer reception, whilst like the Welcome Sun it clears light out of darkness, and makes that appear truly fair (as it is) which was before spitefully beclouded.   

THE HISTORY OF Henrietta Maria, QUEEN of ENGLAND.  
THat Philosopher certainly was either Foolish or frantic, who determined (or at least started it as a question) that there could be no heroic virtue in Women, no Age in the world having been deficient of some of that sex, completely furnished both with Magnanimity, and all other virtues, which might adorn the most Noble spirits; some illustrious women having in all times left their precedents to the world, of Valour, wisdom, Chastity, Courage, and Magnanimity: All Histories, even the Holy Writ itself, bearing witness of the virtues of some of that sex, whose Fames have endured, and are to this present age recorded with honour and admiration.  
Nor hath our age itself been wanting in examples of that nature; but more particularly in that Phoenix of our times (whose life I intend to treat of) Henrietta Maria de Bourbon, a Princess, as of incomparable virtues and endowments, so of a mighty Birth and Alliance, having been Daughter, Sister, Wife, Aunt and Mother to Kings: Daughter to the thrice Illustrious and renowned Prince Henry the Great, King of France, and Sister to his Son Lewis the Thirteenth: Wife to Charles the First, King of Great Britain and Ireland: Aunt to Lewis the Fourteenth now King of France: And Mother to our present most Gracious sovereign Lord King Charles the Second. To so many Kings hath she been so nearly allied.  
But before we proceed to our story of her, it will not be impertinent to touch something of her father's virtues (though not always) being often inherent to Posterity. A Prince he was in whom nothing of worth was wanting, a pattern of all that heroic Nobleness which could accomplish either a Man or a King: Not known to be subject to any Vice, except that which overcame the strongest, holiest and wisest of men, too great a love to Women.  
His wonderful acts, both in time of Peace and War, had deservedly gained him the Title of GREAT: By the first he enriched France with a greater proportion of Silk and wool, (by augmenting and encouraging a foreign traffic) then ever before she was Master of, besides adorning her with many famous Structures, and accommodating her by cutting Navigable sluices from River to River; by the last he cured her distempers, and by his Valour quieted those Civil Wars which had for near twenty years distracted and disturbed that kingdom, having been victorious in Four main battles against the Guisan Faction; and at length rooted out all those whose affections were more swayed to the Spaniard then to their natural Prince: Yet was he in the end (see the instability of human Glory and greatness) by an obscure Villain in one of the principal streets of his chief City of Paris, stabbed to death in his Coach, in the midst of those triumphs which were prepared for his Queen, the Illustrious Maria di Medici's, who then newly had her brows begirt with the Royal Diadem of France, and when he had lain in readiness a Potent Army in perfect Equipage, and composed of stout and able old soldiers, which made his Neighbours round about to tremble (none knowing on whom the effects of so potent a Force would fall) his intended design continuing a riddle to this day.  
He was at his first coming to the Crown very much inclined to the Protestant Profession, in which he had for the most part been nurtured; but the necessity of his affairs, and the strength of the Papists enforced him to make a public Confession of the Roman Catholic Religion, and condescend to them in Ecclesiastical affairs; notwithstanding which he was soon after by a young Jesuit (who after the fact, confessed he did it because he thought him not yet well settled and grounded in the Catholic Faith, but too much wavering towards the Huguenots) stabbed in the mouth with a knife: Which made one of his Confidents prophetically to tell him: Sir, You may see how just and punctual GOD ALMIGHTY is in his Judgements: For I hope you have denied the Religion you were first nurtured in, but from the teeth outwards, so he hath struck you there, but take heed your heart go not from it, for he will strike you there the next time: Which proved exactly true.  
The Villain which murdered him could by no extremity of Torments be induced to confess any other than himself abettor of his Crime, which he did (as he said) out of an inward motion he had, that King Henry was not yet fully confirmed in the Roman Faith, a belief whereof he gathered out of the great benefits and Liberties still continued to the Protestants.  
'Twas but a very short time before his violent death, 
The Queen born.  that his youngest Daughter and last child the Princess Henrietta Maria was born: So that she had neither the felicity to be an eye-witness of those extraordinary virtues wherewith her Father was endowed, nor the means to imitate them, otherwise then as by an everlasting fame they were left to Posterity.  
Yet falling under the care of the Illustrious Maria di Medici's her Mother, (a Princess of most rare endowments, to whom likewise the Charge of Government was committed till the succeeding King Lewis the Thirteenth should come to age) she was educated suitable to her birth and greatness, and those virtues cherished in her, which seemed to be innate, as appearing almost in her very Cradle.  
Nor was she less accomplished in that other adorner of Women, beauty, which though it out-shone not her virtues, yet it made them shine with the greater lustre, whilst they likewise seemed to set it forth, and blazon it like a clear and unclouded Sun.  
She was about the age of Fifteen years when Prince Charles first taking that Adventurous, 
Prince Charles his Voyage to Spain.  and therefore Renowned Journey into Spain, to endeavour the conclusion of a Match between himself and the Royal Infanta, in his passage through Paris, he incognito beheld this Paragon of virtue and Beauty, and though he were then going about a business which must necessarily obstruct his inclinations towards her, yet he seemed very much to like her, nor was she in her affections less propense to him, being reported to have said after she had heard about what business he was gone into Spain, That he need not have gone so far for a Wife. So that it seemed that this Match was concluded on in Heaven, which no worldly endeavours could obstruct.  
For after the fruitless endeavours of Prince Charles in Spain, 
His return.  to regain the Palatinate (without which he could not accept of the Infanta for his Wife, King James always saying, That there should be no Match unless that were likewise restored, for he would not marry Prince Charles in joy, and leave his Daughter the Princess Elizabeth in tears) was with safety to the great joy of the People returned into England, and in stead of an Alliance, a War proclaimed with Spain; Lewis the Thirteenth King of France sent two Letters fraught with extraordinary expressions and strains of Princely love, tacitly inviting some overtures of a Match with France, to which King James returned answer thus.  
MOst High, 
K. James his Letter to the K. of France.  most Excellent, and most puissant Prince, Our most dear and loving good Brother and Cousin, and ancient Ally:  
Although his late Majesty of happy memory was justly entitled the Great, for having in effect reconquered by Arms his kingdom of France, although it appertained to him as his proper Inheritance; nevertheless you have made a greater Conquest: For the kingdom of France, although it was regained by the Victorious Arms of the King your Father, yet belonged to him by Right, and he therefore subjugated nothing but what was his own. But you have made a greater conquest, having by your two last Letters, so full of true Cordial courtesy, overcome your good Brother and ancient ally, and all the Kingdoms appertaining to him. For we acknowledge ourselves so overcome by your brotherly affection, that We cannot render you the like; Only We can promise and assure you upon the Faith of an Honest man, that you shall have power not only to dispose of Our Forces and Kingdoms, but of Our Heart, Our Person, and the Person of Our Son, if there be cause. Praying you to rest assured, that We shall be so far from thinking to cherish, or give any countenance to any of your Subjects, of what profession of Religion soever, that shall forget their natural Devoirs towards you, and if We can get the least light of any thing, you shall be most faithfully advertized: And you may promise yourself in like case, or in any other that may tend to the honour of your Crown, that you shall have power to dispose freely of Our assistance, as if the cause were your own, and upon this truth that our Interests shall always be common, We pray God, Most high, most excellent and most puissant Prince, Our most dear and most loving Brother, Cousin and ancient ally, to have you always in his protection.  
This Letter was soon after followed by Letters both from King James, 
Letters sent to the Princess Henrietta Maria.  and Prince Charles, to the Princess Henrietta Maria, which she refused to read, till she had her mother's leave, which granted, she put King James his in her Cushion or Cabinet, but Prince Charles his she placed in her bosom; which made King James say, That though he would denounce War against her for not reading the Letters without her mother's approbation, yet he must return her thanks for her after ordering them; intimating thereby, That she would rely and rest upon him, but lodge his Son in her heart.  
But before the Conclusion of this Treaty, 
King James his Death.  it pleased the Almighty to put an end to King James his days; a Prince who all his life had kept this kingdom in a continual Peace and quietness, and had often been an Umpire in the difference of Neighbouring Princes, who were in as continued Combustions about him, whilst himself was never plunged in any War, till now lately in one with Spain for the Restitution of the Palatinate.  
Prince Charles upon the death of his Father is immediately declared his lawful Heir and undoubted Successor, 
Prince Charles succeeds.  whereof by his several Ambassadors he immediately acquaints all the neighbouring Princes: But to the King of France he sends over the Earls of Carlisle and Holland, not only to acquaint him with his father's death, but to treat of an Alliance with the Princess Henrietta Maria; which Negotiation was concluded in fewer months than Spain had spent years in her Treaty.  
And soon after Letters of Procuration (or proxy) were sent to the Duke of Chevereux of the House of Guise for espousing his Mistress and making her his Consort, 
Letters of proxy to the Duke of Chevereux.  the Ceremony of which was celebrated on Sunday the First of May according to our stile, but the Eleventh according to theirs, in the Church of Notre dame at Paris, with a great deal of pomp and magnificence, she being given to the Duke of Chevereux in behalf of the King of England by her two Brothers the King and Mounsieur.  
About a fortnight after the Duke of Buckingham put in Commission with the English ambassadors there, 
Buckingham and others sent to fetch the Queen.  is with a train of the best quality to accompany him sent to attend the Queen, and to bring her over to her Spouse in England, 
K. James his funeral.  whilst in the mean time, King James' Funeral on the 14 of May, was magnificently solemnised at Westminster, King Charles himself contrary to the old custom attending the Obsequies.  
On the second of June, 
The Qu. sets forward.  the now Queen of England set forward from Paris, and at the Town of Amiens stayed fourteen days, by reason of the Queen her mother's sickness, and indisposition, who would willingly have accompanied her to the Sea side, but at length was forced to leave her here, and so with her Brother the Mounsieur, she set forward towards Boulogne, a longer passage by sea to England then that of Calais; but the infection there forced them to accept of this.  
Here the Queen received the Duke of Buckingham's Mother (with a Train of very many Ladies of quality from England) whom Mounsieur so much honoured as to condescend to give her a visit at her Lodging, for no other reason but her being Mother to the King of England's chief Favourite, and the Duchess of Chevereux that great Princess both of Match and Blood was forced to give her the precedency.  
The King had commanded a good part of his Navy Royal, 
The Queen puts to sea.  one and twenty Ships to attend the Queen, on which she imbarques, but in her passage finds the same rough and tempestuous weather which Mary Queen of Scots found when she was wafted over from Calais: This some interpreted as an ill omen, and have since taken it as a token of the succeeding tempests of her life.  
Yet on Trinity Sunday the 13/23 of June, 
Arrives at Dover.  she arrives at Dover about seven a Clock at night, his Majesty the next Morning coming from Canterbury to meet her, with joy received her at the top of the Stairs, whilst she on her knee endeavouring to kiss his hand, he seeming as it were surprised, takes her up in his arms and salutes her with reiterated kisses. And so conducting her into an inner Chamber, after his congratulation of her safe arrival, and expression of the sad fears of her danger at Sea, (finding her somewhat surprised, and to let fall some tears to see herself now in the hands of a stranger, whom she had never before seen) he tells her, That she was fallen into the effects of God's Divine Providence, to forsake her Kindred and cleave to her Spouse, professing that he would be no longer Master of himself, than he was a servant to her.  
The Ceremony here was accomplished, 
The King and Queen set forward to Londen.  and the Duke of Chevereux having rendered her up to his majesty's bosom here, and to his bed the same night at Canterbury, they the next day set forward towards Gravesend, the whole way being laned with millions of people, who made the very air thunder with renumerated echoes of God save their Majesties; they were likewise accompanied with a most gallant Train of the English Gentry, who came from all parts of the Kingdom to wait upon their Majesties at so great a Solemnity.  
At Gravesend on the Thursday after, their Majesties entered into the Barge of State, and accompanied with an infinite number of other Barges and Boats, went by water to Somersethouse, whilst the Ships all the way being placed in ranks on both sides the River, did volley out welcomes to these two Princes.  
The Third after their arrival at London, 
The Marriage proclaimed.  their Majesties appeared in State to the Nobility, both having seated themselves upon their royal Thrones. And soon after the Marriage was publicly proclaimed with excessive joy to all: And from thence their Majesties by reason of the great infection then in and about London, removed to Hampton-Court: Where, and in all other places, they for many years lived in the greatest content and enjoyment of conjugal love that possibly could be: The King most singularly indulgent of his Royal Consort, and she correspondent with him, not only in personal affection, but also in bringing him forth a Progeny of Royal Princes and Princesses: The best for Alliance and Stock that ever the Earth had, being immediately descended from the blood Royal of England and France, allied to the Emperor, Kings of Spain and Denmark, and all the most potent Princes of the Western World. So that if ever any, these might most properly be said to be sprung de semine diuûm, of the seed of the Gods.  
Yet there happened an accident on the first of July, 
Occasion of discontent between the King and Queen.  in the year 1626. which not only created a difference betwixt Lewis the thirteenth King of France, and his Majesty of England, but might likewise have caused a breach between him and his dearly beloved Queen and Consort, had not her incomparable prudence taught her how to submit to her husband's pleasure.  
The King had several times been informed of misdemeanours committed by some of the Queen's domestics, 
The Qu. Servants dismissed.  towards her person, and his Majesty; and therefore on the first of July, having the same day sent a Message, commanding all the Queen's Servants to be there in readiness, he came to Somersethouse attended by the Duke of Buckingham, the Earls of Holland and Carlisle, and other principal Officers, and tells them,  
Gentlemen and Ladies,  
I Am driven to that extremity, as I am personally come to acquaint you, that I very earnestly desire your return for France: True it is, the deportment of some amongst you, hath been very inoffensive unto Me, but others again have so dallied with my patience, and so highly affronted Me, as I cannot, I will not longer endure it.  
This accusation (though not determined to any particular) made all guilty, 
Bishop of Menes & Madam St. George, offer a defence of themselves.  and every single person was concerned to clear himself: Whereupon the Bishop of Menes answered,  
Sir, If this accrimination be leveled at me, let me, I beseech you, know my fault, while I am here to make defence.  
And Madam St. George said,  
Sir, I make no question but the Queen will give me a fair Testimonial to your Majesty.  
But the King replied no more then, I name none: and so commanded their speedy return to France.  
This sudden action of the Kings, 
The Qu. extremely disturbed at the sending away of her servants.  overwhelmed the Queen (whose tender years were not yet fit for so harsh an encounter) with a great deal of impetuous passion against the King, she at first taking it as the greatest extremity of unkindness, that having so small a company of her native friends and servants to attend her, they should in an instant be all cashiered, and in lieu of them she to expect, not a Train of Honour, but a Guard of disaffected persons, not so much to attend her as her actions, whereby she should be treated more like a Prisoner than a Princess: That there could not be a higher affront put upon a Daughter of France, or Queen of England.  
The King observing her transportation, 
The King's endeavour to pacify her.  endeavoured by all sweet and gentle persuasions to pacify her, but finding her inexorable, he resolves to be so too, and therefore the beginning of the next Month the French were all sent packing, having their Salaries paid them to a penny, and some of them large Gratuities given them contrary to that scandal of a Modern French Historian, who writes, That they were dismissed without their Wages and appointment. Yet the doom fell heavy upon some of them, who having sold all they had in France, out of hopes to raise themselves Fortunes under the Queen in England, were by this cashierment almost totally ruined.  
Their misdemeanours were of several sorts: 
The French misdemeanours.  The ecclesiastics stood charged with imposing several unhandsome and unbecoming Penances upon the Queen, as particularly, the forcing her to make a Progress barefoot to Tyburn, there to present her Devotions, which action (the King said) could have no greater invective than the Relation. The Bishop of Mends was blamed likewise for contesting with the Earl of Holland, about the Stewardship of those manors which were settled upon the Queen as her jointure, that Office being conferred on the Earl by the King, whilst the other claimed a Grant from the Queen.  
Madam St. George was accused for having endeavoured by cunning insinuations to beget a disaffection between the King and Queen, wherein she had gone so far, that whatever she suggested, found more credence with the Queen, than whatsoever the King could allege; an affront not to be comported. And it appeared clearly after their departure, that the Queen's frowardness proceeded not from any natural disposition or inclination of her own, but from their evil counsels, and the products of their malicious spirits; for ever after the Queen comported herself with so loving a complacency and compliance, that the whole world could not afford a couple more mutually endeared to one another.  
Yet notwithstanding, 
King of France resents the sending away of his sister's servants.  the Majesty of France highly resented the sending away of his sister's Servants and domestics, who filled his ears with many lies and scandals, one of which was the aforementioned, That they were sent away without their Salary: Whereas they had not only their full debentures paid them, but large Rewards besides. Yet King Lewis his ears were so open to their complaints, 
ambassadors sent to demand their restitution.  that he dispatches the Marshal de Bassompiere extraordinary Ambassador to the King of England, to demand the restitution of the Queen's domestics, taxing our King with breaking the 14th Article of the Matrimonial part, by which it was agreed, That all the domestic Servants which the Queen should bring over into England should be natural French, and Catholics, chosen by the most Christian King: And in case of death she to choose other Catholics of France, provided the King of Great Britain should assent.  
Yet this Embassage proved vain and ineffectual; 
But in vain.  for it could not be expected, but that although by the Articles the King of France was to choose the first set of Servants for the Queen, yet they could not bind the King not to turn them away in case of misdemeanour; for if so, his power was so restrained, that those Servants might take upon them to contradict his Majesty. In sum, their readmission was utterly refused: Whereupon King Lewis proceeded to an utter breach of the peace between both Kingdoms, by seizing and securing the English Merchants Ships in the River of Bourdeaux, and by employing the vanguard and the other six Ships (formerly lent to the French) against Rochel, contrary to Articles, and their first Predestination.  
This War proved unfortunate to the English, 
War with France unsuccessful.  for their first, second, and third attempts were all unsuccessful; and the Great Duke of Buckingham, who commanded in chief, in the first Expedition for relief of Rochel, being to set forth again upon the same design, was by one John Felton an obscure fellow, stabbed to death at Portsmouth.  
The Qu. in the Spring of the year 1629. was delivered of a Child, 
The Queen brought to bed before her time.  which coming somewhat before its time lived not much above an hour, yet having some life in it, the Priests which attended the Qu. were very earnest to baptize it, but the K. stepping in prevented them, and commanded Dr. Web, one of his Chaplains, to officiate, and name him Charles; which immediately after he had done, the child expired.  
But on the 29th of May in the Year ensuing, 
Prince Charles born.  was her Majesty delivered of a Son both living and lively, to the surpassing joy and exultation both of the Court and whole kingdom, Heaven itself seeming to rejoice: For at the time when the King rode to St. Paul's Church to give thanks to God for the Queen's safe delivery of a Son, though it were then near noonday, there visibly appeared a Star in the Firmament, upon which these Verses were presented.  

Rex ubi Paulinas accessit gratus ad arras,  
Immicuit medio lucida stella Polo.  
Dic divina mihi tractans aenigmata coeli,  
Haec oriens nobis quid sibi stella velit?  
Magnus in occiduo princeps modo nascitur orbe,  
Moxque sub eclipsi regna Orientis erunt.   

Thus Englished by Mr. Sanderson.  
When to Pauls-cross the grateful King drew (near,  
A shining Star did in the Heavens appear:  
Thou that consults with Divine Mysteries,  
Tell me what this bright Comet signifies:  
Now is there born a valiant Prince i'th' West,  
That shall Eclipse the Kingdoms of the East.   
On the 27 of June following was the Prince baptised at St. James', 
The Prince baptised.  with most refulgent pomp and Princely Ceremony, and named Charles: the Godfathers and Witnesses at his christening, were the King of France, and Prince Elector Palatine, represented by the Duke of Lenox and Marquess Hamilton: The Godmother was the Queen Mother of France, whose Substitute was the Duchess of Richmond.  
But the more to bind the affections of this Pair Royal, 
Princess Mary born,  to a firm tie of Conjugal love, on the fourth of November she blessed his Majesty and this Nation with the birth of her eldest Daughter, the Princess Mary, whereby she gave him pledges of both sexes, which afterwards she increased to a more numerous Issue.  
For on the Thirteenth of October, 
And Duke of York.  1633 she was delivered of her second Son, christened James, and by the Kings command styled Duke of York, and so afterwards created by Letters Patents.  
And on the 28 of December, in the year 1635. was the Queen delivered of her second Daughter, the Lady Elizabeth, whose birth was congratulated by the United States of the Netherlands, with a present of a massy piece of ambergris, two fair and almost transparent China basins, a rare Clock of very excellent Art, and four very admirable pieces of painting, the Originals of Tintinet and Titian, those incomparable Artists.  
Thus far had this Queen lived in all peace and prosperity, enjoying the full and endeared love of her Royal Consort, which there were no outward obstructions to hinder; they enjoying all things wherewith peace and prosperity could cherish them, besides a blessed Issue, the delight of their eyes; so that Fortune seemed to blow a gale upon them beyond their desires or expectations; till unconstant as she is; she turned the scale, and involved them in as great a gulf of sorrow and misery, as they had before been in the height of glory and greatness.  
Yet the hard Fortunes they were subjected to, did but the more illustrate and set forth those virtues, which whilst their brows were encircled with prosperity were scarce discernible to vulgar eyes and judgements. For though to bear one's self with even and noble spirit in the height of happiness and greatness, be praiseworthy and admirable, yet afflictions are the only trial of a great and magnanimous soul.  
And that this Queen was a person of so great and magnanimous spirit, none can doubt, who shall consider with what a settled spirit she waded through those Afflictions with which God was pleased to chastise her and her Royal Consort.  
The first time that she had occasion to show herself ready and willing to endure a part of her husband's afflictions, 
The Queen raises a Benevolence amongst the Catholics.  was when his Majesty by reason of the Scots second Rebellion, in 1639. (notwithstanding his gracious Pardon and Pacification granted them but the year before) was constrained by force of Arms to seek a course to reduce them to Obedience, but by reason of the unwillingness of Parliaments to supply his extraordinary wants then, and the great Charge which would accrue by his raising an Army to oppose them, who were then ready to enter his Kingdom of England, was forced to desire a Benevolence of those his Loyal Subjects of the Nobility and others, who were willing to contribute towards his Necessities. The Queen out of her mere motion, and free will, by her Substitutes, Sir Kenelme Digby, and Mr. Walter Montague, negotiated with the Catholics, for a free and hearty Contribution.  
And so free were those (who though they were termed Recusants in point of Religion, 
The Catholics free supplies.  yet were not so, but rather examples to others in point of loyalty) few Catholics then in the Kingdom, that almost as great a sum was gathered from them, as from the more numerous Protestants, many of them proportioning their affections beyond their abilities.  
Yet those Instruments 
The Collectors of her majesty's Benevolence questioned▪  which she had employed for the raising of those free and voluntary Contributions, were after questioned by the House of Commons, and their Collections, though voluntary, adjudged illegal; there being a Law in England, restraining all public Collections, but only what were made according to such and such Forms and Commissions, which were to issue forth in Cases of such a general nature, and though those Collections (as was alleged) were rather Free Gifts than Collections, yet the Collectors were like to have been punished. Which together with the scandal cast upon her Majesty, That she had been an Incendiary betwixt the King and his People, and objections taken at the residence of the Pope's Legate in England; she by Letter acquainted that House,  
That she had always used her best endeavours for the removing of all misunderstandings betwixt the King and his People: 
The Qu. message to the House of Commons.   
That she had effectually, both by Letters and express Messages persuaded him to convoque that great Assembly.  
That whereas there were exceptions taken at the residence of the Pope's Legate in England, she would take care to remove him speedily, though he were here merely for her own Conscience.  
That touching the Collection, if any thing were illegal in it, it must be imputed to her ignorance of the Law, being carried thereunto out of a dear and tender affection to his Majesty, her Royal Spouse, in so pressing an occasion, but she would be more cautious hereafter, not to do any thing but what might stand with Law.  
That she was desirous to employ all the power she had, to unite the King and People: Therefore she desired them to look forwards, and pass by such mistakes and errors of her Servants: which respect of theirs should be repaid with all good Offices, whereby they should find real effects.  
This complacent and gentle Message of the Queen mitigated the Parliaments resentments against her Collectors, and upon further consideration all proceedings against them were suspended.  
At the beginning of those second ●roubles in Scotland, 
The Qu. Mother arrives in England.  the Queen Mother of France, who by the overreaching power of the Cardinal Richelieu, by her means and power, advanced to that height wherewith he then swayed, was not only expulsed out of her Dominion of that kingdom, but being likewise ignominiously led about the French Army, in the manner of a Prisoner, was after suffered to escape thence, which she did, first to the Cardinal d'Infanto governor of Flanders, and afterwards to the Prince of Orange, from whence she was by our Queen her daughter, compassionate of her miseries, invited over into England, where she arrived on the last of October, 1638. just before the beginning of our sad and miserable troubles, her coming over being upon unknown grounds imputed as a presage of all our future distractions, she being accounted ominous to what place soever she came, till the middle of the year 1641. (when we began more visibly to be involved in our troubles) she stayed here, when accompanied with the Earl of Arundel, she took her leave, and journeyed through Zealand to Collen in Germany, 
Her death.  where soon afterward overwhelmed with age and miseries, in a melancholy condition to see that Cardinal Richelieu, whom she had raised from almost nothing, to the whole administration the affairs of France, this mighty Princess expired.  
During the being here of that Illustrious Princess, 
Duke of Gloucester born.  the Queen was brought a-bed of a third Son, who entered into the world on the twentieth of July, 1640. and was christened Henry, and after created Duke of Gloucester. She had before been delivered of her third Daughter on the 17th of March, 1636. who was christened Anna, and died before her Father.  
And shortly after the Duke of Glocesters' birth, in the same year, 
The Marriage of the Princess Mary with the Prince of Orange.  the ambassador leaguer of Holland made some overtures of a Marriage between the young Prince, William of Nassau Prince of Orange, and the Kings eldest Daughter the Lady Mary: Which Overtures were willingly assented to by the King, and likewise agreed upon by the Parliament, who expressed much joy at the King's inclinations to marry his Daughter to a Protestant Prince, though somewhat inferior to her in birth and nobleness. So on Sunday the second of May, the Marriage was with a great deal of Solemnity performed in the King's chapel at Whitehall.  
Notwithstanding the Parliaments former suspension of all proceedings against the King's servants who collected the Benevolence amongst the Catholics, 
The Qu. accused of High treason.  for the King's necessary supply in his Expedition against the Scots; yet a strange report after there was, of the Parliaments intentions to draw up Articles of High Treason against her. And indeed some resolutions there were of the Parliaments, (upon a fond conceit that the Queen had so much power with the King, as to misadvise him) either to persuade her to withdraw herself aside, by some fears wherewith they would possess her, or else to drive her away perforce; which the King finding, and thinking the first the surest course, thought it better to have her go as it were voluntarily, and therefore acquainted the Parliament,  
That he was pressed by the state's ambassadors, to send the Princess Maria into Holland, to her late Espoused Husband, and that the Queen desiring it, he had given her leave to go with her.  
And so the good Queen was got out of their Clutches, 
The Queen goes for Holland.  the King accompanying her and the Princess to the seaside at Dover, and she carrying with her all the Jewels belonging to the Crown, the Pawn of which afterwards (with some additional supplies from the Prince of Orange, assisted the King in his extremest necessities.  
The King was extremely troubled at the Queen's departure, which made him fall into this rare soliloquy of her, in which because he (who knew her best) gives the best Characters of her that possibly can be given, I shall here insert it.  

ALthough I have much cause (says the King) to be troubled at my wife's departure from me, and out of my Dominions; yet not her absence, so much as the scandal of that necessity which drives her away, doth afflict me. That she should be compelled by my own Subjects, and those pretending to be Protestants, to withdraw for her safety: This being the first example of any Protestant Subjects, that have taken Arms against their King, a Protestant. For I look upon this now done in England, as another act of the same Tragedy which was lately begun in Scotland; the Brands of that fire being ill quenched, have kindled the like flames here. I fear such motions, so little to the adorning of the Protestant Profession, may occasion a further alienation of mind, and divorce of affections in her, from that Religion wherein we only differ.  
Which yet God can, and I pray he would in time take away, and not suffer these practices to be any obstruction to her judgement; since it is the motion of those men (for the most part) who are yet to seek and settle their Religion for Doctrine, Government and good manners, and so not to be imputed to the true English Protestants, who continue firm to their former settled Principles and Laws.  
I am sorry my relation to so deserving a Lady, should be any occasion of her danger and affliction, whose merits would have served her for a protection amongst the savage Indians, whilst their rudeness and barbarity knows not so perfectly to hate all virtues, as some men's subtlety doth, among whom I yet think few are so malicious as to hate her for herself, the fault is, she is my Wife.  
All justice then, as well as affection, commands me to study her security, who is only in danger for my sake. I am content to be tossed weather-beaten and shipwrecked, so as she may be in a safe harbour.  
This comfort I shall enjoy by her safety in the midst of my personal dangers, That I can perish but half, if she be preserved, to whose memory and hopeful Posterity I may yet survive the malice of mine enemies, although they should be satiated with my blood.  
I must leave her and them to the love and loyalty of my good Subjects, and to, his protection who is able to punish the faults of Princes, and no less severely to revenge the Injuries done to them, by those who in all duty and Allegiance, aught to have made good that safety which the Laws chiefly provide for Princes.  
But common civility is in vain expected from those who dispute their Loyalty: Nor can it be safe for any Relation to a King to tarry among them who are shaking hands with their Allegiance, under pretence of laying faster hold on their Religion.  
'Tis pity so noble and peaceful a Soul, should see, much more suffer the rudeness of those, who must make up their want of Justice with inhumanity and impudence.  
Her sympathy with me in affliction will make her virtues shine with greater lustre, as Stars in the darkest nights, and assure the envious World, That she loves me, not my Fortunes.  
Neither of us but can easily forgive, since we do not much blame the unkindness of the generality and Vulgar; for we see God is pleased to try both our Patience, by the most selfpunishing sin, the ingratitude of those who having eaten of our Bread, and being enriched by our bounty, have scornfully lift up themselves against us, and those of our own household are become our enemies. I pray God lay not their sin to their charge, who think to satisfy all Obligations to duty by their Corban of Religion, and can less endure to see, then to sin against their Benefactors as well as their sovereigns.  
But even that policy of mine enemies is so far venial, as it was necessary to their designs, by scandalous Articles, and all irreverend demeanour, to seek to drive her out of my Kingdoms, lest by the influence of her example, eminent for Love as a Wife, and Loyalty as a Subject, she should have converted to, or retained in their Love and Loyalty, all those, whom they had a purpose to pervert.  
The less I can be blessed with her Company, the more I will retire to God and mine own Heart, whence no malice can banish her. Mine Enemies may envy, but they can never deprive me of the enjoyment of her virtues, while I enjoy myself.   
Let the world then judge by this noble character given her by him who of all men in the world best knew her, how ill she deserved those many scandals and reproaches upon her, which even malice itself could hardly be induced to believe.  
The Parliament had before the Queen's departure endeavoured to clear themselves from any intention of drawing up any Articles against her, 
The Parliaments endeavour to clear themselves.  and that it was only a scandal put upon them by some malicious Incendiaries: To which excuse of theirs, the Queen mildly returned answer,  
That there was a general report thereof, 
The Qu. answer to their excuse.  but she never saw any Articles in writing, and having no certain Author for either, she gave little credit thereto; nor could she believe that they would lay any aspersions upon her, who had ever been very unapt to misconstrue the actions of any one person, and much more the proceedings of Parliament: And should at all times wish a happy Union and understanding between the King and his people.  
However the King thought it the best course to send her out of the way.  
During the Queen's absence, 
The breach betwixt the King and Parliament.  broke out those irreconcilable discontents between the King and Parliament: The first endeavouring to maintain the fundamental Laws of the Land, the true professed Protestant Religion, and his own due and proper Rights and Prerogatives; whilst the latter endeavoured to subvert all of them, by infringing and eclipsing that Royal Prerogative, which had for above three hundred years adorned this Monarchy, endeavouring to settle an arbitrary Power in themselves, by subverting and overturning at pleasure the fundamental Laws of the Land, making new ones according as their designs served them; taking away from the King all power over the Militia, his undoubted and inherent right, surprising and engarrisoning his Forts and Castles, robbing him of his Ships and Navies, denying him entrance into one of his own Towns, and disposal of his Magazine of Arms and Ammunition there, though bought with his own Money, and intended to be employed in reducing the Irish then in Rebellion, for the general good of these Kingdoms, and all this under the large pretences of Reformation of Religion, removing the King from (such as they pleased to call) evil counsellors, making him a happy and glorious King; whilst indeed in stead of him, as the event proved, they intended to constitute themselves so many petty Athenian Kings, to Rule and Domineer at pleasure over these three Kingdoms.  
And to this effect they first raise Arms, 
The Parliament raise Arms.  persuading the People, That their intentions were only to bring the King again to his Parliament, from whence by the violent proceedings of some Members in the Commons House, (who suggested jealousies and fears into the suburban Rabble of the City of London, and induced them to come to his Court, in tumultuous manner, and threaten him at his very Palace-gate) he was forced in honour to go away, and retire himself to York, where (after many messages and solicitations to the Parliament to come to an accord and agreement) he likewise endeavoured to put himself into a posture of Defence.  
But the Parliament having both the Magazine of Men, 
The King likewise arms.  Money and Ammunition (the City of London) in their hands, were extremely beforehand with him; though the Queen used her utmost endeavours in Holland, by the assistance of the Prince of Orange, and those Jewels she carried over with her, to raise him both supplies of Money, Arms and Ammunition, by means of which, and the Contributions and assistance of those Subjects which still continued loyal to him, he gathered such an Army as was able for some time to oppose his enemies.  
And on the sixteenth of February, 1642. 
The Queen comes to England.  the Queen herself imbarques for England, but was the first time by contrary winds and foul weather beaten back again into Holland: But fearing no storms for her dear Consorts sake, puts to sea again, and on the nineteenth, she with some hazard anchors at Burlington Bay, and safely lands, the two and twentieth, with some supply of Officers, Munition and Money. But though she got safely to shore, yet she endured there as great a Tempest, if not worse than any she had done at Sea, of which she thus by Letter acquaints the King.  
THE next night after we came to Burlington, 
The Qu. Letter to the King about her escape at Burlington.  four of the Parliament Ships arrived without being perceived by us, and about Five a Clock in the Morning they began to ply us so fast with their Ordinance, that it made us all to rise out of our Beds, and leave the Village, (at least the Women.) One of the Ships did me the favour, to flank upon the House where I lay, and before I was out of my Bed, the Cannon Bullets whistled so loud about me, that all the Company pressed me earnestly to go out of the House, their Cannon having totally beaten down all the neighbouring houses, and two Cannon Bullets falling from the top to the bottom of the House where I was; so that (Clothed as I could be) I went on foot some little distance out of the Town, under the shelter of a Ditch, (like that of New-market) whither before I could get, the Canon Bullets fell thick about us, and a Serpent was killed within twenty paces of me; We in the end gained the Ditch, and stayed there two hours, whilst their Canon played all the while upon us: The Bullets flew for the most part over our heads, some few only grazing on the Ditch, covered us with Earth, &c.  
Yet, notwithstanding their strenuous endeavours, it pleased God to preserve this Illustrious Princess from their disloyal violence, which they had not yet given over, had not the ebbing of the Tide, and some threats from the Admiral of Holland, forced them to desist in the further pursuance of it.  
The Queen's Majesty was at Burlington met by the Earl of Montrose, 
The Qu. goes to York.  and the Lord Ogilby, who with two Troops of Horse, conveyed her to York, where she uses her utmost diligence in promoting his majesty's affairs, and in a short time raises a pretty considerable force, which with an Amazonian courage she undertakes to command in person.  
And with these Forces thus raised, 
Advances to Newark.  she first advances to Newark, from thence to Weston, and so to Ashby, where she resolves to think upon what might most conduce to the benefit of his majesty's affairs, having received intelligence that the enemy's Forces from Nottingham were retreated into Leicester-shire and Derbyshire, to join with a greater force to oppose or intercept her majesty's passage, which she endeavoured to make towards the King, to conjoin their powers.  
But yet before she goes forward, she takes a prudent care of preserving those Countries which she left behind her, and therefore she leaves Sir Charles Cavendish brother to the Earl of Newcastle, with the command of three thousand Foot, Arms for five hundred and twenty Troops of Horse, to secure Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, the better to preserve those who were already loyal, from the enemy's violence, and to keep subject such whose volatile spirits were too subject to fly from their Allegiance, as likewise to keep in awe those thousand Foot which the enemy had left engarrisoned in Nottingham.  
And so herself marches forward, 
Her majesty's Forces.  accompanied with three thousand Foot, thirty companies of Horse and Dragoons, six pieces of Cannon, two Mortar-pieces, and one hundred and fifty wagons of Money, Provision and Ammunition. Mr. Jermin (now Earl of St. Albans) as Coll. of her majesty's Regiment of guards, commanded in Chief over the whole Squadron, Sir Alexander Lesley (who since, & indeed ever proved himself a traitorous, murderous, perfidious and cowardly Scot) had the ordering of the Infantry, and Sir John Gerrard commanded the Horse, Capt. Leg the Artillery, and her majesty's self Generalissima, with an undaunted and more than Womanlike resolution in the head of her Army.  
But let us look a little into her majesty's native country, 
Card Richelieu his death.  where that famous or rather infamous Politician, Cardinal Richelieu, having by his Policies dipped his hands in the blood of so many innocent Peers of France, is forced at length himself, fato succumbere, to yield to that Fate from which no subtlety could reprieve him.  
He was born at Paris, 
His birth, extract & Character.  of Noble extraction, and took his Orders at Rome, where Pope Paul the fifth then sitting in the Pontifical Chair, & looking with earnestness upon his physiognomy told him, That he should become the greatest Cheat in the World.  
He was by the Queen Mother first preferred to be Bishop of Larone, and then to the King's Counsel, whom she afterwards commended to the Pope, who sent him the Cap, and after the famous siege and forcing of Rochel, by his policy and industry became the prime Minister of State in the kingdom of France, and the King growing up to age, insinuated so much into his favour, that he postponed filial duty and brotherly affection to his love towards him, so his Policy taught him to be ingrateful in the highest degree to those breasts which had first cherished and advanced him.  
His mind was esteemed by most to be of the same colour with his habit, wholly sanguine, and much of the temper of that Spanish Cardinal, who affirmed, That Gunpowder in the field gave as sweet a perfume as Incense at the Altar.  
He was observed to be of an irreconcilable nature, where he once hated he hated ever, pardoning none from whom he either had or judged he might receive an injury. The Marshal of Marillacks, and many other prime Peers of France, are examples of his revenge.  
Yet his Counsels have been by many great Politicians esteemed of high conducement to the affairs of France; for by them the Huguenots were suppressed, who were looked upon as one of the greatest Weaknesses of France; for by them either foreign Princes cherished their Invasions, or potent Peers their Rebellions: A great scourge he was to the Spaniard, but greater to the Duke of Lorraine, whom he chased out of his country to seek another habitation.  
He was looked upon as the greatest Incendiary and Fomenter of the Scottish and English Rebellions and Disturbances. A man he was of an infinite contriving and sedulous spirit, as solid as subtle, a thing rare under the gallic Clime, insomuch that many have termed him the wonder and Prodigy of Prudence.  
A mighty Change there was expected to follow in the Government of France upon his death, but he had so well instructed his Pupil Mazarine, that things went on still in their former frame.  
This Mazarine who succeeded in that grand employment was a Sicilian by birth, 
Mazarine succeeds him.  (and are a wily subtle generation) of mean Parentage, but an highly extended Genius; he was first servant to a German Count at Rome, who much frequenting Plays, (at which he was an excellent Artist) his servant Mazarincs quick spirit soon learned the Trade, and Fortune likewise favouring him, in a short time he raised himself to a Stock of a thousand Crowns, when leaving his Master, he gets into the service of Cardinal Barberino, then chief in the Court of Rome, by whom being soon observed to be of a nimble wit and tenacious judgement, he was first employed in a small Legateship in Italy, which place he performing, even to admiration, and the Court of Rome wanting a person whose cunning policies might circumvent Richelieu's designs in France, he is by the Cardinal Barberino's means chosen and sent legate thither, but finding himself outwitted here, he thought it better to join with Richelieu, and become his Pupil, to learn more, then lose that opinion already had of his judgement.  
And under him he so perfected his experience, that it will be a hard question to determine, whether his Predecessor before him, or he since, have managed the affairs of that Kingdom with greater subtlety.  
Not long after the death of his Royal Favourite, 
Lewis 13. dies.  Lewis the 13th (brother to the Queen of England) and surnamed the just, returning out of Catalonia, extreme sad and melancholy, bid adieu to the World, having yet left behind him two Heirs Males, Children, born (to the wonder of the world) after twenty three years' barrenness in his Royal Queen, and Consort, Infanta once of Spain, when he despaired to have seen a child of his own Heir to the Crown of France.  
He was a Prince, of himself of a very quiet and peaceable temper, by which means Richelieu had the greater opportunity to carry on affairs of State as he pleased. At his death he declared the Queen Regent or Governess of his young Son the King, till he came to age, recommending the Cardinal Mazarine (whom she had long before received) to her for counsel.  
But let us return to the Queen, 
The Qu. and King meet at Edge hill  whom we left marching towards the King, and whom we may now expect to have met him at Edge-hill: The first time which his Majesty had had the happiness (for so I dare affirm he accounted it) to see her, since her forced departure to Holland; what joy and congratulations there was at this meeting, I leave the Reader to judge.  
In the mean time, 
ambassador from France.  Monsieur Harcourt came over Ambassador from France, to treat of an accommodation between the King and Parliament; but his Negotiation was by many rather looked upon as a flourish from the Policy of Cardinal Mazarine, to pry into the actions of this great difference, he being likely rather to widen that breach which was the masterpiece of Cardinal to make, than any way endeavour to close it.  
The Queen being by the King conveyed to Oxford, 
The Qu. at Oxford.  stayed there till the beginning of the next year, whilst the King's affairs went on in a very hopeful posture; for the same day that the Queen entered Triumphantly into Oxford, 
Sir William Waller routed.  was Sir William Waller the City general totally routed at Roundaway down, and no Army in the field to oppose him, had he not unadvisedly set down before the siege of Gloucester, whilst in the mean time Essex raised another Army, and Sir William was recruited by the City, the Scots invited in to assist their Brethren of England against the King, when had his Majesty directly marched up towards London, he had found no force to oppose him, and so might have utterly quashed the Rebellion, which had been better policy than the in vain attempting that beggarly and disloyal City.  
The Queen now drawing near her time, 
The Qu. intends to journey to the West.  and it being generally believed, that the Earl of Essex with his Forces had some aim at Oxford, as the Seat Royal of the King, the residence of his Court and Council, and the Sanctuary of a considerable part of the Nobility, Gentry and Clergy, it was thought fit that the Queen should remove to Exeter (lately taken in by Prince Maurice) as a place more free from the power of the Enemies; and not far from the Sea, by which she might take shipping for France as occasion served.  
Yet was it not fear that persuaded her magnanimous spirit to depart from Oxford, 
Queen proclaimed traitor.  (though the Parliament at Westminster had proclaimed her traitor, and belched forth many scandalous falsities against her,) but over-persuaded by those who had a greater care of her safety then herself, she went.  
And on the sixteenth of April she began her journey towards Exeter, 
Sets forward towards the West.  conducted by the King, Prince, Duke of York, and most of the chief Nobility and Gentry as far as Abingdon, where she took her last leave of the King, though neither of them without doubt had the least presage that that parting kiss should be the last that ever they were like to give each other.  
Being parted from the King, she was Convoyed on her journey by a sufficient strength of Horse purposely appointed for her security, and at her arrival at Exeter was received by that City with all possible magnificence, where soon after she was safely delivered of her fourth Daughter, 
Delivered of a daughter.  who was christened Henrietta.  
The weakness and sicknesses incident to child-bearing being passed over, the young Princess was committed to the charge of the Lady Dalkeith, Daughter to Sir Edward Villiers, one of the half-brothers of the Duke of Buckingham, and Wife to the Lord Dalkeith, eldest Son to the Lord Morton; which having done, she took Shipping at Pendennis Castle, on the fifteenth of July, 1644. and so passed into France, 
Queen passes into France.  there to negogotiate, according to instructions received from his Majesty, for some supplies of Money, Arms and Ammunition for the advance of his service; in which if she could not prevail, yet however to continue in the Court of the King of France, till his his majesty's Affairs here might be brought into such a capacity, that she might return again both with honour and safety.  
In the mean time the King's affairs in England went on with a great deal of seeming prosperity; 
Waller and Essex routed.  for not long after the Queen's departure, he gained a signal Victory over Sir William Waller at Cropedy-bridge, and then marching after Essex, who was with the other part of the Parliaments Army gone into the West, to reduce those Counties to their obedience, he followed him so close at the heels, that at last he brought him into that straight, that himself with Sir Philip Stapleton, and some others escaped away in a cockboat, leaving the whole Army to his majesty's mercy: The Horse taking the occasion of a dark night, made their way through and escaped, but the foot came to Capitulation, and had liberty to march away, but their Arms, Artillery, Baggage & Ammuntion, were left to his majesty's dispose. Several other successes the King had by taking in of Garrisons, &c. and several Messages notwithstanding his success he sent to the Parliament, for peace and accommodation, but could not be harkened unto.  
But a hard destiny attended this pious King, 
Nazeby fight the King's ruin.  for whilst he solicits the Parliament with continual Messages of Peace, they make all possible preparations for War, and the next year, viz. 1645. on the 14 of June, at Nazeby, gave the King his fatal and final overthrow, making themselves masters of his Camp, Carriages and Cannon, & amongst the rest, of his majesty's Cabinet of private Letters which had passed between him and the Queen, which to their own disgrace they published in Print: A barbarity which very Heathens would be ashamed to be guilty of.  
The King saved himself by flight from this battle, and gathered together as many of his scattered Troops as he could, but was never after able to make head against the conquerors, but still losing one place after another, was at last reduced to have Oxford only for his shelter, where finding himself not safe without a Field Army, 
The King disguised leaves Oxford.  on the 27 of April, 1646. he in disguise leaves the City, and throws himself upon the Scots Army at Newark, who having taken that Town, carried him to Newcastle, where they kept him in restraint.  
The Queen after her departure from England, 
The Qu. desires to procure Lorraine to assist the King.  had long time, and with great industry laboured to bring a design to effect, which was the procuring of the Duke of Lorraine, who being at leisure with a rambling Army, and Money in his Purse, was in a capacity to assist anybody who stood in need of him. The Queen of England therefore treated with him for his assistance: Many Debates there were, which way his Forces (which were then near Collein) should pass to the waterside, through France or Holland, and where they should land in England, Westward or Northward; but all came to nothing, though there were hopes of his aid, till the very time that the King's ruin was consummate, by his trusting himself with the Scots, who had before been so basely treacherous to him.  
And now the Parliament make their Victories over the King and his friends absolute. 
Oxford taken.  Oxford is yielded up to the Parliaments general, Fairfax, and in it the Great Seal, Privy Seal and Signet, as likewise the Duke of York, and the Princess Henrietta, who were both sent to Westminster, but both shortly after escaped, the last conveyed by the Lady Dalkeith into France, and the first by Capt. Bampfield, in woman's apparel, into Holland, the Prince having before escaped thither from the Scillies.  
The next design of the Parliaments was to get the King into their hands, 
The Scots sell the King.  which Money was likely enough to effect; three hundred thousand pounds does the feat, and so his Majesty is delivered up into the hands of the English Parliaments Commissioners, and with a strong party of Horse hurried from Newcastle to Holmby, and so about from Prison to Prison betwixt Army and Parliament, till at length the Independent Army having selected a choice Juncto of their own Gang, and by force thrust those who accorded not with their murderous designs out of doors, instruct these to vote, That a High Court of Justice should be erected, to try the King, as a rebel and a Traitor: A design so horribly traitorous, as not to be paralleled in all preceding ages.  
The Queen at Paris, 
The Qu. Letter to the King.  hearing of their wieked determinations, writes to the King, and with much diligence gets her Letter conveyed to him by one Wheeler, servant to Major Boswell: Wherein she expresses, The deep sense and sorrow which she had of the King's miserable condition, in which the bonds of nature and affection enforce her to bear more than an equal share, wishing with all her heart, if it pleased God, that she might die for him, without whom she cannot, nor will not live, yet in the mean time will use her utmost power and interest by all ways imaginable to help him.  
She likewise sends another Letter to the French ambassador resident, 
And to the Lord Fairfax.  to be delivered to the L. Gen. which she directs, To her Trusty & well-beloved, Tho. Lord Fairfax, general of the Parliaments Forces: Therein imploring his aid and assistance, to come over to the King her Husband, to see him before he should be proceeded against by any trial or Charge; and to have a pass for her secure coming and returning. This Letter was by the L. Gen. Fairfax sent to the House of Commons, but they not so much as deigning to take it into consideration, laid it aside.  
And on they proceed in their intended traitorous design against the King her Husband, 
The King beheaded  condemning him by their pretended High Court of Justice, to be murdered, by severing his head from his body, before his own Palace-gate of Whitehall; which accordingly they executed on that black day, (for ever to be rased out of the calendar) Tuesday the 30 of Jan. to the astonishment of the whole World, and grief of all good men.  
But with what unexpressible grief and sorrow to his Royal Consort, must be left to imagination, no pen being able to express that black cloud of distractions which so sad an accident must necessarily involve her in: & certainly had she been of the same Religion that those noble Roman Women were, who scorned to survive their Husbands, her magnanimous spirit had certainly followed their example.  
But since her Religion (though it could not restrain her sorrow for her murdered King and Husband) restrained her from following him in death, 
The Qu. goes into a Monastery at Challons.  she is resolved to spend the rest of her time in Religion, and therefore retired herself to the Monastery of Challons, where she ceased not daily to lament both his and her own hard Fortune, his in coming to so untimely an end by the treachery of his Subjects, and her own in surviving him. Till at length overcome by the importunities of the King and Qu. Mother of France, she came to keep Court (though with the most obscurity that could be) in palace Royal, a palace built by Cardinal Richelieu at Paris, yet never interposing in any matters of Estate, except what might be for the Promoting of the interest of her Son King Charles the Second, who not only lost his Father, but was deprived of his Kingdoms by his father's Murderers, till it pleased God of late to restore him, which sure does in a great measure comfort this disconsolate Princess, though Worlds cannot repair the loss of such a Husband.  
A Prince he was of an incomparable piety, and so rare a pattern of Conjugal love, that he commanded the Princess Elizabeth, the day before his death, to tell her mother, That his thoughts had never strayed from her, and that his love had been the same to the last. Nor were her virtues less resplendent, which should I undertake to characterise, I should wrong what King Charles himself hath done. I therefore only conclude with this Wish: May England ever be happy in such Princes, but may never Princes of England be so unhappy in their Governments, as the Malice and Rebellion of some men made Them to be.  
FINIS.