Merlin well versed in many an hidden spell,  
His Country's Omen did long since foretell,  
Graced in his Time by sundry Kings he was,  
And all that he predicted came to pass.   

The Life of MERLIN, Surnamed AMBROSE.  
His Prophecies, and Predictions Interpreted; and their truth made good by our English Annals.  
Being a Chronographicall History of all the Kings, and memorable passages of this Kingdom, from BRUTE to the Reign of our Royal Sovereign King CHARLES.  
A Subject never published in this kind before, and deserves to be known and observed by all men.  Quotque aderant vates, Rebar adesse Deos. 
LONDON: Printed by I. Okes, and are to be sold by jasper Emery in Paul's Churchyard, at the sign of the Eagle and Child, near St. Augustine's Gate. 1641.   

To the worthy (and by me much Honoured) Master JAMES METTAM Esquire, etc.  SIR, 
BY that generous and noble Character, which long since I have heard conferred upon you, my sole ambition was to attend so happy an opportuninity as to be any way known unto you: But when time so fare seconded my wishes, that upon an unexpected meeting I was made so fortunate, not only to be admitted into your company, but accepted into your knowledge, (for which I stand much engaged to your kinsman and friend Mr. T. B.) I instantly apprehended that report came much short of your worth and merit, which (I ingenuously confess transcended my expectation;) for besides your generous affability and courtesy, (the most graceful garnish, and best decorements that become and adorn a truebred Gentleman) finding you not only generally addicted to the encouragement of all good Arts, and Sciences, but especially to the professors of Literature and Learning, and when upon further discourse I understood, that you more particularly had not only took view of some of my weak Labours, but crowned them with your Verdict: These inducements so fare emboldened me, as to offer these my unpolisht papers to your perusal and patronage, which if you shall be pleased to countenance; I shall remain confident against all malicious prejudice: desiring rather to stand to the judicious censure of one truly rational, then to the ignorant Nonsense of a numerous rabble. Worthy Sir: compliment is a thing I have ever studied to avoid, and (I presume) you were never pleased to affect: then in a word, wishing you the accomplishment of all your noble desires, alternatly corresponding to your worthy deserts, I commend you (my generous Patron) to the Almighty's gracious protection, ever remaining,  Yours obsequiously devoted, T. H.  

To the Reader.  
COurteous, and considerate Reader, I have here exposed to thy especial perusal, the life and prophecies of our famous predictor, Merlinus, surnamed Ambrose, who though he lived in the time of profane paganism, was a professed Christian, and therefore his Auguries the better to be approved, andallowed: thou hast withal their exposition and explanation, expressly and punctually making plain and evident, how genuinely and properly they comply with the truth of our Chronologie: in which you shall find (adding the supplement of the History from Brute, who laid the first foundation of our British Colony, to the time of King Vortigernus, or Vortiger the Usurper of the Crown, under whose Reign Merlin first flourished) a true catalogue of all the Kings of this Island, with a summary of all passages of State Ecclesiastical or Temporal, of any remark or moment, during their Principalities and Dominions, in so much that scarce anything shall be here wanting to thy best wishes, if thou be'st desirous to be instructed, and faithfully informed in the knowledge of our English Annals: For in the steed of a large study book, and huge voluminous Tractate, able to take up a whole year in reading, and to load and tire a Porter in carrying, thou hast here a small Manuel, containing all the pith and marrow of the greater, made portable for thee (if thou so please) to bear in thy pocket, so that thou mayst say, that in this small compendium or abstract, thou hast Hollinshed, Polychronicon, Fabian, Speed, or any of the rest, of more Giantlike bulk or binding: to which my short Abbreviary, I strive to make this my Prologue or Preface to thee alike suitable, being as succinct and briefly contrived, as the former summarily comprehended, desiring thee to read considerately, and withal to censure charitably, and so (without further compliment) wishing thy care in the one, and courtesy in the other, with a favourable pardon, of some few errors committed in the press, I bid thee farewell.  Thomas Heywood.  

A narration of the King's Reigns from Brute to Vortiger, and from Vortiger to King Lud, in the first six Chapters: and from K. Lud to K. Charles.  
Chap. 1. Brutus' first plantation in this Island. How he divided it amongst his three sons; of several famous Cities, builded here by sundry Kings, and how divers Rivers took their first name: Of all the remarkable passages that happened in their Reigns: A catalogue from Brute, etc.  
Chap. 2. A Continuation of the History of the British Kings, unto the time that julius Caesar made conquest of the Island: the building of divers Cities and Towns. Two things especially remarkable in an indulgent mother, and a most natural brother: sundry other passages worthy observation. The City of Troynovant, how called London.  
Chap. 3. The first conquest of this land by julius Caesar: Britain made tributary to the Romans: The birth of our Saviour under Cymbeline K. of Britain: How Southampton came to be so called, Vespasian's conquest of the Isle of Wight: of Catnesse in Scotland: of Lucius the first Christian K. of the Britain's: and of other Roman Governors.  
Chap. 4. The Duke of Cornwall made King of Britain: how Walbrooke took first name: Constantine the Roman marrieth with Helena, daughter to King Coill, and is made King: His Reign and burial: His son Constantine made King after him, who was called the Great and was the first Christian Emperor: His great devotion, and after falling into Heresy: Octavian his Deputy in Britain, usurpeth, and after made King: Maximinus a Roman, by marriage with his daughter, succeeds him.  
Chap. 5. Maximian made King of Britain, and after Emperor: How Armorica came to be called Little Britain, and this, Britain the Great: Of Ursula, and the 11000 Virgins: Gratian the last Roman that was King of the Land: The great distresses of the Kingdom: the cessation of their Tribute paid to Rome: Constantine brother to Aldroenus made K. of the Realm, his death, issue.  
Chap. 6. A necessary digression showing the lives and reigns of 33 Kings of Britain scarce mentioned by any of our English remembrancers, with an exact computation of the times, etc.  

Chap. 1. Of the strange birth of Ambrose Merlin, whether he were a Christian or no? and by what spirit he prophesied, etc. pag. 1.  
Chap. 2. In whose Reign Merlin was born. How the state of Britain stood in those days, with divers necessary occurrences pertinent to the story. pag. 9  
Chap. 3. By what miraculous accident young Merlin came to be known to King Vortiger: of the combat betwixt the red and the white Dragon, and his prophecy thereof, etc. p. 18  
Chap. 4. Merlin's former prophecy explained, sundry prestigious acts done by him to delight the King: His prophecy of the King's death, etc. p. 25  
Chap. 5. Uterpendragon succeedeth his brother Aurelius: He is enamoured of Igerna, wife to the Duke of Cornwall, whom by the art of Merlin he enjoys, of whom he begot King Arthur, pag. 32  
Chap. 6. Merlin's former prophecy made plain, concerning king Arthur, with sundry other occurrences pertinent to the English History, pag. 41.  
Chap. 7. Of the conception and birth of these 7 pious and religious brothers. And being sent to death, how preserved, educated and doctrinated: Merlin's prophecies, and their explanation: p. 49  
Chap. 8. He prophesieth of the civil wars that shall be in Britain in the time of Cadwallo: And of the great dearth and desolation in the Reign of Cadwallader, etc. p. 58  
Chap. 9 Of divers bloody battles fought betwixt Canutus and Edmund: Their great opposition ended in a single Duel. They make peace, and equally divide the kingdom betwixt them, p. 68  
Chap. 10. Merlin's prophecy of Hardy Canutus, and Earl Goodwin, which accordingly happened: his many Tyrannies, amongst other his tithing of the Norman Gentlemen, etc. p. 76.  
Chap. 11. The landing of Duke William with the Normans: The battle betwixt him and Harold, in which Harold is slain, being the last King of the Saxon blood. Wil conquereth, etc. p. 87  
Chap. 12. The prediction of the two Dragons, made good by the subsequent History, in Robert and William, the two sons of the Conqueror, who the Lion of justice was: and what was meant by his Alchemy, etc. p. 96.  
Chap. 13. A brief relation of the troublesome Reign of King Stephen, and his opposition against Maud the Empress, of Henry Short Mantle, and his proceed, with a continuance of our English History, etc. p. 106  
Chap. 14. Divers remarkable passages during the Reign of Henry the second, his numerous Issue, and how they were affected towards him: his vic●… and virtues, his good and bad fortune: all which were by this our Prophet predicted, p. 116  
Chap. 15. The Inauguration of Richard the first, surnamed Cordelion, a prediction of his Reign. His wars in the Holy Land, his imprisonment by the Duke of Austria: his brother john's usurpation, his second Coronation, with his unfortunate death, etc. p. 127  
Chap. 16. The rest of the prophecy made good in the subsequence, the troublesome Reign of K. john, his loss of Normandy: his Land interdicted by the Pope, to whom he is compelled to resign his Crown his death, etc. p. 137  
Chap. 17. A continuance of some passages in King john's Reign. Henry the third succeedeth his Father, a prediction of his Reign: his brother Richard made king of the Romans. Henry's long Reign: the mad Parliament, p. 147  
Chap. 18. The death of Henry the third, and Richard Earl of Cornwall king of the Romans: Prince Edward's victories in the Holy Land: His Coronation: the prophecy of his reign, etc. p. 157  
Chap. 19 The right that the Kings of England have anciently had to the Crown of Scotland, for which they did them homage. K. Edward's victorious wars in Scotland. The prophecy fulfilled. His death. And coronation of his son, etc. p. 167  
Chap. 20. The King's unfortunate wars in Scotland: The battle of Banno●…urn, etc. Barwick betrayed to the Scots: The pride and insolency of the Spencers: Their misleading the K: etc. p. 178  
Chap. 21. The deposing of Edward 2d: his repentance, his death, his son Edward made K●…g. A prophecy of his reign. His great victory over the Scots, with the taking of Barwick. His famous victory at Sea over the French, etc. p. 189  
Chap. 22. The famous battle of Poytyers, fought by Edward the Black Prince, in which he took john the French King prisoner: His conquest in Spain: The memorable act of William Wal worth, Lord Major, etc. p. 201  
Chap. 23. The Duke of Gloucester by a Parliament reformeth the Commonwealth. john of Gaunt claims his title in Spain, King Richard marrieth the French Kings daughter: Difference betwixt the King and Gloucester. His murder in Calais: The murmur of the Commons, etc. p. 213  
Chap. 24. The coronation of Henry the 4, with his great Feast held in Westminster Hall. A great conspiracy intended against him, but prevented, the lamentable murder of King Richard the second in Pomfret Castle, by Sir Pierce of Exto●… His valour at his death. His Epitaph. The great riches found in his treasury, etc. p. 224  
Chap. 25. The Coronation of Henry the fift: A prophecy of his reign: His victorious battle over the French at Agincourt: His second Voyage into France: His victories by Sea and Land: He is made heir (by the marriage of his wife) to the Crown of France: His third Voyage into France: The birth of Pr. Henry: The death of Henry the fift, p. 236.  
Chap. 27. The Duke of Gloucester made Protector. The Duke of Bedford Regent of France, of joan de pasil a Sorceress: Henry the sixth crowned in Pa●…is. A prophecy of his reign: the death of the D. of Gloster. The death of the Marquis of Suffolk: The insurrection of the Commons under jacke Cade, His proceed and death: the Duke of Somerset gives up Normandy. The Duke of York taketh arms, his person seized against the King's promise, and for feareset at liberty. p. 248.  
Chap. 28. The ambition of Queen Margaret: The battle at Saint Albon, York made Protector. The Queen's practice against the Lords. The battle at Northampton. York proclaimed heir to the Crown. York slain in the battle at Wakefield. Henry deposed, and Edward Earl of March made king. A prophecy of his Reign. The battle at Exham. King Henry taken and sent to the Tower. The marriage of Edward. He flies the Land. Henry again made king. p. 259.  
Chap. 29. Edward proclaimed usurper of the Crown, and Gloucester traitor: his landing at Ravensport: the battle at Barnet: the battle at Teuxbury: king Henry murdered in the Tower, and after him the Duke of Clarence. The death of Edward the fourth: Gloster takes upon him to be Protector of the young king, etc. p. 272.  
Chap. 30. Dissension betwixt the King and the Duke of Buckingham: Richard insidiateth the life of Richmond: Buckingham takes arms against the King, and is beheaded. Banister perfidious to his Lord: Queen Anne's policy and tyranny: His Laws: Richmond landeth at Milford Haven: The battle at Bosworth: The death of Richard: Richmond made King: A prophecy of his Reign, etc. p. 283  
Chap. 31. The Earl of Northumberland slain by the Commons: The Matchevilian plots of the Duchess of Burgundy, to disturb the peace of king Henry: Perkin Warbeck her Creature: he is nobly married in Scotland, and taken for the Duke of York: the death of the Lord Standley, and others: Divers insurrections about Perkin: his death, with the young Earl of Warwick: the death of the king: A prophecy of the reign of Henry the eighth. p. 293  
Chap. 32. Prince Henry married to his brother's wife: he winneth Turwin and Turney in France; Floden-field, with the famous victory against the Scots. Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk marrieth the French Queen the king's sister. The Emperor Charles the fift made knight of the Garter, etc. p. 304.  
Chap. 33. The death of Henry the eighth: Edward the sixth crowned; a calculation of his reign: Musse Iborow field won by the Lord Protector, etc. p. 315.  
Chap. 34. The Lady jane proclaimed Q. Northumberlands Commission to suppress the Lady Mary: He is arrested of high treason: The Coronation of Q. Mary: A prediction of her Reign: The Romish Religion restored: The death of Northumberland: Of Suffolk: Of Guildford Dudley: Of the Lady jane Grace: her character: The death of Cranmer, Ridley, and Latimer: The life of Cardinal Poole, twice elected Pope, etc. p. 326  
Chap. 36. King Philip's entertainment into the Land, presented with the Garter: He is made K. of Naples and Jerusalem: the great solemnity of the King and Queen's Marriage at Winchester: Their titles, their riding through London: The Queen rumoured to be with Child, King Philip's cautelous proceed: he favoureth the Lady Elisabet. He leaveth the Land: Queen Mary's discontent at his departure: The loss of Calais, p. 336  
Chap. 37. A brief nomination of her troubles, wrought by the Popish Clergy: Her passage through London, to her coronation with the speeches spoke in the pageants: A short remembrance of the prime passages in her reign. The former prediction fulfilled, her death: other predictions fathered upon Merlin explained, etc. p. 347  
Chap. 38. The title of King james to the Crown. His coming into England: A prophecy of his Reign. The first treason attempted against him. The Gunpowder treason, and what the conspirators were. The king of Denmark twice cometh into England. King Charles proclaimed King, his Father's Funerals, etc. p. 361    

A Chronographical History of the Kings of Britain, from the first plantation of this Island by Brute, and his Cousin Corinaeus, to the Reign of King Vortiger: In whose time Ambrose Merlinus began to utter his Predictions.  

CHAP. 1.  
Brutus' first plantation in this Island. How he divided it amongst his three sons: of several famous Cities, builded here by sundry Kings, and how divers Rivers took their first name: of all the remarkable passages, that happened in their reigns: A Catalogue of the Kings continued from Brute to the end of his Line and offspring.  
FOr the better illustration of this present work intended, it shall not be amiss to show you a brief progress of all the memorable passages of the time, before we come to the Prophecy, with a Catalogue of the Kings of this Island, and what Remarkable things happened in their reign. To begin with the first: Brute, who was of the ancient and noble blood of the Trojans, descended from Aeneas and Creusa, the 
How Brute was descended.  daughter of King Priam: These had a s●…nne called Ascanius, after his Father King of Italy) Brute was the son of Silvius, Aenaeas the son of Ascanius: This Brute at fifteen years of age, being hunting, by the unfortunate glanceing of an Arrow, slew his father, and had been also in his birth the death of his mother: but for the last disastrous act, he willingly exiled himself, and taking with him a choice company of adventurers, thought to discover some new plantation. To omit his many troubles both by Land and Sea, in which he was still most victoriously prosperous; at length he encountered with a small navy of ships, of which, a Trojane, and his near kinsman was Captain, whose name was Corinaeus, who joining their 
Corinaeus cousin to Brute  forces together, and after divers and sundry perils landed in this Island, (of the white and chalky Cliffs) called Albion, where finding none but Giants of mighty stature, he destroyed the most part of them: of whom the greatest both in bulk and command was called Gogmagog, with whom Corinaeus wrestling to prove their trial of strength, Gogmagog in his gripe broke a rib in the side of Corinaeus: at which he being enraged, gathering all his spirits about him, cast him down the high Rock of Dover, (the place where they proved the mastery) which is called the fall of Gogmagog unto this day: for which, and other his valiant acts before 
The fall of Gogmagog.  achieved, he gave him that entire Province, which from his name beareth the title of Cornwall.  
Brute then taking full view of the Island, 
The building of Troynovant, since called London.  searching up the River of Thames, built upon it a City; which in remembrance of the late subverted Troy, he called Troynovant, or new Troy, now London: this done, he put his Soldiers to tilling of the Earth, and governed the Realm peaceably for the space of twenty four years: He had by his wife Ignogen, the daughter of Pandrusus, three sons, betwixt whom in his life time he divided his Kingdom: to 
How he divided the Kingdom.  Locrine the eldest he gave all that is called England: but then Logria after his name:) To the second Cambrius, or Cambre he left the Country of Wales (at first) from him called Cambria: To the third Albanact, he gave the North part of the Land, then titled from him Albania, now Scotland. That done, he expired, 
The death of Brute.  and was buried at Troynovant: and this happened in the year of the world four thousand fourscore and seven.  
Locrine being King of Britain, hearing that a King of Scythia had invaded his brother Albanact's Dominions, and having slain him in battle, governed in his stead: He with his brother Cambre assembled a mighty Host to avenge his death, and in a sharp conflict discomfited his whole Army, and so hotly pursued him in his flight, that this Scythian (which was called Humber) was drowned in that River 
Blow the River Humber came to be so called.  which runne●…h up from Ravenspurn up to Hul●…, which hath since borne his name even to this day. After which victory, Locrine who had espoused Guendolina, daughter to Corinaeus Duke of Cornwall, grew enamoured of Estrild a beauteous Lady, and Daughter to the aforesaid Humber, by whom He had a Daughter named Sabrina: of which his Queen having intelligence, the accited her Father and friends to make War upon her Husband, and flew him in fight, when he had governed the Realm for the space of twenty years: then the Masculine spirited Lady took his Concubine Estrild, with her beautiful young daughter Sabrina, and caused them to be both drowned in that River which parteth England and Wales, and from Sabrina is called Severne to all posterity: 
The River Severne whence called.  Then Guendolina took upon her the government of the Land, till her young Son Madan came to mature age, and then resigned it up entirely into his own hands, after she had Soveraignized fifteen years.  
Madan began his Réigne in the year of the World four thousand one hundred twenty two, of whom is little left worthy memory, but that he tyrannised over his Subjects, and in the fortieth of his Reign, being at his disport of Hunting, and lost by his Train, he 
The death of Madan  was devoured of Wolves, which were then plenteous in the Land, leaving two Sons, Memprisius and Manlius. These two brothers were at mortal enmity, till in the end Memprisias the elder caused the other to be traitorously slain, after which he fell into all kind of vices, and abandoning the bed of his lawful wife, used the company of many prostitutes and Concubines: and then into the brutish sin of Sodomitry, for which he grew hated both of God and man, whose body also was (in hunting) torn to pieces by wild beasts, leaving behind him one 
The death of Memprisius  son begotten in lawful wedl●…cke, named Ebrank.  
He began his Reign in the year of the World four thousand one hundred fourscore and two: he had one and twenty wives, of whom he received twenty sons and thirty daughters. The eldest of which was Gualeu: all of 
Anumerous issue.  them he sent to Alba Silvius, (the eleventh King of Italy, and sixth of the Latins) to have them married to the bl●…ud of the Trojans: He was a great Warrior, and conquered in Germany and elsewhere: he builded Caerbranke, now called York, one hundred and forty years, after the 
The building of York.  erecting of London, he built also in Scotland, the Castle of Maidens, now called Edinburgh 
Edinburgh Castle.  Castle. And after with a strong army pierced Gallia, returning thence, with great triumph and riches, who when he had reigned sixty years died, and was buried in York, leaving his eldest son Brute Greenshield to succeed him in the Kingdom, of whom is left no memory worthy the recital, but that he expired, and lieth buried by his Father, whose successor was his son Leil or Leir, who built Careleir or Carlisle, 
The 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉.  who in the latter end of his Reign gave himself wholly to sloth, by which divers uproars grew in the Realm, not at his death appeased, whom succeeded his son Lud, surnamed Hurdebras, who was inaugurated in the year of the world four thousand two hundred 
The building of Canterbury, Winchester, & Shaftsbury  threescore and nineteen, he prudently appeased those combustions begot in his father's days. He builded the Town of Kaerkin, now called Canterbury, and Caerguent, now Winton, or Winchester, and another titled Mount Palatine, now Sexton or Shaftsbury: he reigned thirty nine years, and left a son called Bladud.  
This Bladud professed himself a great ginger, and studied the art of Necromancy, he builded the Town of Caerbadon, now called Bath, and was the first founder of the hot Baths: 
bath and the hot Baths.  this King attempting to fly from the top of Apollo's Temple to the ground, his art failing him, he broke his neck in the fall, when he had reigned twenty years, leaving his son King to 
The death of Bladud.  succeed him. Leir was of noble conditions, and kept the Land in peace and tranquillity, he built the City of Caerleir, now Leicester: he 
Leicester.  had no son, but three only daughters: Gonovilla, Ragan, and Cordeilla (the youngest whom he best loved,) who being grown in age, desired to know which of his daughters affected him most? the first protested she loved him better than her own soul; the second swore, her love was inexpressible, for she preferred his love before all things under the Sun, which answers 
Leir's three daughters.  much pleased him: then he demanded the like of the youngest? who told him she could not flatter like her sisters, but she loved him as far as he was worthy to be beloved, and as much as a child ought to love a father: which answer much distasting him, he married his eldest daughter to the Duke of Cornwall; and the second to the Duke of Albania, and betwixt them divided his Land after his disease, but for the younger he reserved no dowry at all.  
Notwithstanding which, Aganippus, a King amongst the Galls, hearing of her great beauty and virtue, came into this Kingdom, and took her to wife, to whom her father would neither part with gold nor jewels, nor any remembrance of his love, but glad to be so rid of her; It was not long after that the two sisters grieved that he lived so long, incited the two Dukes 
The ingratitude of the two sisters  their husbands, called Ma●…glanus and Hemminus, who risen up in arms against him, and divided his Dominion betwixt them, so that of force he was compelled to fly into France to be relieved of his youngest daughter, whom he h●…d before so much despised, whom she no sooner saw, but she expressed unto him all the filial duty that could be expected from a father, so that he now began to distinguish betwixt flattery and fair words, and natural and pious indulgence: briefly she animated her Husband to 
The love of Co deilla to her Father.  take his quarrel in hand, who entered into the Land with a puissant army, and reinstated him in his thr●ne, who after he had ruled the Kingdom forty years, died and was buried at Caerleil, leaving his daughter Cordeilla to inherit the Kingdom, who by the general assent of all the Peers and Commons was admitted as Queen: who for the space of five years governed the Land with great prudence, and the general love of the multitude, till Morgan, and Cunedagius the sons to her two elder sisters, invaded her Kingdom, and surprising her, put her into close prison: which servitude her great spirit not able to endure, she with her own hands slew her 
The death of Cordeilla.  self.  
These two Nephews to Cordeilla, Morgan and Cunedagius divided the Land betwixt them: and so continued in great amity for the space of two years, when some evilly disposed persons, whispered in the ears of Morgan, that it was a great dishonour unto him, being descended from the elder sister Gonewilla, and her Husband Maglanus, should part from any of his right to Cunedagius, son to Ragan the second sister and her Hemminius, and not possess himself of the whole principality: therefore he made war upon his cousin, who sent to him messengers to entreat of amity and unity, to which he would by no means condescend: Therefore Cunedagie, compelled to an unwilling war, gave him battle, and routed his whole army, and after chased him into Wales, where in a second field Morgan was slain, which place is to this day called Glamorgan, or Morgan's 
Glamorgan.  Land: after whose death the victor possessed the sole sovereignty, of whom nothing is left worthy memory, but that after he had reigned three and thirty years, he was buried at Troynovant, leaving to succeed him a son called Rivallo. 
Rivallo.   
He governed the Realm honourably, for the space of forty six years, in which time the greatest thing of remark is, that in the two and thirtieth year of his Reign, Rome was first 
The first building of Rome.  builded, in the year of the World four thousand four hundred threescore and ten, after the first erecting of Troynovant, or London, four hundred and seven Solary years. After 
Sisilius.  Rivallo reigned his son Sisilius, forty nine years, and was buried at Caerbadon, or Bath, leaving no heir of his body lawfully begotten. Him jago his Nephew succeeded, he Reigned 
jago.  five and twenty years, died without issue, and lieth buried by his Uncle Rivallo, at Caerbrank, or York. Kinimachus his brother governed the Land after him for the space of fifty four years, and lieth buried by the two forenamed Kings, he left behind him a son called Gorboduc, in whose time, as in the Reign of the four last Kings nothing happened, deserving the remembrance of a Chronicle, but that he governed 
Gorboduc.  the Realm threescore and three years, died and was buried at London, and left behind him two sons, called Ferrex and Porrex.  
These two brothers were made joint Sovereigns 
Ferrex and Porrex.  of this Kingdom, in the year of the world, four thousand, seven hundred and eleven, and continued in great fraternallamity for a certain time, which expired, Porrex being ambitious after the sole and entire sovereignty gathered a strong power, unknown to his brother) purposing to supplant him from all Regal dignity, so that being unprovided of an army, he was forced to fly into France, where he implored the aid and assistance of a potent 
The death of Ferrex.  Duke named Gunhardus, or Swardus, who furnished him with soldiers sufficient, so that he reentered the Land with his Host of Gauls, of which Porrex hearing met him with his Britan's, and gave him battle, in which Ferrex was unfortunately slain: after which victory, retiring himself to his palace, where Widen (or as some Author's name her) judon his mother remained, she setting aside all motherly pity entered his chamber, and by the help of her women in the dead of night, when he was fast sleeping 
A crue●…t mother. The death of Porrex.  most cruelly slew him, and after not sated with his death, she cut his body into small pieces: Thus died the two brothers, when they had ruled the Land in war and peace five years, and in them ended the genealogical Line of Brute, with whom also I conclude this first Chapter.   

CHAP. 2.  
A Continuation of the History of the British Kings, unto the time that julius Caesar made conquest of the Island: The building of divers Cities and Towns. Two things especially remarkable in an indulgent mother, and a most natural brother: sundry other passages worthy observation. The City of Troynovant, how called London.  
AFter the deaths of these two Princes, the Nobles of the Land fell into great dissension amongst themselves all hating the memory of Gorbodue, and his issue, in regard that one brother slew the other, and the most unnatural mother was the death of the survivor, and because none of Brutus Line was left alive, the Land was divided in four parts, so that in Albania 
Britain's goverred by four Dukes.  was one Waler, called Staterius: Pinnor governed Loegria, or middle Britain: Rudanlus guided Wales, and Clotenus Cornwall, whom the Britain's held to be the most rightful Heir, and all these called themselves Kings, to which some add a fift, Yevan King of Northumberland. Briefly, Munmutius Donwallo, 
Dunwallo re duceth it into a Monerchy.  son to Clotenus, Duke of Cornwall, by vanquishing the rest, became sole Sovereign of this Island, in the year of the World four thousand seven hundred forty eight. He was in all his actions very noble, and built within London a famous structure, which he called the Temple of Peace, which some hold to be the same now called Blackwell Hall. He instituted many good and wholesome Laws. He gave great privileges to the maintaining of Temples, Cities, Ploughs, etc. He began the four high ways of Britain, which were perfected by his son Belinus: He built the two Towns of Malmsbury and the vieth, and was the first that made for himself a Diadem of Gold, with which he was crowned with great solemnity. Insomuch, that some Writers name him the first King of 
Donw●…llo the first crowned King of Brit.  Britain, styling all his predecessors only Dukes, Rulers, and Governors. He when he had well and honourably governed the Land for the term of forty years died, and was buried in the foresaid Temple of Peace within London, leaving to succeed him two sons, Belinus and Brennus.  
These two brothers divided the land betwixt them, and continued in great fraternal unity for the space of five years: after which term 
Beliuns and Brennus.  Brennus ambitious to have more Land or all, made mortal war against his Brother, who vanquished him in battle, so that he was forced to forsake the land, and arrived in Armorica, now called Little Britain, some writ into Norway: Howsoever, by the supply and assistance of foreign Princes, he made many inroads into the Land, (too long here to relate) to the great disturbance of his brother: At length he assembled a strong and puissant Army, against whom Belinus came with a mighty host, as his manifest and mortal enemy. But as their armies were ready to join battle, their Mother, whose name was 
* or Corniven na.  Corneway, (of 
An indulgent mother.  a more indulgent and penetrable nature, than the cruel and savage Widen, before named) exposed herself in person between the two Hosts; and in a discreet manner and motherly demeanour, using withal such passionate and moving Oratory to her two sons, that at length she settled a steadfast unity and peace betwixt them: After which accord made, they joined both their hosts, and with them Conquered a great part of Gallia, Italy, and Germany: which done, Belinus returned into Britain.  
Where when he came, he repaired old and decayed Cities, and also built a new one upon 
The City of Legions, Carleon.  the River of uske, near unto Severne, called Careuske, and after the City of Legions: because in the time of Claudius Caesar divers Roman Legions were there billeted and lodged, now called Carleon: He built also an harbour or small Haven for ships to ride in, in Troynovant; in the Summet or top whereof stood a vessel of Brass, in which after his death his burnt ashes were enclosed, which still retains the name of Belingsgat. In which interim, 
The building of Belli●…sgate.  Brennus' desirous to win fame and honour abroad, with an host of Senonensian Galls, (so called because they dwelled about the City of Sena) built in Italy, and Gallia, these Cities following, 
Cities builded by Brennus.  Mediolanum, or Milleine, Papia, or Pavia, Burganum, Sena, Comum, Brixia, Verona, Vialcnza, Cremona, Mautua, etc. He overcame the Romans at the River Albia, eleven miles from Rome, and took the City all save the Capitol, to which they laid siege, and one night whilst the Guardians thereof were asleep, they undermined the earth, and were likely to have won it, but a noble Roman named Manlius Torquatus waking, by the cry of Geese and Ganders, prevented the Galls, and saved the Capitol: For which cause the Romans, for a long time after, on the first day of june, 
The feast of Ganders.  did annually celebrate the feast of Ganders.  
But Brennus and his people held the Romans so short, that they slew many of the Senators, and compelled the survivers to lay him down a thousand pound weight in Gold, besides they took the spoil of the City, so that they were enforced to call bacl Furius Camillus, whom they had before most ungratefully banished from Ardea, and created him the second time Dictator, who gave strong battle to the Galls, and won from them all the gold and jewels, which they had taken from the Romans: Therefore Bren ne●… his Army towards Greece, entering 
Brennus' inva death Greece  Macedonia, and dividing his people into two hosts, the one he retained with himself, and sent the other into Galatia, which after was called Gallograecia, and lastly from Gallograecians the Nation were termed Galathians: Then Bren conquered Macedonia, and overcame their Duke or King Sosthenes, and after spoiled the gods of their Temples, and said in sport, Rich gods ought to contribute towards men some part of their wealth. Thence he came to Delphos where the Oracle was, and rob the Temple of Apollo: upon which, there was a great Earthquake, and Hailstones of mighty weight and bigness, which destroyed some part of his Host, and upon the rest an huge part of the rocky mountain fell and buried them in the Earth; and Bren being wounded, and despairing of safety, drew his Sword and killed himself. And his ●…rother Belinus, after he had honourably governed the 
The death of Brennus.  Kingdom of Britain, with his brother, and alone, for the space of twenty six years, expired, and was buried at Belingsgat, leaving a Son behind him called Gurguintus Barbarosse, or Gurguint with the red Beard. 
Gurguintus.   
He began his Reign in the year of the world four thousand eight hundred thirty four, he conquered Denmark, and forced from them an annual Tribute of one thousand pound. 
Denmark made t●…butary to England.  After which victory he sailed towards England in great triumph, but in his course upon the sea, he met with a Fleet of thirty Sail, who hali●…g them, and demanding of what Country they were, and the purpose of their Navigation? they answered him, Their people were called Balenses, and that they were exiled from Spain, and with their wives and children had long sailed upon the sea, beseeching the King to have compassion of them, and to grant them within his large dominions some place to inhabit; and they would be his true and faithful subjects. The King commiserating their estate, by the advice of his Barons, granted them a wide and vast 
The first plantation of Ireland.  Country, which is the farthest of the western Islands, which of their Captain Irlomall was called Ireland, and that was the first plantation of that Country. And after this Gurguintus had established the Laws of his forefathers, and exercised justice amongst his Subjects for the space of nineteen years, he died and was buried at Troynovant, leaving a son called Guintolinus.  
He with great honour and clemency guided the Land, taking to wife an honourable and learned Lady called Marcia, who added to the former Laws of the Land other wholesome statutes and decrees, which were greatly embraced, & continued long of efficacy and force, which Alured long after King of England caused to be translated out of the British into the Saxon tongue, and called them Marthe he lege, or the Marcian Laws: to this woman, for her great wisdom, the government of the Kingdom was committed, with the Guardianship of his son Cecilius, for the space of twenty 
Cecilius.  six years: after which time, the King expired, and was buried at London: of this Cecilius there is little or nothing remembered, but that he governed the Realm 15 years, leaving to succeed him his son Kimarus, who was a wild young 
Kimarus.  man, and irregular both in his private life, and public government, who when he had reigned three years, being in his disport of hunting was traitorously slain by his servants: Him succeeded his son Elanius, who expired in the second 
Elanius.  of his reign, whom succeeded his bastard son called Morindus, begotten of his Concubine Faugrestela. 
Morindus.   
He was made King in the year of the world four thousand eight hundred fourscore and ten, who was a Prince of great valour and courage, but given to wrath and cruelty, of goodly presence & comely personage, but a marvelous strength above all the Nobles of the Realm. In his time came the King of Mauritania, and invaded his Realm, whom he encountered with a puissant army, and chased to sea, taking many of his Soldier's prisoners, whom he caused in his own view to be put to many cruel and tormenting deaths: at length riding upon the Sea Strand, he espied an huge Monster which the waters cast up alive, which out of his great courage, and ambitious of glory, purposing to slay with his own hands, he was by it devoured, after he had governed the kingdom eight years, leaving behind him five sons, Gorbomannus, Archigallo, Elidurus, Vigenius, and Peridure: Gorbomannus being the first begotten son of 
Gorbomanus.  Morindus, succeeded his Father, being a just Prince, in whose time was more riches and plenty than in any of the days of his predecessors: who to the great sorrow both of his Peers and people died without issue, after he had reigned eleven years: after whom, his second brother Archigallo was instated in the Sovereignty: 
Archigallo  this Prince was of a contrary condition to the former, who gave himself to dissension and strife, imagining causes against his Nobles to deprive them of their possessions and dignities, and raising men of base and sordid birth and quality to office and honour: And so he could enrich himself, not caring how he impoverished his subjects. For which, by one assent of the Nobility and Commons, he was deposed from all regal dignity, after he had tyrannised five years.  
In whose stead was instated the third brother 
Elidurus.  Elidurus, in the year of the world four thousand nine hundred and fifteen, who was so mild and gentle to his Subjects, that they added to him a surname, and called him Elidure the meek: To express the goodness of his condition, it happened that hunting in a Wood called Calater, near unt●… York, he found his banished brother wand'ring in the thick of the Forest, whom he no sooner saw, but dismounted 
A●…are precedent in a brother.  from his Steed, and embraced him in his arms, and so conveyed him into the City privately, where he concealed him for a time, and at length feigning himself sick, he so wrought with his Nobility severally and apart, that he had won them to reinstate his brother Archigallo in the Throne, after he himself had governed for the term of five years, who being again advanced to the supreme power and Majesty, he changed his former Conditions, ordering all things according to equity and justice during his natural life, and then died, after he had lastly reigned ten years, and lieth buried at York. Then was Elidurus again 
The death of Archigallo.  made King: against whom his two younger brothers Vigenius and Peridure had great indignation, because for his virtue and piety he was so much beloved of the Britons, therefore they conspired against him, and took him prisoner in battle, when the second time he had reigned two years, committing him unto safe custody.  
These two Brothers were then jointly made Kings, and divided the Land betwixt them: Vigenius died, after he had governed his part of the Kingdom seven years: after whose death Peridure seized the whole under his Dominion, who ruled with great Temperance and Prudence: insomuch, that he was praised above his other brethren, and Elidurus quite forgot, who after he had reigned with his brother and alone for the term of nine years expired: after whom Elidurus was fetched from prison, 
Elidure the third time made King.  and the third time instated in the Throne, who continued in his former sincerity and integrity; and lastly, being of a good age, ended his life, when he had this last time governed four years, and was buried at Carlisle, leaving a Son called Gorbomannus, who began his reign in 
Gorbomanus the second.  the year of the World four thousand nine hundred forty five: after whom succeeded Margan, and after Margan, his brother Emerianus, 
Margan. Emerianus.  who was deposed for his cruelty and tyranny: after whom successively reigned twenty Kings, of whom small or no mention is made by any approved Author: the last of which was called Blegabridus a cunning Musician, who 
Blegabridus.  for his excellency in that faculty, was called of the Britain's, god of Glee-men, or Minstrels. After whom succeeded nine Kings (of whom there is left neither name or memory, saving that the last of them was named Hely, who governed 
King Hely.  the Kingdom forty years, wanting seven months, which time of thirty three successive Kings, that is, from Elidure to the last year of Hely, amounted to one hundred fourscore and six years: This Hely left behind him three sons, Lud, Cassibeline, and Nennius. 
King Lud.   
Lud the eldest son of King Hely began his Reign in the year of the world five thousand one hundred thirty one, who in all his actions showed himself honourable, repaired old Temples, and builded new, and so of Cities and Towns: but especially in Troynovant he caused sundry structures to be made, both for the enlarging and beautifying of the City, walling it round, and ditching it about, and in the west part of the Wall made a strong gate, and commanded it to be called after his name Luds-gate: 
Luds Town, now London.  and for he much affected the City, as the place where he most frequented, he changed the name thereof from Troynovant to Caerlud, or Luds Town, now London: He was strong and mighty in subduing his enemies, liberal, given to hospitality, and much loved and feared of the Britain's, who reigning in great peace and prosperity eleven years then died, and was buried in Port-Lud, or Ludgate, leaving two Sons, Androgeus, and Tenantius.  
In regard of the pupillage and minority of 
Cassibelan made King of Britain.  the two young Princes, Cassibelan their Uncle, and brother to King Lud was made King in the year of the world 5142. This man was of great wisdom and courage, exercising justice mixed with mercy amongst his subjects: insomuch, that they favoured him greatly above his Nephews: yet he provided that they were royally educated according to their births, and when they came to years of discretion, he gave to Androgeus the City of London, and the Earledom of Kent, and to Tenantius the Dukedom of Cornwall, etc.   

CHAP. 3.  
The first conquest of this Land by julius Caesar: Britain made tributary to the Romans: the birth of our Saviour under Cymbeline King of Britain: How Southampton came to be so called, and the City of Gloucester, and Coilchester: Vespasian's conquest of the Isle of Wight: of Catnesse in Scotland: of Lucius the first Christian King of the Britain's: and of other Roman Governors.  
CAius julius Caesar, being employed by the Senate of the famous City of Rome, with Lucius Publius his Colleague in the wars of Gallia, now called France, being on the Sea side, at Calais, beholding the white Cliffs and Rocks of Britain, 
julius Caesar ambitious to Conqeur Britain.  demanded of the Natives what manner of people inhabited this Island, and being fully satisfied concerning the people and commodities thereof, he was ambitious to add it to the Roman Empire; and to that purpose sent Messengers to Cassibelan, than King, to make him and his Land tributary to Rome: At which he being highly moved, sent him bacl peremptory answer, that every Sovereign was bound to keep his Subjects from slavery and servitude, and maintain them in their Franchises and liberties, and that he would do to his utmost ability and power: With this answer Caesar, who was of an invincible Courage, much incensed, instantly made ready his Navy, and sailed towards Britain, with purpose to add 
His first attempt and success.  this Kingdom to his conquest of France, but the Britaines had pi●…cht stakes on the shore, which much hindered their landing, whilst Cassibelan gathering a strong Host gave the Romans battle, and beat them bacl unto their ships: but after he had new rigged and repaired his Navy, and furnished himself with a sufficient Army ●…e returned again the second time, and 
His second attempt.  was likewise beaten bacl to his great dishonour: For which victory twice obtained by the Britain's, he assembled all his Lords, and made a great triumph at London, where were sundry martial exercises performed: in the performance of which, one of Androgeus his Knights having slain one of the King's Kinsmen, whom he much loved, he sent to have him stand to the trial of the cause; but Androgeus denied to give up to the censure of the Law, and departed 
Difference betwixt the 〈◊〉. and Androgeus.  in secret, (without taking leave) from the Court, which gave Cassibelan great cause of incensement against him.  
Whose indignation Androg us justly fearing, sent Letters unto Caesar, that if he would make a third attempt upon this Country, he with all his whole power would be re●…dy to assist him against his Uncle, pretending that he not only usurped his right in the Crown, but had done to him divers other affronts and injuries. Caesar glad of so good an opportunity, after Hostages given for his fidelity, (which were his son Sceva with thirty others of the sons of his Nobility and Gentlemen) a third time invaded the Land, which Cassibelan hearing, gave him a strong battle in a valley near unto Canterbury, in which he had the better 
Caesar's third attempt upon this Island.  of the day, till Androgeus coming in with his fresh forces turned the Die of war, so that Cassibelan with his Britain's, were forced to forsake the field, and after a great slaughter of the Britain's, retired himself to a place of safety, where Caesar kept him so strictly in, that he was forced to submit himself, paying to the Romans an annual tribute of 3000 pounds: After which, Caesar would have made Androgeus King; but not daring to trust his Nation 
Britain made Tributary to Rome.  which he had so lately betrayed, he went with Caesar to Rome, where he ended his life. Cassibelan reigned after this conquest of the Romans seven years, in all sixteen: and dying, left the Sceptre to the younger son Tenantius, who governed the Realm with all diligence 
Tenantius.  and justice for the space of twenty three years, leaving the Sovereignty to his son Cimbelinus.  
He was made King in the year of the world five thousand one hundred and fourscore, in the nineteenth of whose Reign our blessed Saviour was borne of the Virgin Mary, which maketh the year of the world from the Creation 
The birth of our Saviour.  of Adam to the Incarnation of our Redeemer (by the computation of Isidore, Bede and others) five thousand one hundred and twenty nine years: so that Christ was Incarnate from Noah's flood, or the general Deluge two thousand nine hundred and fifty seven: after Abraham, two thousand and seventeen: after David King of Israel, one thousand threescore and fifteen: from the Transmigration or the Captivity of the jews to Babylon five hundred 
A computation of the times.  and twenty: After Brutus' plantation in this Island, eleven hundred thirty six: After Alexander the great about three hundred twenty five: After the building of Rome, seven hundred twenty nine: and in the beginning of the two and fortieth year of Octavius Augustus Caesar then Emperor of Rome, etc. But to come bacl to the History, Cymbeline after he had worthily governed the Land thirty five years, yielded his due to nature, and was interred in Caer-Lud, or London, leaving two sons, Guiderius and Arviragus.  
Guiderius, the eldest son of Cimbelinus, began 
Guiderius K. of Britain.  his Reign in the year after our Blessed Saviour's Incarnation seventeen, who having a great confidence in his riches and strength, denied to pay any tribute to the Romans, which had been tendered annually from the time of julius Caesar to his days: For which, Claudius then Emperor of Rome came over with a mighty Host, and recovered it again: in the Host of the Romans was a great Captain called 
Hamo a great Captain of the Romans.  Hamo, who in the Battle pur upon him the Armour and habit of a Britain: By which means, having access to the place where the King fought in person, he slew him, and escaped: Of which disastrous accident his brother Arviragus having intelligence, armed himself with the Cognizance of the dead King, and continued the battle with such valour and courage, that in the end he put the Romans to slight. Guiderius being thus slain by Hamo, after he had ruled the Kingdom twenty eight years, leaving no issue to succeed him, his brother Arviragus by the general suffrage both of the Peers and people, was invested in his stead.  
This Marshal and magnanimous Prince 
Arviragus made King.  took upon him the government of the Land in the year of our Saviour forty four: He was also for his great valour by some Authors called 
* Orbearing Arms.  Armager: who strongly made war upon the Romans, and after in a battle slew Hamo, (who had formerly cowardly killed his brother) near to an Haven or Port of the Sea, and after causing his body to be piecemeal cut, cast it into the Ocean, for which it was called Hamoes' 
From whence Southampton took its name.  Haven, and since Southampton: Claudius much admiring the courage of Arviragus, sent to Rome for his daughter Gemissa, and gave her in marriage to him upon conditions of peace: and to make the solemnities of the Nuptials more famous, he called the City where they were kept Claudio Cestria, which before was styled Carleon, and after Glovernia, of a Duke called 
Claudio Cestria, or Gloucester.  Glovio, but now Gloucester: after which, Claudius sent certain of his Legions to govern Ireland, and departed towards Rome, Arviragus then repaired decayed Cities and Castles, and ruled with such justice & integrity, that he intyred to him all the hearts of his Subjects, and as his riches, so also increased his pride, so that he denied the Tribute to Rome before granted: therefore a great Duke called Vespasian was sent from the Senate, who overcame him in battle, and forced him to become tributary, which some writers affirm was merely at the intercession and entreaty of the Queen Genissa, and no coaction or constraint from Vespasian, who after he had won the Isle of Wight returned 
The Isle of Wight conquered by Vespasian.  with honour to Rome: After which, Arviragus grew more tractable towards the Romans, and continued in their great grace and favour: who after he had nobly governed the Britain's for the space of 30 years expired, and was interred at Claudiocestria, or Gloucester, leaving to succeed him a son called Marius.  
He was crowned King in the year of our blessed Saviour threescore and fourteen, a 
Marius' King of Britain.  wise and just man, and flourished in great prosperity and wealth: in whose time one Loudricus (whom some writers call Rodicus) with a mighty Army of Picts, or Scythians, whom some also call Goths, and Huns, landed in a part of Scotland, wasting and spoiling wheresoever he came with Iron and fire, whom Marius met in Battle, and gave him a great overthrow, in which their Duke Loudricus was slain: in remembrance of which victory, in Stanismore, a place of Westmaria, or Westmoreland, where this battle was fought, he caused a great stone or pillar to be erected, upon which was inscribed in capital Letters Marii victoria. The remnant of the Army that survived the battle, humbly besought the King to allow them some place under his dominions in which to inhabit, who commiserating their case, granted them a place 
Cathnesse in Scotland when inhabited, and by whom.  in Scotland, called Cathnesse, to whom the Britain's disdaining to give their daughters in marriage, they allied themselves with the Irish, and were after called Pictavians: Marius having thus subdued his enemies, gave him solely to study the weal of his Subjects, and lived peaceably his whole life time after: and lastly, paid his natural Tribute, and was buried at 
When he had reigned 52 years.  Carlisle, leaving a son named Coillus, or Coill.  
Coill was inaugurated in the year of the Incarnation one hundred twenty six. This Prince had his breeding in Italy amongst the Romans, 
Coil King of Britain.  by which reason there grew great affinity and friendship betwixt the two Nations, for he became their willing Tributary: He was very bountiful to all men, by which he purchased great love both from the Lords and Commons: H●…e built the Town in Essex called Coilchester, and when he had peaceably governed the Realm for the space of four and fifty years, he died and was buried at York, leaving a son called Lucius, who was inaugurated in the year of grace one hundred and four 
Lucius the first Christian King in Brita●…ne.  score, who had the honour to be called the first Christian King of this Island, who being a man devoutly given, sent to Eleutherius then Bishop of Rome to be instructed in the true faith, who to that purpose employed two learned men, called Fuganus, and Dimianus, who were honourably received by this King Lucius, and by whom he, and a great part of the Britaines were converted from Paganism and Idolatry to the true Christian belief, which happened in the eighth year of his Reign, who after his conversion ordained that all the Idolatrous Arch-Flamins and Flamens should be made Archbishops and Bishops, to the number of three Archbishops, and twenty eight Bishops, and should have the government of the Church lately established. These being confirmed by the forenamed Bishop of Rome, he endowed them with lands and possessions, and consecrated all the Pagan Temples to the worship of Christ: and when he had peaceably governed the Land for the space of twelve years, he left this earthly Tabernacle for a better, and was buried at Gloucester: who because he died without Heir, the Land grew into great combustion for 
Lucius dyeth without issue.  the term of fifty years, in which none had the absolute nomination of King or Sovereign.  
Then Severus the Roman Emperor took upon him the government of the Realm in the 
Severus named himself King of Britain.  year of grace two hundred and eight, and ruled the Kingdom five years; in which time he caused a Ditch and Wall to be made of Turfs and stakes of an hundred and two and twenty Miles in length, from Durham to the Scotch Sea, during which, the Picts with their Duke or Leader Fulgenius came out of Scotland with a strong army, and destroyed much of the Country beyond Durham, against whom Severus (for his Conquest of Parthia) surnamed Parthicus, assembled a great Host of Romans and Britain's, and gave them battle near unto York, in which he was slain, and his army discomfited, and in that City lieth interred, leaving behind him two sons, namely Geta and Bassianus. This Bassianus was the son of Severus a British woman, 
Bassianus made King of Britain.  and he had Geta by a Roman Lady; the Britaines therefore made the son of their Countrywoman their Sovereign, in the year of Grace two hundred and twelve: But the Romans held for Geta: For which, mortal war grew betwixt the two brothers, in which Geta was slain, and Bassianus, who was after made Emperor having incestuously married his stepmother; for which, & many other tyrannies exercised by him on the natives, he grew into great hatred of the people, and was slain at a place called Edessa, after he had been Emperor for the space of seven years. 
Carassius aspireth to the Crown.   
In this interim of his Reign, one Carassius 〈◊〉 Britain of low birth, but eminent in arms, and the practice of Martial Exercises, obtained of the Senate the keeping of the Coasts and Frontiers of the Land, and to oppose the invasion of all strangers: so that he drew to him many hardy Knights of the Britan's, promising unto them many donatives, with honour and office, if they would make him King of the Land: which so far prevailed with them, that they with an unanimous consent proclaimed him their Sovereign and King, against whom Bassianus moving battle, and to suppress them as rebels, was slain by this Carassius, who took upon him the Regal Dignity in the year of the Incarnation of Christ, two hundred and eighteen.  
When the Romans had notice of the death of 
Alectus made Ruler of Britain.  their Emperor Bassianus, they sent into Britain a great Captain called Alectus, with three Legions to punish the pride and rebellion of Carassius, to which Captain Fortune was so favourable, that he chased him from place to place, and in the end slew him in battle, after he had eight years usurped. This Alectus for his good service done, was made Consul of Rome, and Governor of the Land, who hotly pursued divers British Lords, who had taken part with Carassius against the Romans, and exercised great tyranny amongst them, so that he grew into great hatred and contempt of the Natives. And therefore they accited one Asclepiodotus Duke of Cornwall, who gathered a great host of the Britain's, and made war against the Romans, chase them from place to place, and Country to Country; so that at the last Alectus was glad to retire himself within the fortifications of London, whither Asclepiodotus pursued him, and laid siege about the City, provoking him to battle, who at length issuing out with his forces, many were slain on both sides, but in the end Alectus was slain, after he had six years 
The death of the Roman Alectus.  governed the Land.  
When Livius Gallus a Roman Captain understood the death of their General, he with the survivours of the Army, retired into the City for his best security, where for a while I leave him.   

CHAP. 4.  
The Duke of Cornwall made King of Britain, how Walbrook took first name: Constantius the Roman marrieth with Helena, daughter to King Coill, and is made King: His Reign and burial: His son Constantine made King after him, who was called the Great, and was the first Christian Emperor: His great Devotion, and after falling into Heresy: Octavian his Deputy in Britain, usurpeth, and after made King: Maximinus a Roman, by Marriage with his daughter, succeeds him, etc.  
ASclepiodotus Duke of Cornwall, began 
Asclepiodorus King of the Britain's.  his Dominion over the Britan's in the year of Grace, two hundred thirty two, who entered the City of London, before by him besieged: where he slew this Livius Gallus, near unto a Brook which ran then through a part of the City, from 
Whence Walbrook took the name.  whom it was called Gallus, or Wallus brook, and the street Walbrooke even unto these times. Thus having quite vanquished the Romans, he governed the Realm in great peace, exercising justice, exalting meriting and good men, and punishing the refractory, and evilly disposed, till at length, a great discontent (s●…rred up by wicked and seditious persons) was raised betwixt him and Coillus or Coil, who was then Earl or Duke of Kaircollin, or Colchester: so that they assembled their several forces, and met in battle, in which conflict Asclepiodotus was slai●…e, after he had governed the Realm (according to the most Writers) thirty years.  
Then Coil began his Dominion over the Land in the year of the Incarnation two hundred, 
Coil made 〈◊〉 Britain's.  threescore and two, who governed peaceably for a time: for the Senate of Rome were glad of the death of the former King who had been a great enemy and persecutor of thei●… Nation, & being then in great trouble amongst themselves, could not conveniently send over fresh forces in the Land, but at length their domestic discords being compounded, and the State settled in peace, Hearing that this Coil also denied them tribute, they sent hither a Noble & 
Constantius first coming into Britain.  prudent Prince called Constantius, with a puissant army, against whom Coil assembled his Britain's, but greatly dreading the power of this Roman Precedent, he sent to him to commune and treat of peace, with the acknowledgement of the Tribute due unto the Senate, of which assurance being given and taken on both sides, Coil died within a month after, having governed the Britain's for the term of twenty seven years.  
Constantius at the intercession of the Nobles of the Land took to wife Helena the daughter 
Constantius married to Helena.  of the late King, with the entire possession of the Realm, and was inaugurated in the year two hundred fourscore and nine. This Helena was held to be the fairest Lady in the whole land, & withal very well versed in literature and language, by whom he received a son called Constantine: This Constantius being of great courage and valour, ambitious to add unto his Dominion subdued the Almains, or Germans, and slew of them in one battle threescore thousand, and after many other victories, the two Emperors Dioclesianus and Maximinianus resigned up their Imperial Dignity to Constantius, 
Constantius made Emperor.  making one Galerius a partner with him in the Empire, which these two Caesars divided betwixt them. Galerius governed in the East, that is, Illiricum, and all Graecia, with the Lands, and Constantius Italy, and the Western Kingdoms: after he subdued Spain, and a great part of Gallia or France, of which two Kingdoms he made his son Constantine Precedent and Governor: in the time that Constantius was King of Britain, under the two foresaid Emperors, S. Albon was martyred at Ver●…m, in the tenth persecution of the Church, which began in the eighteenth year of Dioclesian, and endured for the space of ten years, which was so violent and cruel, that in the space of one month were martyred seventeen thousand holy men and women, for the faith of Christ: This Noble Prince Constantius, after he had governed Britain, and the West part of the Empire, for 
This Constan tius lieth buried at York.  the term of thirty years, leaving his Successor Constantine his son by the famous Queen Helena.  
Who began his Reign in the year of Grace three hundred and nineteen: and at the decease 
Constantine made King of Britain.  of his Father was busied in the wars of Gallia, but hearing the report of his death, came over into Britain, and was made King. He was off a noble and affable condition, who though he ●…ere a Pagan and misbeliever, yet he used no ●…yrannie towards his subjects, neither compelled them to the worship of Idols, but to use their own laws with the liberty and freedom of conscience: whilst he thus governed Britain, with the Western part of the Empire: one Maxentius son to Herculeus Maximianus, who was parrner with Dioclesian in the Imperial purple, 
Max●…s.  was by assent of the Senate, chosen Caesar, who first insinuated with all cunning affability into the hearts of the plebeian multitude: but when he found himself strong in their opinions, he exercised all tyranny that could be possibly devised, especially against the Christians: He likewise expelled h●… Father Maximianns from Rome, who sought to be again Emperor, with other great oppressions used against the Senate and Prime Nobility, of which Constantine having intelligence, he assembled a strong host of Br●…tains and Galls to suppress his great pride and insolence: leaving in his absence a great Duke called Octavius, or Octavian to govern 
Octavian made D●…puty Governor of Britain.  the Land of Britain as his Vicegerent, or Deputy.  
Constantine having settled the State here, being on his journey, he saw (as in a Vision) being upon his bed a Cross shining in the firmament, held by an Angel who said unto him, Constantine i●… hoc signo vinces, that is, of Constantine, under this sign or banner thou shalt have victory: After which awaking, and considering well of his vision or dream, he called his chief Captains about him, and acquainted them therewith presently giving order that the Cross should be 
The Cross first used in any Imperia●… Ensign.  portrayed in all his Ensigns, Escutcheons and Banners: being thus accommodated, he marched against the Tyrant Maxentius, and met him at a bridge called Pont Milvium where after long fight he chased him and his whole army, where 
Maxentius drowned.  a great part of them were drowned in the River with himself also, when he had ruled as Caesar about five years: after which victory, Constantine marched to Rome, where he was received of the Senate and people, with great honour and triumph: soon after he received the Christian Faith, and was baptised by Sylvester the first of that name Bishop of Rome: which done, he opened the prisons, & destroyed the Temples of the false gods, and dedicated others to the true & everliving God, pulling down their idols and opening those Christian Oratories as had been shut, commanding divine service to be said in them: He was the first also that gave any possessions to the Church of Rome, and ordained that the Bishop of Rome should be a chief Bishop, 
Constantinus great devot. on and zeal.  and all others to be obedient unto him, (which was before any superstition crept into the Church) he also bore clay and stones upon his shoulders, to the foundation of the great Church dedicated to Saint Peter.  
Whilst Constantine thus laboured to plant the Christian Faith, his mother Helen being then 
Helen the mother of Constantine.  in Britain, sent unto him commendatory Letters, gratulating his great victories, in which she seemed to rejoice that he had suppressed Idols, and demolis●… their Temples, but wondered, that he had chosen for his God, a man who had been nailed to a Cross, etc. to which he returned her answer, that he would sufficiently prove the God whom he honoured and worshipped was the Creator of Mankind, and Maker of the World and all the creatures therein, and not man only, but God and Man, etc. For proof of which, after she had assembled a Synod of jews, to the number of sevenscore, Sylvester with other Christian Clerks were appointed to dispute with them concerning the Faith and Gospel, in which arguing, the jews were confounded, and she converted, and was a constant professor of the true Faith and Religion all her life time after, I leave what the Legend relates concerning her seeking and finding the true Cross, and the nails with which our blessed Saviour was fastened thereto, and return to 
Helena findeth 〈◊〉 Cress●….  her son the Emperor, who greatly enlarged the famous City Byzantium, and beautified it with stately and sumptuous buildings, and for the pleasure which he took in the situation thereof, made it his Royal Seat, and caused it to be called after his name Constantinople, which is the City of Constantine: He was also of such power and might in arms, that he purchased to himself the Title of Constantine the Great. 
Constantine the Great.   
He was, moreover, styled the first Christian Emperor, and did many things for the upholding of the Faith: of which seven by a learned Author are especially noted. First, that Christ our blessed Saviour should be worshipped as God, throughout his whole Dominions: Secondly, 
Seven Derees made by Constantine to the honour of his Saviour.  that what man or woman soever spoke any blasphemy against him, he should be most severely punished: Thirdly, that person who did any violence or injury to a Christian man, because he was of that belief, should forfeit half his goods and possessions: Fourthly, that as the Emperor of Rome is Head of all temporal Princes, so the Bishop of Rome should be chief of all Ecclesiastical Prelates: Fiftly, that who so fled to a Church for refuge, and made it his Sanctuary, should be there free from molestation and danger: Sixtly, that no man should offer to erect any Church or Temple without the leave and licence of the Bishop of that Diocese: Seventhly, that every Prince should give the tenth part of his Revenues toward the maintenance of Churches and Temples, which law for example sake he confirmed by contributing unto them from his own possessions: after all which care of his to establish the true Faith and Gospel, he fell into the detestable Heresy of the Arrians, banished Bishop Sylvester beforenamed; and persecuted many zealous and godly professors, 
Constantine infated with the A●…rian, heresy.  after which (as mine Author affirmeth he was struck with an incurable Leprosy. But now I return to Octavian, whom he left his substitute in Britain.  
Who during the long absence of the Emperor, ruled the Land to the great content of the Natives, but (when he had throughly invested himself into the hearts of the people, and thinking his Lord so far remote, and could, not easily be drawn from so great a charge as the government of both the East and Western 
Octavian usurpeth the Crown of Britain.  Empires, He thought to usurp the Title of King, and to that purpose distressed such Romans as Constantine had left here in the Land, and so took upon him the sole Sovereignty: of which when the Emperor had notice, he sent hither in all haste a Prince called Traherne, who was uncle to his mother Helena, with three Legions of Romans, every Legion consisting on six thousand six hundred and six Knights, whom Octavian met in battle near unto Portchester, or as some Authors write, near Winchester, and 
Trahernesent into Britain.  compelled Traherne to forsake the field, and fly towards Scotland, whither Octavian pursued him and gave him a second battle, where he and the Britain's were discomfited, and himself with some few took shipping and sailed to Norway: but not long after he returned into England, with a strong Arm●… of Britain's, and Norway's, in which interim, a British Earl who greatly loved Octavian, slew Traherne, so that with little difficulty he subdued the rest of the Commons, who were left without a Commander, and repossessed the Land, which was from the time that Constantine made him Governor or Protector of the Land ten years.  
Octavian thus reinstated, gathered great 
Octavian made absolute K. of Britain.  riches and treasure, in so much that he feared not the power of any foreign Prince, and ruled the Nation in great peace and quietness, who being grown aged and full of years, by the counsel of some of his British Noble men, he sent one Mauritius son to Caradock Duke of Cornwall unto Rome. For an hopeful young Gentleman called Maximian, who was near allied to Helena the mother of Constantine, that he would come into this Land, and by marrying his only daughter, enjoy the Kingdom of Britain, after him: though divers persuaded him to confer that honour upon Conan Meriadock his near Cousin: but the former motion prevailed: 
Conon Meriadock.  And Maximian the son of Leonine brother to Helen, and Uncle to Constantine the Great, was sent over with the beforenamed Mauritius, and with a sufficient guard of Romans landed safely at the port of Southampton: which Conan Meriadock hearing, he gathered a company of his friends and kinsmen, and because the other came 
Maximians first entrance into Britain.  to dispossess him of that whic●… he held to be his right, Her purposed to ambush him in the way, and give him battle: which being told to the King, he by his wisdom, and power p●…evented it, so that Maximian came peaceably to Court, unto whom the King gave his daughter, and the Land with her for her Dower, and died soon after, when he had nobly and peaceably governed the Kingdom for the space of fifty four years.   

CHAP. 5.  
Maximian made King of Britain, and after Emperor: How Armorica came to be called Little Britain, and this, Britain the Great: Of Ursula, and the eleven thousand Virgins: Gratian the last Roman that was King of the Land: The great distresses of the Kingdom: the cessation of their Tribute paid to Rome: Constantine brother to Aldroenus made King of the Realm, his death, and issue.  
MAximian the son of Leonine, and Cousin German to Constantine the great, was made King of Britain 
Maximian K. of Britain.  in the year of Grace three hundred fourscore and two, who proved a valiant and victorious Prince, but somewhat proud, and withal a persecutor of the Christians. And first there was great strife betwixt him and Conan, with sundry Conflicts, in which they sped diversely, but at length they were reconciled and made friends, so that he reigned for a time in great peace: in which interim, he gathered together much treasure and riches: At last he was accited to move war against the Galls, and landed with a great Host in Armorica, now 
Armorica first called Little Britain.  called Little Britain, which after he had subdued by the sword, he gave it to Conon Meriadock to hold of him, and of the Kings of great Britain for ever, commanding from that time, Armorica to be called Little Britain, and this Land Britain the great: For which victory and others, his Knights proclaimed him Emperor, which increased both his pride and tyranny, so that he invaded the Lands of the Empire, and conquered a great part both of France and Germany, which was contrary to his Oath before sworn to the two Emperors, Gratian and Valentinian, to whom when tidings was brought of this his invasion, Gratian prepared to resist him, but fearing his power and potency, fled to Lions, where he was 
Maximian breaketh his oath, which was to be true to the Empire.  slain, and Valentinian compelled to forsake Rome and fly to Constantinople: Then Maximian made his son Victor fellow with him in the Empire.  
During whose wars in Italy, Conon Meriadock not willing that he or his people should marry with any of the French Nation, sent Messengers to Dionotus Duke of Cornwall, and governor of the Kingdom under Maximian, to send him his daughter Ursula, with a certain number of Virgins to be coupled to him and his Knights in marriage, who according to his request sent his daughter, with eleven thousand maids towards Britain to that purpose, who by the way were taken at Sea, and pi●…eously 
Urfula with eleven thousand Virgins.  murdered: who so will know the manner thereof, I refer them to the Legend of Saints. Maximian thus tyrannising in Italy, to great Commanders called Guanus and Melga were sent into Britain to chastise all such as favoured the party of Maximian, who did here much outrage upon the Natives, afflicting them with great strage and massacre. Against whom, the Emperor sent a great Captain called Gracianus or Gracian, with two Legions, who so knightly behaved himself, that he chased them in short space into Ireland, holding the land in peace for Maximian. In this interim, Maximinian continuing wars against the Empire to be absolute Caesar, Theodosius surnamed the elder, than Emperor of the east part of the world, hearing the death of the first Gracian, and the chasing of Valentinian, he with a mighty host sped himself to meet with Maximian, and gave him battle at Aquilea a great City in Italy, in which Maximians forces were utterly discomfited, and himself took prisoner, whose head Theodosius commanded to be cut off: of whose death Gracian his deputy in Britain, 
The death of the tyrant Maximian.  having knowledge, he seized the Land to his own use, after that Maximian had governed the same by the term of eight years.  
Gracian, who of some writers is called 
Gracian King of Britain.  Municeps (which word may be diversely taken, either for an hired or waged Knight, or for a keeper of Presents and Gifts, or bearing chief rule in a City or Province) began his dominion over the Britaines in the year of grace three hundred fourscore and ten. He exercised great exaction and tyranny on his subjects, for which he was very much hated and despised amongst them, so that they sundry ways laboured his supplantation, and hourly insidiated his life: but after many dangers escaped, they with a common assent invaded his Palace, and slew him, when he had reigned, or rather usurped, for the space of 
The death of Gracian.  four years.  
Of whose death Guanus and Melga having 
Guanus and Melga.  knowledge they returned out of Ireland, and with fire and sword made great havoc in the Land: of which the Romans understanding, because the Realm was then under their Tribute and tuition, they sent one Constantine to have the rule of the Land, and the Regions about: 
Constantine.  but being found to be an enemy to the Empire for divers outrages done by him during his Regency in France, therefore by the commandment of Honorius (then Caesar) they sent against him a valiant Captain named Constantius, who slew him, near to a Town called 
Constantius.  Arelat: after which the Britain's were much distressed by the Picts, the Scots, and other strange Nations, by reason whereof they were again constrained to send to Rome for aid, with a covenant that they would all continue subjects and servants to the Senate. Upon which request and promise, the Emperor Honorius 
The 〈◊〉 Honorius.  himself came hither in person, and chased hence all their foreign enemies, and leaving the Land in peace, returned to his greater affairs in Italy.  
Who was no sooner departed, but the same enemies again invaded them, to whom Honorius sent a second deliverance, exhorting them withal to be manly and courageous: But in regard of the remoteness of the place, and the great troubles the Empire was then in, to trust to their own valour and fortune, but to expect no more supplies either from Caesar or Senate; 
The Britaines forsaken of the Romans.  the Roman supplies being then took out of the Land to maintain the Imperial wars, the Natives were worse distressed than before, for the Picts and Scots came out of their Dens and Caves where they had concealed themselves, and invaded them by multitudes: insomuch that by the enemy's spoils and robberies, they were brought to that extremity of poverty and misery, that they were enforced to pilfer and steal one from another; in which, sundry murders were also committed, so that 
The great dist●…esse of the Britain's.  the ground lay unsowed, or manured, upon which great Dearth and hunger immediately ensued.  
Which to prevent, and withal to rid them from these great extremities, the best amongst them petitioned unto Aetius, (who was Master of the Chivalry of Honorius the Emperor, 
Aetius denies them secure.  and at that time governed France) to commiserate their estate, which to him they most passionately expressed, but all was to no purpose, for he slightly put them off with a peremptory denial to lend them any succour at all: still their calamities augmented and the famine increased: so that lastly the noblest and discreetest amongst them, especially the Archbishop 
Guethelinus' Archbishop of London.  of London, whose name was Guethelinus, whom our English Chronicles call Gosseline, concluded to send an Embassy to the King of little Britain, whose name was Aldroenus: which this Archbishop being learned and well spoken in person undertook, who delivered their calamities and distresses with such passionate efficacy that it wrought great commiseration and compassion in the King, who after advice taken of his Lords, granted them a supply of sufficient forces to recover their Franchises, and liberties, upon condition, that if God, who is 
Aldroenus commiserates the Britain's.  the Lord of Hoasis gave them victory, they should Crown his brother Constantine King of Great Britain, acknowledging him their Liege and Sovereign, which conditions they gladly accepted, and swore to perform with all truth and fidelity.  
Now it appeareth from the time of Gratian the last Roman that was King of the L●…nd, the 
How lo●…g Britain w●…s without a K●…ng  Nation of the Britaines during their multiplicity of miseries, were without a Monarch or sole Sovereign for the space of thirty nine years, till the coming in of the forenamed Constantine brother to Aldroenus, King of Little Britain.  
It is further to be observed, that here ended 
The end of the tribute and government of the Romans.  the Tribute and Dominion of the Romans: neither had any of that Nation any rule over the Land after that time, which Tribute lasted and was paid to Rome, from the ninth year of King Cassibelan, to the days of the Emperor Severus, amounting to two hundred and fifty five years. And from the Reign of Severus to the first year of Gratian one huadred fourscore and three, and from the first of Gratian to the last year of their great misery (before expressed) forty three years; so that from the time that julius Caesar made this Isle of Britain first tributary to the Roman Empire, to the coming in of Constantine, amounteth to four hundred and one and thirty years: after this small digression, and yet worthy observation, I return to the passages and proceeding in this Land of 
An exact computation of the times.  Britain, and how it was governed.  
The Archbishop with the Lords of this Realm, having sealed to the Covenants before named, they returned with a sufficient army under the conduct and command of Duke Constantius, and safely arrived at Totnesse in Devonshire, (the place where Brute landed, the first Prince and Planter of this Island) whither assembled all the flower of the Nation who before were compelled to hid themselves in Dens and Caves: and to seek shelter amongst Rocks and Mountains: by whose power and martial prowess, all the enemies of the Land were routed and chased, not one daring to show his head. After which victory the Land being again settled in peace and quietness, they conveyed their Captain Constantine, to the tower of Kaercegent, now called Cicester, and according to their former Covenants made with Aldroenus, saluted him as their Chief Lord Sovereign, and there crowned, him King, in the 
Constantine King of the Britain's.  year of our blessed Saviour's Incarnation, four hundred and three and thirty.  
This Constantine governed the Realm with great manhood and policy, so that he was not more beloved at home, then dreaded abroad: notwithstanding, of any foreign achievement done by Him, the English Annals make no mention, neither of any memorable thing performed by Him in His own Kingdom, save that He kept it in great tranquillity and rest, and that He received by His Wife three sons, the eldest named Constant or Constantius, the second 
Constantine's Royal Issue.  Aurelius Ambrofius, the third Vterpendragon, all which in process succeeded Him in the Sovereignty: But for Constance the eldest, being somewhat heavy and dull witted, thinking Him not able to take upon Him any Regal Sovereignty, especially to govern so noble a Nation, He caused Him to be shorn a Monk, and put him into the Monastery of Saint Amphiable, after called Saint Swithins at Winchester, and the other two 
How he disposed of his children.  being then but young children, He committed to Guardianship of the before-remembred Gosselin Archbishop of London: In the Court of this Constantine was a certain Pict or Scot, much favoured by the King, and on whom he had conferred many graces and Honours, making him of His Closet Counsel, and a partaker with Him in all his secrets, which perfidious and ingrateful traitor, watching his opportunity, slew Him in his Chamber when he had ten years ruled the Land. 
The death of K. Constantine   
There lived at that time in the Land a potent Duke called Vortigerus, or Vortigernus, who 
Vortiger, or Vortigern.  was a man wondrously politic and exceedingly ambitious, who taking the advantage of the time, knowing the stupidity of the eldest son, and the inability of the two younger (in regard of their minority) to reign, He coloured his aspiring to the Crown by a notable project, for he pretending the right of the eldest brother, had it as a matter of conscience to make Him King: and therefore took him out of the former Monastery and invested him in the Throne, in the year of Grace, four hundred forty three; by which means he had the sole management of 
Constantius made K. of Britain.  the whole Kingdom, and Constantine the name only: whom after he in short time supplanted, and reigned in his stead: in whose days Ambrose Merlinus the subject of our discourse was born and uttered his predictions, etc.   

CHAP. 6.  
A necessary digression showing the lives and reigns of 33 Kings of Britain scarce mentioned by any of our English remembrancers, with an exact computation of the times, etc.  
TO make the former passages the more plain to the Reader, it is fit to keep a true computation of the Times, and looking back into our former historical narration, perfect those things which were left doubtful, especially in the Inter-regnum before spoken of: In which the names of many Kings, Princes, and Governors of the Kingdom were concealed: Divers Historiographers who writ the passages of those times, reck on from the last year of Eliodure, to the first of Hely, the father of K. Lud, 186 years, during 
Of three and thirty Kings before scarce remembered.  which times, here reigned 33 Kings, (according to Galfridus and others) whose names thus follow, Gorbovinian (whom Lanquet the Chronicler calleth Reygay) son to Garbomanus, reignned 
Gorbovinian.  for the term of ten years, after him Morgan, 14 years, whom succeeded Emerianus, or Emerian, 
Morgan. Emerianus.  who held the pincipali●…y seven. juall called also Ivall followed him, and swayed the Sceptre 
Ivall.  twenty, after whom came Rimo, and held the Dominion over the Britain's 16, after whose expiration 
Rimo.  Geruntius was by the general suffrage 
Geruntius.  of the peers and people, admitted to the throne, and governed in greatpeace and prosperity 20 complete years, who no sooner expired, but they made election of Catellus, or cattle, who ruled without any great molestation or disturbance 
Catellus.  ten: and then left the Dominion to Coill, who 
Coil.  ruled with great humanity and gentleness for the space of 20 years, and dying in a mature age, yielded up the crown and Sceptre into the hands of Porrex, who kept and maintained them 
Porrex.  (though with some difficulty) five years, resigning the principality to Cherimus, who tyrannising 
Cherimus.  over the people was supplanted, being compelled to yield up all his power and authority, after he had governed but 12 months into the hands of Fulgentio, or Fulgentius who kept it peaceably, 
Fulgentius.  and to the great liking and applause both of the Nobles and Commons three years, and some odd months, who had no sooner yielded to the common fate due to all mortality, but Eliud by some writers called Eldred, stepped into his room, 
Eliud, or Eldred.  but enjoyed it but for a short season, for he died within the compass of one year, after he came to take upon him the Sovereignty.  
Then Androgeus aspired unto the Regal dignity, 
Androgeus.  but bore him so proudly and haughtily in his Sovereignty, that his subjects unanimous consented and made an insurrection against him, surprising him in his palace, and forcing him to give up his Sword & Sceptre, after he had tyrannised one whole year, to his son Vrian, who 
Vrian.  sat in the Throne but three years, and then yielded up his due to Nature, after whom Eliud was invested in the state, who (as the rest of his predecessors) 
Eliud.  left little or nothing behind him worthy memory, and when he had been King five years, departed this life, Galfridus reckoneth 3 other Kings 
Three Kings by some Authors not admitted.  successively to follow Eliud, namely, Dedacus, Cloterus, and Gurginetus, but Lanquet (an Author well approved) will not admit them into his Chronicle, I therefore proceed with the rest.  
It is agreed by all, that Merianus was King, and two years enjoyed the principality, but of what condition 
Merianus.  he was, there is left no memory to posterity. Four years also reigned his successor Bledinus, whom some call Bladunus, a man raised to that honour by his 
Bledinus.  valour, but being descended from obscure parentage, & therefore not knowing himself well in his greatness (as is commonly seen by many) it was the cause of shortening both of his life & sovereignty, for he was slain by the treason of his own servants, of whose treacherous murder Capenus taking advantage, being 
Capenus.  a potent Lord, and in great opinion with the people, he so far insinuated into their affections, that with an unanimous suffrage, they proclaimed him King (for his predecessor died and left no heir behind him) in which authority he demeaned himself like a royal and worthy Prince, and when he had swayed the Sceptre th●… years, he died, being very aged, and much lamented.  
Him succeeded one Owen a Cambrian Britain, who 
Owen.  though he could neither claim the privilege of blood, birth, or title, yet being valiant, prosperous in all his martial employments, as managing the wars under Capenus, by whom he was greatly honoured, being also politic and wise, and a good souldiou●…, so a discreet statesman, he was thought the worthiest then in the Kingdom, to take upon him the Dominion of the Realm, and so ended some troubles raised in his predecessors days, by his valour and wisdom he brought to a happy issue, and so died a single man, after he had two years governed the Kingdom: next him was inaugurated Sisillius, otherwise called Cecilius, 
Cecilius.  who bore himself with great humanity and affability, during the time of his living a subject, studying popularity, and by sundry ways, insinuating himself into the hearts of the people, but when he came to the Regal Title, and that the power and sovereignty was wholly in his own dispose, he then began to express his natural avaricious conditions, by exacting on the Commons, imposing divers taxes and tributes upon them, by which they were sore vexed and grieved, in so much that a rumour was raised amongst them, which they first only whispered, but at length animated by their intolerable impositions, they feared not to clamour aloud, that their former King died not without suspicion of poison: of which they spa●…ed not to accuse him, not only as an accessary, but the prime causer and procurer thereof: and therefore rising in arms against him, they drove him to that ●…rrow exigent, that he was forced to fly f●…om one place of refuge to another, who at length gathering some few forces about him gave them battle in which he was slain, after he had governed the Kingdom two years, after whom Blegabredus 
〈◊〉  reigned in his stead: this man had in him more music than majesty, for he was held most excellent both in minstrelsy and poesy, so that he seemed to be son, or at least minion of Apollo, for he not only composed his own Hymns and Ditties, but set them, and then sung and played to them, and because it was an art rarein those times, & practised by few, especially by any of generous condition & quality, being excellent and eminent in a Prince, he was therefore by it the more honoured and admired, who having swayed the Sceptre 20 years departed this life, leaving to succeed him his brother Archemail, who was of a more stern & robustuous nature, a man unlettered, 
Archemail.  and therefore a contemner of all Arts and Sciences, who after he had governed the Realm two years (but with more austerity and rigou●… than his brother before him had done) in a full age expired.  
After him reigned Eldon, or Eldol, no son, but a kinsman (for the two brothers died issueless) who was 
Eldol.  a man of peace, and therefore the more endeared unto the hearts of his subjects, under whose Reign they lived in great rest & prosperity, gathering great store of wealth about them, during the four years of his Reign, after which season he changed this life for a new, being much lamen●…d of his people, after whose death, stepped up into the ●…hrone Rodrech, or Rhodian, 
Rodrech, alias Rhodian.  a man not (like his predecessor) beloved, as being litigious, and always in contention with the Commons as holding them in contempt, only favouring the Nobility and Gen●…ry, and to prefer and advance them greatly oppressed the other, extorting from them by sundry exactions, for which he grew into great hatred amongst them: of which having intelligence, he thought severely to punish them by arms, but was prevented by death, after he had governed the kingdom not fully 4 years. In his place reigned 
Samuel Pennisel.  Samuel Pennisel, whom some Writers would make two men, (but their judgements are not altogether approved) this man with great care & industry sought and laboured to pacify the tumults and combustions before raised, & to that purpose, kept the Nobility and Gentry more short, so that he suffered them not (as before) to insult and tyrannize over the Country, but granted to them sundry immunities and privileges, for which he was greatly beloved by them, but left the world after he had 5 years swayed the Sceptre: whom Pyrpyrhus next succeeds, a man much affected 
Pyrpyrhus  by the people, and fortunate in all things saving his short Reign, who died after two year's sovereignty.  
Capoyr came next to the Crown, & governed an equal 
Capoyr.  time with them, of whom no memorable thing is recorded, for in two year's Reign, a Prince hath scarcely time to express himself, what manner of King he would be, whether a tyrant, or father of his people, whether addicted to peace or war: he left one to succeed him named Gligurt Devil, who was a Prince very sober and discreet in all his actions, and was an upright justicer, maintaining good Laws in his Dominions, but reigned four years only: his son Hely succeeded him before spoken of: so that all the time of 
H●…ly the father of King Lud.  these several Kings Reigns, ●…y those who writ contemporaries of the passages of seasons, and sought to reconcile them, by their computation, amounteth to 124 years. Thus desiring the Reader to excuse this necessary digression, without which there must needs be a great maim in the Chronicle. I now fall punctually upon Merlin's Prophecies, continuing them, and confirming their truth by Chronologie, from the time in which he uttered them, to the Reign of King Charles, our royal Lord and Sovereign, etc.    

A true History of the strange Birth of Ambrose Merlin, and his wonderful Prophecies.  

CHAP. 1.  
Of the Birth of Merlin, surnamed Ambrose, whether he were a Christian or no? and by what spirit he prophesied, etc.  
TO Prophets there be several attributes given, some are called prophetae, some vates, others videntes: that is, Prophets, Predicters, and 
Prophets, predicters, and seers.  Seers: and these have been from all antiquity. The name of prophets was, and aught to be peculiar, to those only that dealt only in divine Mysteries, and spoke to the people the words which the Almighty did dictate unto them concerning those things which should futurely happen, and such also are called in the holy Text Seers. But vates was a title promiscuously conferred on prophets and poets, as belonging to them both: of the first were Moses, Samuel, David, Isaiah, jeremiah, Daniel, and the rest, whose divine Oracles are extant in the old Testament: others there were in the time of the Gospel, as john Baptist, of whom our Saviour himself witnesseth, that he was not only a prophet, but more than a prophet: and we read in the Acts of the Apostles, Cap. 11. 27. And in those days also came Prophets from Jerusalem to Antiochia. And there stood up one of them called Agabus, and signified 
Prophetical Poets.  by the spirit, that there should be great famine in all the world, which came to pass under Claudius Caesar: of the Vaticall or prophetical poets amongst the Greeks were Orpheus, Linus, Homer, Hesiod, etc. and amongst the Latins, Publius Virgilius Maro, with others.  
But before I come to inquire, in which of these lists, This our Countryman Merlin, whose surname was Ambrose, aught to be filled; It is needful that I speak something of his birth, and 
The birth of Merlin.  parents; His mother being certain, but his father doubtful, (for so our most ancient Chronologers have left them) that is, whether he were according to nature begot by a man and a woman, or according to his mother's confession, that he was conceived by the compression of a fantastical spiritual creature, without a body, which may be easily believed to be a mere fiction, 
Me●…lin the son of a King's daughter.  or excuse to mitigate her fault, (being a Royal Virgin the daughter of King Demetius) or to conceal the person of her sweetheart by disclosing of whose name she had undoubtedly exposed him to imminent danger, and this is most probable. And yet we read that the other fantastical congression is not impossible. For Speusippus the son of Plato's sister, and Elearchus the Sophist, and Amaxilides in the second book of his philosophy, affirm in the honour of Plato, that his mother Perictione having congression with the imaginary shadow 
Plato and Merlin had fathers alike.  of Apollo, conceived, and brought into the World him who proved to be the Prince of Philosophers.  
Apuleius also in his book entitled, De Socratis Daemonio, of Socrates his Daemon, or genius, writes at large, that betwixt the Moon and the Earth Spirits inhabit, called Incubi, of which 
Spirits betwixt the Moon and the Earth.  opinion Plato was also, who saith, That their harbour was between the Moon and the Earth, in the moist part of the air. A kind of Daemons which he thus defines: a living creature, moist, rational, immortal and passable, whose property is to envy men: because to that place from whence they were precipitated by their pride, man by his humility is preferred; and of these, some are so libidinous and luxurious, that sometimes taking humane shape upon them, they will commix themselves with women, and generate children, from whence they have the name of Incubi, whom the Romans called Fauni, and Sicarii: and of such Saint Augustine 
Spirits called Incubi.  in his book De civitate Dei, makes mention.  
It further may be questioned, whether he were a Christian or a Gentile? as also by what 
Whether Merlin were a Christian or an Heathen.  spirit he prophesied, a Pythonick; or Divine? that is, by the Devil who spoke delusively in the Oracle of Apollo; or by holy and celestial revelation? For the first, it is not to be doubted but he was a Christian as being of the British Nation: This Kingdom having for the space of two hundred and odd years before his birth, received the Gospel under King Lucius, the first King of this Land, by the Substitutes of Pope Eleutherius, by whose preaching, the King and a great part of his people, quite renounced all Pagan Idolatry, and were baptised into the Christian Faith: but by what spirit he so truly predicted, is only known to the God 
Prophets and Prophetesses, in all Nations.  of all spirits, who in every Nation and Language, picked out some choice persons, by whose mouths he would have uttered things which should futurely happen to posterity, according to his divine will and pleasure, and amongst these was this our Merlin: to prove the former.  
Holy job was but a Gentile, a man of the land of Chus, yet none of the holy Prophets of the 
The former proved.  Lord did more plainly, more faithfully, and more pathetically acknowledge Christ, and the Resurrection than himself, when he saith in a most raptured Emphasis, job 19 v. 23. O that my words were written even in a book, and graven with an iron pen in lead or in stone for ever. For I am sure my Redeemer liveth, and he shall stand the last on the earth, and though after my skin, worms destroy this body, yet I shall see God in my flesh, whom I myself shall see, and mine eyes shall behold, and none other for me, though my reins be consumed within me.  
Neither was this any wonder in blessed job, 
Of the Sibyls.  whose like for holiness and uprightness of life was not to be found upon the face of the whole earth, when even all the Sibyls (who were Prophetesses and Virgins, and Gentiles of several Nations (for so Varro affirms) predicted not only of the Incarnation, passion, and death of our blessed Saviour, but of his second coming to judgement, of the consummation and dissolution of the World, the Resurrection of all flesh, the glory of the Saints, and the condemnation of the Reprobates, especially Sibylla Cumana, whom the renowned Doctors of the Church, and more especially Saint Augustine, 
S. Austin a●d other of the Fathers approve of the Sibyls prophecies.  quoted in her prophecies, and not thought them altogether unworthy to be remembered in their works, of which also Virgil makes men●ion in his fourth Eglogue: in which Saint Augustine 
Virgil prophesied of Christ.  himself witnesseth that he (though an Heathen) predicted the Incarnation of our blessed Saviour, for he insinuates that he is to speak of a great mystery in his first words, which are these:  
Sicelides Musae, paulo major a canamus.  
As speaking to the Muses, or invocating their assistance, that he is now to sing of more stupendious and high things: and a little after it followeth, 
Vltima jam venit Cumaei carminis aetas:   
That is: now is fulsilled the prophecy of Sibylla Cumana (so called from Cuma, once a famous City in Greece, where she was borne) he 
Sibylla Cumana.  further proceedeth, 
Magnus ab integro seclorum volvitur ordo,  
jam redit & virgo, redeunt Saturnia regna.  
jam nova progenies coelo demittitur alto.  Intimating in those words, that by revolution, the great order and course of the World should feel a change which was not from the beginning, and that now the Celestial Maid (which figured justice) or the mother of the most righteous 
●…hat Prophet could come nearer to the truth●…  should return, and that we should see again those innocent and blessed days which were in the reign of Saturn (which was called the golden World) and that a new birth should be sent down to the earth from the highest heaven, meaning our blessed Saviour, God, and man, born of the immaculate Virgin Mary: nay, further in the two subsequent Verses, he implies, that he came to take away the sins of the world, which are these: 
Quo duce, si qua manent sceleris vestigia nostri,  
Irrita perpetua solvent formidine terras.   
So much for Virgil: there are divers other prophets of the Gentiles both men and women, as Cassandra, Chrysis, Phiomaene, etc. and what shall we think of Balaam? whose Oracles Moses 
Other Prophetesses. Balaam the son of Bosor  inserted in the sacred Text, and whose prophecies the great Clerks and Doctors of the Church have expounded in large voluminous Works: yet for his person, some have held him for no better than a Soothsayer, or a Wizard, and hired for a reward to curse the children of Israel Gods selected people, and they by his counsel after enticed to fornication and idolatry, of whom the blessed Apostle Saint Peter in the second Chapter of his second Epistle and fourteenth Verse gives him this character (speaking of such whose hearts were exercised in covetousness, and children of the curse) who forsaking the right way have gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness, but he was rebuked for his iniquity, for the dumb beast speaking with man's voice, forbade the foolishness of the prophet. These former examples may beget an hesitation or doubt, by which of the two spirits the good or bad, our Countryman Merlin uttered his predictions.  
But whosoever shall make question of the true events of his prophecies, I shall refer him 
A just si●…tion of the truth of Merlin's prophesi●…s. D●…ctor Alanus de Insulis  to the reading of that most excellent Orator ●…olyhistor, and Theologist of his time, Alanus de Insulis a Germane Doctor, for his admirable and multifarious Learning surnamed Vniversalis: and Rector of the Parisian Academy in his Explanation or Comment upon Merlin's Prophecies, the original being extracted out of jeffery of Monmouth, part of his words are these: In all his prophecies I find nothing dissonant, incongruous, or absurd: nor any thing foreign, or averse from truth: And those who shall live in ages to come, shall find those his predictions as constantly to happen in their days (according to the limit of time) as we have hitherto found them certain and infallible even to the age in which we now live. And for these signs and tokens which before the consummation of the World shall appear, he divineth and foretelleth of them in the Sun and Mo●…ns, and the other five Planets; juno, Mars, Mercury, Venus, Satnrne, and other stars, how they shall confound and alter their courses which they had 
His predict on from the Planets.  in the Creation, according to that in the holy Evangelist Saint Luke, cap. 21. v. 25. Then there shall be signs in the Sun, and the Moon, and in the stars: and upon the earth trouble amongst the Nations with perplexity, the Sea and the waters shall roar, and men's hearts shall fail them for fear, and for looking after those things which shall come in the World, for the powers of Heaven shall be shaken, etc. But of the new heaven, and the new earth, and the resurrection of the dead to new life, how truly he spoke according to the Prophetical, Evangelicall, and Apostolical Traditions; it is manifest, that he no way deviated or erred from the orthodoxal Christian Faith, and so much Doctor Alanus concerning the truth of his prophecies, with whom I conclude this first Chapter.   

CHAP. 2.  
In whose Reign Merlin was borne. How the state of Britain stood in those days, with divers necessary occurrences pertinent to the story.  
THe better to illustrate this our History of Merlin, (the subject now in agitation) it is necessary that I show you in what Kings Reign he was borne, in what state the Kingdom stood at that time, and how our prophet came to be first known in Court. He was born in the reign of King Vortiger, who by usurpation aspired to the Crown: who being a potent Duke of the 
Merlin born in the reign of King Vortiger.  Britain: after the death of Constantius, took his son Constantins' out of a Monastery (being a simple man and uncapable of so great a charge, and made him King) so that Duke Vortiger being a popular man, had the whole government of the Land, and Constantine only the name of King, who taking advantage of his Sovereigns easy nature and mild disposition, cast in his thoughts how by the death of his Lord and Master, to compass the Crown to himself, and 
Vortigers ambition to the Crown.  to accomplish his ambitious design he placed, as a guard about him, an hundred Picts and Scots, whom he so bribed with continual gifts and rewards, that they feared not openly to say that Vortiger better deserved the Imperial dignity than Constantine: in which interim he got into his possession, all the treasure, howsoever divers thereat grudged: and the strangers in hope to purchase his greater favour, took their opportunity to lay violent hands upon the King, and presented his head to Vortiger, being 
King Constantine sl●…ine by his guard.  then at London.  
Who in his Crocodile coming, and to blind the eyes of the Britain's, to make them think he had no hand in his death, wept exceedingly, and made great show of sorrow, and to express his great justice, caused all those honoured Knights to be beheaded according to the 
Treason rewarded.  Laws of the Kingdom, by which he was held both by the peers and people innocent of the Treason: but those that had the Guardianship of the Kings two younger brothers Aurelius and Uter, the one surnamed Ambrose, the other 
Ambrose and Vt●…r the King's younger brothers.  Pendragon, fearing the power and potency of Vortiger fled with them into little Britain, where they continued, yet it pleased God otherwise to dispose of them.  
Then was Vortiger by a general and unanimous consent crowned King in the year of the 
Vortiger crowned King.  Incarnation of our blessed Saviour four hundred forty eight: but it was not long ere the Picts and Scots, having knowledge of the death of their countrymen, invaded the Land with great hostility: in so much that he was no way able to withstand their malice and fury, in this great distress, retiring himself to Canterbury, news was brought him of theer great ships full of Ammunition and armed men, landed in the Isle of Tenet: at first he feared that they were the late King's brothers, Ambrose and Uter, who came to lay claim to the Kingdom, but finding them to be strangers: he sent to know of what Nation they were: and the purpose of their landing? Who returned him answer that they were Saxons, so called of a Province in 
The first landing of the Saxons.  Germany, who came to seek adventures abroad, and since fortune had brought them into this Land, they besought him to receive them into service, as being both ready and able to be his faithful soldiers, and to fight for him in the defence of his Country against all foreign invaders? and their Captains were two brothers, Hengist and Horsus.  
The King in regard of his present necessity, which much moved him to correspondency, was exceeding glad of their liberal proffer, and accepted of them, yet sorry that they were Miscreants, and of the Pagan belief, for as Reverend Bede hath left recorded, with Gulielmus de Regibus, They at that time worshipped an Idol or false god, called Woden, and a Goddess named Fria, in the honour of which god, they called one day of the week Wodens-day, which 
When Wednesday and Friday had their app●…llation.  we term Wednesday, and another in the honour of the Goddess Fria, Frisday, by us still continuing the name Friday. But it followeth in the story; Vortimer by the aid of these Saxons, having freed his Land from all foreign enemies, Hengist in reward of his former service, demanded of the King so much ground as the hide of a Bull would compass, which request appeared to the King so reasonable, that he easily granted it, which skin he caused to be cut into small and slender thongs, with which he measured a large circuit of earth, upon which he builded a great and strong Fort, which he called 
The building of Thong Castle.  Thong Castle, which standeth in the County of Lyndsee.  
When news arrived in Germany of the plenty and goodness of this Land, with all the commodities thereto belonging, they came hither in multitudes covenanting with the Britain's, that they should only intent their Tillage and Husbandry, and themselves would as their soldiers, defend the Land from all incursi●…ns and invasions, demanding for that service only competent means and wages, in which interim Hengist 
The policy of the Saxons.  sent for sixteen sail more well furnished with men, and all necessary provision. In which fleet came also his daughter Rowen, a beautiful Lady, concerning whom, to cutoff all circumstances, Hengist invited the King to his new Castle, where his fair daughter gave him entertainment, with whose beauty he became so surprised, and perditely enamoured, that for her sake he repudiated his lawful wife, by whom he had three noble sons, Vortimerus, Catagrinus, and Pascentius, to marry with this young Saxon Lady, and that he might enjoy her, gave to her 
Vortimer forsaketh his Queen to marry with Rowen, the daughter of Hengist.  Father the Dukedom or Province of Kent, though Garagonus, then Lord thereof, with divers other of the British Peers, thereat much grudged.  
For which, and many other honours and revenues conferred upon the Saxons, as also that he left his own Christian Consort, to marry with an Infidel, and that Hengist had sent for his son Octa to come over with a fresh supply of his Countrymen: The Lords of Britain considering 
An assembly of the British Lords.  what dangers were like to fall upon the Land, assembled themselves, and coming to the King, laid open to him the inconvenience and peril which was likely to fall both upon himself and the Kingdom, by the multitude and strength of these strangers, humbly beseeching him for their general security, to banish them all or the greatest part of them the Land. But the King was deaf of that ear, for the Saxons were in such favour with him, by reason of his beautiful young Queen, that he preferred them before the love of his own wife, sons, subjects, kinsmen, and friends, wherefore the Britain's with one will and assent, crowned his eldest son Vortimer King, depriving him of all Regal dignity, when he had fully 
King Vortiger deposed.  reigned (after the consent of the best Histories) sixteen years.  
A word or two by the way, of our new King Vortimer, who assisted by the resolute Britain's, 
Vortimers many brave victories over the Saxons.  in all haste pursued the Saxons, and gave them a great battle upon the River of Darwent, in which the Saxons Host was quite discomfited: He fought with them a second upon the Ford called Epiford, or Aglisthorpe, in which fight Catrignus the brother of Vortimer, and Horsus the brother to Hengist, meeting in the battle fought together a brave combat, and slew each other, in which the Britaines also were Victors: He gave them a third, near unto the Seaside, in which the Saxons were chased, and forced to take the Isle of Wight for their refuge: and likewise a fourth main battle upon Colemore, which was long and courageously maintained by the Saxons, by reason that they now closed a great part of their Host so defensively, that the Britaines could but with much difficulty approach them, for the danger of their 
Vortimer conquered the Saxons in seven several battles.  shot, yet in the end they were routed, and many of them drowned and swallowed in the Moor. And besides these four principal and main battles, he had divers other conflicts with them, one in Kent, another at Thetford in Norfolk, a third in Essex, near unto Colchester, from all which fields he departed a glorious Victor, neither did he leave their pursuit, till he had deprived them of all their possessions in the Land, saving the Isle of Tenet, which he continually assaulted with his Navy by Sea: which when his step mother Rowen saw, and how much her Father Hengist with his Saxons, by his Martial 
Vortimer poisoned by his stopdame Rowen.  prowess were distressed, she used such means that he was poisoned, after he had victoriously governed the Kingdom for the space of seven years.  
All which time Vortiger, the Father of the late dead Vortimer, lived privately in Chester, where he so well demeaned him towards the King his son, by aiding him with his counsel and otherwise, that by the Britain's general assent, he was again restored to the Kingdom: Hengist again pierced the Land with a mighty 
Vortiger restored to the Kingdom.  Host of his Countrymen, which Vortiger hearing made towards him with his Army of Britain's. But Hengist, who had before tasted of their hardness and courage, made means of a treaty for peace, whence lastly, it was concluded, that a certain number of Britain's, and as many Saxons should meet upon a Mayday weaponless, upon the Plain of Salisbury, on which prefixed day, Hengist bethought him of a strange and perfidious Treason, charging all his Saxons, that every one should put a long Knife in his hose, and when he gave this watchword Nempnith, your Sepis, they should suddenly fall upon the 
A most unk●…ngly treason.  unarmed Britain's, and kill them to one man: Briefly, they met at the time and place appointed, where Hengist and his Saxons received him and his power, with a countenance of peace and love, but they had not long spoken together when Hengist giving the watchword, the Britan's were basely and barbarously butchered, unless any by his manhood and strength wrest the Knife from his enemy, and defend himself:, amongst the British Lords was one Edolf Earl of Chester, who (as Gunfride affirms) seeing his friends and fellows thus murdered, he found the stake of an hedge by chance their scattered, with which he not only saved his own life, but 
A valiant Britain.  slew seventeen of the opposite side, and got safely into the City of Salisbury, after which treason executed, the King remained with Hengist as prisoner.  
Hengist by his Treason having thus gotten the upper hand, and retaining the King in his 
Vortiger suppressed by Hengist.  power and custody, he compelled him to give him three Provinces in the East part of Britain, Kent, Suffex, Norfolk, and Suffolk, to which some add Essex, etc. of which being safely possessed, he suffered the King to go at large, sending for some other of his Kinsmen to take possession of other Provinces in the Kingdom, crowning himself King of Kent, and from his 
Britain's first called England  own name, caused this Realm to be called Hengists Land, or (as we now pronounce it) England: and the Saxons now spreading and quartering themselves in the best and most fertile soils of the Land, as having the Sovereignty over London, York, Lincoln, Winchester, with most of the principal Cities in the Realm. The Saxons still increasing in multitude and power, and the Britain's daily decreasing, both in number and strength. Vortiger was forced to fly or retire himself into Wales, where 
Vortiger forced to fly into Wales.  (after some writers) thinking to fortify himself, he began to lay the foundation of a Castle called Generon, or Gwaynerens, in the West side of the River Grana, upon an Hill called Cloaricus: But what success he had in the building thereof, and how Merlin came first to be known to the King with part of his Prophecies, I will refer to the subsequent Chapter, giving withal the intelligent peruser of this story, to better his knowledge, this Item; that without the laying open of the true passage ofthose tim●…, which I have (as briefly as possibly I could in the premises) these our prophet's predictions which now seem plain and easy, would have been much more intricate, and hard to be understood.   

CHAP. 3.  
By what miraculous accident young Merlin came to be known to King Vortiger: of the combat betwixt the red and the white Dragon, and his prophecy thereof, etc.  
WHen Vortigers Architectors had caused the Hill to be digged, and the foundation to be laid on which to erect this new structure, after the weak men had digged the circuit of the place, where the great stones were to be set in order: they were no sooner laid in the hollow of the earth, but they instantly sunk down, and were swallowed up and no more seen: at which the Workmen wondered, and the King himself was much astonished, and the more proofs they made, the greater cause of admiration they had, especially the situation being upon an Hill, and no moorish or uncertain ground: therefore the King commanded a cessation from the work for the present, and sent to the Bards and Wizards (of which that age afforded plenty) 
Vortiger inquires of the Wizards.  to know a reason of that prodigy? or at lest what it might portend? who being gathered together, and having long consulted amongst themselves, and not finding by any natural or supernatural reason, what the cause thereof might be, they concluded in the end, to save their credits, and to excuse their ignorance, to put the King off with an impossibility: and when he came to demand of them what they had done in the matter? they returned him this answer, that those stones could never be laid together, or the place built upon, till they were cemented with the blood of a man-child, who was borne of a mother, but had no man to 
A cunning evasion.  his father.  
With this answer the King satisfied, the soothsayers departed from him (not meanly glad that they had put him off, according to our English word, with a flame or delirement) without any disparagement to their art and cunning, who no sooner left his presence, but the King called his servants about him, commanding them to ride and search into, and through all Provinces and Countries till they could find such an one as the Wizards had spoken of, and by fair or foul means to bring the party unto him, but not acquainting him with the Cause, but that the King seeing such an one would send him back richly and bountifully rewarded: having received this commission (or rather Imposition, from the King their master, we leave them to their several adventures, every of them being sufficiently accommodated for so uncertain a journey.  
One of them amongst the rest happened to come to a Town or City called Kaier Merlin 
Merlin's City, since from him so called.  which implies Merlin's Town or Merlin's borough, which is no doubt the same which we call at this day Marlborrow, but my author terms it a City at whose gates the messenger of the king arriving, it happened that a great many young Lads were sporting themselves without the walls, and of the company, two of them in gaming fall out, the one young Merlin, the other called Dinabutius, who amongst other breathing words cast into Merlin's teeth, that he was but some Mooncalf, as born of a mothsr, who knew not his father: The servant taking notice of this Language, presently demanded what he was? and who were his parents? who returned him answer, that for any father he 
Merlin first discovered.  had, they knew none, but his mother was daughter to the King Demetius, and lived a Votaress in that City, in a Nunnery belonging to the Church of Saint Peter: which having heard her, presently went to the chief Magistrates, and shown them his Commission from the King, which they obeying, sent both the mother and son under his conduct, to attend the pleasure of his Majesty,  
Of whose coming the King was exceeding joyful, and when they appeared before him 
Merlin and his mother appear before the King  (both ignorant of the occasion why they were sent for) the King first asked him, if that were his natural son? Who replied that he was, and borne of her own body, he then desired to know by what father he was begot? to which she likewise answered, that she never had the society of any one mortal or humane, only a spirit assuming the shape of a beautiful young man, had many times appeared unto her, seeming to court her with no common affection, but when any of her fellow Virgins came in, he would suddenly disappear and vanish, by whose many and urgent importunities, being at last overcome, I yielded, saith she, to his pleasure, and was compressed by him, and when my full time of Teeming came, I was delivered of this son (now in your presence) whom I caused to be called Merlin: which words were uttered with such modesty and constancy, considering withal the royalty of her birth, and the strictness of the order (in which she now lived) that the King might the more easily be induced to believe that whatsoever she spoke was truth.  
When casting his eye upon Merlin he began to apprenend strange promising things in his aspect, as having a quick and piercing eye, an ingenious and gracious countenance, and in h●… youthful face a kind of austerity and supercilious gravity, which took in him such a deep impression, hat he thought his blood too noble 
Cruelty changed into pity.  to be mingled with the dust and rubbish of the earth, & therefore instead of sentencing him to death, and commanding him to be slain, he opened unto him, the purpose he had to build this Castle, and the strange and prodigious impediments, which hindered the work, than his assembly of the Bards and Wizards, and what answer they returned him of his demand, but bade him withal be of comfort, for he prized his life being a Christian above ten such Citadels, though erected and perfected with all the cost and magnificence that humane art or fancy could devise.  
To which words Merlin (who had all this 
Merlin's speech to the King.  while stood silent and spoke not a word) thus replied Royal Sir, Blind were your Bards, witless your Wizards, and silly and simple your Soothsayers; who shown themselves averse to Art, and altogether unacquainted with the secrets of Nature, as altogether ignorant, that in the breast of this Hill, lies a vast Moat, or deep Pool which hath ingurgitated and swallowed all these materials thrown into the Trenches. Therefore command them to be digged deeper, and you shall discover the water in which your squared stones have been washed, and in the bottom of the Lake you shall find two hollow Rocks of stone, and in them two horrible Dragons fast sleeping: which having uttered, he with a low obeisance made to the King left speaking.  
Who instantly commanded pioneers with 
Merlin's words found true.  pickaxes, mattocks, and shovels to be sent for, who were presently employed to dig the earth deep, where the pond was found, and all the water drained, so that the bottom thereof was left dry, than were discovered the two hollow Rocks, which being opened, out of them issued two fierce and cruel Dragons, the one red, the other white, and made betwixt them, a violent and terrible conflict. But in the end the white Dragon prevailed over the red, at which sight the King being greatly stupefied and amazed, demanded of Merlin, what this their combat might portend? Who fetching a great sigh, and tears in abundance issuing from his eyes, with a prophetical spirit, made him this following 
Merlin's first prophecy.  answer. 
Woe's me for the red Dragon, for alach,  
The time is come, he hasteth to his mach:  
The bloody Serpent, (yet whose souls are white)  
Implys that Nation, on which thy delight  
Was late sole-fixt, (the Saxons) who as friends  
Came to thee first, but aiming at shrewd ends  
They shall have power over the drooping red,  
In which the British Nation's figured:  
Drive shall he them into caves, holes, and dens,  
To barren mountains, and to moorish fens,  
Hills shall remove, to where the valleys stood,  
And all the baths and brooks shall flow with blood.  
The worship of the holy God shall cease.  
For in thilk days the Kirke shall have no peace:  
The Panims (woe the while) shall get the day,  
And with their Idols mammetry bear sway,  
And yet in fine she that was so oppressed,  
Shall mount, & in the high rocks build her nest.  
For out of Cornwall shall proceed a Boar,  
Who shall the Kerk to pristine state restore,  
Bow shall all Britain to his kingly beck,  
And tread he shall on the white Dragon's neck.   
Then casting a sad look upon the King, as reading his fate in his forehead, he muttered to himself and said, 
But well-away for thee, to Britain dear,  
For I foresee thy sad disaster's near.  Which accordingly happened, and that within few years after, for Vortiger having builded this Castle, and fortified it making it defensible against any foreign opposition, the two sons 
Ambrose and Uter invade the Land at Totnesse.  of Constantine whom Vortiger had before caused to be slain, assisted by their near Kinsman Pudentius, King of Armorica, or little Britain, (where they had been liberally fostered and cherished) passed the Sea with a complete Army, and landed at Totnesse, whereof when the Britain's who were dispersed in many Provinces understood, they crept out of their holes and corners, and drew unto their Host, which was no small encouragement to the two brothers, Ambrose Aurelius and Uter-pendragon, who now finding their forces to be sufficiently able both in strength and number, made their speedy expedition towards Wales, with purpose to distress Vortiger the Usurper.  
Who having notice of their coming, and not able in regard of the paucity of his followers to give them battle, he made what provision he could for the strengthening of his Castle, to endure a long siege, and to oppose the rage of any violent battery, till he might send for supply elsewhere. But such was the fury of the assailants, that after many fierce and dangerous attempts finding the Walls and Gates to be impregnable; casting into the Castle balls of wild fire, with other incendiaries, they burned him and his people alive, amongst whom not one escaped. Of him it is reported, that he should have carnal society with his own daughter, 
The lamentable death of King Vortiger.  in hope that Kings should issue from them: Thus died he most miserably when he had reigned since his last Inauguration nine years and some odd months: The explanation of the rest of his prophecy, I will leave to the Chapter following.   

CHAP. 4.  
Merlin's former prophecy explained with sundry prestigious Acts done by him to delight the King: his prophecy of the King's death. And bringing Stonehenge from Ireland.  
YOu have heard what the red and white Dragons figured, namely, the British and Saxon people, we will now punctually examine the truth of his prediction in the rest. The caverns, corners, mountains, and moorish places, express into what sundry distresses the Natives were driven unto by the merciless cruelty of the strangers, by the Hills and Valleys, shifting places, that there was no difference amongst the poor Britain's, betwixt the Courtier and Cottager, the peer and the peasant, by the Rivers flowing with blood. The many Battles fought betwixt the two Nations, and that in those day's Religion and the true Worship of God was suppressed, happened under Hengist and Horsus, and their posterity: Octa the s●…nne of Hengist, who succeeded his Father in the Kingdom of Kent, Tosa, Pascentius, and Colgrinus, all Pagans and Princes of the Saxons: for when the Britain's, from the time of Eleutherius, whom the Romists writ was the fourteenth Pope after the blessed Saint Peter had received the Christian Faith, under King Lucius, of glorious memory, and had continued it for many years unto that time.  
The Saxons after their coming into the 
The Saxons suppressed the faith of Christ.  Land, being then Miscreants, laboured by all means to suppress the same, and in the stead thereof, to plant their Pagan Idolatry, which they accomplished even to the coming of St. Augustine, sent hither by Pope Gregory, in 
Aur●lius and Uter maintainers of the true religion.  whose time it began again to flourish and get the upperhand, in the Reign of Aurelius Ambrose, and his brother Uter-pendragon, (which is by interpretation the Head of the Dragon) who succeeded him: By the Boar which should come out of Cornwall, and tread upon the neck of the white Dragon, is meant the invincible King Arthur, who vanquished the 
By the Boar of Cornwall is meant King Arthur.  Saxons, and subdued them in many Battles, and was a great maintainer, and exalter of the true Christian Religion, of whose begetting and birth, in this our History of Merlin, we shall have occasion to speak hereafter.  
As Merlin was plentifully endued with the 
Some held Merlin to be a Magician.  spirit of divination, so by some authors it is affirmed of him that he was skilful in dark and hidden arts, as Magic, Necromancy, and the like, and relate of him, that when King Vortiger lived solitary in his late erected Castle forsaken of the greatest part of his followers and friends, and quite sequestered from all Kingly honours, he grew into a deep and dumpish melancholy, delighting only (if any delight can be taken therein) in solitude and want of company: to expel which sad fits from him, which might be dangerous to impair his health, he would devise for his recreation and disport many pleasant fancies to beget mirth and sometimes laughter, by solacing his ear with several strains of Music, both courtly and rural; the sound heard, but the persons not seen; as with the Harp, Bagpipes, Cymbal, and Tabret: and sometimes again 
Several sports devised by Merlin to make the melancholy King merry.  with the Lute, Orphorian, vial, Sackbut, Cornet, and Organs: then to recreate his eye, he would present him with stately Masques and Anti-Masques, and again, for variety sake with Rustic dances presented by Swains and Shepherdesses: and where these grew any thing stolen or tedious to his eye or ear, he would take him up into the top of one of his turrets whereon he should see Eagles and Hawks fly after sundry Games, and what fowl the King liked, they would strike it into his lap, to add unto his slender provision for dinner and supper, which gave the King no small contentment.  
Sometimes he would have an Hare, or Hart hunted and chased by a pack of Dogs in the 
Strange sports in the air devised by Merlin.  air, the Game flying, the Hounds with open and audible mouths, pursuing, with Huntsmen winding their Horns, and following the Chase with all the indents and turn, losses and recoveries, the Champagne Plains, the Woods, and Coverts appearing as visible and natural as if the sport had been upon the firm and solid earth.  
Upon a time being in the King's Summer Parlour, who was desirous to be partaker of 
Other Magic sports to content the King.  some novelty which he had never seen, there instantly appeared upon the Table a pair of Butts and Whites in the middle to shoot at, where suddenly came in six dapper and pert fellows like Archers, in stature not above a foot high, and all other members accordingly proportioned, their bows were of the side bones of an overgrown pike, their strings of a small slevy silk, no bigger than the thread of a Cobweb, their arrows less than pick-teeth, feathered with the wings of small Flies, and headed with the points of Spanish Needles, who made a show as if they were to shoot a match three to three, and roundly they went about it: in the middle of their Game, there was a shot which rested doubtful, which as it appeared, the Gamesters could not well decide: then Merlin called to one of the servants (who had something a big nose) that stood by, and bade him measure to the mark, and give it to the best: To which whilst he stooped, and inclined his face, the better to umpire the matter, one of the Pigmy Archers who had an arrow to shoot, delivered it from his bow, and shot him quite through the nose, at which he started, and the King hearty laughed: (for there was no room to be seen) and the Butts with the Archers together disappeared.  
But when Merlin knew the King's fate, to 
Merlin leaveth the King.  draw nigh, and not willing to partake in his disaster, he feigned occasions abroad, and though with much difficulty, had at length leave to departed, leaving behind him a paper which he put into the King's Closet where upon occasion he might easily find and read this ensuing prophecy. 
Fly from these fatal several sires o King, 
His prophecies of the King's death, etc.   
Which from less Britain the two exiles bring:  
Now are their ships arigging, now forsake,  
Th' Armoricke shores, and towards Albion make,  
To avenge their murdered brother's blood on thee,  
In Totnesse road to morrow they will be,  
The Saxon Princes shall contend in vain.  
For young Aurelius having Hengist slain,  
Shall peaceably possess the British throne,  
Striving the opposite Nations to atone.  
He the true Faithshall seek to advance on high,  
But in the quest thereof, by poison die,  
The Dragon's head, his brother shall succeed, 
Uter-pendragon.   
And after many a brave heroic deed,  
By him performed, the Fates shall strive to waste,  
His soul o'er Styx, by a like poisonous draught,  
But those who sent them to th' Elysian bower,  
His son the Boar of Cornwall shall devour.   
This History needs no comment, being so plain in itself by the success thereof: only thus much let me entreat the Reader to bear in memory, that that Arthur figured under the name of Aper Cornubiae, that is, the Boar of Cornwall, was son to Uter-pendragon, here called, the head of the Dragon.  
Amongst many brave Heroical Acts done by this Aurelius Ambrose, after the death of Vortiger, he maintained the middle part of 
Aurelius Ambrose against the Saxons.  the Kingdom of Britain, with all Cambria and Wales, endevoring to repair all the ruined places in the Land, as Forts, Castles, and Citadels, but especially the Temples which were much defaced by the Pagan Idolaters, and caused Divine Service to be every where said in them, and after that encountered the Saxons in the hill of Baden or Badove, where he slew many of them and utterly routed their whole Army; after which defeat, another Saxon Prince named Porthe with his two sons landed at an Haven in Sussex, after whom as some Authors affirms, the place is called Portsmouth unto this day, others landed also in several parts of the Kingdom: so that Aurelius had with them many conflicts and Battles, in which he sped diversely, being, for the most part Conqueror, and yet at some times repulsed and over-set. 
Now called Stonehenge. Merlin ●…eth Stone hinge from Ireland.   
Our English Chr●…nicles and others say, that he by the help of Merlin caused the great stones which stand till this day on the plain of Salisbury to be brought in a whirlwind one night out of Ireland, and caused them to be placed: where they now stand, in remembrance of the British Lords there slain, and after buried in the time of the pretended treaty and communication, had betwixt Vortiger and Hengist, as is formerly touched, but Polychronicon and others ascribe the honour of their transportage to his Brother Uter-pendragon, at whose request to Merlin, that miraculous conveyance was performed: which if by art he were able to do; No question to be made of the truth of those former prestigious feats, in this Chapter before remembered.   

CHAP. 5.  
Uter-pendragon succeedeth his brother Aurelius, he is enamoured of Igerna, wife to the Duke of Cornwall, whom by the art of Merlin he enjoys: of whom he begot K. Arthur the worthy. Merlin's prophecy of him before his birth.  
AVrelius Ambrose in the prime of his age, and honour being taken away by poison, his brother Uter-pendragon 
Uter-pendragon crowned King.  by the general suffrage both of the Clergy, Peers, and people, was made King, who pursuing his brother's former victories, gave the Saxons many battles, in which he came off with great honour and victory, as awing them so fare that they durst not once approach his Confines and Territories: After he began to repair the decayed and ruinated Churches, and to provide that God should be carefully worshipped, rest ring to his people all those goods and possessions, which by the Enemy had been extorted from them: and after having slain Pascentius the son of Hengist in 
Vter-pendragons' victories over the Saxons and others.  battle, with Guillamore King of Ireland, who came in his assistance, who had with great tyranny afflicted his subjects of the North, with fire, sword, and sundry direptions and spoil, and having taken Octa (who was also the son of Hengist) and Cosa his Nephew, and put them in prison: he made a great solemnity at the Feast of Easter, to which he invited all his Nobility and Gentry with their Wives and Daughters, to gratulate with him his former victories. Amongst the rest of his Peers was then present Gothlois Duke of Cornwall, with his most beautiful Igerna, who was held to be the prime Paramont of the whole English Nation.  
With whose beauty and demeanour, the King was so infinitely taken, that all other his most necessary affairs neglected, he could not restrain or bridle his extraordinary affection, but he 
The King enamoured of Igerna, wife to the Duke of Cornwall.  must needs court and kiss her openly in the presence of her husband, at which he incensed with the rage of jealousy presently without any leave taken of the King, or the rest of his fellow peers: risen from the Table, and taking his wife with him along, by no persuasion could be moved to stay, but instantly posted with her into his Country, which the King (being perditely enamoured of his Lady) took in such ill part, that he sent for them bacl, pretending, they must use his counsel in matters of state, to make his speedy return. But he more prising his Lady then all his other fortunes (whether favourable or disastrous) which way soever they should happen, disobeyed the King's command, with a peremptory answer, that he would not come. At which the King more enraged, sent him word, that if he persisted in his obstinacy, he would invade his Dukedom, and beat his Towers and Turrets (to which he trusted) about his ears, but vain were his menaces: for loath to lose so sweet a bedfellow, he set the King at public defiance.  
To chastise whose pride (as he pretended) 
Uter-pendragon invadeth Cornwall.  Uter-pendragon gathered a strong Army, and invaded his Country with fire and sword, but Gothlois perceiving himself unable, to oppose so potent a Prince, attended with such multitudes of experienced and tried soldiers: he betook himself to a strong Castle, then called Dimelioch: and there fortified himself, daily expecting forces from Ireland, but because he would not hazard all his estate in one Bottom, he like a wise Merchant sent his wife to another impregnable Fort called Tindagol, being round environed with the Sea, and one way leading unto it, which three men, elbowing one another, could not pass at once. A few days being past, in the besieging of that form●… Castle, which the Duke maintained against him, he grew still the more besotted with the love of the Lady, in so much that he could neither enter nor scape: At length he uttered the impatience of his affection to one whom he had amongst many other, chosen for his familiar friend, whose name was Vrsin of Ricaradoch: who 
Vrsin of Ricaradoch.  when he had truly pondered all that the King had delivered unto him, he returned him answer, that he could perceive small hope for the King to attain to his amorous ends, in regard that the Fort in which she resided, by reason of the situation of the place (munified both by Art and Nature) was altogether inaccessible. For three armed men (so strait was the passage) might keep out his whole Army: one refuge only remained, that if the Prophet Merlin, who was then in the Army, would undertake the business, it might be accomplished, but otherwise not.  
The King being attentive to his language, 
Merlin sent for by the King.  presently caused Merlin to be sent for, and told him, how ardently he was affected to the Countess, without enjoying whose person he was not able to subsist alive: aggravating the trouble and perplexity of his mind, with much paleness in his face, many deep suspires, and extraordinary passion, which Merlin commiserating, he told his Majesty, that to compass a thing so difficult as that was, being but a little degree from impossibility, he must make proof of Art mystical and unknown, by which he would undertake by such unctions and medicaments as he would apply, to metamorphose his Highness into the true figure and semblance of Duke Gothlois, his friend Vrsin into jordan of Tintegell, his familiar companion and Counsellor. 
Merlin's strange Metamorphosis.  And himself would make the third in the Adventure, changing himself into Bricot, a servant that waited of him in his Chamber, and they three thus disguised, would in the twilight of the evening, whilst the Duke in one place was busied in the defence of his Castle against the assailants, command their entrance into the other Fort in the name and person of the Duke, where they should be undoubtedly received.  
This prestigious plot much pleased the King, who impatient of delay, gave order to his chief Captains and Commanders concerning the siege, excusing to them his absence for some certain hours: he in the mean time, the same night committed himself to the charge and art of Merlin: who disguised as aforesaid, knocked at the gates of Tindagoll, to whom the Porter (thinking he had heard his Lord's voice demanding entrance.) Instantly opened the gate, and 
The King, Merlin and Vrsin enter the Fort of Tind●…gol.  meeting him with Vrsin and Merlin, taking them for jordan and Bricot, so that the King was presently conducted to the Chamber of Igerna: who gladly and lovingly received him as her Lord and Husband, where he was bountifully feasted, and bedding with her, he freely enjoyed her most loving embraces to the full, sa●…iating of his amorous desires, where betwixt them that night was begot the Noble Prince Arthur, who for his brave facinorous, and high and Heroical Achievements, made his name glorious and venerable through the face of the whole earth: of whom Merlin long before his begetting, or birth thus prophesied. 
The Cornish Boar shall fill with his devotion,  
The Christian World: the Islands of the Ocean,  
He shall subdue: the Flower de Lyces plant,  
In his own Garden, and prove Paramant,  
The two-neckt Roman Eagle he shall make  
To flag her plumes, and her faint feathers quake.  
Pagan's shall strive in vain to bend or break him,  
Who shall be meat to all the mouths that speak him,  
Yet shall his end be doubtful: Him six Kings  
Shall orderly succeed, but when their wings  
Are clipped by death, a Germane Worm shall rise  
Who shall the British State anatomise.  
Him, shall a Sea-wolfe waited on by Woods  
From Africa brought to pass Saint George's floods  
Advance on high: then shall Religion fail,  
And then shall London's Clergy honour veil  
To Dorobernia: he that seventy shall sit  
In th' Eboracensick Sea; be forced to flit  
Into Armorica: Menevia sad  
Shall with the Legion Cities Palls be clad,  
And they that in thilk days shall live, may see  
That all these changes in the Kirke shall be.   
But before I come to the opening of this Prophecy, which to the ignorant may appear rather a rhyming Riddle, then to be grounded on truth or reason, it is necessary that I look back to where I late left, and proceed with the History which thus followeth: the King more ecstasied in the embraces of his sweet and desired Bedfellow, his soldiers without any commission by him granted, make a strange and terrible assault upon the other Fort, in which Gothlois was besieged, who being of an high and haughty spirit, scorning to be long immured, and coped up without making some expression of his magnanimity and valour, issued out of the Castle, and with great rage and resolution sat upon the Camp, in hope with his handful of men, to have dislodged and routed a multitude, but it fell out fare contrary to his expectation, for in the hottest brunt of the first encounter, he 
The death of Gothlois Duke of Cornwall.  himself was slain, and all his soldiers without mercy offered, or quarter given, most cruelly put to the sword: the Castle entered and seized, and the spoil divided amongst the soldiers.  
Early in the morning before the King or the Countess were ready in their wearing Habits and ornaments, some of the besieged who had escaped the Maslacre, bounced at the gates of Tindagoll, and being known to be of the Duke's party, were received; who told the Porter and the rest, that they brought heavy news along, which they must first deliver to their Lady, of which she having notice, and knowing they came from that Castle, caused them to be admitted into her presence, and demanding of 
News of the Duke's death brought to the Duchess.  them what news? They made answer, The tidings they brought was sad and disastrous, that the Fort was the precedent night, robustuously assaulted by the Enemy, whom the Duke her Husband valiantly encountered without the gates, that all their fellow soldiers were put to the sword, the Castle taken and rifled, and that the General her Lord and Husband, by his over hardiness was the first man slain in the conflict: at the relation of the first part of their news, she seemed wondrously disconsolate and dejected, but casting her eyes upon the King, she was again somewhat solaced in the safety of her Husband.  
They also when they saw the King taking 
A just cause of their doubt.  him for the Duke their General, began to blush at their report of his death, being wondrously astonished that him whom to their thinking they had left wounded and breathless in the field, they now see living and in health, musing withal that they posting thither with so much speed should arrive thither before them being altogether ignorant of the admirable transformation that Merlin's art had wrought upon them: In this anxiety and diversity of thoughts, the King, more glad of the Duke's fate then the rifling of his fort: thus bespoke the Duchess: most beautiful, and my best belov'd Igernan; I am not as 
The King's speech to the Duchess.  these report dead, but as thou seest, yet alive; but much grieved both for the surprisal of my castle and the slaughter of my soldiers, upon which victory it may be feared that the King animated by his late success, may raise his Army thence and endanger us here in our Fort of Tindagol: therefore my best and safest course is to leave this place, for the present, and to submit myself to the King in his Camp, of whose acceptance and grace I make no question, as knowing him to be of a disposition flexible and merciful: then be you of comfort, for not after many hours expect to hear from me, with all things answerable to your desires and wishes: with which words Igerna was much pleased and fully satisfied.  
So with a loving kiss they parted, she to her Chamber, and he with his two followers, towards the Camp, who no sooner from the sight of the Citadel, but Merlin began to uncharm, and dissolve his former incantations and spells, so that the King was no more Gothlois, but Uter-pendragon, and his friend ceased to be jordan of Tindagol, but Vrsin of Ricaradoch, and the Mage, who had made this Transformation, 
Their retransformation.  left the shape of Bricot, and turned again to be Merlin: and the King being now arrived at his Army, first caused the body of Gothlois to be searched for amongst the slain soldiers, after to be embalmed and honourably interred, and first acquainting Igerna by letters with all the former passages, how they stood, and how much he had hazarded his person for the fruition of her love, he invited her to her Lord's Funeral, at which the King and she both mourned, but after the celebration thereof ended, he the second time courted her, and in few 
The King espouseth the Duchess.  days made her his Queen of a Duchess: by whom he had Arthur and Anna, by which match the fame of Merlin spread fare abroad, the explanation of whose former prophecy, I leave to the following Chapter.   

CHAP. 6.  
Merlin's former prophecy made plain, concerning King Arthur, with sundry other occurrences pertinent to the English History.  
ARthur the son of Uter-pendragon, and Igerna, succeeded his Father 
A summary of King Arthur's noble conquests  in the Principality, therefore called, the Boar of Cornwall, because begot and borne in that Country, and of a Cornish Duchess. He was a great planter and supporter of Religion, and the Christian Faith: for so all our British Chronologers report of him: His Conquests were many, and some of them miraculous. By the Islands of the Ocean are meant, Ireland, Island, Scotland, and the Orcadeses, Gotland, Norway, and Dacia: all which are called Provincial Islands, which he brought under the obedience of his Sceptre. By the planting of the Flower de Lyces, in his own Garden, is likewise intended his conquest of France, with sundry other appendent Provinces: as Flanders, Poland, Burgundy, Aquitaine, Andegavia, and Normandy: all which with divers others paid him an Annual Tribute, and of which Countries for their long and faithful services, he gave the Earldom of Andegavia to Gaius his Taster, and the Dukedom of Normandy to Bedverus his Cupbearer; in memory of whose Regal bounty, it grew to a custom, 
A custom derived from K. Arthur.  for the Kings of France to make their Tasters and Cupbearers, Earls and Dukes of Andegavia, and Normandy.  
By his pluming and shaking off the eagle's feathers, was his great victory over the Romans foretold, who when their Prince Lucius with ten other Kings, invaded this his Land of Britain with a numberless Army of Soldiers, the most of them he slew, acquitting the Tribute paid to Rome since the time of julius Caesar, and those who survived he made his Feodors and Vassals, by which he got the sovereignty over many Provinces before subjugate to the Roman Empire, sending the dead body 
Lucius the Roman Emperor slain by Arthur.  of their Emperor back to Rome there to be interred: next where it is said his name shall be as meat to all those mouths that shall speak of his notable and noble achievements by which no other thing is meant, but that the very relation of his brave Gests shall be a refreshing and delight to all such as shall either read them or hear them with much pleasure by others reported, whose very begetting, conception and birth, carry with them the novelty of a Miracle: And where it is further said that his end shall be doubtful, he that shall make question of the truth of Merlin's prophecy in that point (let him to this day) but travel into Armorica or Little Britain, and in any of their Cities proclaim in their streets that Arthur expired after the common 
Of Arthur's death.  and ordinary manner of men; most sure he shallbe to have bitter and railing language aspersed upon him: If he escape a tempestuous shower of stones and brickbats.  
The six Kings that succeeded him in order 
The s●… Kings that ord●…rly succeeded King Arthur.  were Constantinus the eldest son of Cador Duke of Cornwall, (and arthur's Cousin Germane) the second was Constantinus brother, the third Conanus Aurelius, their Nephew, the fourth Vortiporius, the fift Malgo, the sixth Caretius, for when Arthur in that great battle which he fought against his Cousin the Archtraitor Mordred whom he slew, himself being mortally wounded, and therefore had retired 
Mordred slain by Arthur.  himself into the vale of Avalan, in hope to be cured of his hurts, before his death (and the manner of which is uncertain) he sent for his Cousin Constantine, before named (a man of approved virtue, and expert in all Martial Discipline) and made him King, against whom the Saxons assisted by the two sons of Mordred, assembled themselves, who having defeated 
Constantinus noble victories.  them in sundry battles, The elder son of Mordred, who had for his refuge fortified Winchester, he took, in the Church of Saint Amphibalus (whither he had fled for Sanctuary) and slew him before the Altar: the younger he found hid in a Monastery in London, whom he caused likewise to be slain, and this happened in the year after the Incarnation of our blessed Saviour, 543. but in the third year after he was perfidiously betrayed to death, by the practice of his Nephew Conanus Aurelius, and his body royally interred, in the Mount Ambria, near unto Uter-pendragon.  
Then reigned his brother, whom Conanus suffered not to rest one hour in peace, till he had incarcerated him, and in the same year usurped the Diadem, a young man of excellent parts 
Conanus and his conditions.  and noble carriage, had he not been tainted with ambition, the love of Civil Wars, and parricidial Impiety, having slain one of his Uncles, imprisoned the other, and killed his two sons to attain to the Regal Sovereignty, which not long he enjoyed, for the next year after he expired, whom succeeded Vortiporius, against whom the Saxons made a new Insurrection, 
Vortiporus & his victories.  and by whom they were utterly subverted, by which he became absolute Monarch of this Island, but after four years yielded his body to the earth, and left his Crown to Malgo, who was invested in the year of Grace, after some Authors 581.  
This Prince was strong in body, fortunate in 
Malgo's description and character.  Arms, and of larger size and stature than any of his Antecessours, who was a great suppressor of Usurpers and Tyrants, for he not only enjoyed this Kingdom entire, but conquered by his sword, all the six provincial Islands, of whom it is reported that he was the fairest of all the British Nation, but those excellent gifts of Nature he shamefully abused, as being much addicted to Sodomitry, and as he was a proditor of others Chastities, he was also prodigal of his own, after whose death in the year 586, 
Caretius a most wicked King.  Caretius was instituted in the Throne, a Prince hateful to good men, an incendiary of Civil and Domestic combustions, an exiler of his Nobles, a slayer of his Citizens, a robber of the rich, a suppresser of the poor, and indeed subject to all the vices can be named.  
By the Germane Worm, and the Sea Wolf, 
What was meant by the Germane worm and the Seawoolfe.  waited on by woods, brought from Africa, through Saint George's Channel, which shall support him, our Prophet would have us to know that the Saxons are comprehended; in the Worm and in the Wolf, Gormondus King of Africa, who in the time of this Caretius, came with a mighty Navy upon the British Seas, first with three hundred and sixty thousand soldiers, who first invaded Ireland, and made great spoil of the Country, and from thence he was invited by the Saxons, to assist them against the British Nation, to which he assenting, invaded the Kingdom with fire and sword, committing many direptions, and outrages, chase the King from place to place, and from City to City, till he was in the end forced to fly into Wales, where they shut him up: and by this means the Germane Worm, by the means of this Sea-wolfe had the upper hand of the Red Dragon: whilst these things were thus in agitation, there came to this great General of the Africans, from the transmarine parts of Gallia, one Isimbardus 
Isimbardus the Nephew to Lewis the French King.  Nephew to Lewis the French King, who complained unto him that his Uncle, against all justice, kept his right from him, imploring his aid for the recovery thereof, promising him great rewards: in pledge whereof, like a wretched Apostata, he renounced his Faith and Christianity: of which proffer Gormundus accepted, and made his speedy Expedition for France.  
But the Miscreant Isimbardus failed of his purpose, and was justly punished by the hand of God for his Apostasy: for at their landing in the Port of Saint Waleric, a young Gentleman called Hugo, son to Robert Earl of the Mount, having received an affront from this Isimbard, challenged him to a single Duel, who entertaining the Challenge, was by the foresaid King left dead in the field, and the French setting 
A just reward of ●…postasie.  upon the Host of the Pagans, gave them a great discomfiture, in so much that of all that infinite number, scarce any were left to bear the tidings of their disaster into their Country, but either perished by the sword, or were drowned in the Ocean: in which time saith the prophet, Religion shall fail, which happened when 
The failing of Religion made good in Gormundus and the Saxons.  this Gormundus with the Saxons rioted and made havoc in this Island, suppressing Religious Houses, and ruinating Churches, so that scarce a Christian Native, durst show his head, but he was subject to persecution and torture.  
But it follows in the prophecy, that the honour of London's Clergy shall give place to Dorobernia or Canterbury, that the Seventh who sat in the Eboracensian See, which is the bishopric of York, shall be compelled to fly into Armorica, or Little Britain, and that Menevia shall be adorned with the Pall that belonged to the City of Legions, give me leave to use a little circumstance in the explaining of these: that finding the truth of his predictions, by the success, the Reader may be more easily induced to give credit unto the rest, in which I shall strive (though plain) to be much briefer.  
The three prime Seats or Sees, were the three 
The former Prophecy explained  Archbishoprics, which were London, York, and the City of Legions: now note how punctually he comes to the purpose: the dignity of London's Metropolitanship was transferred to Canterbury by Saint Augustine, whom Pope Gregory sent hither with others to preach the Gospel, who also gave the primacy of the City of Legions unto Menevia a City of Wales situate near to the Demeticall Sea, but the City of Legions stands upon the River Osca not far from the Severne Sea, which was first erected by King Belinus, whose valiant brother Brennus, being General of the Senon Galls, after many Honourable exploits and glorious Victories by him atcheived, assaulted the famous City of Rome, took, sacked and spoilt it in the days of Ahashuerosh and Hester, Gabinus, and Porsenna being Consuls the first of whom he slew in Battle, and the other took Prisoner, etc.  
By the Archbishop of York the seventh, inaugurated 
Of Samson Archbishop of York, and his six brothers.  into that See, who should be compelled to seek shelter in Little Britain, is intimated, Samson then Resident, who in that great persecution, made by the Africans, and the Saxons, with six of his brothers all Clergiemen, and of great sanctity of life, fled into the less Britain, and there established his Metropolitan Cathedral: The rest of his six brothers, whose names were Melanius, Matutus, Maclovius, Pabutaus, Paternus, 
The names of the Archbishop Samson's six brothers.  and Waslovius, being all Divines, were made the Rectors of other Churches, and became in short time to be capable of Episcopal Dignities, which seven Brothers not only the Natives of the Country, but all the bordering Provinces, call the seven Saints of Britain (meaning the less Britain) even to this day, now let it be held any deviation or digression from the subject now in hand, if I borrow so much patience of the Reader to acquaint him with a strange and almost miraculous story, or legend, by what accident, or rather Divine providence, these seven holy and devout brothers, were by the mutual congress of two Noble parents (the Father and Mother) begot, and conceived in one womb, and after mature time of Teeming, delivered into the World at one day: but because I am loath to swell the pages of this Chapter beyond the limits of the former, I will refer the relation thereof unto that next ensuing.   

CHAP. 7.  
Of the conception and birth of these seven pious and religious Brothers: and being sent to death, how preserved, educated, and doctrinated: with a continuance of Merlin's Prophecies and their explanation.  
THe Legend reports that their mother 
The like is reported by the Countess Altorfence the Mother of the Guelfi in Italy.  being a Noble and chaste Matron, but in her feminine ignorance not acquainted with the accidents belonging to other women, conceived a strange opinion, from which she could not be removed, that it was not possible for any of that sex, to conceive more than one at once, unless she had had the consociety of so many several men as she brought forth children, in so much that she vilisied and disreputed, holding all those no better than adulteresses and prostitutes, who were delivered of Twins, or a more numerous issue: But the God of all flesh, and the Creator 
God the justifier of innocence.  of Nature, being also the searcher of hearts, and a justifier of innocence (to convert this Lady from her erroneous belief, and to clear these unjust aspersions, with which she had branded other chaste and fruitful wombs) so by his providence ordained, that by her sole Lord and Husband, she at one congression, was conceived of seven sons, and delivered of them at one time, being within the compass of one day.  
Which she seeing, and much amazed at the prodigious novelty of such an unexpected issue and now favouring by a reciprocal retribution these accusations and suspicions which she had so often cast upon other good women might be thrown upon herein a desperate way; thereby thinking to salve her reputation (which she thought hazarded at last, if not quite lost) she consulted with the midwife, and one of her most trusty maids, (having hired them to 
A cruel purpose of a mother.  that purpose,) to take the young spralling infants and either to kill them or to cast them into the next River to which purpose, as they were hasting, and carrying them in little baskets, it pleased the higher powers that a grave and reverend Bishop met them upon the way, and as he passed by the women he heard the infants to cry and make moan which he imagined was 
God's providence in the preservation of the children.  to implore his help and aid: therefore he made stay of them and would needs see what they carried in their laps concealed, which they (as loath to betray their lady's secrets unwilling to show, he grew the more suspicious and compelled them having some servants then about him to discover what was hid in their baskets, which being opened, the babes all living seemed to rejoice at his sight and smile in his face, with which he was much delighted.  
Then more strictly examining them to what purpose they carried them in that manner? and threatening them with the severity of the Law, if they told him not the truth, they knowing the power and authority of the Church, and danger of Ecclesiastical censure, and that their attempt deserved (if not execution) yet excommunication at the least, concealed no part of the truth, but earnestly solicited him, whatsoever became of them, to have a care of their Lady's honour: the pious and charitable Prelate having been before himself of her perverse opinion, and now seeing how justly the Creator of all things, had dealt with her, and to what desperation she was brought, by thinking to save a 
A good and charitable Prelate.  poor credit in this life by the murder of so hopeful an issue, to forfeit all the hopes she had in the World to come; he dismissed the bearers without any further trouble: adjuring them to tell their Lady, that they had wounded the young Infants according to her commandment (of which he himself would take charge, and adopt them for his own) and causing them to be born to his palace, and after to the Church, he himself baptised them, and gave them their names as aforesaid, then sent for Nurses, and commanded that they should be carefully educated, and when they came to any understanding, he set them to school, and caused them to be instructed in all the seven Liberal Arts (for he found them to be of pregnant and capable apprehensions) who after by his means came to be preferred to Church promotions, and after to 
The seven children proved seven Bishops.  Episcopal Dignities: I now proceed to Merlin's next prophecy, which thus followeth. 
The Heavens in stead of water, blood shall shower,  
And famine shall both young and old devour:  
Droop and be sad shall the red Dragon then,  
But after much time be blithe again,  
And now the Serpent that was white before,  
Shall have his silver scales, all drenched in gore.  
Seven scepter-bearing Kings in field shall die,  
One of whose Sainted souls shall pierce the Sky,  
Kept shall the babes be from their Mother's wombs:  
And soon as climb on earth, grope for their Tombs.  
All by a brazen man shall come to pass,  
Who likewise mounted on his Steed of brass,  
Both night and day will London's prime Gate keep,  
Whether the careless people wake or sleep.   
Whosoever shall read Matthew of Westminster, our ancient English Chronologer, pag. 29. shall find that in the days of Cadwallo, King 
King Cadwallo and his fortune.  of this Island the thirteenth after Brute, that for three days together blood dropped from the clouds, after which came great swarms of infectious Flies: by whose bitings or stingings there was great mortality in this Land, and by the shower of blood is further intimated, the great effusion of British blood, sometime by public hostility, sometimes by Civil and Domestic enmity, profusely wasted: in so much that the earth appeared, as if blood had been poured down from the Heavens, after which by the barrenness of the earth followed so great a Famine, that nothing was found for 
A great F●mine.  the people to feed on, but the roots of withered Herbs and Grass, and such flesh as they could catch by hunting.  
No wonder then if this made the British Nation (figured under the Red Dragon) greatly to 
Britain much distressed.  droop, which after much sufferance and labour, was restored to his pristine state and dignity: For Cadwallo, who was King Anno salutis 633, after many horrid crosses and disasters, ●xile, expulsion from his Kingdom, and the loss of his whole Inheritance was forced with a few of his followers that remained of his many Legions, to retire into the less Britain, to his Cousin King Solomon, who courteously received him, where he wintered, and in the spring when Kings go customably out to war, he 
Cadwallo returns to Britain.  furnished him with an Army of ten thousand able men, when having shipped her safely, and prosperously arrived in this his own native and hereditary provinces, And hearing that Paeanda King of Mercia (or middle England) had besieged in Exeter, his Cousin Briant, with those poor remainder of Britons, which he had left behind: dividing his soldiers into several Squadrons, not only removed the siege, but took the King prisoner, who having given him sufficient hostages for his truth and fidelity, 
Cadwallo receiveth Paeanda into league.  gave him also his only daughter to wife, so that he became the Father in Law, who made him General of his Army.  
After which Cadwallo calling all his exiled subjects (dispersed abroad in several provinces) into the Kingdom, he raised a competent Army, and invaded Northumberland with fire and sword, of which Edwinus was then King, who assembling to his aid all the Reguli, (or less Kings) gave him a strong encounter, in which his whole Army was discomfited, and himself slain in the field, whom succeeded his son Assricus, assisted by Chaldodus, Duke of the Orcadeses 
Cadwallo victorious over the Northumber's.  whom Matthew of Westminster calls Offridus and Gothaldus) now Cadwallo not contented with his former victories, gathered his whole forces together, against Offricus; whom he also slew in battle, with his two Nephews, and Cadamus the Scots King, who came to take part with the Northumber's: which done he passed through all the Kingdom, being so maliciously and cruelly bend against the Saxons, that he 
His cruelty against the Saxons.  neither spared age, nor sex, killing the old and young Infants new borne, and those that never saw the sun in their mother's wombs, purposing utterly to extirpate and root out all the Saxon Nation: thus you see the red Dragon, namely the British Nation after much dejection exalted, and the s●…ales of the white Serpent (the Saxons) stained in sanguine tincture, by so general a massacre.  
It followeth, seven Scepter-bearing Kings shall be slain in the field, of which one of them shall be 
The names of the seven Kings slain by Cadwallo.  Sainted: now these seven Kings slain by Cadwallo, and his father in law Paeanda, were Edwinus, his son Offricus, and Oswaldus (the Saint spoken of) which were three Kings of Northumberland, Segebartus, Egricus, and Anna, who reigned over the Oriental Britons, and Cadamus the Scotch King, concerning which Oswaldus his sanctity and other pious virtues, the ancient Chronicles writ largely, (as also the 
The story of Sa●…t Oswaldus.  Lords of those ●…imes) many panegyrics in his praise, which would be too tedious here to insert, yet some 〈◊〉 of him, howsoever credible or n●…, I ●…hought fitting to remember, it was said of him, that when Aldanus Bishop of Scotland (whose language neither he nor any of his Saxons understood) did at any time p●…h before him and his people, he would put upon him a royal garment, worn only on solemn Festival days, and whether by virtue of that, or by divine rapture, he would deliver all that Sermon word for word to his Countrymen in their proper and modern language: he was also so 
H●… temperance and charity to the poor.  temperate in his own diet, and withal so liberal to the poor, that when he had guests at his Table, he would not only spare from his own stomach, but if he saw any of them to gormondize, or feed more than became them, he would bid them to eat more sparingly, and toremember those hungry bellies at the gate, which attended the reversion and fragments from his board and bounty.  
This reverend Bishop Aldanus being feasted by him on an Easter day, the King commanded a great silver Charger filled with the best meats at his Table, to be carried to the beggars at his gate, who when they had eaten the meat, he sold the dish, and equally divided it amongst them, which the Bishop seeing, said aloud, Live may that liberal hand, o may it always live and never taste of corruption, which (if we will believe the Roman Legend) proved according to his prophetical acclamation, for many years after his death, when his Tomb was searched, and all the rest of his body according to the 
A pr●…tended Miracle.  common course of Nature was putrified and turned to dust, that hand and arm alone were preserved, from corruption and rottenness, and remained as entire, flesh, blood, veins, and arteries, as when he was interred.  
It followeth in the History six of these before named Kings, being slain in several conflicts, Cadwallo whose high spirit was irreconciliable towards the Saxons: pursued this Oswald from province to province, chase him even to the wall which Severus the Roman Emperor built, to part and divide the two Kingdoms of Britain and Scotland, and then sent his General and Father in law Paeana, to give him battle at a place called Hed-field, or holy Camps, in which by the prayers of this Oswaldus. The Britons 
The battle of Headfield.  Host was quite discomfited, of which defeat when King Cadwallo understood, he gathered a fresh Army, and gave him a second battle at a place called Bourne: in which Oswaldus and his Army were wholly routed, and himself 
The death of Oswaldus.  died lamented in his own pious blood, for whose charity and sanctity he was after canonised, and remaineth to this day one of the Saints blessed in our Calendar, whose death happened in the year of our Saviour, 644: which improved that part of Merlin's prophecy, Seven Kings shall be slain, of which one shall be Sainted.  
By the brazen man, mounted upon a steed of brass, who is said to do all these, is antonomasti●…e meant King Cadwallo, to honour whom, after his death, for his many brave victories, and expelling 
Cadwallo the brazen man, and why so called.  the Saxons out of the land, the peers and people caused his statue, at his full size and proportion to be cast in brass, sitting also upon an Horse of brass, in whose buckler they entombed his embalmed body, and after set it upon the prime gate of the City London, (it being a piece of admirable art and pulchritude) and near unto the same, in further memory of him built a Church, dedicated to Saint Martin, therefore saith the Prophet, The brazen Horse and Man shall watch the Gate whether the people wake or sleep, which continued for many years after.   

CHAP. 8.  
He prophesieth of the civil Wars that shall be in Britain, in the time of Cadwallo, and of the great dearth and desolation in the reign of Cadwalloder: of the Saxons, exalting themselves, and of the first coming in of the Danes, into this land, etc.  
AS Merlin in all his prophecies aimeth at a continued History of the main 
A continuation of the History.  passages in this I'll of Britain: so I also desire to observe a concordance of times, left the neglect of either might breed a confusion in both, as shall be made good in the sequel: his prophecy followeth. 
The crimson Dragon with his own fierce paws  
Shall tear his proper bowels 'gainst the Laws:  
Of wholesome Nature, plague, and famine than  
Shall fill the barren earth with shrowds of men.  
After, the Dragon whose smooth scales are white,  
Hither the Almans daughter shall invite,  
And crown themselves: Against whom shall rise  
An Eagle from the Rock, and both surprise,  
Two Lions shall a dreadful combat make,  
Having their Lists encompassed by a Lake.  
At length be atoned, and after shall divide,  
The glorious prey: a speckledscale, whose pride,  
Shall aim at high things; will his Lord betray  
Poisoning the Royal nest in which he lay  
Of the white Dragon, so the Fates agree,  
At length a Decemvirum there shall be:  
What time the Red shall to his joy behold  
The roofs of all his Temples decked with gold, etc.   
By the Crimson Dragon is still meant England, which after the death of Cadwallo, being 
The conquering Britain's fall at odds with themselves.  impatient of peace, for want of foreign Enemies shall be at Civil dissension in itself, of which shall ensue much strage and mortality, such Dearth, also Famine and Desolation which shall happen by the plague, that destroyeth the men, and the Morion that killeth the cattle, that the Natives shall be forced to leave the Kingdom as a Wilderness unpeopled, the remainder of the living being scarce sufficient in number to bury the dead, which strange depopulation sell in the third and last year of Cadwallader the son of Cadwallo, which was in the year of Grace six hundred fourscore and six, which maketh up the year of the World, 
Cadw●…llader the last King of the Britain's.  by the account of Polycronicon, and other of our English Chronologers, five thousand eight hundred, fourscore and five, so that it appeareth the native Britain's had the title and sovereignty of this Kingdom from Brute: first landing by the space of one thousand eight hundred, and two and twenty years, Cadwalloder being the last King of the Britons, after whom the Saxons or Angles, had the full dominion thereof, which maketh good that in the prophecy, The white Dragon shall invite the Almans daughter, which implieth a greater supply of the Germane nation, and crown themselves. For from that time they bore the Sceptre, and had the absolute jurisdiction over the whole Land, which they continued for a long season.  
To pass over all the Saxon Kings to the time 
K. Etheldred the son of Alfride.  of Ethelredus, in whose days An Eagle from the Rock (which was Swanus King of Denmark) shall rise etc. The better to explain our prophet, and to carry the History along, this Etheldred the son of the most Royal King Edward, by his second Wife Alfrida, by some called Estrild, when he came to be crowned, by Dunstane Archbishop of Canterbury, he could not contain himself, but with a prophetical spirit uttered those words: because by the bloody slaughter of thy brother thou hast aspired to the Kingdom, The sin of thy most wicked and mischievous mother shall never be expiated, nor any who were of her Diabolical counsel, but by the greatest effusion of the Saxon blood, that ever was shed since their first coming into Britain, and further the beginning of thy Reign shall be cruel, the middle thereof miserable, and the end shameful, all which accordingly happened.  
His Father King Edgar, of ever surviving memory, 
Edward the eldest son of King Edgar made King.  had by his first wife called Egelsleda, a noble son named Edward, and by his second Alfrida, this Etheldred, Edgar being dead, the Barons assembled, and made Edward King in the year of grace eight hundred threescore and fifteen, at which his stepmother greatly repined, using all the means both of power, proof, and friends to have inaugurated her son Etheldred, being then a lad but of seven years old, which in the end most traitorously she accomplished, for the King hunting in the Forest, near unto the Castle of Corffe, in the West Country, who having lost all his company, bethought himself that his stepmother with her 
A wicked stepmother.  son lived in that Castle, to whom he would give a friendly visit, who spying from her window afar of, called to a Villain that attended her, and whispered in his ear what he should do: by this the King was come to the gate, and she descended to meet him, saluting him with a judas kiss, and entreated him to alight and sojourn with her for that night, which he modestly refusing, said he would only drink a horseback and so be gone, which being brought, as the cup was at his mouth, her traitorous servant with a long Dagger strooke him quite through the body, at which he put spurs to his horse thinking to have recovered his servants, but through his great loss of blood he fainted, and falling from his horse, one of his feet was fastened in the stirrup, and so hurried to a place called Corisgate, where his miserably mangled body was found, and not being known at that 
The base murder upon King Edward.  present to be the King, without ceremony buried, whom as you have heard, his brother by the Father's side succeeded.  
In whose reign happened divers prodigies pretending great disaster, among which was the sterility of the earth, the burning of London by an accidental fire, but the most ominous and terrible was the invasion of the Danes and their many massacres & inhuman butcheries committed through all the shires and provinces of the Kingdom, as more amply hereafter, but by the way is to be noted that in the eighth year of his reign he was espoused to Ithelgina, whom 
Ethelredus marriage and Issue.  some call Elgina, daughter to Earl Edgebertus by whom in process of time he received a son called Edmund (after for his notable valour, surnamed Ironside) and two others, Edwin and Ethelstane, with a daughter named Egina.  
About the eleventh year of his reign the 
The Invasion of the Danes.  Danes pierced the land in sundry places, against whom the King being wholly addicted to effeminacy and cowardice, durst make no hostile opposure, but for the present appeased them with great sums of money, which being spent they fell to new robberies. Then the King bribed them with more, notwithstanding which, they spoiled Northumberland, and at last laid siege to London, and to increase his sorrow and trouble, Earl Elphricus who was Admiral of 
The son punished for the  the Navy, fled like a Traitor to the Danes, and took part with them against his natural Liege, for which the King commanded that his son Algarus should have his eyes torn out of his head: during which time, burning Fevers, and the bloody Flix destroyeth many of the Natives, to which was added scarcity and penury amongst the commons, in so much that they were forced to rob and steal from one another, so that what by their own pilfering and pillage 
Father's treason.  of the Danes, the land was brought to extreme misery, by whose continual invasions, and the King's pusillanimity, the Tribute paid unto them was raised from ten thousand pounds to forty thousand (named for the continuance thereof Dane-gelt) they yet not satisfied: to add to the former, the British Peers were so hollow breasted 
Dane-gelt.  amongst themselves, that when they were at any time assembled, and had determined any thing to the impeachment of the Danes, they were warned thereof by some of the falshearted Counsel, of whom were most suspected Elphricus, 
Edricus intended by the Snake.  and Edricus, the Snake formerly mentioned in the prophecy.  
The Land besides other distresses continuing under this grievous Tribute, the King by the 
The King's second marriage.  advice of those familiars who were about him, married Emma the daughter of Richard the third Duke of Normandy, and first of that name, who was for his boldness and valour surnamed, Richard the Hardy, or without fear: and she (by the French Chronicles) Emma the flower of Normandy, by which Match he was greatly animated and encouraged, so that presuming on the power of his Father in Law, he sent into all the Towns, Cities, and Villages of this Land, secret and strait Commissions, charging the Rulers and Magistrates upon the night succeeding the day of Saint Brice, that all 
A general Massacre of the Danes throughout all the Land.  the Danes should be murdered in their beds, the execution whereof they committed to their Wives and Women, which was also, accordingly performed (a strange wonder that so great a secret should pass generally through that sex, without uttering or discovery.)  
This general Massacre of the Danes (as same reports) began at a little Town in Hertfordshire twenty four miles from London, called Wealwin, from which act it took first name, as if there the weal of their Country was first warm, and the day of Saint Brice: happened that year upon the Monday, which to this day is called Hoc, or Hop-monday, but wherefore I know not, unless by Hoc: this day as a remarkablenote 
Hoc, or H●…p Monday.  to posterity, or by Hop, as that day the Danes (according to a proverb we retain from Antiquity) as that day hoped without their heads.  
Now concerning the pride of the Danes and their incredible tyranny exercised throughout 
The pride and insolency of the Danes over the Britain's.  the whole Kingdom, which was the occasion of this their universal slaughter, our English Historians have thus recorded of them, they caused the Farmers and Husbandmen to blow, sow, and ear the ground, and to do all the servile labour that belonged to agriculture and husband●…y, whilst they kept their wives and commanded their daughters and servants at their pleasure, and when the Master of the house came home, he was forced to salute his superintendent Dane as his Lord, and whilst the Usurper eat and fed of the best, the poor oppressed owner could scarcely have his fill of the worst: besides, for fear and dread they called them in every house where they had rule Lord Dane, which after when the English had attained to their former honour grew to a title of great opprobry and contempt, for when 
Lord Dane turned into Lurdain.  any one would rebuke or revile an other he would in scorn call him Lurdan, a word in the Country in use even to this day.  
But now comes in the Eagle by which is intended Swanus K. of Denmark, who surpriseth both, that is subdueth the Saxons & the other Almans or Germans, whom they had admitted into the land, and after infinite devastations, depopulations and spoils with his broad wings soared over the whole Kingdom and made prey in every province thereof (the particulars would ask much time and paper) who in conclusion took from the White Dragon the Saxons after they had held the sovereignty by many successive Kings both Crown and Sceptre: but before this happened the unfortunate King: whose only fight was with money to impoverish his own people, and enrich the enemy (for he often bought his peace which proved to no purpose) 
Edricus created Duke of Mercia.  he made Edricus whom Merlin calleth the Snake, Duke of Mercia, who was of low and base birth and parentage, yet had attained to great wealth and rich possessions, false of tongue, subtle of brain, and eloquent in speech, and perfidious in purpose and promise, which will more at large appear hereafter.  
In this interim, Swanus so fare prevailed, 
The King with his Queen forced to fly the Land.  that the King fearing the continual persecution of the Danes, first sent Emma his Queen, with his two younger sons which were Alfred and Edward, to Richard the second of that name, and fourth Duke of Normandy, who was her natural brother, and after was compelled to fly thither in person, with a slender train of followers, of which when Swanus had notice, he grew inflamed with greater pride and insolence: and amongst other of his Tyrannies, he fired the City of Canterbury, and slew nine hundred religious persons tithing them, as killing nine and saving the tenth, with 8000 women & children, and because the reverend Bishop would not, or could not pay him down three thousand pounds, he kept him prisoner seven months, 
The Bishop's name was Elphigus.  and caused him after at Greenwich, four miles from London, to be stoned to death: and wheresoever he came, he reserved all the women to be vitiated and deflowered, aswell the religious as others: robbing the Shrine of Saint Edmond, not leaving any cruelty which could find a name, unperformed. At length upon the day of the Purification of the blessed Virgin in the year one thousand and fourteen, he died miserably howling and crying, three days and nights together before his death: whom succeeded 
The death of the Tyrant Swanus.  his son Canutus. And two years after, at one thousand sixteen expired at London, King Edelfred, and was buried in the Church of Saint 
The death of Edelfredus.  Paul: whom succeeded his son Edmund, surnamed Ironside, and these two Princes were the two Lions spoken of in the former prophecy, of whom you shall hear more in the ensuing Chapter.   

CHAP. 9  
Of divers bloody battles fought betwixt Canutus and Edmund: their great opposition ended in a single Duel. They make peace and equally divide the Kingdom betwixt them: the traitorous death of Edmund: Canutus revengeth it upon the murderer, with other occurences pertinent to the story, etc.  
EDmund surnamed Ironside, the son of Egelredus, and Canutus the son of Swanus King of Denmark, began to rule the English Nation, Anno 1016, and in the twenty ninth year of Robert King of France, the Londoners with some of the English Nobleses favouring Edmund, but the greater part of the Nobility, and Clergy adhering to Canutus, betwixt which young and valiant Princes were fought sundry cruel and bloody battles (too long here to rehearse.) In which infinite both of the Natives and Strangers fell by the sword: one of which was fought in Dorsetshire, besides a Town called Gillingham: another in Worcestershire, which continued from morning till night, when they surceased 
In which battle Canutus was overcome by Edmund.  fight either for great weariness, or for want of light, when both Hosts joined the next morrow early, and eagerly; in which battle the Traitor Edricus perceiving the fortune of the day to incline towards Edmund, pitched a 
The treason of Eldricus.  dead man's head upon a spear, and calling to his Countrymen, cried out with this acclamation, Fly you Englishmen, and preserve your lives, for behold this is the head of Edmund your King: of which the Prince being warned, hasted to that part of the field, and plucking off his Helmet to show that he was living, so comfortably and courageously demeaned himself among his soldiers, that in the end he had the better of the day.  
In the preparation of another field, when both the Hosts were ready to join battle, upstarted 
This Commander was of K. Edmund's party.  one of the Commanders, and appearing between the two Armies, in the Front of either, spoke aloud as followeth: You Princes both, to you I declare myself: you see how we daily perish, for neither of you gain an absolute victory: Edmund cannot be overcome because of his great strength and courage, and Canutus cannot be subdued, being also much favoured by Fortune: what then shall be the final success of this inveterate malice and contention? when all your Knights & soldiers are slain; shall you not be then enforced either to compound your enmity, or to fight hand to hand, betwixt yourselves? If this must be the end; why do you not one of these two? For the first, Is not this Kingdom now sufficient for two, which before contented seven? or if your spleen be so great that it cannot be reconciled, by an equal division of the Land; why do not you two fight alone, that strive to be Lords alone? For if we all perish, who shall be left either to serve you, or to keep foreign invaders out of the Land?  
Which words were so emphatically delivered, and took such impression both in the Princes themselves and both their Armies, that a Truce being made, they agreed to end the war betwixt them in a single Duel, for which was assigned an Isle called Olkney near Gloster, encompassed with the water of Severne, which makes good the prophecy. 
Two Lions shall a dreadful combat make,  
And have their Lists encompassed by a Lake.  In which place at the day prefixed, the two worthy and warlike Champions completely armed, singly met, the two Hoastsstanding without the Isle, where first they encountered with sharp 
The combat betwixt Edmund and Canut●…s.  Lances on Horseback, breaking them even to the very Truncheons: then they alighted and fought long on foot with their keen swords, till their armours were broken in divers places, and they both were dangerously wounded, when retiring for breath, by the first motion of Canutus, they made an accord betwixt themselves, 
Canutus made the first motion of peace.  embracing one another as brothers, to the great rejoicing of both Armies.  
After which, they made an equal partition of the Land, and Canutus married Emma the mother of Edmund: but the Snake Edricus, whom his Lord had not only pardoned for his former Treason, but promoted unto further dignity, by creating him Earl of Kent, notwithstanding which, he corrupted his son then attending the King, who awaited his opportunity, and as he was doing the necessiites of nature, strooke him with a Spear into the fundament, of which mortal wound he died soon after at Oxford: 
Edmund slain by the traitor Edricus.  Then Edricus posted in haste to Canutus, and saluted him by the Title of sole Sovereign of the Kingdom, insinuating, that for his love and honour he had removed his Competitour, and told him the manner how; which Canutus having truly understood, and that the Treason was uttered from his own mouth, and in his personal hearing, like a just and wise Prince, he replied unto him: Forasmuch, o Edricus, as for my love, thou hast slain thy natural Lord whom I entirely affected, I shall exalt thy head above all the Lords of England, and presently commanded his head to be struck off, and pitched 
A traitors just reward.  upon a pole, and set upon the highest gate of London, and his body to be thrown into the River of Thames; yet Marianus and others writ otherwise concerning the manner of his death, which makes good what is formerly spoken, that a speckled Snake, 
Aiming at high things shall his Lord betray,  
Poisoning the Royal Nest in which he lay.  Meaning the King's Treason in which the Traitor was closeted, as one whom he most favoured and honoured.  
Canutus being now sole Monarch, the white 
Canutus' sole Monarch of England.  Dragon was forced to stoop to the Eagle, that is, the Saxons were compelled to be under the subjection of the Danes, by whom they were so miserably oppressed, that scarce the tenth part of them were left in the Land, and these that remained were forced to tithe their goods, and pay it as a tribute to the Danes: therefore saith the Prophet, 
Of the white Dragon (so the Fates agree)  
A Decimation in the end shall be.   
It followeth in the History, in a great assembly made of the King and his Barons: a question was propounded whether in the composition made betwixt Edmund and Canutus, there was any mention made of Edmund's children to have the inheritance of their Father after his death, that was, in half part of the Kingdom? to which a great part of them, thinking thereby to insinuate unto the King's favour answered, Nay: but it happened unto them contrary to their expectation, for knowing them to be natural Englishmen, and before sworn to King Edmund and his heirs, he hated them for their perjury, never trusting them after, but some he exiled, 
The King's conscionable justice.  and some were slain, and others being strooke with the hand of God died suddenly: It was likewise ordered by the foresaid Counsel, that the two sons of Ironside, Edmund and Edward should be sent to Swanus (the elder brother of Canutus) King of Denmark: the purpose is diversely reported, some say to be slain, 
What became of the sons of Edmund Ironside.  and that Swanus abhorring the Act, sent them to Solomon then King of Hungary, where, Edmund died of a natural death, but his brother Edward in the process of time, married Agatha, the daughter of Henry the fourth of that name Emperor, and by her (besides daughters) had a son surnamed Ethelinge: This Edward of our English Chronologers, is named the Outlaw, because he never returned into England his native Country. In this interim died Swanus King of Denmark, and the Crown fell to Canutus, so that he was sole Sovereign of both Nations, the English and the Danes.  
Canutus' landed in Denmark, with a strong Army to possess himself of his lawful Inheritance, and to oppose the Vandals who had pierced that Land, and when the King was otherwise negotiated, Earl Goodwin with a band of Englishmen set upon the Invaders by night, and routed their whole Army, for which noble act the King had him in great favour, and the English Nation ever after: This King was greatly beloved of his subjects, for many of his virtues, as being very charitable and devout, a great repairer and decorer of Churches, especially of divers Cathedrals which he caused to be richly beautified with gilding, their Altars and Roofs more gloriously then in former ages: thereby confirming that part of the prophecy. 
What time the red shall to his joy behold  
The rooffs of all the Temple shine with gold. 
Meaning the red Dragon.   Some attribute the cause of his devotion to a noble care he had, to repair what his tyrannical Father had before ruined, that the memory of his Atheistical cruelty might be quite forgot; others that it was at the Altar of Emma his Queen, the Widow Dowager of Egelredus, and mother of Ironside, who was a Lady of great religious sanctity: He made also a Voyage to Rome, where he was pontifically received by Bennet the eight of that name, and demeaned himself with great magnificence and honour. It is further reported of him, that after his great entertainment there, and return from rhence, he was so tumoured with pride, that standing by the Thames side, at a flowing tide, he charged the water that it should presume no further, nor dare to touch his feet, which was so fare from obeying his command, that he still keeping his ground, from his ankles it came up to his knees, at which suddenly stepping bacl out of 
Vain pride soon repent of.  the River, he blushing said: By this all earthly Kings may know, that their powers are vain, and transitory, and that none is worthy of that name but he who created the Elements, and to whom they only obey.  
This Canutus married his eldest daughter, by his Wife Elgina, the daughter to the Earl of Hampton, to Henry son of the Emperor Conradus 
The death of Canutus.  the second of that name, and soon after died at Shaftbury, and was buried at Winchester, when he had reigned nineteen years, leaving two sons, Harold, surnamed for his swiftness in running, Harefoot, and Hardy Canutus, whom 
Harold son of Canutus King of England.  in his life time he caused to be crowned King of Denmark: Harold succeeded his Father in the Crown of England, in the beginning of whose Reign: there was great doubt made of the legitimacy of his birth, or whether he were the King's son or no: but more especially by Earl Goodwin, who was a man of a turbulent spirit, who to the utmost of his power, would have disinherited him, and conferred the Kingdom to his brother. But Leofricus whom the King much loved and trusted by the assistance of the Danes, opposed mightily Goodwin, and his son, so that they were utterly disappointed of their purpose.  
Harold was no sooner settled in the Kingdom, but he rob his stepmother Emma, (that good and devout Lady) of her jewels and 
Emma wife to Canutus banished.  Treasure, and then banished her the Land, wherefore she sailed to Baldwin Earl of Flanders, where she was nobly entertained and continued, all the Reign of this Harold, in which he did nothing worth register, or deserving memory, who after three years and some few months died at London, (or as some say at Oxford) and having no issue, left his brother Hardy Canutus, heir to the Crown, with the death of whose elder brother I conclude this Chapter.   

CHAP. 10.  
Merlin's Prophecy of Hardy Canutus, and Earl Goodwin, which accordingly happened: his many Tyrannies, amongst other his Tithing of the Norman Gentlemen: the death of Prince Alured son to Canutus and Emma: the strange death of Earl Goodwin. After the death of Edward the Confessor, Harold Earl goodwin's son usurpeth.  
YOu see how hitherto Merlin hath predicted nothing which the success and event have not made good: we will yet examine him further, and prove if he have been as faithful in the future as the former: who thus proceedeth. 
And Helluo then with open jaws shall yawn,  
Devouring even till midnight from the dawn:  
And he an Hydra with seven heads shall grace,  
Glad to behold the ruin of his race,  
And then upon the Neustrian blood shall pray,  
And tithe them by the pole (now well away)  
Burst shall he after gordged with humane blood,  
And leave his name in part of the salt flood.  
Iron men, in wooden Tents shall here arrive,  
And hence the Saxons with her Eaglets drive, etc.  It followeth in the History, Hardy Canutus the 
Hardy Canutus the Dane crowned King of England.  son of Canutus and Emma, began his Reign over England, in the year of Grace, one thousand forty one, who was o●… such cruelty, as that he was no sooner settled in the State, but he presently sent Alphricus Archbishop of York, and Earl Goodwin to Westminster, to take up the 
A barbarous cruelty in a brother.  body of his dear brother, and having parted the head from the shoulders, to cast them into the River Thames, which was by them accordingly performed, the cause thereunto moving was for rifling, and after exiling his mother Emma, whom he caused with great honour to be brought again into the Land.  
He revived also the (almost forgotten) Tribute 
His riot and e●…cesse.  called Dane gelt, which he spent in drinking Deep, and Feeding high, for these were his delights: For besides his immoderate quaffing, he had the Tables through his Court spread four times a day, with all the riot and excess that might be devised: who himself minding only gormondizing and voracity, committed the whole rule of the Land to Emma and Goodwin, (who had married the Daughter of Canutus, by his first wife Elgina) by whom many things were much misordered to the great discontent of the Commons. This Earl had many sons (as witnesseth Polychronicon, lib. 6. cap. 15.) by his 
Earle goodwin's sons and daughter.  first wife who was sister to Canutus, he had but one, who by the striking of an Horse, was thrown into the Thames and there drowned, whose mother after died by Lightning, and was of such incontinent life, that she prostituted Virgins and young women, to make base and mercenary use of their bodies: she dead, he married a second, of whom he begot six sons, Swanus, Harold, Tostius, Wilnotus Syrthe, or Surthe, and Leofricus, with a daughter named Goditha who after was married to Edward the Confessor.  
Hardy Canutus wholly devoted to all voluptuousness, being at a Feast at Lambeth, in the midst of his mirth and jollity, drinking a carouse out of a bowl, elbow-deep, fell down 
Hardy Canutus dieth drinking.  suddenly and rested speechless for the space of eight days, at the end whereof he expired, in the eight day of june, when he had reigned two complete years, leaving no issue lawful of his body, and was buried by his Father at Winchester, in whom ended the Line and Progeny of Swanus, so that after this King the blood of the Danes was quite extinct, and made uncapable of any Regal Dignity within this Land. 
The end of the Danish persecution and how long it continued.  Their bloody persecution ceasing, which had continued (counting from their first landing in the time of Brightricus King of the West Saxons) by the space of two hundred fifty five years, or thereabout: by this Hardy Canutus, Merlin intended his Helluo, as being a gluttonou, Prince, whose bibacity and voracity would continue from morning till midnight, in the first year of whose Reign,  
The two sons of Egelredus and Emma, namely Alphred, and Edward, who before were sent into Normandy, came into England to see their Mother, and were Princely attended by a great number of brave Norman Knights and Gentlemen, of which Earl Goodwin (that 
By the seven heads are meant he and his six sons who a●…sisted him in all his bloody projects  subtle seven-headed Hydra before spoken of) having notice ', he began to plot and devise how to match his only daughter Goditha to one of the two Princes, but finding Alured the eldest to be of an high and haughty spirit, and would disdain so mean a marriage, he thought by supplanting him to confer her upon the younger, who was of a more flexible disposition, 
Earle goodwin's p●…te.  to compass which, he pretended to the King and Council, that it might prove dangerous to the state to suffer so many strangers to enter the Land without licence.  
By which he got authority and power to manage that business according to his own discretion, as being most potent with the King, and a great incourager of his profuseness and riot: therefore being strongly accompanied he met with the two Princes and their train, and set upon them as Enemies, killing the greater part of them at the first encounter, and having surprised the rest upon a place called Guildowne he slew nine and saved the tenths, and then thinking the number of the survivors too 
Earle goodwin's great cruelty.  great, he tithed again that tenth putting them to cruel deaths, as winding their guts out of their bellies, with other torturing deaths) than he caused the elder brother's eyes to be plucked out and sent to a religious house in Ely, where he died shortly after, but the younger he preserved as an husband for his daughter, and sent him to his mother Emma: all which fulfils the former prophecy which saith. 
And he an Hydra with seven heads shall grace,  
Glad to behold the ruin of his race.  
And then upon the Neustrian blood shall pray, 
By Neustria is understood Normandy.   
And tithe them by the pole etc.  Emma not trusting the tyranny of Goodwin by whom she had left one son, the better to secure the other, she sent him into Normandy, but 
Edward after surnamed the Co●…fessor made King.  Hardy Canutus being dead, he was sent for over to receive his just and lawful inheritance: so that this Edward the son of Egelredus and his last wife Emma, began his Reign over England in the year of Grace 1043. and was soon after married to Goditha (whom Guido calleth Editha) the sole daughter of Earl Goodwin, who as all Authors affirm, lived with her without any carnal society, whether it were in hatred of her kindred, as by the greatness of her father compelled to that match, or for that he altogether devoted himself to chastity, it is left uncertain.  
In the beginning of his Reign his mother 
The King's mother accused of adultery, with Alwin Bishop of Winchester.  Emma, was accused to have too much familiarity with the B. of Winchester, therefore the King by the counsel of Earl Goodwin seized upon many of her jewels, and confined her to a strict keeping in the Abbey of Worwell, the Bishop Alwin was also under the Custody of the Clergy; but she more sorrowing for his defame then her own, wrote unto divers Bishops to do their justice, affirming she was ready to undergo any trial whatsoever, to give the World satisfaction of her innocence, who laboured to the King that their cause might have a just and legal hearing: but Robert Archbishop of Canterbury 
Robert Archbishop of Canterbury against the mother Queen.  not pleased with the motion, said unto them, My Brethren Bishops, how dare ye plead for her, who is a beast and no woman? as by defaming the King and her son, and yielding herself a prostitute to the incontinent Alwin: (proceeding further) but if it be so that the woman would purge the Priest, who shall then purge the woman? who is accused to have been consenting to the death of her son Alfred, and hath prepared infectious Drugs for the poisoning of her son Edward: but be she guilty or no; if she will agree to go bare foot upon nine ploughshares burning and fiery hot, for herself four shares, and for the Bishop five, he may be then cleared, and she also.  
To which she granted, and the day of her 
This 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Chronicles of same for truth.  purgation assigned, at which day the King in person with many of his Lords were present, she was hoodwinked and led to the place where the Irons lay glowing hot, and having passed over the nine shares unhurt, she said, Good God, when shall I come to the place of my purgation? When they opened her eyes, and she saw that she had past the torment without any sense of pain, she kneeled down, and gave thanks to the protector of chastity and innocence. Then the King repent him of his credulity, restoring unto her what he had before taken from her, ask of her forgiveness and blessing. But the Archbishop Robert, who was once a Monk in Normandy, and was sent for over by the King, and first made Bishop of London, and 
Emma acquit from the suspicion of Incontinency.  after raised to be Metropolitan, fled into his Country, and was no more seen in England after.  
After many insolences committed against the King, by Earl Goodwin and his sons (too long to rehearse) they were forced to abandon 
Earl Goodwin and his sons fly the Land.  the Land, and fly into Flanders to Earl Baldwin, (whose daughter judith, Swanus his eldest son had married) and then by a Parliament they were made Outlaws and Rebels, and their goods and Lands seized: where they continued as exiles for the space of two years: during which time William the bastard Duke of Normandy came with a Noble Train to visit the King his Cousin, and were royally entertained, returning with great gifts and presents into his Country, after which Goodwin by intercession of his friends here in England, was called home with his sons, who were received into grace, and restored to their former dignities and possessions: giving for pledges of his fidelity, his son Wilnotus and Hacun the son of 
Goodwin and his sons restored.  Swanus, whom the King sent to William Duke of Normandy, to be kept in safe custody.  
Not long after, in the twelfth year of the Reign of this Edward the Confessor; upon an Easter Monday, Goodwin sitting with other Lords at the King's Table, in the Castle of Windsor, it happened that the King's Cupbearer stumbled, but recovered himself of a fall, at which the Earl laughed hearty, and said; there one brother helped the other, meaning one leg had supported the other, which the King observing, said, yea, and so my brother Alphred might have lived to have helped and sustained me, had it not been for Earl Goodwin, by which words the Earl apprehending, that he upbraided him with his brother's death, thinking to excuse himself of the Act, said, so may I safely swallow this morsel of bread that is in my hand, as I am innocent of that deed, in swallowing of which he was choked: which the King seeing commanded him to be dragged from the board, his body being 
goodwin's remarkable death.  conveyed to Winchester, and there interred: Macrinus saith, that he was suddenly struck with a palsy of which he died ●…hree days after: howsoever he underwent a most remarkable judgement: His eldest son living who was Harold (for Swanus died in his pilgrimage to jerusalem) had all his Father's Dignities and Honours conferred upon him: But in process of time all those his Lands in Kent (of which he was Earl, were eaten up and devoured by the Sea, upon wh●…se dangerous shelves and quicksands, many thousands have been wracked and drowned, and they are called goodwin's Sands, unto this day, which verifieth that part of the prophecy of the Hydra, where he saith, 
Burst shall he after gordged with humane blood,  
And leave his name in part of the salt flood.   
Harold having done many noble services for the King and the country, in all which he came off with great honour and victory: about the 20. year of King Edward, he sailed towards Normandy to visit his brother Wilnotus and his Nephew Hucun, who lay there as pledges for the peace betwixt the King and 
Harold saileth into Normandy.  Earl Goodwin; buteither by the mistake of the unskilful Pilot or by the extremity of tempests, he was driven upon the province of Pountithe, and there surprised, and sent as prisoner to William Duke of Normandy, who some say, forced him to take an oath to marry his daughter and keep the Kingdom of England to his behoof: but that which carrieth more show of truth, is that Harold to insinuate into the Duke's favour, in whose power he now was, told him that his King in the presence of his Baronry had selected him his Heir, and covenanted with him that if he survived his sovereign, he would keep the Crown to his use; for which 
Meaning the Duke.  the Duke gave him his daughter in contract, with promise of a large dowry; but she was yet in her minority not ripe for marriage; in confirmation of which, Duke William gave him also his brother's son Hucon one of the Hostages and kept the other, and after sent him over, with rich gifts: all which at his return to England he acquainted the King with, who expired the fourth day of january, when he had reigned twenty three years seven months and 
The death of Edward the Confessor.  odd days, and lies buried in the Monastery of Westminster which he before had much beautified and repaired.  
After whom succeeded in the Throne Harold, the second son of Earl Goodwin, and last King 
Harold crowned King of England.  of the Saxons, who began his Reign over England in the year one thousand forty six: the ambition to gain a Crown, making him forget his oath and promise made to Duke William: In the beginning of his Reign his Land was invaded by his brother Tostius, who was beat out of the Kingdom by Edwin, and Malcharus Earls of Mercia and Northumberland: then Harold Hafagar King of Denmark and Norway, (whom Guido the Historiographer calleth the son of Canutus) hearing of the death of Edward, with an Army of three hundred 
England invaded by the Danes.  ships, entered the mouth of the River Tyne, pretending to conquer England, as his right and lawful inheritance, which Harold hearing sent the two aforesaid Earls of Mercia and Northumberland, till he himself had gathered sufficient forces: who gave the Danes a strong battle, but being overset with multitudes, they were forced to give bacl, so that the enemy entered further into the Land, which the King hearing, Harold made haste with his powers. And met them at a place called Stratford bridge. In which Interim Tostius came out of Scotland, and took part against his brother: Betwixt these two Hosts was fought a bloody 
A bloody battle in which Harold was victor.  and cruel battle. In which many brave Knights breathed their last, and amongst them Tostius: the two Heralds of England and of Denmark, met and fought hand to hand, in which combat Harold of Denmark, fell under the hand of Harold of England, who was likewise Master of the field, in which Olanus brother to Harfagar, and Paulus Duke of the Orcadeses were taken prisoners: of whom Harold took sure pledges for their fidelity and homage.   

CHAP. 11.  
The Landing of Duke William with the Normans: the battle betwixt him and Harold, in which Harold is slain, being the last King of the Saxon blood. William remaineth Conqu●…rour, and is crowned King of England, His death, and the success of the Prophecy.  
HArold ambitiously puffed up with this great victory, divided not the spoil 
Some think it was a great cause of his loss of the battle against William.  from the enemy taken, equally, but avaritiously kept the greatest part to his own use, and the remainder he distributed not to those who had best fought, but to those whom he most favoured, by reason whereof he lost the 
Harold's answer to Duke William.  hearts of many of his Knights: in this Interim, died the Daughter of Duke William (before contracted to Harold) by which he thought himself fully discharged of his former duty and promise: But Duke William was of a contrary mind, and by divers messengers mixing fair terms with menaces, put him in remembrance of the breach of both, to which Harold gave a slight answer, that rash and unadvised covenants might be as well violated as kept, that it was not in his power to dispose of the Crown and Kingdom, without the assent of the Peers and Barons of the Realm, besides oaths and promises made either by fear or force, were of no validity, and therefore left him to take what course he pleased according to his best direction: for that was his peremptory answer.  
At which Duke William being much incensed, gathered a selected Army, which he caused to be shipped with all things necessary for so great 
Duke William ●…ndeth in England.  an Enterprise, and launching from the port of Saint Valery, In shorttime landed near Hastings in Sussex, at a place called Penusy, making three 
Three pretences for his Invasion.  pretences for his invasion: The first and chief was to challenge his right to the Crown, as next Heir, and moreover bequeathed unto him by his Nephew Edward the Confessor upon his deathbed. The second was to vindicate the bloody murder of his Cousin Alfred, and brother of the late King, committed by E. Goodwin, upon Guildowne, which was done (as he pretended) by the especial instigation of Harold: The third was to revenge the banishment of Archbishop Robert (before remembered in the accusation of Queen Emma) with which also he chargeth Harold, as the sole animatour of his exile; and hitherto Merlin's Prophecies admit no contradiction, when he faith, 
Iron men, in wooden Tents shall here arrive,  
And hence the Saxons with the Eaglets drive.   
By the Iron-men, meaning the Normans, in 
The prophecy explained.  Iron Casks and Corslets; by wooden Tents, their Navigable Vessels, who in Harold extinguished the blood of the white Dragon the Saxons, and expelled the Eaglets, who were the Danes, the brood of Swanus in that Princely bird so emblematized: the story followeth, Duke William landing one of his feet slipped, and the other stuck fast in the sand, which one of his Knights observing, 
A good Omen.  cried aloud, A good Omen, now William, England is thine own, and thou shalt change the title of Duke into King, at which he smiled, and piercing further into the Land, he made proclamation, that no man should take any prey, or make any spoil, or do any violence to the Natives; saying, it were no reason that he should offer outrage to that which should be his own.  
Harrold was at that time in the North, who hearing the Normans were landed, gathered his forces by the way as he came, to supply his army, which was much weakened by reason of the last battle fought against the Danes and Norways, and sending spies into the Duke's host to 
Harold sends spies into the Duke's Host.  discover their strength, word was brought him that his soldiers were all priests and lawyers, as having their upper lips chins and cheeks shaved, (which was their custom then, and the English used to wear their Mouchatoes thick and long) to which Harold answered: but we shall find them neither Barmen, nor Bookmen, but valiant Knights expert in all manner of warlike discipline. Then Gurth or Surthe one of the youngest brothers of Harold advised him in person to stand apart, and that himself with the Lords and Barons would inc●…unter the Normans, because he was sworn to the Duke, and they not; and if they were put back, he then might rally their dispersed troops and maintain his own claim and his Countries quarrel, to which he would by no means assent.  
Then Duke William by a clergy man sent him 
Three proffers made by the Duke to the King before the battle.  three proffers of which to take his choice; the first, that according to his oath he should deliver up the Crown, and all the rights thereto belonging, which done, to receive it again and hold it of him as in fee during the term of his life, and after his death to return it again to the said William, or to such an one of his sons as he would assign it unto: the second, to departed and leave the Kingdom without more contention: The third, that to spare the shedding of Christian blood, they two might singly end the quarrel by the sword: All which offers Harold refused, returning answer by the Prelate, that he would try his cause by the dint of swords, and not of one sword, and that he and his Knights were ready, to defend their Country against all Foreign Invaders whatsoever: The Duke hearing this his answer delivered unto him, he gave strict charge, that all his people that night should watch and spend the hours 
Two different dispositions in the boasts.  in prayer with the Priests, when on the contrary the English Host passed away the time in dancing and drinking.  
The next morning (being Saturday) the fourteenth day of October, the two Hosts met at a place where now standeth Battle Abbey in 
Battle Abbey in Sussex.  Sussex, (which was after built, and so called by Duke William, in memory of this battle there fought, and his great victory then achieved) in the beginning of which conflict a Norman Banneret called Thilfer, slew three English Gentlemen one after another, but in attempting the fourth was himself slain. Then began a 
The battle betwixt King Harold with Duke William  terrible noise of the clattering of Harness, the rushing of shields, the trampling of Horses, with loud cries and acclamations on both sides, in which the Normans opposed mightily, and the English defended themselves manfully, and the better, because they fought close keeping their battle whole without scattering, or ranging abroad; which when Duke William observed, he gave a sign to his Commanders that they should give bacl, as if they were almost compelled to fly and forsake the field, yet subtly embattailing the foot, and placing the Horse for Wings on either side: the English hoping instantly to have routed them, dissevered their Squadrons as for present pursuit: but the Normans returning taken them at that disadvantage, and strooke them down on every side: yet was this battle so stoutly fought by the Englishmen, that Duke William was there that day beaten from his Steed, and three Horses slain under him: but in the end Harold was slain, being shot into the eye with an arrow, 
King Harold slain in the eye with an arrow.  and fell down dead in the field: which his army seeing, they dispersed themselves, and every man fled to his best safety.  
Thus died this valiant King Harold, having worn the Crown from the fift of january to the fourteenth of October, making up nine months, and some odd days, and was buried in the Monastery of Waltham which he himself 
The end of the Race of the Saxons.  had founded; in whom ended the blood of the Saxons which had continued from the beginning of King Hengists' reign, for the space of five hundred fourscore and one year, all which time they had reigned as Kings in this Land, (saving those four and twenty years in which Edward the Confessor had the Sovereignty) who was of the Norman blood by his Mother Emma, daughter to Richard the Hardy, the third Duke of Normandy, and first of that name.  
Then Duke William buried his slain men, and suffered the English to do the like. Now when 
Mercia and Northumberland, not in this battle.  the news of Harold's death came to the two Earls of Mercia and Northumberland, who were not then in that battle (some think, that by reason of the distance and difficulty of the way they could not arrive with their forces soon enough, but others have conjectured, that they purposely absented themselves, because in the division of the Danish spoils, they were neglected, but howsoever, they came to Duke William, and submitted themselves, giving pledges 
Duke William crowned King of England.  for their truth and fealty: thus William Duke of Normandy, surnamed the Conqueror, base son to Robert, the sixth Duke of that Province, and Nephew unto Edward the Confessor, began his Dominion over this Realm of England, in the year of Grace, one thousand threescore and nine, the fifteenth day of October, and was crowned upon Christmas day (by Aldredus Archbishop of York) next following: I now proceed to Merlin's next prophecy. 
He that Iron Nation who leads forth for prey  
Shall find full spoil, and where he feeds, will stay:  
Suppressing the red Dragon for a space.  
Then shall arise two Dragons from his race:  
One, aims at, but attains not his desire.  
By Envies Dart the other shall expire.  
The Lion next of justice must appear,  
Who against the Celticke Towers will ladders rear.  
And cause the Lily like the Aspen shake,  
Whose roar shall all the Island Serpents quake.  
(A cunning Alchemist) who hath the skill  
Gold, both from flowers, and Nettles to distil.   
The first part is plain and easy, the appearance 
Part of the Prophecy explained.  whereof is gathered from the former circumstances: under the man, who leadeth the Iron Nation forth to prey, is figured the Conqueror, who brought into this Kingdom the strongly armed Normans, where finding fat spoil, that is, a rich and fertile Island, where he feeds will stay: that is, where he fareth well, and hath all things in his own power, to his will and pleasure; there he will make his abode and plant himself, (suppressing the red Dragon for a space, that is, the first Britain's, after mingled with the Saxons, and from Hengists-men called Englishmen, then with the Danes, and now again oppressed by the Normans, yet was the blood of the first Natives (howsoever mingled) never extinguished, and the Nation howsoever extremely suffering, yet never altogether eradicated and extirpt: but to pass over the Reign of the Conqueror (because no further aimed at by my Author) I proceed to the rest: 
Then shall two Dragon's issue from his race.   
Meaning from Duke William now living, (by which two Dragons are intimated his two eldest Sons: Robert surnamed Corthose or Shorthose, and William Ruffus, so styled because of his ruff hair and beard.)  
This Robert the eldest, because he might 
Robert rebelleth against his Father.  not be possessed of the Duchy of Normandy, which his father had before promised him, he by the aid of the French King Philip, and Lewis his son, invaded that Duchy and took divers prizes thence; which put his Father to much grievance and trouble; in so much, that at length the father and the son with two great Hosts met in the plain field, where betwixt them was fought a cruel and bloody battle, in which King William, was wounded and beaten from his horse, and in great danger to be taken or slain; which his son Robert hearing, in true filial piety he restored his Father, set him upon a fresh Horse, and delivered him from all danger: howsoever in that conflict many of the King's men fell by the sword, and his son William received many wounds, so that they were compelled to forsake the field and yield the honour thereof to his Son Robert, for which 
Robert gaineth the day of his Father.  rebellion as some have related, he laid an heavy curse upon him, which proved fatal unto him in the end.  
Some writ that by the leaping off an horse he got such a strain (meaning King William) that it was the cause of his death, and when he found that he was pasthope of life, he called his three sons unto him exhorting them to fraternal love and unity, and by his will appointed to Robert the eldest, the Duchy of Normandy, to William the second, the Kingdom of England, and to his third son Henry, (because 
K. William's admonition to his sons.  he was a piece of a Scholar, surnamed Beauclerke) he bequeathed his moveables and treasure: then he informed his two eldest sons of the disposition of the people, whom they were to govern, advising William to be affable, courteous, and liberal to the English: and Robert to behave himself roughly and sternly towards the Normans: which having uttered, he 
The death of William, surnamed the Conqueror.  died within few hours after in Normandy, and was buried in the City of Cane, in the third year of his Duchy, but of his Reign over England, one and twenty years and ten months, in the month of july: in which time of his Sovereignty, he kept the English so straight and low, that none of the Nation bore any office of profit or honour, but he somewhat favoured the City of London, by granting them their first Charter, which is written in the Saxon 
London's first Charter granted by King William.  tongue, and sealed with green Wax, and is comprehended in eight or nine lines at the most: with whose death I also conclude this Chapter.   

CHAP. 12.  
The prediction of the two Dragons, made good by the subsequent History, in Robert, and William the two sons of the Conqueror: who the Lion of justice was: and what was meant by his Alchemy, etc.  
WIlliam the second of that name, surnamed 
William the second crowned King of England.  Rufus, or the Red, began his Reign in the month of july, in the year of Grace, one thousand sourescore and nine, but Rainolf Monk of Chester, in his Polychronicon, affirms that Robert was absent at the death of his Father, and hearing that he had preferred his younger brother to the Crown of England, he was greatly enraged, and laid his Dukedom to pawn to his brother Henry, for certain sums of money, with which he hired an Army, and landed at Hampton: of which his brother having intelligence, sent unto him with this submission following, 
A strange submission of a King.  Thy brother William entreateth thee to be no way incensed at what I have done. For he calleth himself not absolute King, but Viceroy and thy Substitute, and to reign under thee, being greater, and therein better, because before him borne, who hath taken upon him this charge, only because of thine absence; yet since he is now in place and authority by thy sufferance, he humbly prays thee that he may under thee still so continue, paying unto thee annually three thousand mark, with condition, that the survivor of the two may peaceably enjoy the Kingdom.  
Duke Robert who was not unacquainted with the politic proceed of his brother, shaked his head, and began to pause, about an answer, and being of a loving and gentle disposition, 
The two brothers attowd.  bountiful withal, and still preferring his honour before his profit (as in all his after proceed he made manifest) condescended to his brother's request, and returned into Normandy: but William was of a more subtle and crafty condition, and yet withal ambitious after vainglory, to maintain which, he extorted both from the Spiritualty and Temporalty. He builded 
He buildeth Westminster Hall.  Westminster Hall, and by reason that his brother Robert, was then in the holy Wars, to redeem jerusalem from the Pagans, he spent some time in Normandy, about his brother's affairs: but at his return, the building of the Hall being finished, he seemed much discontented with the littleness thereof, saying it was more fit for a Dining Chamber than a King's Hall, purposing, if he had lived, to have made a fare greater.  
In the beginning of the thirteenth year of his Reign, the third day of August, being hunting in the New Forest, by the glancing of an Arrow shot by the hand of one Sir Walter Tyrrell, 
The King murdered to death by Sir Walter Tyrrell.  the King was wounded to death in the forty fourth year of his age; who escaped and saved himself, for none pursued him, and few (in regard of his former tyranny) sorrowful for his death: some think that this arrow was purposely aimed at him, to fulfil the prophecy of the two brothers. 
One aims at, but attains not his desire,  
By envies dart the other shall expire.   
Now Robert, though he still aimed at the Kingdom, yet never attained unto it, and the other died, according to Merlin's words, spiculo Invidiae, by the dart of Envy: the King thus wounded was laid in a Horselitter, and conveyed to Winchester, where he died and was buried: In his life time he took upon him great 
The King's Character.  things: the day before he died, one asked him where he purposed to keep his Christmas? to which he answered, at Poitiers, for the Earl intendeth a Voyage for jerusalem, meaning to seize upon his Earldom.  
Henry of Huntingdon reporteth of him, that though he was generally reported avaricious and gripple-handed, yet he was in his own condition, bountiful, and liberal, as may appear by the narration following. The Abbot of a great Monastery being dead, too wel-monied Monks of the same place made friends to the King offering 
justice and liberality in the King.  large sums, to be promoted to that dignity: there was also a third Monk, who out of his meekness and humility had accompanied them to the Court, and to give attendance on him whom the King should admit to be Abbot: who called to the Monks severally, and either of them outbid the other: the King casting his eye upon the third (who came as their servant) thinking, his business had been to the same purpose, demanded of him, if he would give more than his brethren had proffered: who answered him again, that he would neither offer nor give to the value of one penny, neither would he take any such charge upon him which came unlawfully by simony: whose words when the King had duly considered, he said that he of the three was best worthy to take so holy a charge upon him, and gave it him freely.  
Duke Robert being at this time in the holy 
Henry usurpeth the crown.  Wars, the youngest brother Henry, third son to the Conqueror, and first of that name, began his Reign the fift day of August, in the year of our Lord eleven hundred and one, and this was he whom Merlin calls Leo justitiae, the Lion ●…f justice: who banished from his Court all flattering and effeminate Sycophants: he was also abstinent, and abhorring gormondizing, and the excess of Feasts: he was further well studied in the seven Liberal Arts, and used to fight more with counsel then the sword, and yet upon just occasion, he would show himself as valiant as he proved fortunate.  
In the second year of whose Reign, Robert his brother, being there employed in the Wars of Palestine, against the Miscreants and Infidels, receiving news that his brother William was dead, and that his brother Henry had usurped 
Duke Robe●…t offered to be made King of jerusalem.  the Crown of England, notwithstanding that the Christian Princes offered to make him King of jerusalem, yet he refused that honour, but with great speed returned into Normandy, and there raised forces, to claim his right unto the Crown of England, and landed at Portsmouth, but a mediation of peace was made betwixt them, and that he should have the same yearly revenue of three thousand Marks, which he had in the days of King William: with which he returned fully satisfied, at which his Lords and Peers were much discontented, as also for other things which in his easy nature he had yielded to, both against his honour and profit, 
Duke Robert neglected by his Peers.  for which he was by them less regarded, and in the end quite neglected.  
This Robert in his Father's days was in all his erterprises victorious, and after did many brave exploits at the siege of Acan against the Turks: and (as is before said) was by the great suffrage of the Christian Host chosen King of jerusalem, but whether he thought it to be an honour with too much trouble, or for the covetousness of the Crown of England, he made refusal thereof, for which it hath been thought, that he sped the worse in all his endeavours after. For a dissension fell betwixt him and his Nobles, so that they sent to King Henry his brother, that if he would come over into Normandy, they would deliver up the whole Country into his hands, and acknowledge him their sole Lord and Governor, of which proffer it is said, Henry accepted: but before any hostility was threatened, Robert came into England to visit his brother and new sister (for the King was lately married to Maud the 
Duke Roberts easy and liberal disposition.  daughter of Malcolme, King of Scotland) at whose request he released to his brother the tribute of three thousand Marks by the year, and so departed.  
Notwithstanding which, by the instigation of bad and wicked Counselors, this seeming brotherly love was quite abrogated and dissolved, so that the King with a strong Army invaded Normandy, and by reason that Robert's Peers and Nobles fell from him, he chased him from place to place, and won from him his Cities, Cane, Rouen, and Faloys, with all other places defensible; so that Robert was forced to desire aid of Philip the French King, and after of the Earl of Flanders, but they both failed him, so that with those few forces which he could make, he gave battle to his brother, in the which he was surprised and taken prisoner, and sent over into England, and put 
Duke Robert taken pr●…soner by his b●…other.  into the Castle of Cardiff in Wales, where he remained his whole life time, and being dead was buried at Gloucester, and thus he who might have been King of jerusalem, and twice King of England (had he taken the opportunity offered 
The Duchy of Duke Robert.  him) died with no greater title, than the bare Duke of Normandy.  
Wars than grew betwixt the King of England, and the French King, in which they sped diversely, but in the end Henry beat him in his own Country, and had of him a glorious victory, to the great terror and astonishment of all the French Nation, and those lesser Princes of his Confederacy, making good that of the Prophet: 
The Lion next of justice, shall appear,  
Who against the Celticke Towers shall ladders rear,  
And cause the Lily like the Aspen shake,  
Whose roar shall all the Island Serpents quake.  By the Lily is meant the Flower de Lice, which 
The Prophes●…e explained.  the French King bears in his Scutcheon, which was said to quake like an Aspen, (whose leaf of all others is soon moved with the wind) by reason of the great affright and terror he put the French into at the noise of his Drums, the thundering of his Horses hoofs, and the loudness of his warlike instruments.  
About the twentieth year of this King's Reign, when he had been three years together in Normandy, the King took shipping at Harflute (a part of that Duchy) the four and twentieth day of November, and arrived safe in England, not many hours after: And soon upon that his two sons, William who was Duke of Normandy, with Richard his brother, with Notha the Countess of Parsie, Richard Earl of Chester, with his wife the King's Niece, The Archdeacon of Hereford, with Knights, Gentlemen, and others, to the number of an hundred and forty persons: These took shipping at the same Port to follow the King, but in their passage, the ship sunk under them, and they were all drowned to one man, saving a Butcher, who reported that this disastrous misfortune fell 
The Kings two sons with many others drowned.  by the negligence of the Master and Sailors, who in the night being at dissension amongst themselves, ran the Vessel upon a Rock, and split her; from which danger the young Duke William was escaped by getting into a boat near the sh●…are: but when he heard the lamentable outcry of the Countess Notha, he commanded the Rowers to row back, and if it were possible to save her life, who having recovered her into the boat, they were by a tempestuous gust so overcharged, that it was violently overturned, and they all swallowed in the Sea, of which strange accident Merlin also prophesied in these words: 
The Lion's whelps their nature shall forsake, 
Catuli Leonis in aequoreo; pisces transformabuntur.   
And upon them the shape of sishes take.   
The King to maintain his former Wars which proved so terrible to the French and others, was forced to exact money from all manner of people, not sparing the Clergy nor the Laity, and therefore Merlin calls him 
A cunning Alchemist, who hath the skill  
Gold, both from flowers, and Nettles to distil.  By the Flowers, meaning the Spiritualty, by the Nettles the Temporalty: in the twenty seventh year of this King's Reign died Henry the fourth Emperor of that name, who had before married Maud, the daughter to Henry King of England, after whose death she came to her Father in Normandy, who because he had no heirs male left of his body, he caused all the Bishops and Barons to swear in his presence, that they 
The Lords sworn to the succession of Maud the Empress.  should keep the Crown of England to the use of this Mawde the Empress, if he died without issue male, and she surviving.  
In the eight and twentieth year of his Sovereignty, jeffery Plantagenet Earl of Anjoy, was espoused unto Mawde the Empress, from whom 
Her second marriage.  descended Henry the second, surnamed Shortmantle, who after Stephen was King of England; King William being in Normandy, (as some writ) fell either with his Horse or from his Horse, which after was the cause of his death. But Rainolph saith, that he took a surfeit by eating of a Lamprey, and died of that, when he had reigned thirty five years and odd months, 
The death of Henry the first of that name.  whose body when it was emboweled, before it could be embalmed, cast such a stench that none could abide the place, where he was dissected, and though it was wrapped in a Bull's skin, yet it little abated the smell, in so much that divers were infected therewith, and the Chirurgeon who cleansed the head, died of the unwholesome scent which proceeded from the brain, which some conjectured to be a just judgement laid upon him for his merciless cruelty showed upon his brother Robert, whose eyes (as some have reported) he caused to be torn out of his head during his imprisonment: his body was brought into England, and was afterwards buried in the Abbey of Reading which he before had founded; after whose death, Fame spoke of him, as of all other Princes, both in the better and worse part. Divers said, that he surpassed many of his Predecessor Kings in three 
How the King was spoken of after his death.  things, in wit, in eloquence, and good success in battle; and others spared not to say that he was pestilently infected with three notorious vices: Covetousness, Cruelty, and Lechery.   

CHAP. 13.  
A brief relation of the troublesome Reign of King Stephen, and his opposition against Mawde the Empress, of Henry Shortmantle, and his proceed, with a continuance of our English History. In every circumstance making good Merlin's Prophecy.  
STephen Earl of Bolloigne, and son 
Stephen Earl of Boulogne crowned King.  to the Earl of Bloys, and Maud sister to the wife of Henry late deceased, began his Reign over the Realm of England, in the year of grace, one thousand one hundred thirty six, who was valiant and hardy, but as some affirm, contrary to the oath made to King Henry concerning Maud the Empress, he usurped the Crown, and was inaugurated by the Archbishop of Canterbury, at West minster, upon the day of Saint Stephen, in Christmas week, which Archbishop (who had taken the same Oath) died shortly 
Perjury punished by the hand of God.  after, with divers other Lords guilty of the same perjury: which as some writ, was animated and encouraged by one Hugh Bigot; who was Steward to King Henry, and presently after his death came over into England; and before the said Archbishop came, other Lords took an Oath, and swore that he was present a little before the King's death, when he heard him to disinherit his Daughter Maud, for some distaste that he had taken against her, and had adopted, as his lawful Heir Stephen his Nephew: to which the Archbishop with the rest gave too hasty battle: neither did this Hugh for his wilful perjury escape unpunished, who soon after with great trouble of conscience most miserably expired: but before I proceed 
Hugh Bigot dyeth miserably  further in the story, I will deliver unto you Merlin's Prophecy of those times: which followeth. 
Drop must a Sagittary from the Skies, 
The prophecy.   
But against him an Eglet will arise,  
(That in the Morian Mountains built her nest)  
And against that Celestial sign contest.  
She failing, will a Lion's whelp appear,  
Whose roar shall make the Centaur quake with fear.  
But when the two shaped Monster shall be tamed,  
By gentle means, the whelp will be reclaimed:  
And when the Iron brood in the Land shall fail,  
The blood of the white Dragon must prevail.  By the Sagittary, which is one of the twelve Celestial Signs, and is the same which he calleth 
Part of it ex●…laned  the two shaped Centaur, is figured King Stephen, who gave not the Lions, as his former predecessors had done, but emblazed the beforenamed Sagittary in his Scutcheon: and therefore he is by the Prophet so styled: by the Eglet is also intended Maud the Empress, and by the Morian Mountains a place in Italy so called, siguratively including all Italy by a part thereof: now let us see how this with the rest is m●…de good by the event.  
In the beginning of his reign, King Stephen 
King Stephen extorteth both from the Clergy and the Laity.  used great rigour against the Clergy, as fining some Bishops, and imprisoning others. Besides he seized on all the strong holds and Castles within the Realm, as still fearing the coming in of Maud the Empress: in which time Robert Earl of Gloucester, the base son of King Henry took displeasure against the King, for seizing the strong holds of Gloucester, Hereford, Webly, Bristol, Dudley and others, part of which belonged to his Inheritance; and therefore he sent letters to his sister Maud, promising to assist her in the just claim of her Inheritance.  
In the month of july and sixth year of King 
Maud the Empress landeth in England.  Stephen, ●…aud the Empress landed at Portsmouth and made towards Bristol, at what time Stephen laid siege to the Castle of Walling-ford, who hearing of her arrival gathered all the forces he could make, and drew towards the Enemy; in which time Robert Earl of Gloucester & Ranulph Earl of Chester were joined to the Empress; and when both their hosts were in the field, ready to give the alarm, Ranulph Earl of Chester thus spoke to his soldiers and said.  
I require you friends and Countrymen, that I 
The Baron's Oration to their soldiers.  who am the cause to bring you here, to hazard lives, may be the first man to put mine own in danger: whom Earl Robert interrupted, and said, It is not unworthy to thee, who demandest the first stroke and hazard of this battle, who both for thy nobleness of blood, and thy known magnanimity and courage fare surpassest other men; but the King's false oath hath levied men to this unjust war, in which we must either strive bravely to win the mastery, or else be basely overcome; and we now are run into that hazard, that none of us is safe, which shall not acquit himself by his resolution and Knightly boldness: therefore show your valour, and be assured of victory.  
Then Earl Baldwin standing in the front of 
Earle Baldwins encouragement to to the King's Army.  the King's battle, began to encourage his soldiers in this manner: To men that shall fight three things are by them to be observed: The first, the justice of the cause, lest they endanger their souls, which is clear on our part, who sight for our King & Country: the second is the number of men, and the accommodation of Arms, for few are not to oppose a multitude, nor naked men against armed; and we parallel, if not exceed them both in ammunition and number: the third is, boldness and courage, not for defence only, but offence: which me thinks I espy in your faces: and therefore of all these three our Army is sufficiently furnished. Now what be our enemies? A weak and distressed woman, assisted by two weak supporters; Robert Earl of Gloucester, a man daring without deed, and accustomed to word, with words, not weapons: and Ranulph Earl of Chester, haughty, but withal foolhardy, constant in nothing, and conscious only of Conspiracies, who proposeth great erterprises, but never brings any to good effect: and for many Legions, conducted by such Leaders; the more they be in company, the sooner they be overcome.  
At which word, he was cut off by the violent 
The battle betwixt the King and the Empress.  coming on of the enemy: and now began a cruel battle, resolutely and bravely fought on both sides, the violence whereof lasted long uncertain who should be victors; but in the end, the King's Host was utterly routed: but he of a more heroic spirit (as scorning to fly) maintained the fight with some few of his Knights, 
The King tak●…n prisoner.  and was taken prisoner; and being brought before the Empress, she commanded him to be conveyed under safe custody to the Castle of Bristol, where he remained endurance, from Candlemas to holy Rood day next ensuing: after which victory, she was so exalted in thought, and puffed up with pride, that she thought now she had the whole Kingdom in her own possession, and came triumphantly to Winchester: after to Wilton, to Oxford, to Reading, to Saint Alban, and lastly, to London: in all which places she was royally received: and during her abode there, the Queen made assiduate labour, for the delivery of the King her husband, promising he 
The Queen's p●…tition to the Empress.  should surrender the whole Land into her possession, and either be take himself to some Religious Order, or to become a banished Pilgrim to the end of his life: but all was in vain, she could receive no comfort from the Empress upon any conditions.  
The Citizens of London likewise petitioned unto her, that they might use the Laws of Edward the Confessor, as they were confirmed by the Conqueror, and that she would be pleased to disannul the strict innovations imposed on the land by her Father Henry: to which she nor her Counsel would in the least wise condescend: but the tide soon turned, for Kent took part 
The Londoners and Kentishmen take part with the King.  with the King, and the Londoners being discontented at the denial of their suit, and being assured that the Kentish men would in all their Erterprises assist them, they purposed to have surprised her person; of which she having secret intelligence, left a great part of her jewels and householdstuff, and fled to Oxford: in which slight many of her adherents were disheartened, and a great part of her forces dispersed and scattered.  
Then the Queen before so much despised, 
The Queen pu●…sueth the Empress.  by the aid of her friends, the Kentish men, Londoners and others gathered a strong host, under the conduct of one William De-Pre, to pursue the Empress; who understanding the Queen's forces daily to increase, and hers assiduatly to diminish, she left Oxford, and secretly escaped to Gloucester, whither the Queen's host followed her: in defence of which City Robert brother 
Earl Bobert of Gloucester taken prisoner  of the Empress making an excursion from the town was surprised and taken: Briefly, a Communication was held between the two opposite parties, in which after much debating the business on both sides, it was concluded that there should be one exchange made of the two prisoners, so that the King upon Holy rood day in harvest 
King Stephen released in exchange of Earl Robert.  was released and delivered up to the Queen and her Army, and Robert of Gloucester was surrendered to his sister Maud the Empress.  
The Land in this time was much distressed by these two Armies who were in continual agitation, sometimes the King having the better, and sometimes the Empress, to relate which at large would ask too long circumstance: but in the end the King had the better, in the seventeenth Year of whose Reign, died Ranulph Earl of Chester, and jeffry Plantagenet husband to Maud the Empress, after whose death their 
The death of I●…ffery Plantagenet.  son Henry surnamed short mantle (because he used to go in a short Cloak) was created Duke of Anjou, and Normandy; whose son few years after married Elinor daughter to the Earl of Poyctow, who had before been married to Lewis 
The marriage of Henry Duke of Normandy.  the French King: but for the too nearness of blood divorced, after he had received two daughters from her, Marry, and Alice: so that this Henry was the Earl of Anjou by his father, Duke of Normandy by his mother, and Earl of Poyctow by his wife.  
This King Stephen had a son named Eustace, 
Eustace the son of King Stephen.  who by aid of the French King, warred upon the forenamed Henry, in which the Duke so Knightly demeaned himself, that it proved to their great disadvantage: some say that King Stephen would have crowned his son in his life time, but the Clergy would not agree thereto, having a command from the Bishop of Rome, to the contrary, and therefore his purpose took no effect. Then the King said siege to the Castles of Newberry, Wallingford, Warbycke, and Warwell, which had been kept by the friends of the Empress to her use, in hope of the coming over of her son Duke of 
Duke Henry landeth in England.  Normandy, etc. who the same year, with a great Host entered England, and first won the Castle of Malmsbury, and after came to London, and possessed himself both of the City and the Tower, which more by his policy and promise, than his potency and power performed.  
Then King Stephen with his Host, drew near to Duke Henry, but by the mediation of Theobald, Archbishop of Canterbury, and others of the Clergy and Nobility (who met at a place called the water of Vrme) they were kept from 
A peace mediated betwixt the King and the Duke.  present hostility, some endeavouring peace, others labouring war, as their humours and affections guided them. After which the King took his way towards Ipswich in Suffolk, & the Duke towards Shrewsbury: in which interim died, and was drowned Eustace the son of King Stephen, and was buried at Feversham in Kent, in the Abbey which his Father before 
The death of Prince Eust●…ce  had founded.  
After which, Theobald with others, ceased not to bring these two Princes to an atonement, which was so earnestly laboured; that a peace was concluded, upon the conditions following, namely, that the King (having now no heir) should continue in the sole Sovereignty during his life: and immediately after the conclusion and establishing of that Edict, Henry should be proclaimed Heir apparent, in all the chief Cities and Bor●…ughs of England; and that the King should take him for his son by adoption, as immediate Heir to the Crown and Kingdom, wherein that part of the prophecy is fulfilled, which saith, 
She failing, will a Lion's whelp appear,  
Whose roar should make the Centaur quake with fear:  
But when the two shaped Monster shall be tamed  
By gentle means the whelp shall be reclaimed.  By the Centaur, and two shaped Monster, or the Sagittary, which are all one, meaning the King, and by the Lion's whelp, Henry Duke of Normandy, 
The death of King Stephen.  etc. and after King of England. In the end of this year died King Stephen, when he had reign●…d eighteen years and odd months, and was buried by his son Eustace at Feversham.  
This King spent his whole Reign in great vexation and trouble, which (as some conjecture) happened because he usurped the Crown contrary to his Oath made to Henry the first: that he should maintain the inheritance of his daughter Maud the Empress: this Stephen 
Upon what grounds Stephen pretended his title to the Crown.  was the son of Eustace Earl of Boulogne, and of Mary sister to Maud who was married to his predecessor Henry: these two are the daughters of Margaret the wife of Malcolm King of Scots, which Margaret was the sister to Edgar Etheling, and daughter of Edward the outlaw, who was son to Edmund Ironside.  
Maud the Empress' daughter to Henry Beauclarke, had by her second husband jeffery Plantagenet, this Henry the second of that name, by whom the blood of the Saxons again returned to the Crown, partly by King Stephen, but more fully by him, so that consequently the blood of the Normans continued but threescore 
The Norman blood in sixty years extinguished.  and ten years, accounting from the first year of William the Conqueror, to the last of the reign of Henry first, completing those words the prophecy. 
And when the iron brood in the land shall fail,  
The blood of the red Dragon must prevail.    

CHAP. 14.  
Divers remarkable passages during the Reign of Henry the second, his numerous issue, and how they were affected towards him: his vices and virtues, his good and bad fortune: all which were by this our Prophet predicted.  
HEnry the second, son of jeffery Plantagenet, 
The Coronation of King Henry the second.  and Maud the Empress, began his Reign over England, in the month of October, and the year of our Lord God, one thousand one hundred fifty five, of whom before it was thus prophesied. 
The Eglet of the Flawde league shall behold, 
The prophecy of his Re●…gne.   
The Fathers of her prime bird shine in gold,  
And in her third nest shall rejoice: but he  
Who from the height of the great Rock may see  
The Country's round (both near and far away)  
Shall search amongst them, where he best can pray:  
Some of whose numerous airy shall retain  
The nature of the Desert Pelican,  
The all commanding keys shall strive to wrest,  
And force the lock, that opens to his nest,  
But break their own wards: of all flowers that grow  
The Rose shall most delight his smell, and so  
That lest it any stranger's eyes should daze,  
he'll plant it close in a Dedalian Maze.  
Fortune at first will on his glories smile,  
But fail him in the end; alack the while.   
The first words of this Prophecy seem to reflect 
Part of the prophecy explained.  upon the Empress his Mother: by rejoicing her third nest, may be intended, that having three sons, Henry, jeffery, and William, the two later failing, (as dying in their youth) she might rejoice in him whose Father (being King) she saw to shine in gold: or else, being first espoused to Henry the Emperor, and next to jeffery Plantagenet, she might in her death rejoice in her third espousal with her Saviour: but again, where he styles her the Eglet of the Flawde, or Borbon League; It may be conferred upon the Queen, who being first married to the King of France, and through nearness of blood divorced from him, and sent to her Father, and after married to this King, being then Duke of Normandy, she may be said first to have built her nest in France, secondly, in Normandy, and thirdly, and last in England.  
This Prince (as the Chronicle describes him 
The King's Character.  to us) was somewhat high-coloured, but of a good aspect, and pleasant countenance, fat, full chested, and low of stature: and because he grew somewhat corpulent, he used a sparing and abstinent diet, and much exercised Hunting. He was well spoken, and indifferently learned, Noble in Knighthood, and wise in counsel, bountiful to strangers, but to his familiars and servants gripple-handed, and where he loved once or hated, constant, and hardly to be removed: he had by his wife Eleanor six sons and three daughters: The names of five of them 
His Issue.  were William, Henry, Richard, Godfery, and john; of which two came to succeed him in the Throne, Richard and john, of the sixth there is small or no mention: the eldest of his daughters height Maud, and was married to the Duke of Saxony; the second Eleanor, to the King of Spain; the third named jane, to William King of Sicily.  
This King was prosperous in the beginning of his Reign, but unfortunate in the end, as the sequel will make apparent: he was of such magnanimity and courage, that he was often heard to say, that to a valiant heart, not a whole World sufficeth, and according to his words he greatly augmented his Heritage, and much added 
The King's Dominions.  to his Dominions. For he won Ireland by strength, and in the seventh year of his Reign, (for divers affronts offered him by William King of Scotland) he made such cruel war upon him, that in the end he took him 
He taketh the Scots King prisoner.  prisoner, and compelled him to surrender into his hands, the City of Carlisle, the Castle of Bamburch, the new Castle upon Tyne, with divers other holds, and a great part of Northumberland, which William before had won from the Borderers. He likewise added the whole Kingdom to his own, and from the South Ocean to the North Islands of the Orcadeses, he closed all those Lands, as under one principal; which done, and receiving fealty and homage of the said King, having a certain sum of money promised to be paid unto him within nine months following, he suffered him to go at liberty.  
He spread his Empire so far, that none of all his 
No King before him of such large Empire.  predecessors had so many Countries and Provinces under their Dominion and rule: for besides the Realm of England, he had at once in his possession, Normandy, Gascoine, and Given, Anjou, and Chinou, with Alverne and others, and by his wife as her rightful Inheritance, the Pyrene Mountains, which part France and Spain: which proves 
— that he  
Who from the height of the great rock may see  
The Country's round (both near and far away)  
Shall search amongst them, where he best can pray.  In the seventh year of his Reign, died Theobald 
Tho Becket created Archbishop of Canterbury.  Archbishop of Canterbury, and Thomas Becket, who was then Chancellor of England, was translated unto that See: and in the ninth year the King called a Parliament, at Northampton. where he intended to abolish some privileges which the Clergy had usurped, amongst which one was, that no Priest, or Clergy man, though he had committed felony, murder or treason against the Kings own person, yet had he not power to put him to death, which he purposed to have reform; in which Thomas Becket then Archbishop violently opposed him, and gave him very peremptory and unseemly language, vilifying the King's prerogative and authority, 
The Archbishop opposeth the King.  to his face; but when he saw he had not power to prevail against the King, he in great heat and haste, sped him to Alexander then Bishop of Rome, grievously complaining on the King, and suggesting, what injuries and innovations he would put upon the holy Church continuing there partly in Italy, and partly in France, for the space of six years together.  
After which time Lewis King of France, reconciled 
The King and the Archbishop atoned.  the King and the Archbishop (the King being then in Normandy) and Becket returned to his See at Canterbury, whither he summoned all such persons as in his absence had spoilt, and rifled his moveables and goods, advising them first by fair means to restore them; but when he saw that course prevailed not, he took 
The King cursed by the Archbishop.  a more severe and compulsory way, excommunicating and denouncing all such accursed in his Anathema (not sparing the King's royal person,) at which the parties here in England, whom it particularly concerned, sailed over unto the King in Normandy; and made a grievous complaint against the Archbishop, at which his being extraordinarily incensed, said in the open audience of those then about him, had I any friend that tendered mine honour and safety, I had ere this time been revenged of that traitorous Archbishop.  
At that time were present, and heard these words, Sir William Breton, Sir Hugh Morvill, Sir Richard Fitzvile, and Sir William Tracy, which four Knights, having communed and considered amongst themselves, with an unanimous resolution took shipping, and landed at Dover, and road thence to Canterbury, where the fift day in Christmas week, they slew the said Bishop in the Church as he was going to the Altar, who had before in the open pulpit 
The Archbishop slain going to the Altar.  denounced the King, and divers others of his subjects accursed: which answers to the former, 
The All-commanding keys shall strive to wrest,  
And force the lock that opens to his nest:  
But break their own wards, etc.   
By the All-commanding Keys, is meant the power of the Keys of Rome, who striving to force the lock opening to his nest, that is, his principality and prerogative, broke their own wards, which proved true in this Th. Becket, Primate and Metropolitan, who was slain in the year 1170, over whose Tomb this Distich was inscribed: 
Anno milleno, centeno septuageno,  
Anglorum primus corruit ense thronus.  which with small alteration may be thus paraphrased, 
Anno, one thousand one hundred seventy died,  
Thomas the Primate, in his height of pride. 
The inscription over his Tomb    
Henry in the fourteenth year of his Reign, caused his eldest son Henry to be crowned King of England, at Westminster, giving him full power over the Realm, whilst he himself was negotiated in Normandy, and his many other provinces, which after proved to his great 
Henry crowneth his son Henry King.  disadvantage and trouble. In which interim he had cast his eye upon a most beautiful Lady called Rosamond, on whom he was so greatly enamoured, that it grew even to dotage, insomuch that he neglected the Queen's company, 
The fair Lady Rosamond.  insomuch that she incensed all his sons, who took up arms against their Father in the quarrel of their mother, by which the peace of the Land was turned to hostility and uproar; yet the King so fare prevailed, that he surprised the Queen, and kept her in close prison, and withal 
The King imprisons the Queen.  was so indulgent over his new Mistress, that he built for her a rare and wondrous fabric, so curiously devised, and intricate with so many turning Meanders, and winding indents, that none upon any occasion might have access unto her, unless directed by the King, or such as in that business he most trusted: and this edifice ●…e erected at Woodstock, not fare from Oxford, and made a Labyrinth which was wrought like a knot in a Garden called a Maze, in which any one might lose himself, unless guided by a line or thread, which as it guided him in, so it directed him the way out: But in process it so happened, that the sons having the better of 
The Sons release their mother.  their Father, set at liberty their Mother, who when the King was absent, came secretly to Woodstock with her train, at such a time when the Knight her Guardian being out of the way, not dreaming of any such accident, had left the Clue carelessly and visible in the entrance of the Labyrinth.  
Which the Queen espying, slipped not that advantage, but wound herself by that silken thread, even to the very place where she found her sitting, and presenting her with a bowl of poison, she compelled her to drink it off in her presence, after which draught she within few minutes expired, and the Queen departed thence in her revenge fully satisfied, for which cruel act the King could never be drawn to reconcile 
Lady Rosamond poisoned by the Queen.  himself unto her after, and this makes good that of Merlin. 
— of all the flowers that grow,  
The Rose shall most delight his scent: and so  
That lest it any stranger's eyes should daze,  
He plants it close in a Dedalian Maze.   
Rosamund being dead, was buried in the Monastery of Goodstow, near unto Oxford, upon whose Tomb was inscribed, 
Hic jacet in tumba, Rosamundi non Rosamunda: 
Her inscription on her tomb.   
Non redolet, sedolet, quae redolere solet.  Which by an ancient Writer was thus paraphrased into English. 
The Rose of the World, but not the clean flower  
Is graven here, to whom beauty was lent  
In this grave full dark, now is her bower  
That in her life was sweet and redolent:  
But now that she is from this life blended,  
Though she were sweet, now foully doth she stink,  
A mirror good for all that on her think.  Such was their English poetry in those days. Long after the death of Rosamond was showed in that Abbey, a rare Coffer or Casket of hers about two foot in length, in which was a strange artificial motion, where were to be seen Giants fight, Beasts in motion, Fowls flying, and Fishes swimming: This Henry was troubled by the Queen's animating of his sons against him: betwixt whom were divers conflicts, which would appear tedious to be rehearsed. It is written of this King, that in his Chamber at Windsor, he had painted an Eagle with four 
Henry's character of his four sons.  young ones, whereof three of them, pulled and pecked the body of the old Eagle, and the fourth picked at his eyes: and being asked what that picture should signify, he made answer, This old Eagle figureth myself, and the four birds, my four sons, who cease not to pursue my life: but most of all my son john, whom I most have loved, and therefore 
Some of his numerous airy will retain  
The nature of the Desert Pelican.  The nature of the Pelican in the Desert being to pierce her breast with her bill, and feed her young ones with her own blood. In the 
The death of King Henry son of King Henry.  twenty eight year of this Henry, died his eldest son Henry; whom he had before crowned, much repenting on his deathbed, for his unnatural rebellion against his Father.  
Rainold Monk of Chester relates, that soon after the death of the Lady Rosamond, Lewis the French King, and the eighth of that name, sent to King Henry one of his daughters to be kept for his second son Richard, whom the King vitiated, and laboured to Haguntia a Cardinal then in the Land, for a Divorce betwixt 
Henry laboureth a divorce betwixt him and his wife.  him and his wife, intending to have married that French Lady; but he failed of his purpose (for he meant by that match to have disinherited his unnatural sons.) It is further recorded, that when William King of Scots was taken by the King of England, He did him Homage at the City of York, and in witness of subjection, he offered his Hat and Saddle upon Saint Peter's Altar, which were kept there many years after.  
This King had many strange admonitions for 
Sundry admonitions to the King to amend his life.  the amendment of his life: one was that in his return from Ireland, as he was taking his horse, there appeared unto him a man of a pale and meager aspect, barefoot, and in a white Mantle, who spoke unto him and said, I am sent to thee from the Lord of the Sabbaoth, who commandeth thee to take order that no Markets be kept, nor any servile work be done on the Lord's day (dressing of meat excepted only) which if thou seest performed, whatsoever thou purposest, thou shalt bring to a good and happy end: whose speech the King seemed to distaste, and said to him, that held his bridle, ask of this Churl, if he have dreamt that which he speaketh? to which the apparition answered again: whether I have dreamt or not; take thou heed to my words, and amend thy life, or what thou now mockest, shall return to thy great misery, which having said, he vanished suddenly: the strangeness whereof though he seriously apprehended, yet of the former there was nothing amended.  
He had a second admonition by an Irishman, 
His second admonition.  who told him all things which the King had done in secret, which he had thought none had known but himself, and withal advised him to repentance and amendment of life, but he regarded it as the former: about which time being the four and twentieth year of his 
The bones of King Arthur and his Queen found.  Reign, were taken up the bones of King Arthur, and his Queen Guenever, in the Vale of Avalon, the hair of her head seeming white, and of a fresh colour, but as soon as touched, they turned to powder: their bones were after translated to the Church in Glastenbury, and there the second time buried: they were found by a Bard or Singer of Rhythms under the root of an Oak fifteen foot within the ground: his third admonition I leave to the next Chapter.   

CHAP. 15.  
The inauguration of Richard the first, surnamed Cordelion, a prediction of his Reign. His wars in the Holy Land, his imprisonment by the Duke of Austria: his brother john's usurpation, his second Coronation, with his unfortunate death, etc.  
A Knight called Sir William Chesterly, alias Lindsey, told him boldly, that 
His third admonition.  there were seven several things by him specially and suddenly to be reform First, to see better to the defence of the Church, and provide for the maintenance thereof: Secondly, to see his Laws better executed, and justice more exercised: Thirdly, not to rob the rich, nor extort from them their goods by violence: Fourthly, to make restitution of all those lands and goods as he had so wrested: Fiftly, to make no demur or delay in just sentence, but suffer the right to have lawful process: Sixtly; to see his subjects satisfied for such things as had been taken up to his use, and to pay his servants and soldiers which fell to robbery, for that default. Seventhly, that he should speedily cause the jews to avoid the Land. But this advise prevailed with him as the former.  
In his thirtieth year, Heraclius Patriarch of jerusalem, came into England, to solicit his aid against the Saracens (who had invaded the Christian Territories:) and to defend the holy City, which by Saladine King of Surry, was won soon after. For by the relation of Peter Desroy, a French Chronicler, jerusalem was won by Godfrey of Boulogne, in the year of Grace, one thousand fourscore and nineteen, and continued under nine Christian Kings, of which Guy of Resingham was the last: this Heraclius 
Nine Christian Kings reign successively over Jerusalem.  further proffered the King the keys of the holy City, and of our Lords grave, presenting him Letters from Pope Lucius, the third of that name, which charged him to take upon him the journey, according to an Oath by him formerly made: to which the King answered, 
The King refuseth to be General fo●… the Holy Land.  he could not leave his Land in trouble as a prey to the French, and his own aspiring son; but he would give largely out of his own coffers, to such as would take that voyage in hand.  
To which the Patriarch replied, we seek a man, not money, every Christian Prince sendeth us money, but none sendeth us a Prince, and therefore we demand a Prince that needeth money, and not money that needeth a Prince; who finding no other comfort from the King, departed his presence much discontented: but the King thinking to soothe him up with fair words followed him to the Seaside; but the more the King laboured to humour him, the more harsh, and hardened he grew against the King, and said unto him, hitherto thou hast, reigned gloriously, 
The Patriarches answer to the King.  but hereafter thou shalt be abandoned of him whom thou forsakest: think what he hath given to thee, and what thou in gratitude hast returned to him again: who at the first waste false to the French King, and after slewest Thomas Becket, and now last forsakest the protection of Christ's faith: at which words the King was much moved, and said to the Patiarch, though all the people of the Land were one body and spoke with one mouth, they durst not say to me as thou hast done: true, saith the Patriarch, for they love thine, and not thee; the safety of thy goods temporal, but not the safety of thy soul: then he offered his head to the King, saying; now do me that right which thou didst to thine Archbishop: for I had rather be slain by thee, then by the Saracens.  
The King kept his patience, and replied; should I departed out of the Land, mine own sons would seize upon my Crown and Sceptre in mine absence: no wonder (answered the Patriarch) 
A proud and peremptory Patriarch.  for of the devil they come, and to the devil they shall: and so departed from the King in great anger: after which all things went averse & against him: Giraldus Cambrisius writes of him, that he cherished strife amongst his own children, thinking thereby to live himself in the more rest and further saith, that he was peerless for three things; wit, war, wantonness. He Reigned twenty six years victoriously and gloriously, four year's distractedly and doubtfully, and his five last years infortunately and miserably: in the end by mere vexation and anger he fell into a fever, and died thereof in the Castle of Chinon in Normandy in the month of 
The death of King Henry the second.  july, when he had reigned thirty four years eight months and odd days, and was buried at Founte-blew: fulfilling that of the former prediction. 
Fortune at first, shall on his glories smile,  
But fail him in the end, etc.   
Richard the first of that name, and second sonn 
Richard the first succeedeth his father.  of Henry surnamed Short Mantle, succeeded his father, and began his Reign over England in the month of july 1189, who upon the day of his Coronation, commanded that all the prisoners about London, which lay in for the King's debt or otherwise (murder and treason excepted) should be set at large, of whose future Reign it was thus predicted. 
The Lion's heart we'll 'gainst the sarazen rise,  
And purchase from him many a glorious prize.  
The Rose and Lily shall at first unite,  
But parting of the prey prove opposite.  
jebus and Salem will be much oppressed  
As by the lame and blind again possessed.  
The Lion-hearted amongst Wolves shall range,  
And by his art, Iron into silver change.  
But whilst abroad, these great acts shall be done,  
All things at home shall to disorder run,  
Cooped up and caged, then shall the Lion be,  
But after sufferance ransomed and set free.  
Then doubly crowned: two mighty ones whose prides  
Transcend; twixt whom aseas arm only glides,  
(Ambitious both shall many conflicts try;  
Last, by a poisonous shaft the Lion die.  This King soon after his Coronation, conferred upon his brother three great dignities and honours, as the Earldom of Nottingham, Cornwall, Chester, and Lancaster, and married him to the daughter of the Earl of Gloster who was his only child, by which he was heir to that Earldom also, all which he after but cruelly requited: then the king sought to be absolved for his rebellion against his father, which he easily purchased upon promise to pursue the wars 
Richard undertaketh the holy voyage.  in Palestina which his father refused, and to expedite that voyage, he gave over the two Castles of Barwick and Rocheborough to the Scotch king for ten thousand pound towards the charges of his journey: moreover he sold to the old Bishop of Durham that Province for a great sum of money, and (as he had covenanted) made him Earl thereof: which done the king laughed and said to the standers by, observe what art and cunning is in me, who can make a young Earl of an old Bishop: by such means he emptied many of the Clergies bags and filled his own coffers, granting large fees and annuities out of the Crown; for which some (as far as they durst) blaming him, he replied unto them, that it was good for a man to aid himself with his own: adding; that if the city London were his, at that time of his need he would sell that also, if he could meet with a merchant able to buy it.  
In the second year of his Reign he made 
The Bishop of Ely made Vice Gerent in the King's absence.  William Longshamp Bishop of Ely, Chancellor of England, leaving the whole Land to his guiding, then sailed he into Normandy, and thence into France to Philip the second, and after covenants drawn betwixt them, for the continuance of so great and hazardous a journey, in the spring of the year they set forward, Richard by sea, and Philip by land, appointing their rendezvous in Sicily: where meeting (as it was agreed) a difference grew betwixt the 2. Kings, 
Difference betwixt the English and French Kings.  in so much that King Philip left Richard in Sicily, and departed towards Acon or Acris: in which time the King of Cyprus took two of king Richard's ships, and peremptorily denied their delivery.  
For which he invaded the kingdom of Cyprus, making sharp war therein, chasing the King from City to City; in so much that 
K. Richard conquered the Kingdom of Cyprus.  he was compelled to yield unto him upon condition, that he should not be laid in bonds of iron, whereof the king accepted, and kept his promise, causing him to be fettered in chains of silver, verifying that of the prophecy, 
The Lion-hearted amongst Wolves shall range,  
And by his art iron into silver change.   
When he had remained there for the space of 2. months taking his pleasure of the country, & victualled his navy, he steered his course towards Acon, and by the way he encountered a great ship of the Sultan's furnished with store of ammunition and treasure, which he surprised & seized, after which he safely arrived at the foresaid city, and met with the king of France, of whom he was joyfully received: for not long before, 2000 of his army were cut off by the Saracens: then King Richard caused the City to be violently assaulted on every side, so that they were forced to yield it upon these covenants 
The City of Acon taken by the Christians.  following; to departed the place, leaving behind them horse, armour, victuals, and all things belonging to war, and further, restore, and set at liberty all such Christian prisoners, as were then under their yoke and bondage, with divers other conditions, but these the chiefest: and this was done in the month of August, and in the year of our Lord one thousand one hundred fourscore and twelve.  
But in dividing the spoil of the city, which was great and rich, there fell out also a division 
Causes of the second breach between the two Kings.  betwixt the 2 Kings, which kindled a fire which was never quenched, the motives inducing there to were (as Polychronicon reports) because Richard denied to Philip half of the spoil & booty taken in Cyprus, alleging that their covenants stretched no further than to those purchased in the holy Land; another was, that king Richard being in Sicily married the daughter of the king of Navarre, where before he had promised to espouse the sister of the King for which and other causes the French King with a small number of ships, departed from Acan, thence to Puis, after 
The French King departs to his country.  to Rome, and so into his own country, leaving the Duke of Burgundy General of the French in his stead, which fulfils that part of the prophecy. 
The Rose and Lily shall at first unite,  
But parting of the prey prove opposite.   
During King Richard's stay there, he sold the kingdom of Cyprus to the knight Templars, for 30000 marks, and (as the French Chronicle reports) forced it from them again by strength 
Richard sells the Kingdom of Cyprus.  and gave it to Guy of Lesingham the last K. of jerusalem, & further for an affront offered him, he took the Duke of Austria's Banner, and stamped it and trampled it under his foot, for which the Duke sought all advantages to be revenged on him, (as shall be related hereafter) he then, because the Turks had not delivered to him the 
He vilisieth the Duke of Austria.  holy cross according to their agreement at the taking of Acon, slew all that were in the City with their pledges and hostages, the whole number as some writ, amounting to 5000 persons: then he provided for the present siege of jerusalem, which as he was given to understand, 
He intends to besi●…ge Ierus●…lem  was at that time much distressed: for it followeth. 
jebus, and Salem shall be much oppressed,  
As by the lame and blind again possessed.   
Of jebus and Salem, the holy City had the denomination of jerusalem: and by the lame and blind is intended the idols of the infidels, who have feet and walk not, eyes and see not, etc. King Richard marching within five mile of the place, purposed to environ it round, that no supply or succour might be brought unto it; daily expecting when the Duke of Burgundy with the French would follow him, who perfidiously against his oath and promise, made an oration to his soldiers as followeth: It is known unto you all noble friends and countrymen, that 
The Duke of Burgundy's Oration to his Soldiers.  though our Sovereign Lord the King be absent, yet all the flower and chivalry of France are here present, and whatsoever is done to the dignity of the Christians, and disgrace of the infidels, is most likely by us to be achieved, the English being cowards and meacockes, and we courageous and manly; yet whatsoever noble act shall be attempted by us, the honour thereof shall be attributed to them, their King being resident here, & ours so far remote from hence: my counsel is therefore, that we march back to Acon, and leave them to the hazard that aim at the honour: which speech so prevailed with his people, that Richard was prevented in his 
The death of the Duke of Bugundy.  former purpose, and the Duke of Burgundy soon after died.  
Yet this Lion-hearted leader was no way dauted with the French delirements: but raising his siege, he pursued the Sultan's, who then begird the town and Castle of japhath, and won it, taking there many Christians prisoners, and then man'd it with his own men, sending them whom he surprised to be else where imprisoned, whom K. Richard coming too late to the siege, most fortunately met and rescued: which done he set upon the 
King Richard's victory over the Soldiers.  town and Castle and took them, setting there a strong garrison of Christians. After which victory he won Dacon and Garles, two great Cities, and repaired the Castle of Askelon with sundry others, which the Pagans had much defaced and ruined: after which, he commanded all his prisoners to be slain, which others sold to their profit (and advantage) by which he grew to be the greater terror to the Turks: but victuals daily diminishing & sickness increasing in his army, and the French failing him, having set things there in the best order that necessity 
King Richard leaveth h the Holy Land.  would permit him, he took shipping at Acon (called also Tholomida, & from thence he sailed into Cyprus: then he sent his wife and her sister with the greatest part of his people, into Sicilia, and because he could not well brook the Sea, he thought to make a short cut into Histria, but by force of weather was driven a shore betwixt Venice and Aquilea, where landing with that small train which followed him, He was espied, by some of the Duke of Austria's Knights (whose standard he had trod under foot, who after laid wait for him, and took him; the manner whereof I leave to the ensuing Chapter.   

CHAP. 16.  
The rest of the Prophecy made good in the subsequence; the troublesome reign of King john, his loss of Normandy: his Land interdicted by the Pope, to whom he is compelled to resign his Crown, and after hold it as from him: his death.  
IN the absence of the King, whilst 
The tyranny of the Bishop of Ely, made protector of the Land.  he was busy in his wars abroad, the Bishop of Ely Chancellor, and Prorex at home; opposed the Lords, abused the Commons, and oppressed the Clergy: he rid not abroad, attended with less than a thousand horses; to maintain which pomp, and Luciferian pride, he extorted from the poor, from the Peers, but especially from the Prelates; holding in his hands at once, besides Ely, the two Archbishoprics of Canterbury, and York: imprisoning whom he pleased, and releasing where he liked: nor was the King more earnest in vexing the Pagans and Infidels in the Land of Palestine, than he was eager and extreme against his Christian brethren, whose patronage and protection were committed to his charge, so that it verifies; 
Whilst that abroad such great acts shall be done,  
All things at home will to disorder run.   
In which interim, the King being on all sides 
King Richard ambushed in his return.  ambushed by the Austrians, for betwixt Venice and Aquilea, in a Province belonging to the Duke, he was beset by one Mainart de Goresen, but with loss of some of his train, he by his manhood escaped. After at a town named Frisach, one Frederick de Saint Soon made a second attempt upon him, and took six of his Knights, but he by his noble valour made his way through the ambush of the enemy, without surprisal, and strooke up towards Germany: but spies being set to know what course he 
King Richard taken.  took, he was at length betrayed into the hands of the Duke of Lemple cousin to the Emperor, who sent him to the Duke of Austria: he presently rifled him of all the treasure and jewels he had about him, and committed him for a month to straight and close prison.  
During which time (as some writ) the Duke 
Hence he had the appe●…ation of Cur de Lion.  put him to cope singly with a great and mighty Lion, weaponless and unarmed, who having conquered the beast, ripped up his heart and flung it in the Duke's face, and after that with a blow under the ear he slew the Duke's son; and further, that his daughter being enamoured both of his person and great valour, he left her vitiated and deflowered: but howsoever in this all witnesses agree, that when the month was expired, he sent him to the Emperor who was Henry the first of that name, and son to Frederick the first, who put him into a dark and obscure dungeon, covenanting with the Duke, that he should have the third part of his ransom: there he remained for the space of a year and three months, at length upon a palm-sunday, he caused him to be brought before his Princes and Lords, to answer what could be objected against him, where he appeared with such a manly and majestic aspect, and withal answered so directly and discreetly to whatsoever was laid to his charge, that they generally commiserated his injust durance: then 
King Richard ransomed at an hundred thousand pound, and set at liberty.  his ransom was set at an hundred thousand pound sterling, and hostages given for the payment by such a time: which done, he was set at liberty: which verefies, 
Cooped up, and caged then shall the Lion be,  
But after sufferance ransomed and set free.   
The King in the eight year of his Reign, 
The King's arrival into England.  about the latter end of March landed at Sandwich, and came strait to London, where he was joyfully received, and then calling a Counsel of his Lords, he first took order to pay his ransom: and because his brother john in his absence had usurped the Diadem & was at that time in France, he deprived him of all Honour and title, and took from him, all those Earldoms and revenues that he before had conferred upon him, and caused himself at Winchester to be the second time crowned, and then began the ancient grudge to revive between the two Kings of England and France, which was the more aggravated, because the French King supported john, against the King his Brother: But Prince john seeing how much his fame was magnified in the mouths of all men, and that all the parts both of Christendom, and Paganism, resounded with his praise, he made means to his mother Queen Eleanor, by whose mediation a 
john reconciled to the K. his brother.  peace was made betwixt her two sons, whilst the wars in Normandy and France, went still forwards.  
Many weary the battles fought betwixt the two Kings, and much effusion of blood on both sides, where sometimes the one, sometimes the other had the better, but for the most part Richard the best, during which combustion before the last 20000 pound for his ransom was paid, his two hostages the Bishops of Bath in England, and Rouen in Normandy, came unto him and told him that they were set at liberty by the Emperor, and further showed, that his great enemy the Duke of Austria, was accused of Innocent the third than Pope, for the injuries before offered him, and that upon Saint Stephen's day he pricked his foot with a thorn, which gangrend, and should have been cut off, and being told he must die, he sent to his Bishops to be absolved, which they had denied to do, till he had shown himself repentant, for the foresaid wrongs, and released his hostages, which being 
The death of the Duke of Austria.  accordingly done, the Duke died, and they were delivered.  
In the process of the wars before spoken of, King Richard, in the tenth year of his Reign, after Christmas, besieged a Castle in France near Lymoges, called Gaylyard, the cause was, that a rich treasure being found within the Seignory of the King of England, by one Widomer Viscount of Lemruke, he had denied to render it up, and fled thither for his refuge, and defended it manfully till the fift day of April, upon which day the King walking unadvisedly, to 
The King too unadvised.  take view of the Fort, and where it might be best entered, one named Bertrand Genedow (whom some Writers call Pater Basale,) marked the King and wounded him in the head, (but some say in the arm) with a poisoned arrow, after which hurt received, he caused a violent and desperate assault to be made, in which he won the Castle, than he made inquiry, who he was that had wounded him? who being found and brought before him, the King demanded of him, why he should rather aim at his person, than any of those who were then about him? who boldly made answer, because thou slewest my Father and my brethren, for which I vowed thy death whatsoever became of me: the King after some pausing leisure, for that answer gave him his pardon and liberty, but the rest of the soldiers he put to the sword, and caused the Castle to be razed to the earth, 
The death of King Richard the fir●….  and died the third day after, whose body was buried at Fount E-a-Bleu, at the feet of his Father, which no way errs from the prophecy. 
— For potent Kings, whose prides  
Transcend: 'twixt whom, a sea-arm only glides,  
(Ambitious truth) shall many conflicts, try  
Last, by a poisonous shaft the King shall die.   
john the youngest son to Henry the second, 
john made King of England.  and brother to the late deceased Richard, was proclaimed King, the tenth day of April, in the year of Grace, one thousand one hundred fourscore and nineteen, and was crowned at Westminster, upon holy Thursday next ensuing: of whom it was thus predicted: 
The subtle Fox into the Throne shall creep,  
Thinking the Lion dead who did but sleep,  
But frighted with his walking roar, finds cause  
To fly the terror of his teeth and paws,  
After this Leopard, stained with many a spot  
Shall lose all Rollo by his Gilla got,  
Then shall those keys whose power would awe the fates  
For a long time, lock up his Temple gates,  
Unburden him of all the charge he bears,  
And wrest from him the Laurel that he wears.  
Woes me, that from one Leopard should be torn  
What many Lions in their pride have worn.  
Hither the French flower would itself transpose  
Where must spring after, many a glorious rose.  
He that did (all he might) the Kirk despise,  
Against his life shall a base Kirk-man rise.  The former part of this prediction is apparent 
john cold here the Fox, and after the Leo pard.  in the premises, where john sought like a Fox subtly and craftily to insinuate into the people's hearts, and rob him of his Kingdom, thinking his brother all that time as dead, when he was utterly despairing of his liberty, but finding him waking, as being enfranchised and set at large, he then was frighted by the least frown of his brows, being glad to mediate his peace by his Mother: the rest shall follow in order: he was 
King john's ch●…acter.  of a disposition, course, and retrograde, self-willed, and proud, in all or most of his undertake very infortunate. In the first year of his reign, he divorced himself from his first wife daughter to the Earl of Gloucester, pretending too near propinquity in blood, and soon after married Isabel daughter to the Earl Angolesme, 
King john's second marriage and issue.  in France, by whom he had issue two sons Henry and Richard, and three daughters, Isabel, Eleanor, and jane: He was before his coronation girt with the sword of the Dukedom of Britain, and suffered it to be taken from him by his young Nephew Arthur, son to jeffery Plantagenet, to his great derogation and dishonour, he after left all Normandy, which the French King won 
john looseth Normandy.  from him, even to one Town and Village, approving that of the Prophet. 
After this Leopard, stained with many a spot, 
Rollo and Gilla.   
Shall lose all Rollo, by his Gilla got.  The Prophet, for his stained and contaminated life and government, would not vouchsafe him the name of a Lion, but a Leopard alluding, as well to his spotted fame as his skin, by whose cowardly and unkingly proceed Philip the French King, seized all Normandy, and took it into his absolute possession, annexing it to his Crown, which not French Monarch ever had, since the time of Charles the Simple, who gave that Duchy to Rollo as a dowry, with Guilla his daughter, which had successively continued under the Sovereignty of the Dukes of Normandy, and the Kings of England, three hundred years and upwards.  
In the first year of his Reign, Stephen Langton being chosen Archbishop of Canterbury, by the Monks, the election was opposed by the 
The ground of a great quarrel betwixt the King and the Archbishop.  King, for which he complained him to the Pope, who sent unto him loving and kind Letters, to admit of the said Stephen, to which his Lords advised him; but the more he was importuned, the more implacable he grew, returning the Pope's messengers bacl with peremptory denial. The next year came a strict commandment from Rome, that unless the King would peaceably suffer the Archbishop to enjoy his See, that the whole Land should be interdicted, charging these four Bishops, William of London, 
King john's obstinacy.  Eustace of Elie, Walter of Winchester, and Giles of Hereford, to denounce the King and his Land accursed, unless his command were punctually obeyed: but though these Prelates, with the rest of his Peers were urgent with him, to eschew the rigorous Censure of the Church, all was to no purpose, for which, upon the six and twentieth day of March, they began in London, and first shut up the doors of all Temples, Churches and Chapels, with all the other places where Divine Service was used, and as in London, so they did through the whole Land, 
The whole land by the Pop● accursed.  for which the King was so enraged, that he seized all their temporalties into his hands, putting them into such fear, that they were forced to fly to the banished Archbishop, some writ, that this interdiction was of such power and validity, that during the time thereof, which was six years, three months and odd days, no Service was said, no Sacraments administered, no Child Christened, none Married, and not any suffered 
An uncharitable Bull.  to come to Confess.  
In this interim, the King from anger grew to 
The King's Proclamation.  rage, proclaiming that all persons Spiritual or Temporal, that held any Lands or other livelihood here, shall by the next Michaelmas return into the Land, or failing therein, forfeit their whole estates, besides that diligent search should be made, what Letters should be brought from Rome, which should be delivered to the 
He extorteth from the Clergy.  King: then he extorted from all the Monasteries, not sparing any Religious House that had dependence on the Clergy: For which a new Commission was sent from Rome, by virtue whereof the Curse of interdiction was again denounced, to which by the authority of the Pope was added, that this his Bull acquitted and absolved all the Lords of England, as well spiritual as Temporal, from all duty and allegiance before sworn to the King, and that they might lawfully rise in arms against him, to depose and deprive him of all Regal honour and dignity; but all these took no more impression 
The Lords and others acquit of their allegiance by the Pope.  in him, then if they had been clamoured in the ears of a deaf man, or proclaimed to a Statue of Marble.  
But by the way (which I cannot let pass) this King john, in the tenth year of his Reign, and of grace, one thousand two hundred and ten, 
The first Major and She●…iffs of London made by K. john.  granted to the City of London by his Letters Patents, that in stead of two Bailiffs, by which their Magistracy was held, they should yearly choose themselves a Major, and two Sheriffs; which Major was Henry Fitz-allwin, and Peter Duke, and Thomas Neale, Sheriffs. The same year London bridge which before was of timber, 
London bridge Saint Mary Oueris.  was begun to be builded of stone, and Saint Mary Oueris Church to be erected in Southwark.   

CHAP. 17.  
A continuance of some passages in King john's Reign. Henry the Third succeedeth his Father, a prediction of his Reign: his brother Richard made King of the Romans. Henry's long Reign: the mad Parliament. The Baron's Wars, etc.  
I Proceed where I left: in the same year the Pope sent over his Legate 
More thunderings from the Pope.  Pandolphus, with another a Latere, to accompany him, to solicit the same business, who were sent back with a like frivolous answer: yet he sent again the year following, the same Pandolphus threatening wonders if he did not receive Stephen Langton into his Archbishopric, and make restitution of all such moneys and other movables of which he had rob the Monasteries, etc. Then at last, the King considering, into what dangers he had intricated himself by his peremptory denials, how he had lost Normandy abroad, and then in what desperate case his Kingdom stood 
King john's submission.  at home: that his Lords were acquitted of their allegiance, and in what danger his souls and his peoples were, he and his whole Nation standing accursed, he at length condescended, to submit himself to whatsoever the Court of Rome should determine. The Articles proposed by the Pope, and by him to be performed were these following.  
Peaceably to suffer Stephen Langton to enter 
The Articles that he should yield to.  into the Land, and to enjoy the primacy and profits of his Archbishopric, that these whom he had banished should be repealed, and their goods whom he had rifled, should be to them restored: and that he should yield up his absolute right and title to the Crown of England, and he & his heirs, thenceforward, to hold it of the Pope and his successors: to which having granted, and he and his Lords being sworn to observe 
john delivers up his Crown to the Pope's use.  the same, He kneeling took the Leg●…te to him, the Crown from his head, and delivered it to the Pope's use, saying these words, I here resign up the Crown of the Realms of England and Ireland, into the hands of pope Innocent the third, and put myself wholly into his power and mercy; then Pandolph as Deputy for the Pope took the Crown, and kept it five days in his possession, and then the King received it from him again: First, having sealed and delivered up an Instrument or writing, the effect was, that he could challenge no power but by permission of the Pope; and further to pay unto the Apostolic See yearly a thousand Marks of silver, seven hundred for the Crown of England, and three hundred for the Kingdom of Ireland: for the payment of which 
Tribute yee●…ly paid by King john to Rome  tribute but the Peter-pences were after gathered, and this confirms the premises expressed in the prophecy. 
Then shall those keys whose power would awe the fates,  
For along time lock up his Temple gates,  
Unburden him of all the charge he bears,  
And wrest from him the Laurel that he wears.  
Woes me, that from one Leopard should be torn  
What many Lions in their pride have worn.  It is made so plain, that it needs no further Interpreter: In those days, lived one called Peter 
Peter of Pomfret.  of Pomfret, a Bard, (and such than were held as Soothsayers and prophets) who predicted divers of the King's disasters, which fell out accordingly: amongst which one was, that he should reign but fourteen years: but when the King had entered the fifteenth, he called him into question for a false prophet, to which he answered, that whatsoever he had foretold was justifiable and true. For in the fourteenth year he gave up his Crown unto the pope, and he paying unto him an annual tribute, the pope reigned, and not he: notwithstanding which apology he caused him as a Traitor to be hanged and quartered.  
After which he bore himself so aversly, towards his Barons, that the greatest part of them 
Lewis son to the French King called in to England by th●… Barons.  fell from his Allegiance, and called in Lewis (son to the French king) into the Land, covenanting to make him king, who was received with his whole Army, and possessed of London, the Tower, and many other strong holds in the kingdom; betwixt whom and the king were sundry conflicts and skirmishes, in which they diversely sped, during which dissension in the seventeenth year of his Reign he expired (as the Author of Polychron. saith) at Newarke, of 
The death of King john.  a bloody flix. But by the relation of our English Chronicle, to which we give more credit, as also by the authority of Master Fox in his martyrology, he was poisoned by a Monk (having been a great Rifler of their Monasteries) and died at Swinsted Abbey in Lincolnshire (this Monk being of the same House) and his body was after buried in the Cathedral Church at Winchester, which fatal accident happened unto him the day after Saint Luke, being the eighteenth of October, after he had reigned sixteen years, six months and odd days, leaving behind him two sons, Henry and Richard. In his death verifying, 
He that did (all he might) the Kirke despise,  
Against his life, shall a base Kirkman rise.  Not forgetting the former, which was predicted of Lewis coming into the Land, 
Hither the French flower would itself transpose  
Where must spring after many a glorious Rose.   
Henry the third of that name, and eldest son 
Henry the third crowned King.  to King john, at the age of nine years began his Reign over the Realm of England, the twentieth of October, in the year of Grace one thousand two hundred and sixteen, Philip the second being then king of France: this king reigned the longest, and did the least (of remarkable memory) of any of his predecessors: Of whom it was thus predicted, 
Dream shall the Leopard's issue in the throne, 
The Prophecy.   
(Curdled in rest) careful to keep his own:  
Nor forcing aught from others: changing then  
His Leopard's spots, a Lion turn again,  
Abroad the second whelp for prey will roar  
Beyond the Alps, & to Ioves bird restore: (rage's  
Her decayed plumes: the King of beasts whose  
His youth concealed, shall rouse him in his age,  
Against the Boar, the Talbot, and the Bear,  
The Mountain Cat, & Goat: with whom cohere  
Of fowls, the Falcon, Hearn, the Peacock, Swan,  
With Fishes too, pressed from the Ocean,  
With whose mixed bloods the Forest shallbe died,  
Till love unite, what discord did divide.  Presently upon the young King's Coronation, the greatest part of the English peers, revolted 
The English Lords revolt from Lewis to Henry.  from the French party, and acknowledged him their sole King and Sovereign, so that within a short season, they quit both him and all the Aliens, and Strangers out of the Land: in the eight year of his Reign was held a Parliament 
The first granting of Wards.  in which was granted to the King and his successor Kings, the Wardship and Marriage of all the Heirs: which act was called by wise men of that age, Initium Malorum.  
In the thirtieth year of his Reign died Frederick the Emperor who had before married Isabella the King's sister. who for his contempt of the church of Rome was accursed, of 
The death of the Emperor Frederick.  whom was made this Epitaph, 
F: sremit in Mundo, De: deprimitalta profundo.  
Ri: res rimatur, cousin: cuspide cuncta minatur.   
Which though it cannot sound so well in our English tongue, yet is thus paraphrased. 
Free: frets the world: De: Height, which depth confounds.  
Ri: searcheth all things, Cus with the weapon wounds.   
After whose death the Electors could not agree in the choice of a successor: some nominated the Duke of Thoring, others the Earl of Holland, and some again stood for Richard Earl of Cornwall the King's brother, but in the end Rodulphus Duke of Habspurg, was inaugurated by Pope Gregory the ninth: so that great variance and strife continued for the space of 27 years, to the great Impoverishment of Italy and the lands of the empire, in the fortieth year of the King landed in England upon Innocents' day in Christmas 
Richard Earl of Cornwall crowned Emperor.  week, divers Princes of the Empire, and did their homage to Richard Earl of Cornwall, as King of the Romans and Emperor, who upon Ascention day after was crowned in Aquisgrane, verifying: 
Abroad the second whelp, for prey will roar  
Beyond the, Alps and to 
* Meaning the Eagle.  Ioves bird restore  
Her decayed plumes.   
In the 41 year, about Saint Barabas day in the month of june, the king called his high 
The mad Parliament.  Court of Parliament at Oxford, which was called the mad parliament, because in it divers Acts were concluded against the King's pleasure, for the reformation of the state: for which, after great dissension grew betwixt the King and his Nobles, called the Baron's Wars, which proved the perishing of many of the Peers, and almost the ruin of the whole Realm: for in that Session were chosen twelve Peers, whom they called the Douz Peers, who had full Commission to correct and reform whatsoever was done amiss in the King's Court, the Courts of justice, and Exchequer throughout 
Twelve of the Nobility chosen, and called the Douz Peers.  the Land, to whose power the King and Prince Edward his son signed and assented unto, though somewhat against their wills: of all which passages, such as would be fully satisfied, I refer them to our English Chronicles, or to Michael Draytons' Poem of the Bar●…ns Wars, wherein they are amply discoursed: and my narrow limits will not give me leave to relate them at large: yet I borrow permission to insist a little further on one particular.  
All things being in combustion betwixt the 
The Baro●…s Letter to the King.  King and his Peers, and their Armies assembled on both sides, the Barons framed a Letter to the King to this purpose. To the most excellent Lord King Henry, by the grace of God King of England, Lord of Ireland, Duke of Guian, etc. The Barons, and other your faithful servants; their fidelity and oath to God and you coveting to keep, sending due saluting, with all reverence and honour under due obeisance, etc. Liketh it your Highness to understand, that many being about you have before time shown unto your Lordship of us many evil and untrue reports, and have found suggestions not only of us, but also of yourself, to bring your Realm to subversion: Know your excellency, that we intent nothing but health, and security to your person, to the uttermost of our powers. And not only to our enemies, but also yours, and all this your Realm, we intent utter grievance and correction, beseeching your grace hereafter to give to them little credence; for you shall find us your true and faithful subjects to the uttermost of our powers. And we Simon Mountfort, Earl of Leceister, and High Steward of England, and Gilbert Clare, Earl of Gloucester, at the request of others, and for ourselves, have put to our Seals the 10. of May.  
To which Letter the King framed this Answer. 
The King's answer to the Baron's Letter.  Henry by the grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland, and Duke of Guian: to Simon de Mountfort, and Gilbert de Clare, and their Complices: Whereas by War and general disturbance in this our Realm, by you begun and continued, with also burn and other enormities, it evidently appears that your fidelity to us due, you have not kept, nor the security of our person little regarded: for so much as our Lords, and other our trusty friends, which daily abide with us, ye vex and grieve, and them pursue to the utmost of your powers, and yet daily intent; as you by the report of your Letters have us ascertained: we, the grief of them admit, and take for our own, especially when they for their fidelity, which they to us daily impend, stand, and abide by us, to suppress your infidelity and untruth: Wherefore of your favour and assurance we set little store, but you, as our enemies, we utterly defy. Witness ourself at our Town of Lewis, the twelfth of May.  
Moreover, Richard his Brother King of the Romans (who was come over into England with his wife and son) with Prince Edward and other Lords about the King, sent them another Letter, 
Richard the Emperor and Prince Edward's Letter to the Barons.  the tenor whereof was this: Richard by the grace of G●…d King of the Romans, semper Augustus, and Edward the Noble first begotten son of the King of England, and all other Barons firmly standing and abiding with our Sovereign Lord the King: To Simonde Mountfort, and Gilbert de Clare, and all other their false fellows, etc. By the Letters which ye sent to our Sovereign Lord, we understand that we are defied of you; nevertheless, this word of defiance appeared to us sufficiently before, by the deprivation, and burning of our Manors, and carrying away of our goods; wherefore we will that ye understand, that we defy you as our mortal and public enemies, and whensoever we may come to the revengement of the injuries that you to us have done, we shall requite it, to the utmost of our power; and where ye put upon us, that neither true nor good counsel to our Sovereign Lord we give, you therein say falsely and untruly: and if that saying, ye Sir Simon de Mountfort, and Sir Gilbert de Clare, will testify in the Court of our Sovereign Lord, we are ready to purchase to your surety and safe coming, that there we may prove our true and faithful innocency, and your false and traitorous lying. Witnessed with the Seals of Richard King of the Romans, and Sir Edward Prince, before named. Given at Lewes the twelfth of May. The success of the Battle followeth in the next Chapter.   

CHAP. 18.  
The deaths of Henry the third and Richard Earl of Cornwall King of the Romans: Prince Edward's victories in the Holy Land: his Coronation: the prophecy of his Reign: his first reducing of Wales under his dominion, for ever: the beginning of his wars in Scotland, etc.  
WHen the Barons had received these letters, they were resolved to try it out by the sword, & on wednesday being the 24 day of May, early in the morning, both hosts met, where the Londoners who took part with the Barons, gave the first assault, but were beaten back, somewhat to the 
The battle betwixt the King and the Barons.  dismay of the Baron's Army: but they cheered their fresh and lusty Soldiers in such wise, that they valiantly came on: by whose brave resolution, those before discomfited resumed their former strength and virtue, fight without fear: in so much that the King's vaward gave back & left their places: in this battle the father spared not the son, nor the son the father, (such was the misery of those home bred wars) in so much that the field was every where strewed with dead b●…dyes, for the fight continued the greatest part of the day: at last the victory fell to the Barons: so that were taken the King, the King of the Romans, and prince Edward 
The King taken prisoner with the King of the Romans and P. Edward.  with five and twenty Barons and Bannerets, and the people slain on both sides, amounted to above twentythousand.  
These royal prisoners being put in safe keeping, a peace was after debated, and at length concluded, and they released, but it proved to small purpose, for many battles were after fought betwixt them, in which sometimes the King, sometimes the Barons had the better (the circumstances are too long to relate) in which Prince Edward bore himself bravely: in process the five & fiftieth year of this King's Reign, the King of the Romans made atonement betwixt the King his brother, and Gilbert Clare Earl of Gloucester, who had continued the wars of the Barons, upon condition that he should take a Voyage into the Holy Land for the King, for which he should have towards his charge eight thousand Marks in hand, and when he was on shipboard four thousand more, and to be ready the first day of May next following: but this failing in him; Prince Edward undertook it in his stead, and the year after ab●…ut the end of March, died Richard Emperor of 
The death of Richard K. of the Romans.  Almain, King of the Romans, and Earl of Cornwall, being the King's brother, after he had governed the Empire betwixt fifteen and sixteen years, and was buried at Hales an Abbey of white Monks which he had before time founded: and the year following, upon the sixteenth day of November, died Henry the Third King of England, after he had governed the Realm fifty 
The death of Henry the third.  six years, and twenty seven days, leaving for his Heir Prince Edward, who was then in the Holy Land, and another son called Edmund Crowch-backe: His body was buried in the Abbey of Westminster, and over him inscribed: 
Tertius Henricus jacet hic, pietatis amicus: 
His Epitaph.   
Ecclesiam stravit istam, quam post renovavit.  
Reddat ei munus, qui regnat trinus & unus.   
Thus Englished, 
Third Henry here doth rest,  
Of Piety possessed,  
Down first this Church he threw,  
And after did renew.  
O grant him thy immunity,  
Thou Trinity in Unity.   
The premises confirm the prophecy of his Reign towards the latter end of his time: which was turbulent and troublesome, to the exhausting of the King's treasure, the deaths of many of his Noble Barons, and almost to the destruction and desolation of the whole Realm: therefore it was truly said of him: 
— The King of beasts whose rage  
His youth concealed, shall rouse him in his age,  
Against the Boar, the Talbot, and the Bear,  
The Mountain Cat and Goat, with whom cohere, etc.   
By the Lion the King is personated, and by the rest of the beasts and birds named, the several Crests and Emblazons in the Baron's Arms and Scutcheons, by which they were distinguished. Prince Edward his son was at the time of his death in the Land of Palestine. Of whom also it was thus predicted. 
An Occident all Dragon bright as noon, 
The Prophecy.   
Shall (breathing flames) dark the Oriental Moon.  
The Cambrian Wolves he through their Woods shall chase,  
Nor cease till he have quite extirpt their race.  
Then from the North shall fiery Meteors threat,  
Ambitious after blood) to quench their heat  
(The Dragon's blood) at which his Crest will rise,  
And his scales flame: and where he treads as flies  
Fright all shall him oppose: the Northern Dyke  
Pass shall he then, and set his foot in Wyke.  
After which, showers of blood will fall upon  
And barren the fair fields of Caledon.  
Then having ended what he took in hand,  
Die in the Marches of another Land.   
He in the year one thousand two hundred 
Prince Edward's expeditio●… to the Holy Land.  threescore and eleven, and in the year of his father's Reign fifty five, upon the twentieth of August, took shipping at Dover, and sailed thence to Bordeaux, but because the French Army (b●…und upon the same adventure, was removed thence, he sped after, and met with them at Tunis, and from the●…ce he took shipping for the Holy Land, and arrived with some French forces joined with his own. At Acris or Acon, what time the Christians possessed that City only, and the City of Tyre, holding some few Castles to preserve them from the rage of the Sultan, There he was honourably received, and with great joy: after whose being there; the Sultan or Saladine, who had won all the Country there about, came thither with an Host of an hundred threescore thousand Saracens; and besieged the City, and made many bold and bloody assaults. But the Prince, so 
Prince Edward's valour in defending Acris.  valiantly demeaned himself, that he defended the City, the Castles belonging to it, and all the Territories about, that notwithstanding the multitude of the Sultan's Army, he was compelled to forsake the siege to his great shame and dishonour.  
Even the French Chronicles, whose custom 
The French Chronicles testify of P. Edward's valour.  is to write boastingly of themselves, and sparingly of others; bestow on him a character of invincible courage, and that in all his stratagems and martial exploits, he so honourably behaved himself, that his very name was a terror to the Turks, for many years after: who seeing his great boldness, and that they were not able to stand him in battle, they plotted how to take away his life by Treason, and to that purpose, when he was resident in Acon, they sent to 
P. Edward traitcrously wounded.  him a Sarazen, in the name of a Secretary, who in delivering unto him a counterfeit message, wounded him in the arm with an empoisoned Knife, which he wresting from the Infidel's hand, slew with the same weapon, so that he died incontinently: Then he called for a Surgeon, and with incomparable sufferance, commanded him to cut out all the putrified and corrupted flesh, even to the scaling of the bone, without the least shrinking or alteration of countenance: of which base treachery he was after revenged upon them to their great detriment and damage: and thus, 
The Occidental Dragon, bright as noon,  
Did (breathing flames) dazzle the orienial moon.  He is called Occidental, as being bred in this our Western Island, and the Sultan is figured in the Oriental Moon, being a Prince in the Eastern part of the World, and bearing the semicircled Moon in his Banner: Prince Edward during his abode there, had by the Princess his wife, a daughter called joane, who took a 
His wife was Isabella of Spain. joan of Acris.  name from the place, and was called joane of Acris, because there born, and was after married to the Earl of Gloucester: After his being there some two years and upward, his father dying, he was called home to take possession of the Crown of England.  
Edward the first of that name, and son of Henry the Third (by reason of his tall stature, surnamed Longshanks, began his Reign, Novem. 17. the year of Grace, one thousand two hundred threescore and twelve who came to London, the second day of August, and was crowned at Westminster, the fourteenth of December following 
The Cororati of P. Edward, surnamed Lo●…gshanks.  being the second year of his Reign, at whose Coronation was present Alexander King of Scots, who the morrow following did homage to him for the Kingdom of Scotland: but Lewellin prince of Wales, refused to come to that solemnity, for which King Edward gathered a strong power, and subdued him in his 
Lewellin P. of Wales rebeileth.  own borders: and in the year after he called his high Court of Parliament, to which also Lewellin presumptuously denied to come, therefore after Easter, he assembled new forces, and entering Wales, he constrained him to submit himself to his mercy, which with great difficulty 
Lewellin took to mercy.  he obtained: then the King built the Castle of Flint, and strengthened the Castle of Rutland, to keep the Welsh in due obedience.  
He gave also unto David brother of Lewellin, 
David brother to Lewellin.  the Castle of Froddesham, who remained in his Court, and with his seeming service much delighted the King: but David did it only as a spy, to give his brother secret intelligence, of whatsoever the King or his Counsel said of him or against him, who took his opportunity, and privately left the Court, stirring up his bro●…her to a new Rebellion, of which the King being informed, he could hardly think that he could prove so ingrateful, but being better ascertained of the truth, he made fierce war upon them: at length Lewellin was strictly besieged in Swandon Castle, from which when he thought early in a morning to escape with ten Knights only, he was met by Sir Roger Mortimer, (upon whose Lands he had before done great outrage) who surprised him and cut off his head, and sent it to the King being then at 
The death of Lewellin P. of Wales.  Rutland, who commanded it to be pitched on a pole and set upon the Tower of London, and further, that all his heirs should be disherited, and their claim to the Sovereignty of Wales to be deprived the right thereof, solely remaining in the Kings of England, and their Successors. So one after was his brother David taken, and after doomed to be drawn, hanged and quartered, 
The death of David his brother.  and his head sent to the Tower and placed by his brother Lewellins: in which the prophecy is verified: 
The Cambrian Wolves, he through their woods shall chase,  
Nor cease till he have quite extirpt their Race.  Of this Lewellin a Welsh Metrician writ this Epitaph, 
Hic jacet Anglorum torture, tutor Venedorum,  
Princeps Wallorum, Lewelinus regula morum, 
A Welsh poet upon the death of Lewellin.   
Gemma Coaevorum, flos regum praeteritorum:  
Forma futurorum, Dux, Laus, Lex, Lux populorum.  Thus anciently Englisht: 
Of Englishmen the scourge, of Welsh the protector,  
Lewellin the Prince, rule of all virtue,  
Gem of Livers, and of all others the flower:  
Who unto death hath paid his debt due,  
Of Kings a mirror that after him ensue,  
Duke, and Priest, and of the Law the right,  
Here in this grave, of people lieth the light.  To which an English Poet of those times made this answer, 
Hic jacet errorum princeps ac praedo virorum, 
An English poets answer to the former.   
Proditor Anglorum, fax livida, sectareorum,  
Numen Wallorum, Trux, Dux, Homicida piorum:  
Fox Trojanorum, stirps mendax, causa malorum.  
Here lieth of Error, the Prince if ye will ken:  
Thief and Robber, and traitor to Englishmen,  
A dim brood, a Sect of doers evil,  
God of Welshmen, cruel without skill,  
In slaying the good, and Leader of the bad:  
Lastly rewarded, as he deserved had:  
Of Trojans blood the dregs, and not the seed;  
A root of falsehood, and cause of many evil deed.   
In the twentieth year of the King, upon Saint Andrews Eve, being the twenty ninth of November, died Queen Eleanor, sister to the 
The death of Q. Eleanor  King of Spain: by whom the King had four sons, john, Henry, Alphons, and Edward; the three first died, and Edward the youngest succeeded his Father, and five Daughters, Eleanor who was married to William of Bar, joan of 
The King's R●…yall Issue.  Acris, to the Earl of Gloucester, Gilbert de Clare: Margaret to the Duke's son of Brabant, Marry who was made a Nun at Ambrisbury, and Elisabeth espoused to the Earl of Holland, and after his death to Humphrey Bokun Earl of Hereford.  
This year also died old Queen Eleanor wife 
The death of K. Edward's mother.  to Henry the third, and mother to King Edward. I come now to the twenty fourth year of his Reign, in which Alexander King of Scotland being dead, he left three Daughters: the first was married to Sir john Balliol, the second to Sir Robert le Bruise, the third to one Hastings. Amongst which there fell dissension about the Title to the Crown, as shall appear in the next Chapter.   

CHAP. 19  
The right that the Kings of England have anciently had to the Crown of Scotland, for which they did them homage. King Edward's victorious wars in Scotland. The Prophecy fulfilled. His death. And Coronation of his son, etc. The death of Gaveston, with a Prophecy of King Edward the Second.  
THese three beforenamed, Balliol, Bruse and Hastings, came to King Edward as chief Lord and Sovereign 
Authority by which England claimed homage from the Scotch Kings.  of that Land, to dispose of the right of their Titles to his pleasure, and they to abide his censure, who to the intent that they might know he was the sole competent judge in that case, caused old Evidences and Chronicles to be searched, amongst which was Marianus the Scot, William of Malmsbury, Roger of Hungtington, and others, in which were found and read before them, that in the year of Grace nine hundred and twenty, King Edward the elder made subject unto him the two Kings of Cambria and Scotland: In the year nine hundred twenty one, the said Kings of Wales and Scotland, chose the same Edward to be their Lord and Patron. In the year nine hundred twenty six Ethelstane King of England, subdued Constantine King of Scots, who did him fealty and homage. And Edredus brother and successor to Ethelstane, subdued the Scots again, with the Northumber's, who reigned under him.  
It was also found in the said Chronicles, that King Edgar overcame Alpinus, the son of Kinudus, King of Scots, and received of him homage, as he had done of his father before time. And that Canutus in the sixteenth year of his Reign, overcame Malcolm K. of Scots, and received of him oath and homage: that William the Conqueror in the sixth year of his Reign, was victorious over Malcolme, who before received the Kingdom of the gift of Edward the Confessor, who did him fealty; the like did Malcolme and his two sons to William surnamed the Red, son to the Conqueror: David King of Scots did homage also to Stephen King of England. William King of Scots did the like to Henry the third at the time of his Coronation, and when this Henry was dead, 
This Henry called the third, was son to Henry the see con, and was crowned, but died befo●…e his Father.  he came after to his father Henry the second, into Normandy; and did the like to him also. Alexander King of Scots in the thirty first year of Henry the second, (son of King john) married at York the Daughter of the said Henry, and did him homage for the Realm of Scotland, etc.  
Further, was showed unto them the Pope's Bulls, sent into Scotland; by virtue whereof, those of their Kings were accursed that would not be obedient to their Lords, the Kings of England: Briefly, they acknowledging all these 
Authoriy from Rome.  to be true, Bonds were made on both sides, in which thing Edward was tied in an hundred thousand pounds to nominate their King, and the Scots again bound to obey him, nominated as their Sovereign: After which writings sealed, they delivered the possession of the Kingdom of Scotland into King Edward's hands, to preserve it to his use, of whom he would make election, who made choice of Sir john Balliol, as true and immediate heir, by marrying 
Sir john Balliol made king of Scots.  the eldest sister, for which he did him homage and swore him fealty: which done, the Scots with their new King, departed joyfully into Scotland.  
But soon after, Balliol repent him of his Oath, and as some say, by the Counsel of the Abbot of Menrosse, others by the instigation of the King of France; but whether by one or both, certain it is, that he perfidiously revolted, and made war upon England, which Edward hearing, sped him with a great host into 
The Scots revolt.  Scotland, and laid siege to Berwick, but they bravely defended the Town, and burned some of our English, with which they were so inflamed with pride, that they made this scornful Rhyme upon the English: 
What ween is King Edward with his long shanks,  
To have won Berwick, all our unthankes,  
Gaas pikes him,  
And when he had it,  
Gaas dikes him.   
At which King Edward being mightily moved, so encouraged his soldiers, that they first won the Ditches, and after with great difficulty the Bulwarks, and then came to the gates, which they enforced, and entering the Town, slew twenty five thousand, and seven hundred Scots, and lost no man of note, save Richard 
King Edward winneth Berwick.  Earl of Cornwall, and of meaner people twenty seven and no more; which hitherto upholds the former prediction. 
Then from the North shall fiery Meteors threat,  
Ambitious after blood to quench their heat.  
(The Dragon's blood) at which his Crest will rise,  
And his scales flame: & where he treads or flies  
Fright all shall him oppose, the Northern Dyke  
Pass shall he then, and set his foot in wyke.   
By the Northern Dyke is employed the River Tweed, and by Wyke the Town of Berwick: but I pursue the History: The King having possessed the Town and Castle, he sent Sir Hugh Spencer, with Sir Hugh Parcy, and other Noble men to besiege Dunbar, whither came a mighty Host to remove them thence, with whom the English had a fierce and cruel battle, 
A glorious victory at the taking of Dunbar.  in which were slain of the Scots twenty two thousand, and of the English a very small number, wherefore the English to reproach the Scots in regard of their former Rhyme made this, 
These scattered Scots Hold we for sots.  
Of wrenches unware,  
Early in a morning, in an evil timing,  
Came ye to Dunbar.   
After the taking of the Town and Castle of Dunbarre, the King besieged the City of Edinburgh, and won both it and the Castle, 
Edinburgh taken, with the Castle, Crown, etc.  in which were found the Regalities of state, which King Edward took thence, (and offered them at the shrine of Saint Edward, upon the eighteenth day of june the year following.) Then Sir john Balliol, with divers of his Clergy and Nobility, submitted themselves to the king's grace, and having settled the affairs of Scotland, he brought them up to London, and then asked them what amends they would make him for all the trouble and damage they had put him to? who answered, they wholly submitted themselves to his mercy. He than replied, your Lands nor your goods do I desire, but I will that you take the Sacrament, to be my true Feodaries, and never more to bear Arms against me: to which they willingly assented, of which were sir john Commin, the Earl of Stratherne, & the Earl of Carick, and four 
The Scotch sworn on the Sacrament.  Bishops took Oath in the behalf of themselves and the whole Clergy: which done, the king gave them safe conduct into their Country.  
But not long after, they hearing the king was busied in his wars of Gascoigne, against the French king, they made a new insurrection, having 
They break their oath.  one William. Wallis a desperate Ruffian and of low condition to be their chief Leader: which the King hearing, having ordered his affairs in ●…rance, he sped towards Scotland, and entering the Kingdom, he burned and wasted wheresoever he came, sparing only all Churches, Religious Houses, and the poor people who besought him of mercy. At length he met with the Scottish Army upon Saint Mary Maudlin's day, at a place called Fonkirke, where he gave them 
The b●…ve battle at Fonk●…ke.  battle, and slew of them thirty three thousand, with the loss only of twenty eight men and no more, and finding no other enemies able to resist him, he returned into England; and after married Margaret the French Kings sister, by which 
King Edward marrieth the French Kings sister.  a peace betwixt England and France was concluded.  
Then went king Edward a third time into Scotland, and almost famished the Land, and took the strong Castle of Estrevelin, and soon after was taken William Wallis at the Town of 
The end of William Wallis.  Saint Dominick, who was sent to London, where he received his judgement, and upon Saint bartholomew's Eve, was drawn and quartered, his head stooke off and set on London bridge, and his four quarters sent to be hanged up in the four chief Cities of Scotland: after this Robert le Bruce claimed the Crown of Scotland, without acquainting king Edward therewith, and drove all the Englishmen out of the Land; of which he vowed revenge, and to hang up all the Traitors in that kingdom: who before he set forward on that expedition made four hundred and four knights at Westminster, upon a Whitsun Sunday, with whom and the rest of 
King Edward maketh 400, and four Knights.  his Army he once more pierced Scotland, and upon Friday before the Assumption of our Lady, he met with Robert le Bruce and his Host, beside Saint john's Town, and slew of them seven thousand at the first encounter, and the rest fled. In this battle was taken Sir Simon Frizell, and sent to London, where he was drawn, hanged and quartered: there suffered also john Earl of Athelus, and john brother to William 
King Edward's last victory over the Scots.  Wallis, but Robert le Bruce fled from Scotland into Norway, to the King, who had married his sister.  
When King Edward had thus abated the pride of his enemies, he returned again Southward, and a great sickness took him at Bozroes upon Sands, in the Marches of Scotland, beyond Carlisle, and when he knew he should die, he called unto him Aymer de Valence Earl of Pembroke, Sir Henry Piercy Earl of Northumberland, Sir Henry Lacie Earl of Lincoln, and Sir Robert Clifford Baron; and swore them to crown his son Edward of Carnarvan after his death: then he called his son, charging him with many things upon his blessing, but 
The Barons sworn to the successor.  especially that he shall never receive Pierce Gavestone his old companion (before banished) into the Kingdom: and so died upon the seventh of july, when he had reigned four and thirty years, seven months and odd days, and 
The death of K. Edward the first.  thence his body was conveyed to Westminster, and there buried: approving the prophecy. 
After which, showers of blood will fall upon,  
And barren the fair fields of Caledon:  
Then having ended what he took in hand,  
Die in the Marches of another Land.  Upon whose Tomb this Distich was inscribed: 
Dum vixit Rex, & valuit sua magna potestas, 
His Epitaph.   
Fraus latuit, pax magna fuit, regnavit honestas.  Thus in those days Englisht: 
While lived this King, by his power all things,  
Was in good plight,  
For guile was hid, great peace was kid,  
And honesty had might.   
Of his son Prince Edward, the Prophecy runs thus: 
A prophecy of the Reign of Edward the second.  
A Goat shall then appear out of a Carr,  
With silver horns (not Iron) unfit for war,  
And above other shall delight to feed  
Upon the flower, that life and death doth breed.  
A Cornish Eagle clad in plumes of gold  
(Borrowed from others) shall on high behold  
What best can please him to maintain his pride.  
Whose painted feathers shall the Goat misguide,  
Who at length aiming to surprise the Bear,  
Him shall the roused beast in pieces tear.  
Two Owls shall from the eagle's ashes rise,  
And in their pride the Forest beasts despise.  
They forced at first to take their wings and fly  
Shall (back returning) bear themselves so high,  
IT outbrave both birds and beasts, and great spoils win,  
By the Goat's casing in a Lion's skin.  
But after, be themselves deprived of breath  
By her they scorned (the flower of life and death)  
And the crowned Goat, thinking himself secure  
Shall (after all) a wretched end endure.  To confirm which, Edward the second of that name (and son of Edward the first) born at Carnarvan a Town of Wales, began his Reign over England, the eighth of july, in the year of Grace one thousand three hundred and seven, and was crowned at Westminster the fourteenth day of December, whose Fathers Obsequies were scarcely ended, but forgetting the great 
His Coronation  charge and command laid upon him in his death, he sent in haste for his old friend and familiar Pierce Gavestone out of France, whom he received with great joy, then sailing into 
Pierce Gavestone revoked from banishment.  France the fifteenth of january following, at Bolloigne in Picardy, espoused Isabella the 
His marriage.  daughter of Philip the Fair, and returned with her into England, where soon after he made Gaveston Earl of Cornwall, and gave him the 
Gaveston made E●…le of Cornwall.  Lordship of Wallingford, to the great displeasure of the Barons, who were sworn to his father not to suffer him to come into the Realm.  
In the second of his Reign, remembering the complaint that Steph. Langton Bishop of Chester had made of him and Gaveston for sundry riots committed in his father's days, for which he was banished, he sent him prisoner to the Tower, where he was strictly kept, and ill attended, 
The Bishop of Chester sent to the Tower.  for which end seeing how by this Pierce the king's treasury was hourly exhausted, the Barons assembled themselves, and contrary to the King's pleasure, banished him into Ireland for a 
Gaveston bani shed into Ireland.  year, where the King gave him the Dominion over the whole Land, but so mourned and lamented his absence, that by the consent of Lords he was shortly called back again: where he demeaned himself with greater pride and insolence then at first, despising the Lords and chief peers of the Land, calling Sir Robert of Clare Earl of Gloster whoreson, the Earl of 
Gavest. abuseth the peers  Lincoln sir Henry Lacie Burstenbelly, sir Guy Earl of Warwick, black dog of Arderne, and the noble Earl Thomas of Lancaster churl: and moreover having the keeping and command of all the king's treasure, he took out of the jewell-house a table of Gold and trestles of the same, which once belonged to King Arthur, with many other invaluable jewels, and delivered 
He robs the King's treasury  them to a merchant called Amery of Friskband, to bear them over into Gascoigne, which was a great loss to the kingdom: and further by his lose and effeminate conditions, he drew the King to many horrible vices, as adultery (& as some think) sodomitry, with others: therefore the Lords again assembled, and maugre the king, banished him into Flanders.  
In the first year upon the day of saint Brice 
He is banished into Flanders  being the 13 day of November, was born at Windsor the first and eldest son of King Edward that after his father was king of England, & named 
The birth of Edward the third.  Edward the third: and the same year Gaveston was called out of Flanders by the king, and restored to all his former honours; and then he demeaned himself more contemptuously toward the Barons then before, who besieged him in the Castle of Scarborough, and won it, and took him and brought him to Gaversed 
The death of Pierce Gavest.  besides Warwick, and there smote off his head, which was done at the instigation of Thomas Earl of Lancaster (whom Merlin calls the bear) and this approveth the premises: 
A Cornish Eagle cladin plumes of gold,  
(Borrowed from others) shall on high behold,  
what best can please him to maintain his pride.  
whose painted feathers shall the Goat misguid:  
who at length aiming to surprise the Bear,  
Him shall the roused beast in pieces tear.    

CHAP. 20.  
The King's unfortunate wars in Scotland: The battle of Bannocsbourn, etc. Barwick betrayed to the Scots: The pride and insolency of the Spencers: Their misleading the King. Their hate to the Queen, she is sent over into France: Her victorious return with the Prince: The King and his Minions taken: the death of the two Spencers, etc.  
BY the Cornish Eagle in the former Chapter is meant Pierce Gavestone Earl of Cornwall; by his plumes of gold, his pride and riches borrowed and extorted from others: by the Goat, the King who was given to all intemperate effeminacy: by the Bear, Thomas Earl of Lancaster, etc. This King was of a beautiful aspect, 
King Edward's Character.  and excellent feature: of a strong constitution of body, but unsteadfast in promise, and ignoble in condition, as refusing the company of men of honour, to associate himself with lewd and vile persons, he was much addicted to bibacity, and apt to discover matters of great counsel and of stupration, and adultery, persuaded thereto by his familiars the French men, for whose death the King vowed an irreconciliable revenge against the Barons, which he after performed: indeed so unking-like was his misgovernment, that a base Villain called john Tanner, named himself the son of Edward the 
john Tanner an Impostor.  first, and that by the means of a false nurse, he was stolen out of his cradle, and this Edward being a Carters son was laid in his place, which the people for the former reasons were easily induced to believe: but the Impostor was discovered, and by his own confession, judged to be hanged and quartered.  
In the seventh year of his Reign, Robert le 
Robert le Bruce wars against England.  Bruce, King of Scots, whom his Father made fly into Norway, hearing of the misguiding of the Kingdom, and the dissension betwixt him and his Barons, war strongly against him and his friends in Scotland, and won from them Castles and Holds howsoever well munified, to the great damage of the English, who were interessed 
The King's power against Scotland.  in the Land. For which affront, the King assembled a great power, and invaded Scotland by Sea, burning and destroying all such Towns and Villages as were in his way, which Robert le Bruce hearing, he hasted with a strong Army, and upon S. john Baptists day both Hosts met at a place called Estrivelin, near unto a fresh River called Bannoksburne, where betwixt them was fought a cruel battle, in which the English were compelled to forsake the field. For which, in derision of the English, the Scots made this Rhyme Doggerill, 
Maidens of England, sore may you mourn, 
The Scots derision of the English.   
For the Lemons you have lost at Bannocksborn With a heave and ho:  
What weened the King of England, so soon to have won Scotland?  
With a Rumby low.  In his ninth year, Barwick was betrayed to the Scots, by one Peter Spalding whom the King had 
Barwick betrayed to the Scots.  made Governor of the Town and Castle: and in the eleventh ye●…re, the Scots entered the borders of Northumberland, most cruelly robbing and burning the Country, even the houses of women who lay in Childbed, not sparing age, 
The cruelty of the Scots.  nor sex, religious nor other: therefore the King raised a new Army, and laid siege to Barwick, in which interim the Scots past the River of Small, and leaving the Coast where the King's people lay, came into the Borders of Yorkshire, to whom the Archbishop with Priests and ploughmen (unexercised in arms) gave battle, but were discomfited, in which so many Priors, Clerks, Canons, and other Clergymen were slain, that they called it the white battle: when 
The white battle.  the King heard of this overthrow, he broke up his siege, and retired to York, and soon after to London.  
After this, nothing was done without the advice of the two Hugh Spencer's, the father and the son: and in a Counsel held at York, Hugh Spencer the son, maugre the Lords, was made high Chamberlain of England, who bore him as haughtily as ever did Gavestone: but let 
The pride of Hugh Spencer the son.  me take the prophecy along. 
A Goat shall then appear out of a Carr,  
With silver horns (not Iron) unfit for war,  
And above other shall delight to feed  
Upon the flower, that life and death doth breed.  By the Goat is figured lascivious Edward, therefore said to appear out of a Car, as born in Carnarvan, his horns of silver and not of Iron, denotes his effeminacy, being unserviceable for war, as may appear, in his success against the Scots: by the Flower of life and death is intended his Queen Isabel the Flower of France, at first dear to him as life, but in the end (as most Writers have suspected) with Mortimer, accessary to his death: but to proceed with the History.  
The Barons (to a great number) seeing how 
The assembly of the Barons.  the Spencers misled the King and misgoverned the affairs in the Land, assembled themselves and took a solemn and unanimous vow to remove them out of the Kingdom: and as their first attempt, certain of them appointed to that purpose, entered upon the Manors and Castles of the Spencers, in the Marches of Wales, spoiling and ruining them to the earth, of which riot they complained to the King, who summoned them to appear before his Counsel, which 
The petition of the Barons to the King.  they refused to do, but gathered unto them a stronger Host, and sent to his Majesty, humbly beseeching him to remove from his person the two Spencers, which daily did to him great dishonour, and to the Commonweal: which damage, with humble request the King hearing, and doubting his own safety, called a Parliament to be held at London, to which the Barons came with a great Host all suited in demy-parted jackets of yellow and green, with a list of white, cast overthwart, for which the common 
The Parliament of whitebands  people called it the Parliament of whitebands, in which the two Spencers were banished the Kingdom for ever.  
But the year following, the King revoked the Acts made in the former Parliament, and called them into England, contrary to the will of the Barons, and set them in greater authority than before, to the great disturbance and almost utter subversion of the Realm: for now the whole Land was in combustion, and the King animated by the Spencers, taken on him the shape of a Lion, and ceased not till he had cut off the chief and prime Nobility of the Land: For besides those that were slain, none was brought to the Bar, but was thence led to the block: who having got the better of his Barons, he called a Parliament at York, in which Hugh Spencer the Father was made Earl of 
Hugh Spencer the father made Earl of Winchester.  Winchester, and soon after was one Robert Baldock a follow of debauched life and condition, made Chancellor of England: Then forfeits 
Robert Baldock made Chancellor.  and sins were gathered, without sparing of privileged places or other, till a mighty sum of money was gathered towards another expedition into Scotland, and then his Army consisted (according to Caxton and others) of an hundred thousand men, but he sped in that as in the former, for on Saint Luke's day, at a place called Bellalaund, or Brighland, he had like to have been taken as he sat at dinner, which could not have been, had he not had some traitors about him: and now confer the premises 
The King almost surprised at dinner.  with the Prophecy: 
Two Owls shall from the eagle's ashes rise,  
And in their pride the Forest beasts despise.  
They forced at first to take their wings and fly  
Shall (back returning) bear themselves so high,  
IT outbrave both birds and beasts, and great spoils win,  
By the Goat's casing in a Lion's skin.  The two Owls are the two Spencers, who from the ashes of the Cornish Eagle Gaveston, grew into the especial favour of the King, who were said to case the Goat in the skin of the Lion, by animating the effeminate King to the wars against the Barons, by whose deaths they got many rich spoils, and then forced to take their wings to fly where they were banished the Realm at the parliament of white Bands, etc.  
The state of the kingdom thus standing, and the two Spencers commanding all the Land had Wars with France about the Duchy of Guian: to atone which difference betwixt the two Kings, the two Spencers being in all things 
The hate of the Spencers towards the Queen, which was after the cause of their ruin.  opposite to the Queen, whom they had brought to the bare allowance and pension of twenty shillings a day, they further plotted how to rid her out of the Land, and persuaded the King to send her into France, to make peace betwixt the two Kingdoms, having before seized on all her lands, and those belonging to the Prince. 
The Queen sent into France.  Briefly, the Queen arrived in France, and was royally received by her brother, who hearing of her base usage, and by whom, he was much incensed against the K. and his wicked Counsellors, and sent to him under his seal to come in person into France to do him homage, or he 
She is royally received by the King her brother.  should forfeit the Duchy of Guian: Of which K. Edward took little regard, in hope his Queen would salve all things that were amiss betwixt the brother and husband.  
After the Queen's three months' abode in France, the Prince desired of his Father, that he might have leave to visit his mother and uncle, which his Father granted, and said to him at parting, Go my fair son in God's blessing, and mine, and return to me again as speedily as you may: who passing the Sea and coming to the King's Court, he joyfully received him, and said; Fair son, you be welcome, and since your Father came not to do homage for the Duchy of Guian, as his antecessors have done, I give you the Lordship to hold of me in heritage, and so the Prince was created, and thence forward called the Duke 
P. Edward made Duke of Guien.  of Guien.  
Which being known to King Edward he was highly incensed, especially because the Prince was instated into that honour without his consent and pleasure, and finding that (notwithstanding his often sending) they made no haste to return, he made Proclamation, that if within such a day prefixed they made not their repair into the Land, they should be held as enemies to the Crown and state: but the Queen much fearing the malice of the Spencers, whom she knew to be her mortal enemies, she removed not thence: then the King made forfeiture of all their goods and Lands, before seized, and took the profits of them to his own use, and sent sharp and threatening Letters to the French King, if he suffered them 
The French King refuseth to aid his sister.  to sojourn longer in his Realm, upon which he commanded them thence, without any further comfort or secure.  
At that time Sir john Henaud, brother to the Earl of Henaud (a man of great courage and valour) being in the French Court, much commiserating the Queen and the Prince, desired her to go with him to his brother the Earl, of which she was glad, and taking his noble offer, was there honourably received. Then was a marriage concluded betwixt Prince Edward 
The Prince contracted to Philip daughter to the Earl of Henaud.  and Philip the Earl's Daughter, upon certain conditions, one of which was, that the Earl should send over into England the Queen and her son with 400 men at Arms, under the conduct of his Brother. In which interim, the two Spencer's scent three Barrels of Coin, with Letters, to some of the French Peers, that if it were possible they should make away the Queen or her son, or at least send them away disgraced out of the Realm, which money and Letters were taken by a ship of the Henauders, and brought to the Queen during her abode 
The Spencers beat at their own weapons.  there, which the Earl's brother seeing, said unto her, be of comfort Madam, this is a good Omen, the Spencers your enemies have sent you money to pay your soldiers.  
Of which the King of England having intelligence, he sent to all the Ports and Havens to interdict their landing: notwithstanding which, the Queen and Prince, with these four hundred Hollanders, and a small company of English gentlemen, who had fled to her in the time of her exile landed at a port called Orwel, besides 
The Queen landeth in Suffolk.  Harwich in Suffolk, the fifteenth of September (Sir john Henaud the Earl's brother being their Captain and Leader) without any opposition or resistance, to whom after their landing, the people resorted in great companies, and sped towards London, where the King and the Spencers were then resident, who hearing of the multitudes that then drew unto her: left Walter Stapleton Bishop of Exeter, Custos of the City, 
The King and Spencer's fly to Wales.  and with a small company fled towards Wales: she came then to London, where the people were willing to receive her, which the Bishop with many sharp and bitter words opposing, the Commons of the City took him violently, and beheaded him with two of his Esquires, at the Standard in West-cheap, whose bodies were borne to the Thames side (where the Bishop had begun a new edifice contrary to their liking) and there unreverently buried.  
The Queen with an easy march followed 
The Queen pursueth the King.  the king, who came to Bristol with the Earl of Arundel, the two Spencers, and his infamous Chancellor Baldock, where after counsel taken it was agreed, that Hugh Spencer the father should stay there and take charge of the town and castle, whilst the King and the rest took shipping thence for Wales, to raise the Welshmen in his aid, of which the Queen having notice, sent thither the Earl of Kent, Sir john Henaud, with others, who with small difficulty 
The Town and Castle of Bristol taken.  took the town and castle, with Hugh Spencer the father alive, and delivered them to the Queen, who remained there till the greatest part of her army pursued the King and his other Minions into Wales, who took the King, the Earl of Arundel, Hugh Spencer the son, and the Chancellor, and brought them all prisoners to Hereford, in which interim the Citizens 
The tower of London taken by the Citizens  of London won the tower of London, and kept it to the Queen's use.  
Upon the morrow after the feast of Simon and jude, the same day that the L. Major takes 
Hugh Spen●…: the father put to death.  his oath, was Hugh Spencer the father put to death, and after buried at Winchester, and upon Saint Hugh's day following, being the eighteenth 
Hugh the son drawn, hanged and qu●…rtered.  day of November, was Sir Hugh the son drawn, hanged and quartered at Hereford, and his head sent to London, and set upon the Bridge, making good: 
They after be themselves deprived of breath,  
By her they scorned, the flower of life and death.  The common fame went, that after this Hugh was taken, he would take no manner of sustenance, and that was the cause he was the sooner put to death, of whom was made this Distich following. 
Funis cum lignis, àte, miser ensis & ignis:  
Hugo, securus equus, abstulit omne decus.  
Rope, gallows, sword, and fire, with a just knife  
Took from thee Hugh, thy honour with thy life.  Four days after was the Earl of Arondell put to death and Robert Baldock the Chancellor being committed to Newgate, died miserably 
Baldock the Chancellor dies in Newgate.  in prison: then the Queen with the Prince her son with the rest of the Lords, were with great joy the fourteenth day of December, received at London, and thence conveyed to Westminster, where a Parliament was called, the effect whereof expect in the following Chapter.   

CHAP. 21.  
The deposing of Edward the second: his repentance, his death: His son Edward made King. A Prophecy of his Reign. His great victory over the Scots, with the taking of Berwick. His famous victory at Sea over the French: He lays claim to the Crown of France: instituteth the Order of the Garter. His victory at Cressie. His taking of Calais, etc.  
FRom this Parliament were Messengers sent to the King, than prisoner in Kenelworth Castle, three Bishops, three Earls, two Abbots, two Barons, two judges, with Sir William Trussell, Procurator of the Parliament, to depose him of all Kingly dignity, who the five and twentieth of january, in the presence of the aforesaid Lords, from the body of the whole House delivered unto him these words following.  
I William Trussell, in the name of all men of 
King Edward deposed from all Kingly power.  this Land of England, (procurator of this Parliament) resign to thee Edward, the homage that was sometimes made to thee, and from this time forth, deprive thee of all Kingly power, and I shall never be attendant on thee as King after this time. And thus was Edward the second deposed (and his son Edward made King) when he had reigned full eighteen years six months and odd days, who during his imprisonment, first, at Kenelworth, and after at Barckley Castle grew greatly repentant of his former course of life, finding at length what it 
Edward greatly repentant.  was to be misled by upstarts and people of mean condition: many of whose penitential fancies are still extant. And amongst the rest this following. 

Most blessed jesus,  
Root of all virtue,  
Grant I may thee sue,  
In all humility;   

Sen thou for our good  
List to shed thy blood  
And stretch thee on the Rood  
For our iniquity:   

I thee beseech,  
Most wholesome leech,  
That thou wilt seech  
For me such grace,   

That when my body vile  
My soul shall exile,  
Thou bring in short while,  
It in rest and peace.   Edward the third of that name, son of Edward the second, and Philip sole daughter of Philip 
Edward the third made King.  the Fair, at fifteen years of age began his Reign (his father yet living) the six and twentieth of january, in the end of the year of Grace one thousand three hundred and twenty six, and was crowned at Westminster, upon the day of the Purification of our Lady next ensuing, at what time the earth yielded plenty, the Air temper, the Sea quietness, and the Church peace: he confirmed the Liberties and Franchises of London, and gave Southwark to be under the Lord Major's rule and government. Of whose Reign it was thus predicted. 
The spirits of many Lions shall conspire,  
To make one (by infusion) so entire:  
He by his mighty courage shall restore  
What his sire lost, and Grandsire won before:  
Neptune his Naval triumphs shall advance.  
His Coat he quarters with th' Flower of France,  
And after maugre the Canicular Tike,  
Tweed shall he pass and win again the Wyke.  
A numerous issue shall his Lioness bring,  
Black shall the first be, and though never King,  
Yet shall he Kings captive, but ere mature,  
Dye must this brave Whelp of a Calenture,  
And then behind him shall he leave a Kid  
To undo all, both sire and grandsire did.  The effect of all these will succeed in their order: in the first year of this King's Reign, the late King Edward was miserably slain, and put to a most cruel death by the means of Sir Roger 
The death of K. Edward.  Mortimer, who notwithstanding in the Parliament after was made Earl of March: the same year the four and twentieth of january, the young King married the Lady Philip, daughter to the Earl of Henault, in the City of York, 
A Parliament held at Northampton.  and soon after called a Parliament at Northampton, to which by the means of Sir Roger Mortimer and the old Queen, an unprofitable and dishonourable peace was made with the Scots, who caused the King to release them of all fealty and homage, and delivered up to them all the old Writings sealed by their Kings and chief Lords of their Land, with all Charters and Patents, and many rich jewels, which had before been won from them by the Kings of England, amongst which the black Cross of Scotland, is especially named, and the year following, David the son of Robert le Bruce, King of Scots, married jane sister to the King of England, whom they after to the derision of the English called, jane make peace, and amongst other 
The Scots taunt the English.  taunting Songs made of our Nation, this was one. 
Long beards heartless,  
Painted bodies witless:  
Gay coats graceless,  
Maketh England thriftless.  But these merry and jigging tunes were turned to their most lamentable Aymees, within few months after.  
During the King's minority all the affairs of the Realm were managed by Sir Roger Mortimer 
The pride of Sir Roger Mortimer.  and the Mother Queen, And the great persons appointed to that purpose were vilified, and not set by: which Sir Roger in imitation of K. Arthur, was said to keep a round Table, to which many noble Knights belonged, to his infinite cost and expense. But howsoever in the 
Articles objected by the Parliament against Mortimer.  third year of the King, the said Sir Roger was surprised in Nottingham Castle, though the keys were day and night in his own keeping, and sent to the Tower, who was accused of the Lords of the Parliament, of these particulars following, first of the bloody murder of Edward of Carnarvan in Berkley Castle, secondly, that he had confederated with the Scots against the honour of the King; thirdly, that he had received great sums of money from Sir james Douglas Captain of the Scots, delivering unto him the Charter called Ragman, to the Scots great advantage, and impoverishing of England: Fourthly, that he had engrossed into his hands much of the King's treasure, which he had riotously wasted to his own use, by which means the King was forced to borrow of his friends: fifthly, that he was more private and familiar with Queen Isabel the King's Mother, than was to God's pleasure and the King's honour: of which Articles being convicted, he was by authority of the said Parliament judged to death, and upon Saint Andrews Eve following at London, drawn and hanged.  
In his fourth year about the beginning of August, Sir Edward Balliol, the son of Sir john 
The death of Mortimer.  Balliol, sometime King of Scots, obtained such favour of King Edward, that with the aid of Sir Henry Beaumond, Sir David Stocley, Sir jefferey Mowbray, and two thousand Englishmen, they entered Scotland by Sea, where drew to them such multitude, that in short time, Sir Edward was Lord of a great Host: and kept his way till he came to a place called Gladismore, (or as some writ) Crakismore, where he was encountered with the power of Scotland, where betwixt them was fought a sharp and cruel 
Sr. Edward Balliol crowned K. of Scots  battle, in which a great multitude of the Natives was slain, by reason whereof he was crowned King at the Town of Stone shortly after, and met with the King at Newcastle, where Edward received of him fealty and homage for the Crown of Scotland: but soon after the Scots laid plots against his life, which he narrowly escaped, being forced to fly from place to place, and hid himself, which King Edward hearing, with a strong army pierced 
K. Edward of England besiegeth Barwick.  the Realm of Scotland, and laid siege to the Town of Barwick.  
Upon the nineteenth of july, the Scots with a mighty power made thither, with purpose to remove the siege, whom King Edward met, and encountered on Halidon Hill, giving them battle, over whom he had a triumphant victory, insomuch that he slew of them seven Earls, nine hundred Knights and Bannerets, four hundred 
The famous battle at Hallidowne Hill.  Esquires, and of the common people, two and thirty thousand, in which battle were slain of the English, but 15 persons, after which glorious victory the Captain of Barwick the morrow following, being Saint Margaret's day, yielded to the King both the Town and Castle, which verifies that 
— maugre the Canicular Tike,  
Tweed shall he pass, and set his foot in Wyke.   
Tike is that which the Northern men call a Dog, and by the Canicular Tike is meant the Dogstar: Tweed is the water which parteth the two Kingdoms of England and Scotland, and by Wyke (as is before remembered) meant the Town of Berwick, I only capitulate this one battle, (of many) against the Scots, purposing the like compendiousness in his famous victories over the French.  
During the dissension betwixt the two Kings of England and France, which by no mediation could be atoned, though there were many meetings 
English ships taken by the French.  to that purpose, the French King sent a strong Navy to Sea to take our English Merchants, and encountered with two good ships of England, called the Edward and the Christopher, and after nine hours' fight, in which were slain of both parties about six hundred men, the two ships were taken, and all the wounded Englishmen alive cast overboard into the Sea: after King Edward in his fifteenth year in the month of june, took shipping, and sailed towards Flanders, where met him Sir Robert Morley, with the North Navy of England, so that his Fleet consisted of three hundred sail, and at Midsummer upon Saint john's Eve, he met and fought with the French Navy, which were four hundred sail, which lay in wait for him ●…eere to the Town called Sluice; their chief Admirals were Sir Hugh Querret, Sir Nicholas Buchet, and Barbe Nore, in English black beard: 
The French Admirals.  Betwixt these two Royal Fleets was a strong and bloody fight which continued for the space of eight hours before it could be distinguished which way the victory was likely to incline; yet in the end, by God's mercy, and the manhood of the King, the French were chased, and many of their ships burned and taken, amongst which were the ships of the two Admirals, Querret and Buchet, who maugre the French were hanged up in their own Vessels, and amongst the rest were recovered the Edward and the Christopher, manned with the French: in this battle the King himself was sore wounded in the thigh, and of the French were slain thirty thousand 
A glorious Sea-victory.  in that one Naval conflict: soon after, (or as some writ) a little time before, by the advice of his confederate Princes, he laid claim to the Crown of France, as his rightful inheritance, 
King Edward lays claim to the Crown of France.  and for the more authority to countenance it●… he quartered the English Lions with the French Flower de Lyces, as they remain to this day, so that we see 
Neptune his Naval Triumphs did advance,  
(and)  
He his Coat quarters with the Arms of France.  I am forced to intermit many and divers conflicts and skirmishes, with winning of Forts and Castles, Challenges, that past betwixt the two Kings, with the particular valours and noble Gests of sundry of our Nation, to relate which would ask a voluminous Tractate, where my confinement is to a mere epitome of Chronicle, passing over all accidents saving what are most remarkable, which brings me to the eighteenth year of his Reign. In which at a Parliament 
King Edward's eldest son created Prince of Wales.  held at West minster, his eldest son Edward was created Prince of Wales, and he in the year following, first instituted the famous & renowned Order of the Garter, which was solemnised at Windsor, as it is continued to this day. In his one and twentieth year, he landed in Normandy, 
The Order of the Garter first instituted.  and burnt and spoilt all the Country before him, wasting the Province of Constantine. Then he laid siege to Khan the chief City, and won it, and amongst other he took there prisoners the Constable of France, and the King's Chamberlain, and all the spoil of the City which was held to be inestimable, and sent to his ships, which was conveyed into England.  
He then entered France, and coasted towards Paris, to Vernon, to Poysie, to Saint German, still wasting as he went. Then he took and made use of all the Kings Royal Manors and Palaces, and drunk his Wine, and occupied all such stuff and necessaries as he there found, and after his departing set them on fire, as Saint German, Mount-joy, Pezzy, etc. In so much that the French King thinking it a great dishonour, both to him and the whole Nation, that the English should pierce the heart of his Kingdom unfought with, he therefore assembled all his prime Chivalry, and met with the English (fare inferior to them in number) near to a town called Cressie, and upon the twenty sixth of August, was fought betwixt them a sharp and 
The famous field of Cressy won by the English.  bloody battle, in which at the end King Edward was the triumphant Victor, where were at that time slain of the French party, The King of Bohemia, son to Henry the Emperor the seventh of that name, with the Duke of Lorraine, the Earl of Alonson, brother to the King, Charles Earl of Bloys, the Earls of Flanders, Sancer, Harcourt, and of Fiennes: with divers other, to the number of eight Bishops and Earls, with seventeen Lords of name: and of Bannerets, Knights and Esquires, more than sixteen hundred, so that their own Chroniclers report that the flower of France perished in that battle: besides of the commons, above eight thousand, and the French King with a small company sore wounded, fled to a Town called Bray, and 
The French King wounded.  there lay the night following.  
Whom King Edward pursued not, being advertised of another great host coming towards him, and therefore he kept the field, and 
A second battle.  set watches, and made great fires thorough the host, and so continued till the monday following, upon which day early in the morning, appeared to them a new army of French men, of which they slew more in number than the Saturday before, and then having given thanks unto God for his great victory, he marches towards Bulloine, and thence to Calais, to which 
K. Edward besiegeth Calais.  he laid siege for the space of a whole year: then came the French King with a numerous Army to remove him, but before his coming it was 
Calais won by the English.  yielded to King Edward, so that he departed thence sad and ashamed. But King Edward stayed in the town a month, and removed all the old Inhabitants which were French, and stored it with English, but especially Kentish men, and having set all things in order, he sailed with great t●…iumph into England, and arrived at London the twenty third day of October, where he was magnificently received of the Citizens, and so conveyed unto Westminster.  
We have hither to spoke only of the father: it follows that some thing should be said of the son, the unparallelled Edward Prince of Wales, 
Why Prince Edward was called the Black Prince.  not for his complexion, but for his terror in battle, surnamed the Black Prince, who whilst his father rested him in Calais, with a puissant host entered Gascoigne, and made spoil at his pleasure through the whole Country, and with great riches and many noble prisoners, he retired himself to Bordeaux, and though the Earls of Armineck and of Foyz, of Poytiers and Clerimont, with james de Bourbon, and many other Knights who had double the number to the Prince, were in his way, yet passed he from toulouse to Nerbon, and from Nerbon to Bordeaux without battle, where having reposed himself awhile, and rested his army, he sent many of his prisoners into England, and there entered the province of Berray, and therein made sharp war; which King john of France hearing, he gathered a mighty number of people, and made towards the Prince, who in the mean season was passed the River of Loyer, and encountered by divers of the Nobility of France, betwixt whom was a sharp conflict, but the fortune of the day fell to the Prince, who slew many of his enemies, 
P. Edward victorious against the French.  and took divers prisoners; as the Lord of Craou and others of note to the number of fifty four, whom he had sent to safe custody in Bordeaux, and himself sped to Towers, whither also K. john came against the prince, who took his way to Poytiers: where we for a while leave him upon his march, etc.   

CHAP. 22.  
The famous Battle of Poytiers, fought by Edward, surnamed the Black Prince, in which he took john the French King prisoner: His other victories in France: His conquest in Spain: The death of the victorious Prince Edward: King Edward the Thirds death, and Epitaph: Richard the second made King, a prediction of his Reign: The insurrection of the Commons: The memorable Act of William Walworth, Lord Major, etc.  
WE left Prince Edward upon his march toward Poytiers: in keeping which way a French Army encountered 
A second battle against the French.  him, but he chased their multitude, and besides many slain took of them forty prisoners: amongst which were the Earl of Sancer, the Earl of jurigny, the Lord Chasterlin Master of the King's palace, and a Knight called Sir Guilliam de Daneham, whom he also sent to his rendevouz at Bordeaux, and soon after he lodged him and his Host near Poytiers: so that the Fronts of both Hosts lay within a quarter of a mile each of other, betwixt whom the Cardinal of Pernigvort sent from pope Innocent the sixth laboured to make a peace; but finding his endeavour frustrate, he retired himself to Poityers, to attend the success of the battle, which was fought upon Monday the nineteenth of September, in the year of Grace, one thousand 
The famous battle of Poytiers.  three hundred fifty six, and the sixth year of Ring john: the manner followeth.  
The Duke of Athenes, with such of the Nobility as were in the King's Vanguard, about two aclocke in the afternoon set upon the English Host, which was strongly munified with wood and trees in the manner of a Barricadoe, so that the French Cavalry, could not approach them; but the shot of the English Archers was so violent, that it overturned horse and man: and whilst the Duke of Athenes, with Sir john Clerimont Marshal of France and others, assaulted the prince and his people on one side, The Duke of Normandy King john's eldest son, and the Duke of Orleans the King's brother, set upon him on another part, which two Dukes were Leaders of two strong Armies. But these 
The manner of the battle.  three battles did little harm to the English, for by reason of their arrows the French were so gauled and wounded, that they fled, to the great dismay and discomfort of the King, and the rest of his people.  
Who then in person came on with his main Host: but the English kept themselves whole without scartering, and received them on the points of their weapons with such dexterity and courage, that the French were forced to give back, of which the English taking the advantage, routed their whole Army: in which battle 
Noble men of France slain in the battle.  were slain of men of note, the Duke of Athenes, the Duke of Bourbon, Sir john Clerimont Marshal of France, Sir Henry Camian Banneret, who bore that day, the Oriflambe (a special relic that the French Kings used in all battles to have borne before them) the Bishop of Chabous, with divers others, to the number of fifty four Bannerets, Knights, and others.  
And of prisoners taken in that battle, were john King of France, Philip his fourth son, 
john King of France took prisoner.  Sir jaques of Bourbon, Earl of Poitou, and brother to the Duke of Bourbon, Sir john of Artoys, Earl of Ewe, Sir Charles his brother, Earl of 
Noble men took prisoners.  Longevile, Sir Giffard Cousin German to the French King, Sir john his son and heir, William Archbishop of Sense, Sir Simon Melen brother to the Earl Canlarvive, and Earl of Vandature. The Earls of Dampmartin, of Vendosme, of Salisbruch, of Moyson, the Marshal Denham with others, as Bannerets, Knights, and men of name, (according to their own Writers) fifteen hundred and above: from which battle escaped Charles' eldest son of King john, and Duke of Normandy, with the Duke of Anjoy, and few others of name. And King Edward after due thanks given to Almighty God for his 
Charles Duke of Normandy escapeth from the battle.  triumphant victory, retired himself to Bordeaux with his Royal prisoners, where the King and the rest were kept till Easter following.  
In the one and thirtieth year of the King, the sixteenth of April, Prince Edward being eight and twenty years of age, took shipping with his prisoners at Bordeaux, and the four and twentieth of May, was received with great joy by the Citizens of London, and thence conveyed to the King's palace at Westminster, where the King sitting in his estate Royal, in Westminster Hall, after he had indulgently entertained the Prince, he was conveyed to his lodging, and the French King royally conducted to the Savoy, where he lay long after, and in the Winter following were royal justs held in Smithfield, at which were present, the King of 
Three Kings present at the justs in Smithfield.  England, the French King, the Scotch King (than prisoners) with many noble persons of all the three Kingdoms, the most part of the strangers being then prisoners.  
Whilst K. john remained in England, which was for the space of 4 years and odd days, The king of England and the black Prince his son, with their Armies overrun the greatest part of France, during the time of Charles his Regency over the kingdom who was king john's eldest son, against whom they had many memorable victories, spoiling where they list, and sparing what they pleased: in so much that king Edward 
The Father and son victorious in ●…rance.  made his own conditions ere any peace could be granted: at length the king was delivered, and royally conveyed into his country, who so well approved of and liked his entertainment here, that in the thirty seventh year of king Edward, he returned into England, and at Eltham besides Greenwich, dined with the king, and in the same afternoon, was royally received by the Citizens, and conveyed through London to the Savoy, which was upon the twenty fourth of january: but about the beginning of March following, a grievous sickness took him, of which he died the eight of April following, 
King john dyeth at the Savoy.  whose body was after solemnly conveyedto St. Denis in France, and there royally interred.  
In the fortieth year of the king, one Barthran de Cluicon a Norman, with an Army of Frenchmen, entered the land of Castille, and warred upon Peter king of that Country, and within four months chased him out of his kingdom, and crowned Henry his bastard brother in his stead, wherefore he was constrained to fly to Bordeaux, and to demand aid of Prince Edward, who commiserating his case, as being lawful king, (howsoever of a tyrannous and bloody disposition) he granted his request, so that he assisted Peter with his English Archers against the bastard Henry, with his French Spear-men, whose two Armies m●…t near unto a town called Doming, where betwixt them was a l●…ng 
P. Edward's victoryia Spain.  and cruel fight, but in the end the victory fell to the Prince and Henry with his whole army were routed: In which battle were taken Barthran de Claicon, and Arnold Dodenham Marshal of France, with divers others as well French as Britons, and Spaniards, and slain to the number of five thousand of the enemies, and of the prince's Army sixteen hundred, after which he enstated Peter in his kingdom, who after perfidiously denied to pay the prince's army.  
For which he was after divinely punished, as also for killing his own wife, the daughter to the Duke of Bourbon; for his Bastard brother Henry, knowing how he was justly abandoned by the English, having gathered new forces, gave him battle, in which being taken, his brother commanded his head to be strooke off, which was immediately done: after which, john of 
The death of Don Peter.  Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, the King's son, and Edward his brother Earl of Cambridge, married the two daughters of this Peter late King of Castille: john espoused Constance the elder, and 
john a Gaunts title to Spain.  Edward Isabel the younger, by which marriages the two brethren claimed to be inheritors to the Kingdom of Castille or Spain.  
In the one and fiftieth year of the King, upon the eighth of june, being Trinity Sunday, died that renowned soldier, Edward the black Prince in the palace of Westminster, whose body 
The death of the black Prince.  was after carried to Canterbury, and there solemnly interred, who in his life time was much beloved, both of the Commons and the whole kingdom, especially for removing from the king's person all such as had misled him in his age, by which the Common Weal was much oppressed: amongst others was the Lord Latimer noted for principal, and Alice Pierce the King's Concubine, with Sir Richard Skory, 
Alice Pierce the King's Con●…ine.  all which were according to the Commons just complaint, by the Prince removed: but he was no sooner dead, but the king contrary to his promise before made, called them again, admitting them to their former Offices, and Honours, and Alice his prostitute to his wont grace and favour.  
In the two and fiftieth year, the two and twentieth day of june died at his Manor of Sheen, 
The death of K. Edward the third.  now called Richmond, the royal and most victorious Prince king Edward, the third of that name, of whom it was truly predicted: 
The spirits of many Lions shall conspire  
To make one (by infusion) so entire:  
He, by his mighty courage shall restore,  
What his sire lost and grandsire won before.  As also that of the unparallelled black Prince his son, who died before his Father. 
A numerous issue shall his Lioness bring,  
Black shall the first be, and though never King,  
Yet shall he Kings captive, but ere mature,  
Die shall this brave Whelp of a Calenture,  
And then behind him shall he leave a Kid  
To undo all both sire and grandsire did.   
By the Kid is intended the Prince Richard his son, who succeeded his grandfather in the Throne, and therefore so called because of his condition, so suiting with the nature of his predecessor Edward the second, whom the prophet for his dissoluteness of life, and inability to manage a State, called a Goat, not a Lion: but to come to the story, King Edward left behind him four sons, Lionel Duke of 
K. Edward's Royal Issue.  Clarence, john of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster, Edward of Langley Duke of York, and Thomas of Woodstock Earl of Cambridge, taking their surnames from the places where they had their birth, by whom, and the rest of the Nobility, his body was conveyed from Richmond to Westminster, and there solemnly and sumptuously interred, over whose Tomb hung this inscription. 
Hic decus Anglorum, flos Regum praeteritorum,  
Forma futurorum: Rex clemens, pax populorum: 
His Epitaph.   
Tertius Edwardus, regni complens Inbilaeum,  
Invictus pardus, pollens bellis Machabaeum.  Which for the better understanding of the vulgar, I give you thus paraphrased in English. 
Here lies our honour, flower of Kings forepast:  
Pattern to future making peace to last,  
Edward the third, who reigned a jubilee,  
In strength a pard: valour a Machabee.   
Richard the second of that name, and son of Edward, surnamed the black prince, eldest 
Richard the second of that ●…ame made King.  son to Edward the third, a child of the age of eleven years, began his Reign over the Realm of England, the two and twentieth of june, in the year of Grace, one thousand twenty seven, and upon the fifteenth of july, being the day of Saint Swithen ensuing, he was crowned at Westminster: in the first year of whose Reign about April, landed in Kent, Anne the Daughter of Charles the fourth, Emperor of that name, late dead, and sister to Wenceslaus then Emperor, who by the Major and Citizens of London was honourably met upon Black-heath, and with great triumph conveyed unto Westminster, and 
His Royal marriage.  the eight day of May, solemnly espoused to King Richard, of whom it is thus predicted. 
Sport shall the young Kid in his youth, and play 
A prediction of his Reign.   
Against whom shall rise the Hedgehog and the Grey:  
And then the hobnayle and the clouted shoes,  
Shall the Kid's glory, strive to eclipse at noon:  
But by a Dauphin (of the City loved)  
That black disastrous cloud shall be removed,  
And Phoebus in his wont or be shine clear,  
Who when he shall in his full strength appear,  
Four princely Lions were to him allied,  
Gall shall he with his horns in his great pride.  
At length a Fox clad in a skin of gold,  
Shall snatch the Kid, from midst of all his fold.   
The year before (which was the fourth of 
The insurrection of the Commons.  his Reign) was a great insurrection of the Commons throughout the Land, especially in Kent and Essex: the reason was, because in the third year at a parliament held at Westminster, there was granted to the king a Groat of every person male or female, above the age of fourteen years. The chief Captains and Leaders of the 
The Captains of the Rebels.  Rebel's Army were jack Straw, William Wawe, Wat Tyler, jack Shepherd, Tom Miller, and Hob Carter, these gathered great multitudes of the Commons, and assembled themselves upon Blackheath, three miles from London, and upon the eleventh of june entered the Tower of London where the King was then lodged, and took 
Th●…y take the Tower.  thence perforce Doctor Sudbury, Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Hales prior of Saint john's, and a white Friar Confessor to the King, whom with a mighty acclamation and voice they drew to the Tower-hill, and there cut off their heads.  
Then by boats and barges they returned into Southwark, and rob all strangers of what 
Their robberies in Southwark. In Westminster.  Nation soever, thence they went to Westminster, and took thence all the Sanctuary men, and came unto the Savoy, which was the Duke of 
In the Strand.  Lancaster's house, and first pillage it, and after set it on fire, and then to the palace of Sr. john near Clerkenwell, and spoiled it. After they searched the Temples and Inns of Court, making havoc of all, burning their Law books, 
The Inns of Court.  and killing as many Lawyers and Questmongers as they might find: that done, they went to St. martin's le Grand, releasing there all that had 
Their mighty insolences.  there took Sanctuary, with the prisoners of Newgate, Ludgate, & the two Counters, tearing their Registers and Books. The like they did to the King's Bench and Marshalseas in Southwark, and moreover they did thorough the whole City of London, according to their own wills and pleasures.  
When jack Straw who was prime Commander above the rest, had executed all these 
The pride of the Captain.  insolences, and saw no resistance against him, he was suddenly so tumoured with pride, that he thought no man worthy to be his peer, in so much that he road again to the Tower, where he found the King but weakly attended, and in a manner, compelled him to ride through divers parts and streets of the City, and so conveyed him into Smithfield, where in the King's presence, (to whom he did small or no reverence at all) he caused a proclamation to be made, though using his Majesty's name, yet to his own wicked end and purpose, which William Walworth Fishmonger, and then Lord Major seeing, and not able to endure, his so great presumption and insolency, he stepped towards, and first with a blow on the head stounded him with his Mace, and after with a short Dagger which he wore by his side, he wounded him to death, then with a Sword struck off his 
The death of jack Straw.  head, and lifted it upon the point of a Spear, and showing it to the Rebels, Cried out aloud, King Richard, God save King Richard, who when they saw their chief Captain slain, they fled in great disorder, of which many were taken and some slain, and the remnant were chased, so that both City and Suburbs were voided of them that night, being the fifteenth 
The Rebels dispersed.  of june, making good what was predicted. 
Sport shall the young Kid in his youth and play,  
Against whom shall rise the Hedgehog & the grey,  
And then the hobnail and the clouted shcon  
Shall the sun's glory strive to eclipse at noon,  
But by a Dauphin (of the City loved)  
This black disastrous cloudshall be removed, &c  By the young Kid is intended the wanton King, by the Hedgehog, and the grey beasts frequent in the Country, jack Straw, Wat Tyler, and the rest of the Captains and Commons: by the Dauphin, William Walworth, who was free of the Fishmongers, and they give the Dauphin in their Escutchion, etc.   

CHAP. 23.  
The Duke of Gloucester by a Parliament reformeth the Common wealth. john of Gaunt claims his title in Spain, King Richard marrieth the French Kings Daughter: Difference betwixt the King and Gloucester. His murder in Calais: The murmur of the Commons against the present government: The pride of the Duke's Court: The Dukes of Hereford and Norfolk banished: King Richard deposed, and Henry Duke of Hereford and Lancaster made King.  
WHen the King saw the great manhood and courage of the Lord Major 
The Lord Major and divers Aldermen Knighted by the King.  and his Brethren, the Aldermen his assistants, he in his own person Knighted the said William Walworth, with Nicholas Bremble, john Philpot, Nicholas Twiford, Robert Laundor, and Robert Gayton Alderman: and moreover, in the memory of that Noble Act, added to the Arms of the City the bloody Dagger, as it remaineth to this day: In the eleventh year of this King, Thomas of Woodstock Duke of Gloucester, and Uncle to the King; the Earl of Arundel, with the Earls of Warwick, Derby and Nottingham, taking into their consideration, how much the land was misgoverned, and his Majesty misled by some Sycophants near about him, they met in counsel at a place 
A Parliament to rectify the Commonweal.  called Radecockbridg, and having assembled a strong power came to London, and there caused the King to call a Parliament, whereof hearing Alexander Nevell Archbishop of York, Lionel Vere marquis of Divelin, Michael de la Poole Earl of Suffolk, and Chancellor of England, fearing the censure of that high Court ●…ed the Land, and died in foreign Countries: Then the King by counsel of the foresaid Lords caused to be apprehended Sir Robert Tresilian chief justice of England, Sir Nicholas Brembre, late Major of the City, Sir john Salisbury, of the 
Persons judged to death.  King's Household, Sir john Beauchampe Steward of the House, Sir Simon Burleigh, Sir Thomas Bernes, Sir Robert Belknap, with one john Vske, Sergeant at Arms, all which by the foresaid Parliament, were convict of Treason and put to death, some at Tyburn, some at Tower-hill, and all such as fled with those that forsook the land, by the authority of that high Court, banished for ever.  
In the thirteenth year, john a Gaunt Duke 
john a Gaunt clayms his title in Spain.  of Lancaster, with a strong army, sailed into Spain, to claim the Kingdom in right of Lady Constance his wife, the daughter of Don Peter, with whom joined the King of Portugal with his forces, so that of necessity the King of Spain was forced to treat with the Duke of peace and amity, the conditions were, that the King of Spain should marry the Duke's eldest daughter, named Constance, and moreover should give unto the said Duke, to recompense the charges of his war, so many wedges of gold as should load eight Chariots; and moreover during the lives of the said Duke and his wife, he should at his proper cost and charges deliver unto the 
Honourable conditions of peace.  Duke's Assigns yearly ten thousand Marks of gold, within the town of Bayon, which conditions being ratified, and assurance given for the performance thereof, the Duke departed with the King of Portugal, to whom shortly after he married his second daughter the Lady Anne, so that the elder and the younger were made the two Queens of Spain and Portugal.  
King Richard's first wife being dead, after he 
K. Richard's second marriage.  married Isabel the daughter of Charles the sixth K. of France, who was but 8. years of age, at whose espousals in the French kings Court, many rich interchangable gifts passed betwixt them, as first the king of England gave the French king a Basin of gold and Ewer, who returned him three standing Cups of gold with covers, and a 
Interchangeable gifts betwixt the two Kings.  ship of Gold garnished with pearl and stones: at a second meeting, Richard gave him a curious O●…ch set with rich stones, valued at five hundred Marks: then the French King gave him two Flagons of gold, and a Tablet of gold set with Diamonds, and in it the picture of St. Michael, a Tablet of gold with a Crucifix, another with the image of the Trinity, and a fourth with the image of Saint George, all of them set with stones of great splendour, Richard then presented him with a Belt or Bauldricke, set with great Diamonds, Rubies, and Emeralds, which for the riches thereof, the King wore upon him so often as they met together: many other presents passed betwixt them, and a full peace was concluded between them for thirty years, 
Peace concluded betwixt England and France.  and amongst other things King Richard delivered up Breast, which had been long held by the English.  
The year after in the Month of February, the King held a magnificent Feast at Westminster Hall, whither pressed divers Soldiers lately discharged from Breast, whose minds when the Duke of Gloster the King's Uncle understood, he went to his Majesty and said, Sir do you take notice of you Soldiers? who asked him again what they were? The Duke replied, these be your subjects & soldiers cashiered from Breast, who have done you good service, and have now no means to live upon, who have been ill paid, and now are worse rewarded: To whom the King answered, it was my will they should have been well paid, but if ought have failed therein, let them petition to our Treasurer: at length the Duke said, but it savoureth of small discretion to deliver up a strong Fort with ease, which was got with great difficulty by your Progenitors: 
The Duke of Gloucester's bold reply to the King.  at which the King changed countenance, and said, Uncle how spoke you these words? which the Duke with great vehemency uttered again: whereat the King being more moved, replied: Think you I be a Merchant or fool to sell my Land? by St. john Baptist nay, etc. For these words thus uttered on both sides great ran●…or was kindled betwixt the King and Duke, which was never extinguished, till by the consent of the K. his uncle was basely murdered.  
For the Duke purposing to remove some who were potent about the king, called to him 
A second purpose for reformation.  the Earls of Warwick, of Arundel, and of Nottingham, who was Marshal of England, and of the Clergy the Archbishop of Canterbury, with the two Abbots of St. Alban and Westminster, and these were solemnly sworn to supplant from their authority the Duke of Lancaster, the Duke of York, with others prejudicial to the good of the kingdom. But Nottingham contrary to his oath, revealed all to the king; 
A perfidious act in the Earl of Nottingham  who presently, whilst the other thought themselves secure, called another Council, in which it was decreed, that the Earls of Arundel and Warwick sh●…uld be censured and brought to the King, who in person arrested his Uncle Sir Thomas of Woodstock, (some say at Plashy in Essex, others at Greenwich) in the night time, and taking him in his bed, first sent him to the Tower, and thence had him secretly conveyghed to Calais, where he was pireously murdered. After, 
The murder of the Duke of Gloster.  the 2 Earls of Arundel & Warwick were judged and executed: After was called a parliament, in which divers of the Nobility had more honourable titles conferred upon them: And other upstarts neither of birth nor quality, were advanced to office and honour, in which parliament also, many true heirs were disinherited, etc.  
For which the people greatly murmured against the King and his Council, pretending that the revenues of the Crown were wasted 
The rumour of the Commons, and the causes thereof.  upon unworthy persons: for which divers exactions were put upon the Commons: that the chief rulers about the King were of low birth, and little reputation; and men of honour kept out of office and favour; that the Duke of Gloster was secretly murdered without process of Law; and the Earls of Arnndel and Warwick put to death contrary to the Kings own proclamation, with divers others, to the number of eight and thirty several Articles, all which at his deposing were publicly protested against him.  
Harding the Chronologer reports, that King Richard was prodigal, ambitious, and luxurious, 
The estate of the King's Court.  to whose Court resorted at their pleasures ten thousand persons, pretending business there; that in his kitchen were three hundred Serviters, and in every office to the like number: of Ladies, Chamberers, and Laundresses, three hundred, who exceeded in costly and sump●…uous apparel, and fare above their degrees: The very grooms and yeomen were clothed in silk, satin, and damask, scarlet, imbroydery, 
The great pride of the court.  gold chains and Gold smith's work were then common: such was the pride then in the Court: It was also commonly voiced that he had let to farm the revenues of the Crown to Bushy, Baggot and Green, which caused the Nobility also with the Commons to grudge against the King and his government. And this year being the one and twentieth of his reign, died john a Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster, at 
The death of john a Gaunt Duke of Lancaster.  the Bishop of Elyes Palace in Holborn, and was buried on the North side of the Choir in Paul's, where his Tomb remaineth to this day.  
This year also fell a great difference betwixt 
Differences betwixt the two Dukes of Hereford and Norfolk.  the two Dukes of Hereford (who was son to john a Gaunt) and the Duke of Norfolk, the cause was (after some Writers) that the two Dukes riding from the Parliament, the Duke Norfolk, said unto the other: Sir, you see how unsteadfast the King is in his word, and how shamefully he putteth his Kinsmen to death, exiling some and imprisoning others, and no doubt, what hath happened to them, may in time fall upon us, etc. of which words the Duke of Hereford, accused him unto the King, which the one affirming, the other denying, a day of battle was appointed them at Coventry, upon the eleventh of September, where the King and the greatest part of the Nobility were present: where both appearing in the Lists, and ready for the Combat, the King threw down his warder, and stayed the fight, and forthwith banished 
The two Dukes banished the Realm.  the Duke of Hereford for ten years, and the Duke of Norfolk for ever: upon which sentence, Hereford sailed into Britain: and Norfolk, after passing divers Countries, lastly, came to Venice, and there ended his life.  
In his two and twentieth year, the common fame ran, that he had farmed the Realm of England to Sir William Scroop Earl of Wiltshire, and Treasurer, and to Sir john Bushy, Sir john Bagot, and Sir Henry Green, and in the month of April, the King with a potent Host sailed into Ireland, leaving for his Prorex in England, 
The King's journey into Ireland.  his Uncle Edmund Langley, Duke of York. In which Voyage he prospered well, and quieted the realm to his pleasure, and whether it were for some noble act done, or out of his grace and bounty (I cannot say) he there Knighted Henry son to the Duke of Hereford (then in exile) which Henry after his Father's death was crowned King of England by the name of Henry the first.  
Whilst King Richard was thus busied in Ireland, the Duke of Hereford, late banished with the Archbishop of Canterbury who had before left the Realm, and Thomas son to the Earl of Arondell late beheaded, these with others being a small company in number landed at Ravenspurre, in the North, and under pretence of 
The Duke of Hereford lan●…s at Ravenspurre.  laying claim to the Dukedom of Lancaster, due to him by john of Gaunt his Father deceased, he raised the people as he went, to whom multitudes assembled, being weary with the misgovernment of King Richard: who hearing how the estate in England then stood, made speedy return from Ireland, and in the beginning of September, landed in Milford Haven, and sped him thence to Flint-castle in Wales, intending thither to gather more strength to oppose 
The King lands in Wales.  the Duke's proceed.  
Who in the interim proclaiming himself Duke of Lancaster, in the right of his Father john a Gaunt, came to Bristol, where without resistance, he seized upon Sir William Scroop Earl of Wiltshire and Treasurer of England, Sir john Bushy and Sir Henry Green, with Sir 
The Earl of Wiltshire with others executed.  john Bagot, who escaped and fled into Ireland, but the other he there judged and put to execution, which the King (being then in Flint Castle) hearing, he much doubted his safety, and so did all these who were then about him, therefore Sir Thomas Percy Earl of Worcester, and Steward of the King's Household contrary to his Allegiance, broke his white Staff openly in the Ha●…l, willing every on●… to shift for himself, by reason of which the King was forsaken of all his people, and soon after surprised and presented 
The King taken and presented to the Duke.  to the Duke, who put him under safe keeping, and himself hasted towards London.  
Who coming near to the City, sent the 
The hate of the Commons to the King.  King secretly to the Tower, of which some ill disposed persons ambushed him in the way, and would have slain him because of his former misgovernment; but the Citizens informed of their malicious purpose, rescued him from their fury: then the Duke coming to London, (by consent of the King) a Parliament was begun the thirteenth of September. In which many accusations and Articles concerning his misruling the Realm, to the number of eight and thirty the King was charged with: and for which the King subscribing (willing as it was then given out to his own deposement, he was deprived from all Kingly Majesty: the manner of the proceed therein were too long to relate) which sentence being published and openly read in Parliament, Henry Duke of Hereford, and now of 
King Richard deposed.  Lancaster, rising from the place where he before sat, and standing where all might behold him: first, making the sign of the Cross upon his forehead, and after on his breast (silence being commanded) he spoke as followeth: In the name of the Father, the Son, and the holy Ghost, I Henry of Lancaster, Claim the Realm of England, with the Crown, and all the appurtenances thereto belonging, as I am rightly descended from the right Line of the blood coming from that good Lord K. Henry the third, and through the right that God of his grace hath sent me, with the help of my kindred and friends to recover the same, which was in point to be undone, for default of good governance and justice, etc.  
Which having spoken, he sat down in his 
The Duke of Here●…ord claims the Crown.  place: then every one hearing his claim, spoke what he thought; and after some distance of time, the Archbishop of Canterbury, knowing the minds of Lords, stood up, and asked the Commons if they would assent with the Nobility in their election, which they thought to be needful, and for the good of the Kingdom: to which, with an unanimous voice they said, yea, yea: after which the Archbishop approaching the Duke, uttered some words to him in private: which done he arose, and taking him by the hand, led him unto the King's Seat, and placed him therein; after made a long Oration to that noble Assembly, the effect whereof was to prove the Duke's Title to the Crown, and to justify the deposing of the King, verifying what was before predicted of him. 
Four Princely Lions were to him allied,  
Gall shall be with his horns in his great pride.  
At length a Fox clad in skin of gold,  
Shall snatch the Kid, from midst of all his fold.  By the four Lions are figured his four Princely Uncle's sons to Edward the third, whom he severally injured, preferring men raised from nothing, to be eminent above them both in honour and office: and by the Fox Henry of Balwarke, who clothed himself with all the golden ornament of Regal Majesty, and snatched him from the midst of all the fold, that was from amongst his own subjects and people, and after caused him to be put to a violent and cruel death.   

CHAP. 24.  
The Coronation of Edward the fourth, with his great Feast held in Westminster Hall. A great Conspiracy intended against him, but prevented, the lamentable murder of King Richard the second in Pomfret Castle, by Sir Pierce of Exton, his valour at his death. His Epitaph. The great riches found in his treasury: A prosecution of sundry passages in the Reign of King Henry. He prepares a journey for the Holy land, but is prevented by death.  
HEnry the fourth of that name and son to john a Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, took possession of the whole Dominion of England, upon the last day of September, in the year of Grace one thousand three hundred fourscore and nineteen: after which he made new Officers clean through the Kingdom, 
One and forty Knights of the Bath made.  and then gave order for his Coronation, and the Eve before he in the Tower made 41 knights of the Bath, of which three were his own sons, and three Earls, and five Lords, etc. Then the morrow after being Monday the thirteenth of October, he was crowned at Westminster, 
King Henry's Coronation.  by the Archbishop of Canterbury, after which solemnity ended, a great and sumptuous feast was held in the great Hall, where the king being sat in the midst of the table, the Archbishop 
The manner of his great feast in Westminster Hall.  of Canterbury, with three other Prelates, were placed at the right hand of the same table, and on the left hand the Archbishop of York, with four other of the Clergy: Henry the king's eldest son stood by his Father on his right hand with a sword poyntlesse; and the Earl of Northumberland new made Lord Constable with a pointed sword on his left hand, both swords being held upright: Before the king stood all dinner time, the dukes of Aumerl, of Surry, and of Exeter, with two other Earls, and the Earl of Westmoreland, late made Marshal, roved about the Hall, with many Tip Staves to make room, that the Officers with more ease might serve the Tables.  
Of which, the chief upon the right side of the hall was begun by the Barons of the Cinque ports: and at the Table next the Cupboard upon the left hand, sat the Lord Major, and the Aldermen of London, which Major being Drewe Barendine Goldsmith, was presented (according to the custom) with a cup of gold: after the second course came in, Sir Thomas Dimocke, armed at all points, and sitting upon a 
The King's Champion.  good Steed road to the higher part of the Hall, and before the King caused a Herald to make Proclamation, that whosoever would affirm King Henry was not lawful inheritor to the Crown and Kingdom of England, he was there ready to wage battle against him, which Proclamation he caused to be made after in three other parts of the Hall, in French and English, with many more observances at such solemnities exercised and done, which feast being ended, the morrow after being tuesday, the parliament was again begun: of this King and his reign it was thus predicted. 
The Fox being earthed according to his mind,  
In the Kid's den, a Magazine shall find, 
The prophecy of his reign.   
Yet all that treasure can his life not save,  
But rather bring him to a timeless grave:  
Mean time shall study many a forest beast,  
By a new way to kill the King in jest:  
But crafty Rainold shall the plot prevent,  
And turn it all to their own detriment  
Wales and the north against him both shall rise,  
But he, who still was politic and wise,  
Shall quell their rage: much trouble he'll endure,  
And after, when he thinks himself secure,  
Hoping to wash the Kid's blood from his hand,  
Purpose a voyage to the Holy Land,  
But fail: Yet in Jerusalem shall die,  
Deluded by a doubtful augury.   
In the former parliament were many Challenges of the peers one against the other, which came to none effect; but onething was there confirmed, 
What was done in the Parliament.  that whosoever had hand in the good Duke of Gloucester's death should die as traitors: For which divers found guilty after suffered, moreover, sundry acts made in the time of Richard's reign, were disannulled and made void, and others held more profitable for the kingdom's good and Commonweals, enacted in their stead.  
Then was King Richard removed from the Tower, and thence conveyed to Leedes, and 
King Richard removed to Pomfret.  after to the Castle of Pomfret: there was provision made for the King to keep his Christmas at Windsor, in which interim the Dukes of Amerle, of Surrey, and of Exeter, with the Earls of Salisbury and of Gloster, with others of their affinity, Lords, Knights, and Esquires, made great provision for a Mask to be presented before the King upon Twelfth night, which grew near, and all things were in readiness for the performance thereof: But that day in the Morning, 
A conspiracy of the Lords against King Henry.  came secretly unto the King the Duke of Aumerle, and discovered unto him, that he with the foresaid Lords & gentlemen had made a solemn conjuration to kill him in the said Mask, therefore advised him to provide for his safety: upon which notice given, the King departed privately from Windsor, and came that night to London: upon which the Lords finding their plot to be discovered, they fled westward: but the King caused speedy pursuit after them: so that the Duke of Surry, and the Earl of Salisbury, were taken at Cicester, Sir Thomas Blunt, Sir Benet Saly, and Thomas Wintercell at Oxford, Sir john Holland Duke of Exeter at Pitwell in Essex, and divers others in several places; the Noble men were beheaded, the rest drawn and quartered; but all of their Heads set upon the Bridge gate at London, approving the premises. 
Mean time shall study many a forest beast,  
By a new way to kill the Fox in jest:  
But crafty Rainold shall the plot prevent,  
And turn it all to their own detriment.   
The King having well considered of this great conspiracy, and that they intended by his death to restore the imprisoned King to his diadem, 
The Fox's policy.  he bethought himself that he could live in no safety whilst the other was breathing, and therefore he determined of his death, and to that purpose called unto him one Sir Pierce of Exton to see his will executed, who presently posted to Pomfret, and with eight more well armed entered the Castle, and violently assaulted him with their Pole-axes and Halberds in his Chamber, who apprehending their purpose, and seeing his own present danger, most valiantly wrested one of their weapons from him, with which he manfully acquitted himself, and slew four of the eight before he himself fell; but at the last he was basely wounded to death by the hand of Sir Pierce of Exton, whose body was after laid in the Minster at Pomfret to the public view, that all men might be satisfied of his 
The Death of K. R●…chard.  death, and was after brought up to London, and exposed to all eyes in Paul's, least any man should after pretend to lay any plots for his liberty.  
And now King Henry being in peaceable and quiet possession of the Kingdoms, thought it time to rifle his predecessors Coffers, in whose Treasury he found in ready Coin three hundred thousand pound sterling, besides Plate, 
What King Richard's treasure amounted to at his death.  jewels, and rich Vessels, as much (if not more) in value: Besides in his Treasurer's hands he found so many gold Noble, and other sums, that all of them put together amounted to seven hundred thousand pounds sterling: yet could not all this sum afford him a better funeral than in the poor Friary of Langley, which after by Henry the King's son in the first year of his reign was removed thence, and with great solemnity interred amongst the Kings in the Chapel of Westminster: All this process verifying the former prediction. 
The Fox being earthed according to his mind,  
In the Kid's den, a Magazine shall find:  
Yet all that treasure can his life not save,  
But rather bring him to a timeless grave.   
Over his Tomb in the Chapel the King caused these Verses following to be inscribed. 
Prudens & mundus, Ricardus jure secundus, 
K. Richard's Epitaph.   
Perfatum victus jacet hic sub marmore pictus,  
Verus sermone suit & plenus ratione,  
Corpore procerus, animo prudens ut Homerus.  
Ecclesiam favit, elatos suppeditavit,  
Quemvis prostravit, regalia qui violavit.  Thus Englished: 
Wise and clean Richard, second of that name,  
Conquered by fate, lies in this Marble frame.  
True in his speech: whose reason did surpass:  
Of feature tall, and wise as Homer was:  
The Church he favoured, he the proudsubdude,  
Quelling all such as Majesty pursued.  Concerning which Epitaph one of our English Chronologers, seeing how it savoured more of flattery than truth, thus expressed himself. 
But yet, alas, though this meeter or rhyme,  
Thus death embellished this Noble Prince's fame,  
And that some Clerk which favoured him sometime  
List, by his coming, thus to enhance his name,  
Yet by his story appeareth in him much blame.  
Wherefore to Princes is surest memory,  
Their lives to express in virtuous constancy.   
In the second year of King Henry's Reign, 
The rebellion of Owen Glendour.  Owen Glendour rebelled in Wales, against whom the King entered the Country with a strong army, but at the Kings coming he fled up to the Mountains whom the King for the endangering his Host, durst not follow, but returned without deeming any thing worthy note. In the year following Sir Thomas Percy Earl of Worcester, and Sir Henry Piercy, son and heir to the Earl of Northumberland, gathered 
The battle at Shrewsbury.  a great power, and upon the one and twentieth day of july, met with the King and his army, near unto Shrewsbury, betwixt whom was fought a cruel and bloody battle, but at length the King was victor: in which fight Thomas Percy Earl of Worcester was taken, and his Nephew, Sir Henry with many a brave Northern man was slain. And upon the King's part, the Prince was wounded in the head, and the Earl of Stafford with many others slain. It was observed that in this battle father fought against son, son the father, brother the brother, and uncle the nephew: the twenty fift of july following, was Sir Thomas Percy beheaded at Shrewsbury, and in August after, the Duchess of Britain landeth at Flamoth in Cornwall, 
K. Henry's second marriage with the Duchess of Britain.  and from thence conveyed to Winchester, where she was solemnly espoused to King Henry.  
Soon after Richard Scroop Archbishop of York, with the Lord Mowbray Marshal of England, with others to them allied, made a new insurrection against the King, with purpose 
A n●… insurrection.  to supplant them, to whom the King gave battle on this side York, where after some loss on both sides, the King had the better of the day, the Archbishop and the Marshal being both taken in the field, and soon after beheaded: in that King's Reign was the Conduit builded in Cornwall, as it now standeth. The Market of the Stocks at the lower end of Cheapside, and the Guild hall of London new edified, and of a 
Sumptuous buildings during this king's Reign.  small cottage and ruinous and decayed house made such a goodly structure, as it appears to this day. Moreover, the famous and stately Bridge of Rochester, with the Chapel at the foot of the said Bridge was fully perfited and finished, at the sole charge and cost of Sir Robert Knolls who in the time of Edward the third 
Sir Robert Knolls.  had achieved many brave and memorable victories in France and Britain, who also re-edified the body of the White Friar's Church in Fleetstreet, to which place he left many good Legacies, and there lies buried: the foundation of which place was first laid by the Lord Grace Cotner: but to carry our prediction along with the premises, to prove that they differ n●…t in the least circumstance; 
Wales and the North, against him both shall rise,  
But he who still was politic and wise,  
Shall quell their rage, etc.  We read also of divers justs and marti●…ll exercises 
Divers tournaments & justs performed in Smithfield betwixt Englishmen and strangers.  performed in Smithfield, in the presence of the King, the Nobility and Ladies, in his sixth year: the Lord Morif a Baron of Scotland, challenged Edmund Earl of Kent, in which the Earl bore himself so valiantly, that to him was given the honour of the Tournament, and in the tenth year came the Seneschal of Henalt, with a brave company of his own Countrymen and strangers to perform the like martial exercises in the same place before the King. Against the Seneschal himself ran the Earl of Somerset, to whom was given the honour of the first day: upon the second day came in a Knight Henalder as Challenger, against whom risen as defendant Sir Richard Arondell, who after certain courses run on horseback with their Lances, they combated on foot with Axes, where the Henalder had the better, for he brought him on his knee: the third day came a third challenger whom Sir john Cornwayle encountered, and put to the worst: upon the fourth day appeared an Esquire Henalder, and was met by john Cheyney, who at the second course overthrew his adversary 
The honour falls to the English.  horse and man, for which the King instantly made him Knight: on the fift day came a fift challenger, him one john Steward an Esquire opposed, and came off with honour. Against the sixth challenger, came in a Gentleman called William Porter, who so courageously demeaned himself, that there he won his Knighthood. Against the seventh Champion appeared john Standish Esquire, whom for his valour there shown, the King also Knighted: a Gascoigne also demeaned himself so well against another stranger, that he was also made knight: upon the eight and last day, came in two Henalders challengers, against whom came two English Brothers who were of the Garrison at Calais, betwixt whom was so long and so violent a bickering, that they were commanded by the King to cease combat, lest any of them who so well had fought, might in the end have come off with disgrace. Thus this challenge was finished to the great honour of the King, who bountifully feasted the Strangers, and with rich gifts sent them bacl into their Countries.  
In the eleventh year in a Parliament held at 
A bill put up into the Parliament house by the commons.  Westminster, the Commons put up a Bill unto the King, to take all the temporal lands out of the Clergy men's possessions, the effect whereof was, that the Temporalities disorderly wasted by the Churchmen, which might suffice to find to the King, fifteen Earls, fifteen hundred 
The effect of the bill.  Knights, six thousand two hundred Esquires, and an 100 Alms houses to the relief of poor people, more than were at that time in the land, and besides all those that the King might put yearly into his coffers twenty thousand pound, and of this by particulars they made manifest proof, to which bill no answer was made, but that the King would take thereof further deliberation.  
In his fourteenth year, the King called a Counsel at White Friars, in which it was concluded that speedy provision should be made for the 
The King prepares a voyage for the Holy Land.  King's Voyage to visit the holy Sepulchre, but after the Feast of Christmas, whilst he was praying at Saint Edward's shrine, to take there his leave, and speed him upon his journey, so grievous a sickness took him that they feared he would there have expired, wherefore they bore him to the Abbot's Palace, and brought him into a chamber, and laid him upon a palate by the fire, who when he came to himself, asked what place he was in? those that attended him, told him that it belonged to the Abbot of Westminster, and finding himself so extremely sick, he demanded if that chamber had any particular name? they answered that it was called the Jerusalem: who presently replied, than thanks be 
The King falls sick.  to the father of Heaven, who hath thus greatly admonished me of mine end: For now I know that I shall die in this chamber according to a prophecy long since spoke of me, which said I should die in Jerusalem, which spoken, and having made his peace with Heaven, he in the same place departed this life, the twentieth 
The King died the twentieth of March.  of March, after he had reigned fourteen years five months, and one and twenty days, still upholding the former prediction. 
— much trouble he'll endure,  
And after when he thinks himself secure,  
Hoping to wash the kids blood from his hand,  
Purpose a voyage to the Holy Land:  
But fail: yet in Jerusalem shall die,  
Deluded by a doubtful Augury.  This King left behind him four sons, Henry who was King after him: Thomas Duke of Clarence, john Duke of Bedford and Humphrey Duke of Gloucester, and two Daughters, the one Queen of Denmark, the other Duchess of Bavaria, or Bar, His body was after conveyed by water from Westminster to Feversham in Kent, and thence to Canterbury, where he was royally interred.   

CHAP. 25.  
The Coronation of Henry the fift: A prophecy of his Reign: His victorious Battle over the French at Agincourt: His second Voyage into France: His victories by Sea and Land: He is made heir (by the marriage of his wife) to the Crown of France: His third Voyage into France: The birth of Prince Henry: The death of Henry the fift.  
HEnry the fift of that name, and son to Henry the Fourth, began his Reign, the one and twentieth of March in the year of Grace, one thousand four hundred and 
The coronation of Henry the fift.  twelve, and in the ninth of April following, was crowned at Westminster: this Prince before the death of his Father applied himself, to all irregularity, associating himself only with riotous and evilly disposed persons, as Gamesters, Drunkards, Robbers by the highway, and the like, but he was no sooner admitted to the government of the Land, but he suddenly became a new man, changing his dissolute life into a discreet carriage, his wildness to wisdom, and his sensuality into a wondrous sobriety: who lest he should be reduced to his former riots, he sent to all those vain fellows with whom he had been before familiar, such competent gifts as might maintain them in a fair and even course of life, but with this proviso, that not any of them should dare to come with in ten miles of his Court, after a day by him assigned; of whom and whose Reign, it was thus predicted: 
Note a strange mixture in the planet's seed, 
A prophesi●… of his Reign.   
For now a Mercury, a Mars shall breed,  
Who in his arms, accommodate and fit  
Shall compass more by war, than he by wit  
The Caduceus to a sword shall change,  
And grim Orion shall (though it seem strange)  
Sat in Astraea's orb, and from her tear:  
The three leaved flower she in her hand did bear,  
And turn it to a laurel to adorn  
The Lion's brows, whom late the Toad did scorn.  
And after many a furious victory,  
At length invested shall the Lion be  
In a new Throne, to which his claim is fair,  
As being matched unto the Kingdom's heir:  
Living, this royal beast shall lose no time,  
But be at last from earth snatched in his prime.  Presently after his Coronation, he caused the corpse of King Richard to be removed from the Friars at Langley, and solemnly interred upon the South side of Saint Edward's Shrine in Westminster, by the body of Queen Anne his wife. In the second year of his Reign, he held his Parliament at Leicester, where amongst other 
A parliament held at Leicester.  things, the Commons put up their former Bill, against the Clergy, who kept so much of the Temporalties in their hands. In fear whereof, lest the King should give unto it any comfortable audience, certain Bishops and others of the Clergy put the King in mind to claim his right in France, for which they offered him great and notable sums, by reason whereof, that Bill was again put by, and the Prince listening to the motion of the Prelates, aimed only to set forward his expedition against France, 
The King prepareth for France.  and sent his Letters to the French King to that purpose, who returned him answer full of derision and scorn, wherefore he made speedy provision for war.  
And in his third year road (honourably accompanied) through London, and thence to Southampton, where he had apppointed his army to meet him. There Richard Earl of Cambridge, 
Lords arrested of treason.  Sir Richard Scroop, than Treasurer of England, and Sir Thomas Grace were arrested of Treason, arraigned, and the nine and twentieth day of july following beheaded: The morrow after the King took the sea, and the sixteenth of August landed in Normandy, and laid siege to Hareflew, and won it: then leaving Sir Thomas Bewford his Noble Captain there, he sped him 
The King lands in Normandy.  from Calais: with the Dolphin who had then the ruling government of France, (by reason of the King's great sickness) having broke the bridges to hinder the King's passage over the river Sanne: therefore he was constrained to take the way toward Picardy, and pass the River Pericon: whereof the French being ware, assembled their forces, and lodged near to Agincourt, Roland court, and Blangie.  
When King Henry saw that he was thus environed 
K. Henry environed with the French.  with his enemies, he pitched his battle betwixt Agincourt and Blangie, having no more than seven thousand able men: But in those days the yeomen had their limbs at liberty, Their breeches fastened with one point, and their jacks or coats of male long and easy to shoot in, drawing bows of great strength, and shooting arrows of a yard long besides the head: King Henry then considering the number of the enemy, and that the French stood much upon their horse, charged every Archer to take a sharp stake, and pitch it aslope before him, that when the Cavalry with their spears assaulted them, they should give back, and so the horse should 
A rare policy of K. Henry.  foil themselves upon the stakes, and then to pour their shot upon them: and when the king had thus providently ordered for the battle over night, the morrow after, being the twenty fift of October, and the day of Crispin and Crispianus, he attended the approach of the enemy, who were in number forty thousand able fight men. 
The number of the French army.   
Who about nine a clock in the morning with great pride and scorn set upon the English, thinking to have overrid them with their horse, and trod them underfoot, but the Archers as they were before appointed, retired themselves within their stakes, upon which the French horses were galled, which the English Archers perceiving, and that their horses being gored with 
K. Henry's victorious battle at Agincourt.  the stakes tumbled one upon another, so that they which were foremost were the confusion of them which followed; the Archers after their arrows were spent fell upon them with swords and axes, so that the day fell with little loss to the English, of whom were slain that day the 
Slain of the English.  Duke of York, who had the leading of the Van, and the Duke of Suffolk, and not above six and twenty persons more.  
But of the French were killed that day morethen 
Slain of the French.  10000 common soldiers, & of the'nobility the three Dukes of Bar, of Alonson, and of Braban, eight Earls, and of Barons above fourscore, with gentlemen in Coat Armours to the number of three thousand: besides in that fight were taken prisoners, the Duke of Orleans, the Duke of Bourbon, the Earls of Vendosme, of Ewe, 
Prisoners taken of the French.  of Richmont and Bursigant, then Marshal of France with knights and Esquires (besides common men) surmounting the number of two thousand and four hundred: when king Henry had (by God's help) obtained this glorious victory, and recalled his people from pursuit of the enemy: news was brought of a new Host coming towards him, wherefore he commanded his soldiers to be imbattailed, and then made proclamation through his Army, 
A sudden policy of King Henry.  that every man should kill his prisoner, which made the Duke of Orleans, and the rest of the French Nobility in such fear, that they (by authority of the King) sent to the Host to withdraw, so that the King with his prisoners the morrow following took their way towards Calais, where for a time he rested himself and his Army: Thus it was truly prophesied of him. 
Note a strange mixture in the planet's seed,  
For now a Mercury a Mars shall breed,  
Who in his arms accommodate and fit,  
Shall compass more by war than he by wit.   
The Exposition is plain; by Mercury is meant the father, who was politic and ingenious: and by Mars the son, who by his Military Prowess attchieved more than the other apprehended; But it followeth, the three and twentieth of November he was met upon Black Heath by the Lord Major, and his brethren, who conducted him through the City (where were presented many pageants and Shows to 
The Kings coming into England.  gratulate his famous victory) to Westminster; whither the same hour came Sigismond the Emperor, who lodged him in his own palace, and after was Saint George's feast kept at Windsor; in the time of which solemnity, during the time of divine Service the King kept the estate, but in the sitting at the Feast, he gave it to the Emperor, where he, the Duke of Holland, and 
The Emperor Sigismond made Knight of the Garter.  a great Almane prince, called the Duke of Briga, were made Knights of the Garter, and after seven week's abode here left the land, whom the King in person conducted to Calais: in which time of his there being, the Duke of Bedford, with the Earl of March, and other Lords had a great Sea-fight, with divers Caricks of Genua, and other ships, where after long and cruel fight, the honour fell to the English, to the 
Victory by sea.  great loss of the strangers, both of their men and ships, in which three of their Caricks were taken.  
In his first year in a parliament called at Westminster, wherein order was taken for provision for his second hostile expedition in to France: Richard, son and heir to the Earl of Cambridge (put to death at Southampton) was created Duke of York, who after was married to Cecile, daughter to the Earl of Westmoreland, 
The issue of Richard Duke of York.  by whom he had issue Henry, who died young, Edward who was after King; Edmund Earl of Rutland, Anne Duchess of Exeter, Elizabeth, Duchess of Suffolk, George Duke of Clarence, Richard Crook-backe Duke of Gloster, and after King: and Margaret Duchess of Burgoin: and when all things were accommodated for the King's voyage, he made john Duke of Bedford his brother protector of the Land, and about Whitsunday took shipping at Southampton, and sailed towards Normandy, where he 
King Henry lands in Normandy.  laid siege to a place called Took or Towke.  
During which, notice was given to the King, that the Viscount Narbon, General of the French Navy, intended to invade England: to prevent whom, he sent the Earl of March, the Earl of Huntingdon, with others, to scour the Seas, who meeting with their Fleet, after a long and bloody conflict conquered and overcame them 
Another Sea-victory.  upon the ninth of August; in which they took plenty of Treasure, being the money which should have paid the French Kings Soldiers: Then was Taken with the Castle delivered up to King Henry, which he gave to his brother the Duke of Clarence, with all the Signiory thereto belonging, he after took the strong City of 
His many conquests in Normandy.  Khan in Normandy with fourteen other strong holds and Castles; and whilst he was thus busied, the Earl of March, the Earl of Warwick, with others, won Laveers, Falois, Newlin, Cherburg, Argentine, and Bayons, etc. where the king kept St. George's Feast, and made fifteen knights of the Bath.  
Then king Henry divided his people into three parts, whereof one he reserved to himself, the second he committed to the Duke of Clarence, the third to the Earl of Warwick, which Duke and Earl so well employed their forces, that in short time they won many strong Towns and Castles, whilst the King laid siege to Rouen, of which one Sir Guy de Bowcier was Captain, which was also delivered up 
Rouen taken by K. Henry.  into his hands, so that having subdued all Normandy, he then entered France, and conquered the Cities and Towns as he marched, and upon the twentieth of May came to Troy's in Champagne where he was honourably received: for the Duke of Burgoine being slain in the presence of the Dolphin, Philip his son who succeeded 
King Charles with his daughter and heir in the possession of K. Henry.  in the Dukedom, refused the Dolphin's part, and leaguing himself with King Henry, delivered unto him the possession both of the French King, and Dame Katherine his sole Daughter.  
Then was such an unity laboured by the Lords on both sides to be had betwixt the two Nations, that by the urgence of the said Philip Duke 
King Henry marrieth the Lady Katherine.  of Burgoin King Henry at Troy's in Champagne was solemnly married to Katherine heir to the kingdom of France, upon the third day of june, being Trinity sunday: Before the solemnisation of which marriage, certain Articles were agreed upon by the two Kings, the effect 
Articles concluded betwixt the two nations of England and ●…rance.  whereof followeth, that Charles should remain King, during the term of his life, and king Henry should be made regent and governor of the kingdom in the right of his Queen and wife; and that after the death of Charles, the Crown of France, with all the rights thereto belonging, to remain unto king Henry, and his 
King Henry made heir apparent to the Crown of France.  Heirs kings, etc. And because Charles was then visited with sickness, King Henry as Regent should have the whole and entire government of the Realm; and that the Lords of France, as well spiritual as temporal, should make oath to King Henry, to be obedient unto him in all things, and after the Death of Charles, to become his true liege-men and subjects, etc.  
Further, the Duchy of Normandy and all other 
Normandy and France made one Monarchy.  Lordships thereto belonging to be as one Monarchy under the Crown of France, and that during the life of Charles, Henry should not name or write himself King of France, but Charles in all his Writings should name King Henry his dearest Son, and immediate Heir to the crown: and that by the advice of both counsels of the Realms of England and France, such ordinances should be established, that when the Crown of France fell to King Henry or his Heirs, that it might with such unity join to the Realm of England, that our King might 
Unity betwixt the two Kingdoms.  rule both the Realms as one Monarchy, etc. that King Charles nor Philip Duke of Burgoyn should make any peace with the Dolphin of Vien, without the consent of King Henry, nor he make any accord with him without the agreement of Charles and Philip, etc. thus you see. 
His Caducaeus to a Sword did change,  
And grim Orion, though it might seem strange,  
Sat in Astraeas' Orb, and from her tear  
The three leaved Flower she in her hand did bear.  
And turn it to a Laurel to adorn  
The Lion's brows, whom late the Toad did scorn.   
By the Caducaeus turning into a sword, is meant that Mercury was now turned Mars, and 
The prophecy explained.  Peace into war: The same is allegorically intended by Orion, who is called Lucifer for the terribleness of his aspect, said by the Astronomical Poets to bear a sword; he removeth Astraea, that is, justice, out of her Orb: For in the time of war force and might sway all, who rends from her bosom the peaceable three leaved Flower, which is the Flower Delyce, with which he Crowns the Lion King Henry, whom the Toad did scorn: (thus demonstrated) Some writ that the Arms of France were at First the three Toads, which after they changed to the three Lilies, as they are now quartered, with the English Arms, etc. But to continue the History, these former Articles being by the consent of both the Princes and their peers ratified, king Henry with his new Queen, were honourably received into Paris, where 
King Henry and his Queen feasted in Paris.  when they had rested a season, He with the Duke of Burgoine laid siege to divers Towns which held with the Dolphin of Vien, as the strong City of Meldane, or Melian, to Melden, and others, and took them, and having done all his pleasure in France, he and the Queen took leave of Charles the French king, and sailed into England, and at Westminster with great solemnity 
Q. Margaret Crowned at Westminster.  she was Crowned.  
In the beginning of his tenth year, was born at Windsor the sixth day of December, Henry the sixth of that name: at Easter after the Queen 
The birth of Henry the sixth.  took shipping at Southampton, and sailed into France, where she was royally received of her father and mother; and King Henry being still busied in his wars of France, and still gaining from them Cities and Towns, in the ninth of August he fell grievously sick at Boys in Vincent, and died the last day of the Month, when he had reigned nine years, five months and ten days, leaving issue behind him only Henry, aged 
The death of Henry the fift.  eight months and odd days: then the King's body was imbalmed, and after brought to Westminster, and there buried, verifying, 
Thus after many a famous victory,  
At length invested shall the Lion be  
In a new Throne; to which his claim is fair,  
As being matched unto the kingdom's heir.  
Living this royal beast shall lose no time,  
But be at length from earth snatched in his (prime.    

CHAP. 27.  
The Duke of Gloster made Protector: The Duke of Bedford Regent of France, of joan de pasill a Sorceress: Henry the sixth crowned in Paris: A prophecy of his reign: the death of the Duke of Gloster: The death of the marquis of Suffolk: The insurrection of the Commons under jack Cade, His proceed and death: the Duke of Somerset gives up Normandy: The Duke of York taketh Arms, his person seized, against the King's promise, and for fear set at liberty.  
HEnry the sixth of that name, and the sole 
Henry the sixth made King.  son of Henry the fift, and Queen Katherine, began his Reign over the Realm of England the first day of September in the year of grace, one thousand four hundred twenty two, who during his Minority was committed to the guardianship of his two Uncles the Dukes of Gloster and Bedford, the 
The Duke of Gloster protector, the Duke of Bedford regent.  Duke of Gloster being protector of England, and the Duke of Bedford regent of France: In the first year of this King's reign died Charles the seventh King of France, by whose death the Crown, and the Realm, with the rights of them, fell to the young king Henry, the possession of which was by the Lords of France in general, (excepting some few who took part with the Dolphin) delivered to the duke of Bedford as Regent, during the nonage of the King, who in the second year of his reign, won from the Dolphin more than four and twenty strong holds and Castles, to the great Honour 
The Regent's victories in France.  of the English Nation, and with whom all attempts succeeded prosperously and victoriously till the fift year that the Earl of Salisbury, (who was called the good Earl) with the Earl of Suffolk, the Lord Talbot, and others, laying 
The death of the good Earl of Salisbury.  strong siege to the City of Orleans, the Earl was slain by a shot from the Town, after whose death, the English still lost, rather than won, so that by little and little they were compelled from all their possession in France, for where they prevailed in any battle, in three they were discomfited.  
In the eighth year of his reign, and upon the ninth of his age, King Henry was Crowned 
King Henry's Coronation.  in St. Peter's Church at Westminster, where were made six and thirty knights of the Bath: His Coronation with all honour and joy being finished, provision was made for his journey into France, and upon Saint George's day following, being the twenty third of April, he took shipping, and landed at Calais, with a great train of the English Nobility, during whose abode there, many battles were fought in divers parts of the kingdom betwixt the English and French, in which the French for the most part prevailed, 
jone de Pucil a sorceress.  some said by the help of a woman called joan de Pucil, whom they styled, The Maiden of God, who was victorious in many conflicts, and at length came to a Town called Compeine, with intent to remove the siege laid unto it by the Duke of Burgoine and the English, but by the valour of a Burgonian knight, called sir john Luxemburgh, her company was distressed, and she took alive, and after carried to Rouen, and there kept a season, because she feigned herself with child, but the contrary being found, she was adjudged to 
She is burnt for a witch.  death, and her body burnt to ashes.  
In his tenth year, and upon the seventh of December, King Henry the sixth was crowned 
Henry the sixth crowned at Paris.  King of France in Paris, by the Cardinal of Winchester, at whose Coronation were present the Regent, The Duke of Burgoine with others of the French Nobility; after the solemnity of which royal Feast ended, The King left Paris, and kept his Christmas in Rouen, and thence returned into England, where he was joyfully received, and of whom it was thus predicted. 
How comes the Sun to rise where he should set?  
Or how Lambs, Lions, Lion's Lambs beget? 
The prophecy of King Henry's reign.   
Yet so't must be. The Lamb though doubly crowned,  
And thinking his large Empire hath no bound,  
Yet shall a Dauphin at a low ebb land,  
And snatch one powerful sceptre from his hand.  
Thus it falls out twixt father and the son.  
Windsor shall lose, what ever Monmouth  
A Tigress then, in title only proud, (won.  
In the Lamb's bosom seeks herself to shroud,  
A seeming Saint: at first meek and devout,  
But in small time her fierceness will break out,  
Nor can her ravenous fury be withstood  
Until, through sated, with best English blood,  
But a young Lion he at length shall tame,  
And send her empty back from whe●…ce she came.  
Much trouble shall be made about ●…he crown,  
And Kings soon raised, and as soon put down, etc.  After sundry conflicts betwixt the English and the French, in which they diversely sped, at length Charles the Dolphin, who took upon him to be King of France, by the proffer of many Towns, Castles, Cities, Provinces, and Lordships so 
Charles the Dolphin and Philip Duke of Burgoin reconciled.  wrought upon the Duke of Burgoine, that notwithstanding he had before slain his Father, adhered to his party, and proclaimed himself utter enemy to the English, which was in the thirteenth of Henry, in which year died the noble and valorous john Duke of Bedford, and Regent of France, and was buried with great solemnity at Rouen, in the Church of our Lady, after whose death notwithstanding the incomparable valour of the Lord Talbot, whose name was so 
The death of the D. of Bedford, regent.  terrible in France, that (with it women frighted their children to still and quiet them) the Earl of Arundel and others, yet fortune for the most part was averse to the English etc. and though there were many Treaties of peace to be made betwixt the two Kingdoms, yet they came to no effect, and thus for divers years it continued.  
During which passages divers murmurs and grudge began to break out betwixt the Duke of Gloucester Lord Portectour and Uncle to the King, and divers persons near about the Court, amongst which was chief the Earl of Suffolk, which in the end was the confusion 
Suffolk seeketh to suppla●…t the Duke of Gloucester.  of them both. For in the one and twentieth year, the said Earl of Suffolk who had broke off a Marriage concluded by the English Ambassadors, betwixt King Henry and the daughter to Earl Arminacke went over into France, and made a match betwixt him and the King's daughter of Jerusalem and Sicily, who had the bare titles thereof, and was indeed a king 
Suffolks' proceed.  without a Country: to compass which marriage, he delivered to the said king, the Duchy of Anjou, and Earldom of Maine, which were called the keys of Normandy, to the great prejudice and dishonour of the English Nation: For which service done he was created marquis of Suffolk, and soon after with his wife and others pompously accommodated brought her into England, where she was espoused to the King, at a place called Southwick in Hampshire: 
The King marrieth the Lady Margaret.  whence after she was conveyed to London, and thence to Westminster, and thereupon the 30 of May, being Trinity Sunday, solemnly crowned.  
With which match it seems God was not well pleased: for after that day fortune began to forsake the King, who lost his Friends in England, and his revenues in France, for soon after, 
Q. Margaret causeth many miseries.  the whole State was swayed by the Queen and her Counsel, to the dishonour of the king, the Realm's detriment, and her own disgrace, for thereby fell the loss of Normandy, the division of the Lords, the rebellion of the Commons. The king deposed, her son slain 〈◊〉 and she banished the Land for ever, all which ●…iseries fell (as some have conjectured) for the breach of that lawful contract, first made betwixt the king and the daughter to the Earl of Arminacke.  
In his five and twentieth year was a Parliament called at Saint Edmondsbury in Suffolk, which was no sooner begun, and the Lords assembled, but Humphrey Duke of Gloucester was 
The Protector arreste●… a●…d after murdered in his bed.  arrested by Viscount Beaumond, then high Constable of England, the Duke of Buckingham, and others, and the sixth day after found dead (some say murdered) in his bed of whose death the marquis of Suffolk was most suspected, whose body after it was publicly shown, was conveyed to Saint Albon, and therehonourably interred, and soon after five of the principal of his Household hanged and drawn, but by the king's mercy not quartered.  
In his eight and twentieth year, was called 
The marquis of Suffolk arrested.  another Parliament, in which the marquis of Suffolk was arrested and sent to the Tower, where he lived a month at his pleasure, and was after set at large, to the discontent of some Lords, but all the Commons. For he was charged with the delivery of Amiens and Maine, and the murder of Duke Humphrey, called the good Duke of Gloucester, upon which ensued a rebellion of the commons, of which one Blue-beard 
Blue-beard  called himself Captain, but they were soon suppressed, and the chief of them put to death, the Parliament was then adjourned to Leicester, whither ca●…e the King, and with him the Queen's great Favourite, the Duke of Suffolk. Then the Commons made petition to the king, that all such as had hand in the delivery of Anjou and Maine, and the death of the Protector might be severely punished, of which they accused as guilty, the marquis of Suffolk, the Lord Say, 
The marquis of Suffolk banished for five years.  the Bishop of Salisbury, one Damiall a Gentleman, and one Trivillian with others, to appease whom, Suffolk was exiled for five years, and the Lord Say Treasurer of England, with the rest were put a part for a while, and promised that they should be imprisoned: and Suffolk taking shipping in Norfolk, to have sailed into France, was met by a ship of War, called the Nicholas of the Tower, and being known by the Captain, he took him into his own Vessel and brought him bacl to the port of Dover, where on the side of the Boat he caused his head to be struck off, and cast it with the body on the 
The death of Suffolk.  sands, and so went again to sea.  
In this year also being the jubilee, the commons of Kent assembled themselves in great multitudes, under a Captain called jacke Cade, 
The insu●…rection of ●…ck Cade.  who named himself Mortimer, and Cousin to the Duke of York: against him the King raised a strong Host, and sent Sir Humphrey Stafford and William his brother, with certain forces to subdue them, but the Rebels prevailed against them, and left the two Noble brothers dead in the field: after which victory the Captain put on him Knights apparel, with Briganders set with gilt nails, and Helmet, with gilt Spurs. To 
The Captain's pride.  whom was sent the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Duke of Buckingham, who had conference with him, and found him very discreet in his answers, but not to be won to lay by his arms; and to blind the eyes of the people the more, he used great justice in his Camp, at length he came to Southwark, (at which time the commons of Essex lay with an army at Mile-end) and when he approached the drawbridge, he hewed the ropes and chains asunder with his 
jack Cade enters London.  sword, and so entered London, where he made proclam●…tions in the King's name, that no man on pain of death, should rob, spoil, or take from any man, but to pay for whatsoever he called for, which drew unto him the hearts of many of the Citizens: and when he came to London stone, 
His cunning to delude the people.  he struck upon it with his sword, and said, Now is Mortimer Lord of this City: after he caused the Lord Say to be fetched from the Tower, and without any just process, at the Standard in Cheap, commanded his head to be 
His justice..  cut off, and another called Cromer, who had been high Sheriff of Kent, he also commanded to be beheaded, then pitched their heads upon two poles, and as they passed the streets in divers places caused the poles to join, so that the dead mouths kissed each other.  
Thus he had free recourse into the City by day, and at night returned to lodge with his Host in Southwark, but at length his malicious purpose broke out. For dining one day with Philip Malpas Draper and Alderman, he rob 
His robbery.  and spoilt his house, and took thence a great quantity of plate or money, which had he not done, it was supposed he might have attained to his own ends (for so he served another in the same kind) therefore the Major his brethren and commons, consulted amongst themselves (having 
The Rebels shut out of the City.  the assistance of the Tower) the next day to shut their gates against him, and keep him out of the City, which they did: then the Captain assaulted the Bridge, which was valiantly defended, and many slain on both sides. But at the length they were enforced to keep still in Southwark, whither the Archbishop of Canterbury sent a general pardon from the King, so they would disband themselves, of which the multitude took the advantage, and every one sped himself home into his Country: Then proclamation was made, that he who could take the Captain alive or dead should have a thousand Marks: at length a Gentleman of Kent, called Alexander Iden, found him in a Garden in Sussex, and in taking slew him, whose body was brought through the high streets of the City to Newgate, there headed and quartered, his head set upon the bridge, & quarters sent to 4 sundry 
The death of lack Cade.  Towns in Kent, to the terror of like offenders.  
In the 29 year, by reason of the Duke of Somersets giving up the Dukedom of Normandy, displeasure grew from some of the Lords against 
The Duke of York opposeth the Queen and her counsel.  the Queen, and her counsel, so that the Duke of York father to K. Edward the fourth, with many Lords to him allied, opposed themselves against her, & in the 30 year the king with the D. of Somerset, with other Nobles, journied towards the Marches of Wales, because they were informed the Duke of York with divers of the Barons both of note and name, had gathered a great strength: who hearing the King made towards them, swarved from the King's Host, and took their way towards London: but when they knew they could not be received there, they passed over Kingston bridge, so into Kent, and pitched their field on Brentheath: of which the king informed, followed them, & pitched his field on Blackheath.  
Both their Hosts being thus embattled, 
A mediation of peace.  mediation of peace was made betwixt the two Hosts, and to the Duke were sent the Bishops of Winchester and of Ely, with the Earls of Salisbury and Warwick, who answered them that neither he nor any of his company intended any hurt to the King's person, or any of his own counsel: but his purpose was to remove some evil disposed persons about the Queen, by whom the Land was oppressed, and the Commons impoverished, of whom it was finally agreed that he should be committed to prison, and to answer what the Duke of York should object against him: upon which promise made by the King, the Duke, the first of March, being Tuesday, disbanded his army, and came to the King's Tent, where contrary to the promise made, he found the Duke of Somerset, waiting next the King, and the Duke of York was sent (like a prisoner) to London, and now straight 
The Duke of York, seized as prisoner.  had been kept, but that news was brought that Sir Edward his son Earl of March was coming thither with a strong power of Welshmen, and Marchmen, which so affrighted the Queen and her counsel, that the Duke was set at liberty to go whither it pleased him, and so peace for a while, with feigned love was dissembled. Thus hitherto the prediction hath not failed in 
And set at liberty.  any particular, which saith, 
— The Lamb though doubly crowned,  
And thinking his large Empire hath no bound,  
Yet shall a Dauphin at a low ebb land,  
And snatch one powerful sceptre from his hand.  
Thus it falls out twixt father and the son.  
Windsor shall lose, what ever Monmouth won.   
Henry for his meekness was compared to a Lamb, being doubly crowned in London and 
The prophecy explained.  Paris: The Dolphin of Vien being at the lowest ebb of State, yet in time by the perfidiousness of the Duke of Burgoine, after recovered the whole Realm of France, with the Dukedom of Normandy, so that he snatched one Sceptre from his hand, so that Henry the sixth borne in Windsor, no may participating the Noble and Heroic spirit of his father, lost all by his pusillanimity, that Henry the fift borne in Monmouth had achieved, by his unmatchable prowess.   

CHAP. 28.  
The ambition of Queen Margaret: The battle at Saint Albon, York made Protector: The Queen's practice against the Lords: The battle at Northampton: York proclaimed heir to the Crown. York slain in the battle at Wakefield: Henry deposed and Edward Earl of March made King: A prophecy of his Reign. The battle at Exham: King Henry taken and sent to the Tower: The Marriage of Edward: He flies the Land: Henry again made King.  
IProceed with the History: in his one and thirtieth year the King held a solemn Feast at Westminster upon the twelfth day in Christmas, where he created two Earls, who were his brothers by the mother's side: Queen Katherine 
Two Earls created by the King.  who after the death of Henry the fift, was married to a Knight of Wales called Owen, who had by her two sons, the eldest named Edmond, who was made Earl of Richmond, the younger jasper Earl of Pembroke, who was after by Henry the seventh made Duke of Bedford, and so died, and in the year thirty two, the thirteenth of October, Queen Margaret was delivered at Westminster, of a Princely son named Edward, who after grew to be of fair personage and great hope, but was after slain by Edward the Fourth, when he had won the battle fought at Tewxbury, whom the people for the great hate they bore to his mother, would not acknowledge to be the natural son 
The birth of Prince Edward.  of King Henry, but rather a bastard or changeling, to her great sorrow and dishonour.  
During these passages great dissension grew betwixt the King and divers of his Lords, but especially betwixt the Queen's Counsel and the Duke of York: and his bloody, and main cause was because the Duke of Somerset, (now her 
The Queen and her counsellsway all.  prime favourite) lived at large, was made Captain of Calais, and was in greater power about the Queen then before (for the Queen governed all, and the King was only so in name, but no more than a cipher to fill up the number, for which both the Nobles and commons much grudged: at length the Duke of York being in the Marches of Wales, called to him the Earls of Warwick and Salisbury, with other Knights and Gentlemen; and in the month of April gathered a strong Host and marched towards London, where the King, Queen, and sundry of the Nobility than made their residence, who hearing thereof, assembled also a sufficient Army and sped towards Saint Albon, of which the Duke of York being advertised, he also made thither, and was at one end of the Town whilst the King and his people were at the other, and this was on the three and twentieth day of May, the Thursday before Whitsonday. Now whilst a Treaty of peace was communed upon the one part, the Earl of Warwick with the Marchmen 
The battle at S. Albon.  entered the Town, upon the other end, and fought eagerly against the King's people, so that both the battles joined and continued the fight for many hours, but in the end the victory fell to the Duke of York, and of the King's side were slain, the Duke of Somerset, the Earl of 
The King taken.  Northumberland, and the Lord Clifford with many honourable Knights and Gentlemen.  
The morrow after, the Duke with great honour and reverence conveyed the King bacl to London, and lodged him in the Bishop's Palace, than called a parliament at Westminster, by authority whereof, the Duke of York was 
York made Protector.  made protector of the Realm, the Earl of Salisbury Chancellor, and the Earl of Warwick Captain of Calais, and all such as were in authority about the king removed, and the queen and her Counsel who before swayed all, vilified and set at nought: But she out of her great policy insinuated with divers Lords, who were of her faction, and disdaining the rule the Duke bore in the Realm, by the name of protector, as if the King were insufficient to govern 
A sudden change.  the state, which as she thought was great dishonour to him, and disparagement to her, she made such friends of the Lords both spiritual and temporal, that the Duke was shortly discharged of his protectorship, and the Earl of Salisbury of his Chancellourship: which was the cause of much combustion after. So that it appears. 
A Tigress then, in title only proud,  
In the Lamb's bosom seeks herself to shroud;  
A seeming Saint, at first meek and devout,  
But in small time her fierceness will break out:  
Nor can her ravenous fury be withstood,  
Until through sated with best English blood.   
Which will manifestly appear in the sequel, for she causing the king to remove from 
The Queen's practice against the Lords.  London to Coventry, the Duke of York was sent for thither by a privy Seal, with the Earls of Warwick and Salisbury, whose lives were ambushed in the way, of which they having notice escaped the danger: After a day of meeting was apppointed at London, whither the Lords came with great trains at their heels, and the Earl of Warwick with a strong band of men from Calais, in red jackets, and white ragged sleeves upon them; but by reason of the strength the Lords had, nothing was attempted against them, but a dissembled peace was made betwixt the two factions, which being tied with 
Against the Earl of Warwick.  a small and slender thread, it happened that in a private quarrel a servant of the Earl of Warwick's hurt one of the king's servants, upon which the Earl coming from the Counsel to take his barge, the king's family rudely set upon him, and the black guard assaulted him with their spits, where divers of his followers were sore hurt, and he himself dangerously wounded, with great difficulty escaped, but he got into London, and from thence sailed to Calais: He thus secured, the Queen then aimed at the life of his Father, the Earl of Salisbury, who set upon him the Lord Audley with a 
Against the Earl of Salisbury.  strong Company to waylay him in his coming towards the City, who mending his train, kept on his journey, and upon Blore-heath they met both, and after a bloody conflict the Lord Audley with many of his followers were slain, and two of the Earls sons wounded, who in their way home were surprised by some of the Queen's faction, and sent prisoners to Chester.  
Upon which the Duke with the Lords assembled themselves for their own security, and the Earl of Warwick came with a band of men 
Andrew Trollop perfidious to the Lords.  from Calais, of which he made one Andrew Trollop Captain, against whom the King gathered a strong host, and came to Ludlow, where the Lords were encamped; but the night before the battle, this Andrew with his Calais soldiers, left the Lords, and joined with the King's Army: At which the Lords were much discouraged, because he was privy to all their purposes, wherefore they left their Tents standing and fled: The Duke of York took 
The Lords fly and leave the King Master of the field.  shipping for Ireland, the rest escaped into Gernsay, by the means of one john Dinham, an Esquire, who brought them a ship; which Dinham was after made Treasurer of England, so that the King was made Master of the field, the Duchess of York with her Children taken prisoners in Ludlow, and sent to her sister the Duchess of Buckingham, where she remained long after, and the Lords proclaimed Traitors, and their goods and Lands forfeited, and seized into the King's hands, but at length the tide turned.  
For the Lords (being favoured by the Commons, who much murmured at the proceeding of the Q. & her counsel) again entered the land, & upon the ninth of july encountered the King's host at Northampton, where after long fight, the victory fell to the Earl of Salisbury, and the Lords of his party, where the King's Host was discomfitted, and he taken in the field, after 
The battle at Northampton.  many of his Nobility were slain, amongst whom were the Duke of Buckingham, the Earl of Shrewsbury, the Viscount Beaumond, the Lord Tiremond, etc. After which victory they returned to London, and brought with them the King, keeping his estate, then sent for the Duke of York out of Ireland: In the mean time they called a parliament: during which, the Duke of York came to Westminster, and lodged in the King's palace, upon which grew a rumour, that Henry should be deposed, and the Duke of York made King: one day the Duke came into the parliament Chamber, and in the presence of all the Lords sat him down in the king's seat, and claimed the Crown as his rightful inheritance: 
The pride of the Duke of York.  at which there was great murmuring amongst the Lords: but after divers Counsels held, it was concluded, that Henry should continue king, during his natural life, and after his death his son Prince Edward to be set apart, and the Duke of York and his Heirs to be kings: and he to be admitted protector of the king, and Regent of the Realm: and upon saturday following being the ninth of November, and thirty ninth of king Henry, the Duke was 
The Duke proclaimed heir apparent to the Crown.  proclaimed through the City Heir apparent to the Crown, and his Progeny after him.  
And because Queen Margaret with her Son Prince Edward, with the Dukes of Somerset and Exeter were in the North, and would not come up at the kings sending: it was agreed by the Lords, that the Duke of York and Earl of Salisbury, should raise an Army and fetch them up by force, and to that purpose sped them Northward: of which the Queen with her people having notice, with a great power of Northern men met with them upon the thirtieth of December at a Town called Wake-field, betwixt whom was fought a bloody Battle, in 
The battle of Wakefield.  which was slain the Duke of York with his son the earl of Rutland, Thomas Nevil son to 
The Duke of York slain.  the earl of Salisbury, and the earl himself took prisoner, whom she caused to be with others, soon after beheaded at Pomfret; then she made haste towards London, and the earl of Warwick with the Duke of Norfolk, who were apppointed by York to attend the king, gathered an Army, and upon a Shrove-tuesday in the 
The Queen again victorious.  morning, gave her battle at Saint Albon, in which Warwick and Norfolk were chased, and the king again taken, and presented to the Queen: then He the same afternoon made his son Edward knight, (who was eight years of age) with thirty persons more.  
The Queen having thus gotten the upper hand of her Enemies, thought all things safe, expressing more pride than she before had done; in the height of which, news was brought her, that Edward earl of March, eldest son to the Duke of York, with the earl of Warwick, and others, with a great strength of March men were met at Cottiswald in their way to London; wherefore the King and Queen returned with their Host Northward, but before her departing from Saint Albon, she caused the Lord Bonsfield and others to be beheaded, who had been taken in the former field: Then came the Earls of March and Warwick to London, to whom resorted all the Gentlemen of the East and South parts of England: Then was a Counsel called of the Lords spiritual and temporal, by whom after much debating of the matter it was concluded, that forasmuch as King Henry contrary to his honour and oath at the last parliament had done, and also that he was reputed unable and insufficient to govern the Realm, he was by their assents discharged of all kingly honour and Royalty, and 
Henry deposed and Edward Earl of March made King.  by the authority of the said Counsel, and agreement of the Commons, Edward eldest son to the Duke of York, was elected King, who presently with his Army followed Henry, and met with his Host at a place called Towton, or Shyrbourne, and upon Palm-sunday gave them 
The battle at Shyrbourne.  battle, which was so cruelly fought, that there were slain thirty thousand, besides those of note and quality, as the Earl of Northumberland, the Earl of Westmoreland, the Lord Clifford, Sir Andrew Trollop, and others: In the 
Henry and Qu. Margaret fly into Scotland.  same Field was taken the Earl of Devonshiere, and sent to York and there beheaded: But Henry, the Queen, prince Edward, the Duke of Somerset, the Lord Rosse, and others fled into Scotland, and King Edward entered York, and there kept his Easter.  
Thus Henry lost the Crown after he had reigned full thirty eight years, six Months, and odd days, and the factious and ambitious Queen forfeited all her right in the kingdom; verifying what was predicted, 
But a young Lion he at length shall tame,  
And send her empty back from whence she came.  
Much trouble shall be made about the Crown,  
And Kings soon raised, and as soon put down.   
This Edward the fourth of that name, and son to Richard Duke of York, began His 
The Coronation of Edward the fourth.  Reign over the Realm of England, the fourth of March, in the year of grace, (to reckon after the English computation) one thousand four hundred and forty, and upon Sunday, being the feast day of Saint Peter's day was solemnly crowned at Westminster: before which time, He made six and thirty Knights of the bath, and soon after he created his brother George Duke of Clarence, and his brother Richard Duke of Gloster: Of this King's reign thus runs the Prophecy. 
The fiercest Bear, who by his power alone 
A prophecy of his reign.   
Had planted the young Lion in his throne,  
Is sent abroad a Lioness to find,  
To be his fear: who having changed his mind,  
Dotes on a Badger, whom some term a Grey,  
And that shall cause much blood on Easter day.  
The Bear, who th'exiled Tigress meets in France,  
Vows the suppressed Lamb again t'advance.  
And from the Coop where he hath long been penned,  
To raise him to his former government.  
The Lion the Land flying, with a small  
And slender train, the ragged staff sways all.  
But the Bear's fierceness shall be soon allayed,  
As one that is half conquered, half betrayed:  
Then shall the Lamb, whom he did late restore,  
(Again cooped up) be slaughtered by the Boar.   
After the King had visited the greatest part of the best Towns and Cities in the Kingdom, 
Queen Margaret invadeth England.  in the second year of his reign, Margaret late Queen of England, with an army of French and Scotch invaded the North part of England, which King Edward hearing, sped him thither: at whose approach the Queen with the rest affrighted she disbanded her troops, and in a Carick would have sailed into France; but such a Tempest fell that she was forced to take a Fisherboat, and landed at Berwick, and road thence to the Scotch King, where news was brought her, that the Carveil in which the greatest of her treasure was, was swallowed up in the Sea. And in his third year the Lord john of Montacute, brother to the Earl of Warwick, having chief command in the North, was warned of King Henry's coming with a great power out of Scotland, against whom he assembled the Northern men, and met with him about Exham, who routed the Scotch Army, 
The battle at Exham.  and chased Henry so near, that he took certain of his Train apparelled in blue velvet, garnished with two Crowns, and fret with pearl and rich stones: He took also the Duke of Somerset, the Lord Hungerford, the Lord Rosse, and others: which Duke with the rest were soon after beheaded, some at Exham, others at New Castle: And the same year was King 
King Henry taken and sent to the Tower.  Henry taken in a Wood, in the North Country, by one Cantlow, and presented unto King Edward, who forthwith sent him to the Tower, where he remained for a long time after.  
Now Richard of Warwick, who for his many Victories and potency in the Realm was called Warwick the great, was employed by the king into France, to treat a marriage 
The King married to the Lady Elizabeth Grace.  betwixt him and the Lady Bona; which whilst he was earnestly soliciting, the first of May the king espoused Elizabeth, late wife to Sir john Grace, who was slain at Towton, in the great Battle fought against Henry: which espousals were solemnised early in the morning at Grasten, near Stony Stratford, where were present none but the Spouse, the spousess, the Duchess of Bedford Her 
Elizabeth Crowned Queen.  Mother, the Priest, two Gentlewomen, and a young man who helped the Priest at Mass. which marriage was for a time kept secret, but after she was with great solemnity Crowned Queen at Westminster; which the earl of Warwick taking as a great affront, as being fooled in his Embassy; and Queen Margaret being then with her son Edward in the 
Warwick voweth to remove King Edward.  Court of France, he with the earl of Oxford, who had stood always against the Yorkists, secretly made promise to the Queen to wait their time to remove king Edward, and place the Diadem upon the Head of King Henry: which makes good: 
The Forest Bear, who by his power alone,  
Had planted the young Lion in his Throne,  
Is sent abroad a Lioness to find,  
To be his fere, who having changed his mind,  
Dotes on a Badger, whom some do term a Grey, etc.   
By the Bear is figured Warwick, who gave the Bear and the ragged staff, who supported the cause of Edward Earl of March, till he had Crowned him King, who being sent into France to negotiate a Match betwixt him and the Lady Bona, whom he calls the Lioness: In the interim he married with a Badger, or Grace, by which is intimated Elizabeth, the Lady Grace, etc.  
And now about the eighth year broke out the long dissembled hate betwixt the King, and the Earl of Warwick, who confedered unto him the Duke of Clarence, who had before married his Daughter: In which season, by their instigations were divers Rebellions, in Lincolnshire; likewise in the North, by a Captain, who called himself, Robin of Ridisdale; in Lincolnshire by the Lord Wels, etc. 
Robin of Ridisdale.  Mean time the Duke of Clarence, with the Earl of Warwick and other, solicited Lewis the eleventh king of France, to assist them, in the restoring of king Henry to his rightful inheritance; who gladly granted their request: which Lords after their departure from England, were proclaimed Rebels and Traitors, who in September the tenth year of the king, landed at Dertmouth, making their proclamations in the name of Henry the sixth, to whom multitudes from all parts resorted, so that the 
Edward flies the land.  king being in the North, with great danger passed the Washeses in Lincolnshire, and fled into Flanders: and Warwick brought the king 
Henry again made King.  from the Tower, and conducted him in all state through London to Westminster, and once more set the Crown upon his head.   

CHAP. 29.  
King Edward proclaimed usurper of the Crown, and Gloster Traitor: his landing at Ravensport: the Battle at Barnet: the battle at Teuxbury: King Henry murdered in the Tower, and after him the Duke of Clarence: the death of Edward the fourth: Gloster takes upon him to be Protector of the young King: his tyranny being Protector: he is proclaimed King: the murder of the two Princes in the Tower: A prophecy of them before their deaths.  
KIng Henry being thus reinstated, there was daily waiting on the Sea-coast for the landing of Queen Margaret, and her son Prince Edward, and provision made against the re-entering of the kingdom by King Edward and his company: then was called a Parliament, in which King Edward was proclaimed usurper of 
King Edward proclaimed Usurper, and his brother Glost. traitor.  the Crown, and his brother Duke of Gloster Traitor, and both attainted by virtue of the said parliament: then the Earl of Warwick road into Kent, thinking to have met the Queen at Dover; but the winds were so averse to her, that she lay from November to April, and all that while could not put to sea, by reason of which, the Earl of Warwick's journey was disappointed.  
In the beginning of April, Edward landed 
King Edward landeth at Ravensport.  at Ravenspurne, with a small company of Flemings, who in all could not make up the number of a thousand: and so drew towards York, making proclamation in the name of King Henry, that his coming was to no other intent, than to claim the inheritance of the Dukedom of York, where the Citizens kept him out till he had taken a solemn oath, that 
King Henry's oath to York.  he purposed no more than he spoke, where having refreshed him and his followers, he departed thence, and held his way toward London; and having paked by favour and fairwords, the lord marquis Montacute who lay with an army to stop his way, and finding his strength hourly to 
The connivance of the marquis after his ruin.  increase, he then made proclamation in his own name as king of England: and so held on his journey till he came to London: where he was gladly received into the City, and so made to Paul's, and offered at the Altar, and thence to the Bishop's palace where he found the King almost alone, for all his servants and others had left him: and having put him under safe custody, 
King Henry again made prisoner.  he there rested him till Easter Eve.  
When hearing of his brother Clarence, with the other Lords coming with a strong host to Saint Albon, he hasted thitherward, and lay that night in Barnet, in which season the Duke of Clarence, contrary to his oath made to the French 
Clarence revolteth from the Lords.  King, renounced the title of King Henry, and came that night with his whole strength to his brother, at whose revolt the Lords were somewhat abashed, but by the Earl of Oxford they were again comforted: by whose persuasion, they marched forward to Barnet, whither he came leading the Vanguard, and on a plain near unto the Town pitched his field: upon the morrow being Easter day both Hosts met: upon the one party were two Kings present, Edward and Henry; upon the other the Duke of Exeter, 
Edward brought Henry to the field.  the Lord marquis Montacute, the Earls of Warwick and of Oxford, with other men of name.  
In their first encounter the Earl of Oxford so manfully demeaned himself, that he bore 
The valour of the Earl of Oxford.  over that part of the field, which he set upon, in so much that news came to London, that Edward's Host was discomfited, and it might have happened, if his men had kept their army, and not presently disordered themselves by falling to rifle and pillage, but after long and cruel fight King Edward obtained the victory, in which battle of the Lords party were slain marquis 
King Edward obtains the victory.  Montacute, & his brother the Earl of Warwick: on the King's party the Lord Barons, and of the Commons on both sides one thousand five hundred: 
The death of the Earl of Warwick and marquis Montacute.  the same day in the afternoon came King Edward to London, and first offered at Paul's, and road thence to his lodging at Westminster, and soon after was King Henry brought riding in a long gown of Blue Velvet, and conveyed through Cheap unto Westminster, and thence to 
King Henry again committed to the tower.  the Tower, where he remained all his life time after: thus we find by the premises, 
The Bear, who th'exiled Tigress meets in France,  
Vows the suppressed Lamb again to advance:  
And from the Coop where he hath long been penned  
To raise him to his former government.   
All which happened according to the former prediction, as also the sequel. 
The Lion the land flying with a small  
And slender train, the ragged Staff sways all:  
But the Bear's fiereenesse shall be soon all aid,  
As one that is half conquered, half betrayed.  That is, half conquered, by the prowess of King Edward, and betrayed by his perfidious brother the D. of Clarence: Edward thus having repossessed the Kingdom, provided against the landing of Queen Margaret and her son, who notwithstanding with an army of Frenchmen entered the Land as fare as Teuxbury; where the King met her, and chased her house, and slew 
The battle at Teuxbury.  many of them, in which battle was taken her son Edward, and brought to the King, who demanding some questions, and he not answering him to his mind, the King struck him over the face with his Gauntlet, upon which he was dragged into a withdrawing room, and there slain by the Duke of Gloucester. In the same 
The murder of P. Edward.  year upon Ascension eve was the corpse of Henry the sixth late King, brought unreverently from the Tower through the high streets of the City unto Paul's, and there left for that night: and on the morrow, conveyed with bills and staves, and 
King Henry stabbed to death in the tower.  the like weapons unto Chelsey, and there without any solemn ceremony interred, who was stabbed with a Dagger in the Tower, by the hands of the foresaid Richard Duke of Gloucester. 
So that, the Lamb, the Bear did late restore,  
(Again cooped up) was murdered by a Boar.  For the Boar was the Cognizance belonging to the said Duke: when King Edward had thus subdued his enemies, He sent over the miserable and distressed Queen Margaret into her own Country whence she never returned into this Kingdom after. In the seventeenth year of the King, the Duke of Clarence his second brother, 
The murder of the Duke of Clarence.  was for some displeasure taken against him, committed to the Tower where he not remained long, but he was secretly drowned in a But of Malmsey, as it was commonly voiced by the instigation of the Duke of Gloucester: I let pass the rest of this King's Reign, in which happened no great matter of remark or consequence, so that after his many victories (for he was never 
The death of K. Edward the Fourth.  conquered in any battle) he governed the Realm in great tranquillity and quietness; and expired the eleventh of April in the year of the Incarnation of our Lord, one thousand four hundred fourscore and three, after he had reigned full two and twenty years, and as much as from the fourth of March to the eleventh of April, whose corpse was conveyed to Windsor, and there with all due and solemn Ceremony interred, leaving two sons, Prince Edward the eldest, and Richard Duke of York the younger, with three Daughters, Elizabeth after Queen, Sicily and Katherine:  
Edward the fift of that name, and son to Edward the Fourth at eleven years of age began his Reign, the eleventh of April, in the beginning of the year of our Lord God, one thousand four hundred fourscore, and then of whom and his Uncle Richard Duke of Gloucester, the prediction followeth. 
The Prophecy.  
From the Herculean Lion lately sphered,  
And in his Orb, to jove himself endeared,  
Shall shine two stars, without eclipse or cloud,  
But they, as to some sacred offering vowed  
Shall perish on the Altar, ere they grow,  
To that full splendour, which the world they own  
A bunch-backed monster, who with teeth is born,  
The mockery of art, and nature's scorn:  
Who from the womb, preposterously is hurled,  
And with feet forward, thrust into the world,  
Shall from the lower earth on which he stood,  
Wade every step he mounts here deep in blood,  
He shall to th'height of all his hopes aspire,  
And clothed in state his ugly shape admire:  
But when he thinks himself most safe to stand,  
From foreign parts, a native Whelpshal land,  
Who shall the long divided blood unite,  
By joining of the Red Rose with the white.   
Edward the Fourth yielding his due to nature, 
Hatred betwixt the King and Queen's kindred.  the long concealed grudge betwixt the King and the Queen's Allies began to vent itself, for the marquis Dorset brother to the widowed Queen, with others of her proximity had then the Guardianship of the young King, who being in the Marches of Wales, conveyed him towards London, to make provision for his Coronation, but the Duke of Gloucester who intended otherwise, attended with a company of Northern Gentlemen all in mourning, met with the King at Stony-stratford, and after a dissembled greeting betwixt him and the marquis, discharged him of his Office, and 
marquis Dorset discharged of his Guardianship.  took upon himself the government of the king, and thence accompanied with the Duke of Buckingham who was in great favour with the people, brought him with all honour toward London; whereof hearing Queen Elizabeth mother to the King, and fearing the sequel, she with her younger son the Duke of York, and her daughter Elisabeth took Sanctuary at Westminster: mean time the king was royally met by the Citizens of London, and through 
The Queen taketh Sanctuary.  the City brought to the Bishop of London's palace and there lodged.  
Then the Duke of Gloucester so wrought with Bouchier Archbishop of Canterbury, that he went with him to the Queen, who upon the Archbishop's faith, and promise of his safety delivered 
The young Duke of York delivered to the Archbishop and Duke of Gloucester.  to them the D. of York: then the Duke caused the king and his brother to be removed to the Tower, and the Duke lodged himself in Crosby House in Bishopsgate street, and great preparation was made for the young king's Coronation: in which time the Duke of Gloucester, being made Protector, caused Sir Anthony Woodvile, Lord Scales the Queen's brother, the Lord Richard the Queen's son, Sir Richard Hawt, and Sir Thomas to be beheaded at Pomfret, more out of his own tyranny, than any 
The protector's tyranny.  trespass by them committed: next to further his aspiring purpose, He covertly sounded the hearts of the Nobility how they stood affected, and to that end cold many counsels, and amongst others he found the Lord Hastings then Lord Chamberlain constant to the supporture of king Edward the Fourths Issue.  
Upon the thirteenth of june, being in the Counsel Chamber at the Tower with the Duke of Buckingham, the Earl of Derby, the Lord 
A counsel held at the Tower.  Hastings and others. He caused an outcry of Treason to be made in the next room, at which the Lords were amerced: and he himself went to the door, and received such persons in, as he had before appointed, who laid hand upon the Lord Hastings, in which stirring the Earl of 
The death of the Lord Hastings.  Derby was hurt in the face, and for a while committed to safe custody, but the Lord Chamberlain in all haste was led to the Hill within the Tower, and without judgement or long confession his head laid upon a log, and cut off by the Executioner: after which cruelty thus done, all such as he suspected would oppose him in his claim to the Crown he put in hold, whereof the Archbishop of York, and the Bishop of Ely were two, but the Earl of Derby for fear his son Lord Strange should have raised the Cheshire and Lancashire men, he set at liberty to go where he pleased.  
Upon the sunday following himself and the Duke of Buckingham being present with others of the Nobility, Doctor Ralph Shaa, in the time of his Sermon, laboured to prove the children 
The effect of D. Shaa●… Sermon at Paul's ●…osse.  of Edward the Fourth illegitimate, and not right beires to the Crown, preferring the title of the Protector, at whom was fling a dagger which stuck in the post close by his face, but none knew or at the least would acknowledge from whence it came, which Doctor who before had a great opinion of learning, having by this Sermon lost all his reputation died, (as some say distracted) not many days after.  
Upon the Tuesday following, the Commons of the City were assembled at Guildhall, whither 
The Duke of Buckingham's oration in the Guild hall.  was sent by the Protector, the Duke of Buckingham, with other Lords, by whom was rehearsed to the Major & the rest, what title the Lord Protector had to the Crown before his Nephews, which in an excellent Oration was delivered by the Duke of Buckingham, whom they applauded for the manner, but no way approved the matter of his speech, for it took no effect amongst them, all departing silent and keeping their thoughts to themselves: then the Tuesday succeeding, being the twentieth day of june, the Protector of himself took upon him as King and Governor of the Realm, and road 
The Protector takes upon him to be King.  in great state to Westminster, and in the great Hall placing himself in the seat Royal, with the Duke of Norfolk, who was before Lord Howard, on the right hand, and the Duke of Suffolk on the left, after the royal Oath taken, he called before him the judges, and giving them a long exhortation for the executing of his Laws, administering justice, with other Ceremonies being done, he was conveyed to the king's palace and there lodged, and upon friday 
The protector proclaimed King by the name of Richard the third.  being the two and twentieth of june, throughout the City of London, he was proclaimed king of England, by the name of Richard the Third.  
Yet thought he himself in no security, whilst his two Nephews in the Tower were living, concerning whose death (as some have reported) he tasted the Duke of Buckingham, but finding him averse to his purpose (as in his noble 
Buckingham not accessary to the Prince's deaths.  spirit abhorring an act so unnatural and execrable) he after sought all advantages how to insidiate his life, though he had been the only means to raise him to that height of Sovereignty, and knowing that it was in vain to work any noble or generous minds to such a bloody and inhuman purpose, he at length had observed a melancholy and discontented Gentleman called james Tirrell, to whom some have given the title of a knight, and him he moulded to his own ends, who having the keys of the Prince's lodgings delivered unto him, he hired two bloody Ruffians, who when they were fast asleep, fell upon them and smothered them in their beds. But in what place their bodies were buried it is uncertain, and thus 
The murder of the two princes in the tower.  
From the Herculean Lion lately sphered,  
And in his Orb, to jove himself endeared,  
Two luminous stars without eclipse or cloud,  
As had they been unto some offering vowed  
Are perished on the Altar, ere they grow,  
To that full splendour, which the world they owe.   
By the Herculean or Cleomaean Lion is figured the victorious and invincible King Edward the Fourth lately spheared, that is, by death lately translated above the Spheres, to the Celestial Orb Heaven, and by two shining stars, Edward the sift and Richard Duke of York, etc. the rest needeth no comment.   

CHAP. 30.  
Dissension betwixt the King and the Duke of Buckingham: Richard insidiateth the life of Richmond: Buckingham takes arms against the King, and is beheaded. Banister perfidious to his Lord: Queen Anne's policy and tyranny: His Laws: Richmond landeth at Milford Haven: The battle at Bosworth: The death of Richard: Richmond made King: A prophecy of his Reign, etc.  
RIchard the Third of that name, son to Richard Duke of York, and youngest brother to Edward the Fourth late King, began his Dominion over the Realm of England, the twentieth day of june, in the year of the Incarnation of our Lord, one thousand four hundred fourscore and three, with whose Reign I proceed: Some say the Noble Duke of Buckingham 
Difference betwixt the King and the Duke of Buckingham.  came to demand of him the Earl of Hereford's Land promised him before he was King, which he not only denied him, but gave him rough and harsh language which the Duke in regard of his former courtesies done unto him: and not only knowing his ingratitude, but with all his malicious spleen against any that should in the least oppose him in his bloody and most cruel designs, he therefore retired himself from Court, and after some discourse held with Bishop Morton who was the King's prisoner, and in his custody, he was brought to have intelligence from the Queen and the Countess of Derby, by whose instigation he after laboured to bring in Henry Richmond then a banished man in the Court of the Duke of Britain, but from 
Buckingham's plots against the King.  the house of Lancaster, the next heir to the Crown.  
Whilst these things were in secret agitation, the King laboured by all means possible, of friends, gifts, promises, and the like, to take away the life of the Earl, whose projects and 
Richard labours to supplant Richmon.  pursuits (too long here to rehearse) he miraculously escaped, only comforted by some Noble Englishmen, some compulsively banished, others voluntarily exiling themselves, all partners in one and the same calamity: in which interim the Duke of Buckingham's intent of innovation (some think by his perfidious servant Banister) was discovered to the King, therefore for his 
Buckingham taketh arms.  own security he was forced to take arms: but many of his friends failing, and the indisposition of the weather warring against him (for by reason of the Land slouds he could not join his forces together) he therefore was compelled to dissolve his Army, and suffer every man to shift for his best safety: himself retiring to the house of his Secretary and servant Banister, who in hope of a thousand pounds' reward to him that could bring forth the Duke (promised only, but never paid) betrayed him to the King, who caused him to be had to Salisbury, and on a scaffold in the Market place to have his head 
The death of the Duke of Buckingham.  cut off, and such was the tragical end of that honourable person.  
Of this Banister, and how his falseness to his 
Banisters perfidiousnes punished.  Lord was punished in him and his posterity, much hath been spoken, as that his wife died distracted, his son was found strangled with a cord, his daughter found drowned in a shallow puddle of water, and he suffered on the gallows for a robbery, and that since that day even to this age, none of that House and Family, but have some orother of the name been troubled with the falling sickness: a good caveat for all corrupt and perfidious servants.  
King Richard though he had removed all or most of his potent enemies, Buckingham, the Queen's Kindred and others: yet knowing he was hated for his many murders, especially for the two Princes in the Tower, and that he was moreover suspected for causing Queen Anne his wife to be poisoned (who died suddenly) in hope to have married the Lady Elizabeth, daughter to the Queen Dowager, who after the death of her two brothers was immediate heir 
Q. Anne poisoned.  to the Crown; he to stop the mouths of the multitude, and as fare as might be to insinuate himself into the hearts of the Commons: made many good and profitable Laws to the benefit 
●…ing Richard's policy.  of the Commonwealth, which are yet called the wholesome Laws of the Kingdom: but this he did, not that he so much loved their good, but that he so well affected his own safety, and because he was loath to leave the World without some worthy character behind him: he strove to be reputed the best of Kings, though he knew himself to be the worst of men.  
Amongst other pieces of his justice, it was laid to the charge of one William Collingborne a Gentleman, that he was author of a libel, the effect whereof was this. 
The Cat, the Rat, and Lovel the Dog, 
Collingborns Libel.   
Rule all England under an Hog.   
By the Cat, meaning Catesby; by the Rat, Ratcliff; and by Lovel the Dog, the Lord Lovel, all which were Court Favourites, and ruled the Land under the King, who bore the white Boar for his Cognisance: for which Rhyme and other matters pretended against him, he was arraigned, convicted and condemned, and after suffered on a new pair of Gallows on the Tower-hill, where he was no sooner cast off the ladder, but cut down, and his bowels ripped out of his belly, 
The tyrannous death of M. Collingborne.  and thrown into the fire, and lived till the bloody Hangman thrust his hand into the bulk of his body to grope for his heart, and even then he was heard to say aloud, O Lord jesus, yet more trouble, and so died, to the great compassion of much people.  
During which passages, Henry Earl of Richmond, the Lord marquis Dorset brother to 
Henry Earl of Richmond.  the Queen, and Sir james Blont then Keeper of the Castle of Guines, who brought with him john the brave and valiant Earl of Oxford, who had been kept prisoner in that Castle ever since the field fought at Barnet: These with other of their noble friends, with a small company of English, French, and Britain's, landed in Milford 
His landing in Milford Haven.  Haven, in the month of August: which Earl no sooner sat his feet on shore, but he incontinently kneeling upon the earth, with a sober and devout countenance, began the Psalm, Indica me Domine, & discern causam meam, &c which when he had finished and kissed the ground, he risen up and commanded such as were about him, boldly and in the name of God to set forward: of whose landing the King hearing, he set it light, making no haste to oppose them, as despising them in regard of their small number.  
But when the arrival and return of this Prince was rumoured abroad through the land, many drew unto him, aswell Sanctuary men as others, so that his Army greatly increased, which the King hearing, he then gathered a strong Host, and so sped him, that upon the two and twentieth day of the same month August, and 
The King's Host.  the beginning of the third year of his Reign, He met with Prince Henry near unto a Village called Bosworth, besides Leicester, where betwixt them was fought a sharp and cruel battle for 
The battle at Bosworth.  the time, which more bloody had been, if the King's party had been fast and constant to him: for some left him, and fled to his enemy; and others stood hover as Neuters, to see unto whom the victory would fall, of which the Lord Stanley Father in law to the Earl of Richmond, with a strong band of Cheshire and Lancashire-men was chief.  
Some were of opinion, that the King lost the battle by his own foolhardiness, and 
The King's rashness in the field.  headstrong spleen: for when the fight was begun, and he mounted on a white Steed, was in the centre of his Army to give directions for the field upon any occasion; upon the sudden he called to know what part of the adverse ground Richmond then maintained? who being pointed to the place, suddenly without any directions left, or any substitute to command in his place, sprung out of his host, and made thither, and calling aloud for Richmond, was known by his Guard: who seeking to press through them, wounding some, and killing others, was himself, with his horse, broached upon their Halberds. The news of the King's death being blown abroad, his army stood 
The death of King Richard.  at a stand, only defending themselves, but not offending any: insomuch, that the glory of the day fell to the Earl of Richmond, and his partisans: upon the King's party were slain john Duke of Norfolk (before his late creation Lord Howard) with Brakenbury, Lieutenant of the Tower, but no other of name or quality; where was taken the Earl of Surrey, son to the Duke of Norfolk who was sent to the Tower, 
The Earl of Surrey taken.  and there remained prisoner a long time after.  
Then was the body of King Richard despoiled of his Arms, and stripped naked, and then disgracefully cast behind a man riding upon a lean jade (the body being almost wholly covered with mire and dirt) and so unreverently carried to the Friars at Leicester, where after a season he had lain openly that all men might behold him, with little reverence, and less mourning, he was cast aside in an obscure grave, 
The manner of King Richard's burial.  and there buried; when he had reigned, or rather usurped the Kingdom by the space of two years, two months, and two days.  
It is said of this Prince that he came into the world with his feet forward, which being taunted with (being a youth) by a young Noble man, and one of his Peers, he made answer, 'tis true, and was it not time for me to make haste into the world, there being such a bustling and trouble in the Land? which he seemed to allude unto those times, when his Father laid claim to the Crown: He was borne also with teeth in his Head, which was somewhat prodigious too, and crook backed he was, but whether so borne, or that it came to him by any sinister accident I am altogether ignorant: 
King Richard's character.  only of this I am sure, that all these with the process of his bloody practices, punctually comply with the prophecy, which saith: 
A bunch-backed monster, who with teeth is born,  
The mockery of art, and nature's scorn:  
Who from the womb, preposterously is hurled,  
And with feet forward, thrust into the world,  
Shall from the lower earth on which he stood,  
Wade every step he mounts knee deep in blood,  
He shall to th'height of all his hopes aspire,  
And clothed in state his ugly shape admire:  
But when he thinks himself most safe to stand,  
From foreign parts, a native Whelp shall land, etc.   
After the Battle thus won, prince Henry was received as King, and there instantly so proclaimed, 
Prince Henry victor.  who thence hasted to London, so that upon the twenty eighth day of August; he was by the Major and Citizens met in good array, at Harnsie park, and thence conveyed through the City, and lodged in the Bishop of London's palace for a time, and then he removed to Westminster.  
This Henry the seventh of that name, son to the Earl of Richmond, began his dominion 
Prince Henry's Coronation.  over the Realm of England the two and twentieth of August; in the year of grace one thousand four hundred fourscore and five; and the thirtieth day of October following at Westminster was crowned; and in the second year of his reign he espoused Elizabeth, the eldest daughter to King Edward the fourth, who the year after upon St. Katherine's day was crowned 
The Coronation of the Queen.  at Westminster: And this Henry is that native Lion's whelp before spoken of: 
Who shall the long divided blood unite,  
By joining of the Red Rose with the white.   
For by this marriage the long divided houses of York who gave the white, and Lancaster who gave the red Rose were happily combined, and from that, even to this present day never disparted, or sundered: of him it was also thus predicted. 
The spirit that was merely Saturnine, 
The prophecy of his reign.   
Being suppressed upon the landshall shine.  
Planets of a more glad aspect, and make  
Peace from their Orbs, sixth in the Zodiac:  
Yet from the cold Septentrion Mars shall threat  
And war me their frigid pulses with his heat.  
And Mercury shall (though it may seem rare)  
Consult with Cassiopeia in her Chair,  
To fashion strange impostures: but wars god  
By sword, nor Hermes with his charming rod  
Shall aught prevail: where power with Princes meet,  
And when Religion shall Devotion greet.  
Where all these four at once predominant are,  
Vain are the attempts of stratagem or war;  
But he who of the former is possessed,  
Shall be abroad renowned, and at home blest.  
Fame afar off his glorious name shall tell,  
And Plutus (near hand) make his Coffers swell.   
By the Saturnine Spirit is intended the bloody and malicious condition of Richard the third, which was now suppressed by death: for as Saturn was said to devour his own Children, so he hungered and thirsted after the blood of his own brother and Nephews, and therefore not altogether unproperly alluded, the rest you shall find made apparent in the sequel.  
This religious and wise King being thus 
The Duchess of Burgundy an enemy to the King.  peaceably instated in the Throne: his old inveterate enemy the Duchess of Burgundy raised a new Impostor, whom she called Richard Duke of York, the younger brother to Edward the fift: but hearing the King intended to make away young Warwick, who was son to the Duke of Clarence, and then prisoner in the Tower, they changed his name from York to Warwick (who was no other than the son of a Baker: this youth she put to the tutor of 
A new Conspiracy.  a Priest, who so well improved him, that he could now to the life personate a Prince; and for no less he was received first into Ireland, to whom the Earl of Lincoln came, who also made a pretended right to the Crown: To whose aid the Duchess sent two thousand Almains, under the command of one Martin Swart, an old Soldier, and of approved Discipline; these, with the Lord Lovel and Kildare, landed in Lancashire, and made towards York, with whom the King met at a place called Stoak: in which fight the army of the Rebels 
Stoak field.  was routed, Swart and Lincoln slain, and the Lord Lovel thinking to swim the Trent, was drowned, and Simnel the mock King taken, whom the King would not put to death, but made him a Turn-broach in his Kitchen, where he continued long after.   

CAP. 31.  
The Earl of Northumberland slain by the Commons: The Matchevilian plots of the Duchess of Burgundy, to disturb the peace of King Henry: Perkin Warbeck her Creature: He is nobly married in Scotland, and taken for the Duke of York: the death of the Lord Standley, and others: Divers insurrections about Perkin: his death, with the young Earl of Warwick: The death of the King: A prophecy of the reign of Henry the eighth.  
IN the fourth year of this King's Reign, the Earl of Northumberland sent to gather some Taxes, which were to be levied in the North, was slain by the commons, 
The Earl of Northumberland slain by the Commons.  who still favoured the party of the Yorkists: And further, to countenance the act, they made an insurrection, and choosed for the Captains one Chambers, and another Egremond; to suppress whom, was sent the Noble and valiant Earl of Surrey, who having discomfited their Army, and took Chambers, with divers others of the chief Rebels, who were led to York 
The Rebels slain and taken.  and there executed as Traitors: But Egremond fled the field, and escaped to the Duchess of Burgundy, whose Court was a Sanctuary for all Malcontents and Fugitives. 
(threat,  
Thus from the cold Septentrion Mars did  
And warm their frigid pulses with his heat.   
This subtle Mercurialist knowing how wisely and politicly the King had borne him betwixt the Emperor and the King of France (who had been at mortal enmity about the marriage of the young Duchess of Britain, she being first contracted by a Proxy to the old Emperor, but from him divorced before enjoyed, and married to the youthful French King) she I say, observing his provident and cautelous proceeding in all things, for the security of his State, and Kingdom, with a false stamp coined a new Duke of York, a stripling called Perkin Warbeck, who being Christened by Edward the 
Perkin Warbeck a new impostor.  4th, it might be suspected that (being as he was warlike, so also much addicted to the love of women) by too much familiarity with the mother, the child might have some of the Yorkists blood in him, Edward being both Father and Godfather: But so or no, most sure it was, 
Edward the fourth Godfather to Perkin.  that the Duchess exposed him to the world for the young Duke of York, who was spared from death, which his brother suffered in the Tower, (for so it was given out.)  
But after she had fully tutored and instructed him to take upon him the Majesty and deportment of a Prince, lest he should be found to be her creature, she cunningly sent him from her 
The subtlety of the Duchess of Burgundy.  Court over into Ireland, where he was received for no less than he named himself. Thence King Charles sent for him into France, where he had Princely entertainment, and service, suiting with his stile; but a peace being concluded betwixt England and France, finding no safety there, he came as a distressed stranger to shelter himself under the wings of the Duchess of Burgundy, whom she (cunningly) at first looked upon as strangely, till she had questioned him about all things, in which she had before instructed him: and then, as a Prince whose injuries were much to be pitied, she received him to her protection.  
The news of a surviving Duke of York was greedily swallowed by the discontented Commons of England: The chief of note 
A new conspiracy against the King.  who were drawn to this belief, were the Lord Fitzwater, Mountfort, and Thwaytes, with the Lord Standley, who was Father in law to the King, and then Lord Chamberlain, Ratcliff, and others: But Henry then understanding the danger likely to ensue, first made it manifest to the world, how both the Princes were together murdered, with the manner of their deaths, by which he did infallibly evince that he could not be York: then the politic King thought there was no surer way to disable the Impostors claim, then by taking away his abettors; and whilst these things were thus in agitation, Sir Robert Clifford, who had undermined all the Duchess proceed, came over to the King 
Sir Robert Clifford challengeth the L. Standly of treason  and disclosed them unto him; who challenged the Lord Standley of Treason, as to be a prime incourager of Perkins Faction: for which the King notwithstanding the near affinity, as the name of Father and Son interchanged betwixt them; and forgetting also that he was the prime man who set the Crown upon his head, he caused him the fifteenth of February following to be beheaded on a Scaffold upon the Tower-hill, not without a great aspersion 
The L. Standly beheaded.  of ingratitude; which severity of justice, was also executed upon Mountford and Stafford.  
Then Perkin who had wintered with the Duchess, in the spring made an attempt for England, his forces subsisting merely of malcontents, banquerupts, and fugitives, and hearing the King was in the North, landed to the number of sixscore and odd in Kent, thinking 
Perkin landeth in Kent.  they would have adhered to his Faction, but he himself kept a ship board: But the Kentish apprehending the danger of a Rebellion, seeing no more would come a shore, set upon them whom they found, slew some, and took the rest prisoners; all which were put to death, and not one amongst them spared: Thence he sailed to Flanders to fetch more aid, and from thence to Ireland, where he found small comfort, after to Scotland, (whose arrival there being by commendatory Letters, prepared by Charles the 
The French K. an abetter of Perkin.  French King) he was royally entertained: and to the Scotch King and his Nobility he delivered so smooth and passionate a Tale (before dictated by the Duchess) that they took not only great commiseration of his former disasters, but promised withal not only to raise him, but to establish him in the height at which he aimed: causing him to be espoused to a beautiful Virgin the Lady Gordon, and after with a potent Army entered Northumberland, 
Perkin married to the Lady Gordon.  making Proclamation in the name of Richard Duke of York, with sugared promises of several enfranchisements, and immunities to the Commons, if they would acknowledge him their King and Sovereign; all which nothing prevailed with the people; so that King james hearing of Henry's marching towards him with a puissant Host, he retreated his Army into his own Country.  
After which, there was a marriag●… concluded 
A match concluded betwixt james of Scotland, and the Lady Margaret  betwixt King james and the Lady Margaret, the eldest daughter to King Henry, from whom our King james of blessed memory descended, as immediate and undoubted Heir to the Crown of England: which match, was consummate in the seventh year of King Henry, and in the same year landed at Plymouth, Katherine daughter to the King of Spain, who upon St. Erkenwalds' day was espoused to Prince Arthur, eldest son to the King, who in April following 
Prince Arthur married to Katherine of Spain. The death of Prince Arthur.  expired in the Town of Ludlow: The year after began the famous and most glorious work of the King's Chapel ' at Westminster: and upon the eleventh of February died Queen Elizabeth, wife to King Henry, in the Tower, 
The death of Queen Elizab.  lying then in Child bed, etc.  
There was also a commotion in Devonshire, and Cornwall, about the collection of sixscore 
A commotion in Devonshire and Cornwall  thousand pound, which the King had demanded in parliament: the first raisers thereof were a Lawyer and a Blacke-smith, who coming as fare as Wells, the Lord Audley took upon him to be their General; who passing through Kent, came as fare as Black-Heath, in the sight of London, but were then encountered by the King's forces; the Lord Audley was taken and 
The chief of the Rebels executed.  beheaded, the Lawyer & Smith drawn, hanged, and quartered, the rest by the King ' pardoned.  
But after that fortunate match betwixt the Scotch King and the Lady Margaret, there was no longer residence there for Perkin, who exposed him to his further fortune; yet would not his fair Bride Katherine Gordon leave him, though he were forced to forsake the Land, but associated him into Ireland; from whence he was presently sent for by a new company of Cornish and Devonshire Rebels, who began first to assemble themselves at a Town called Bodwin in Cornwall: To whom Perkin was no sooner come, but they made him their Captain and Prince, who called himself no more Richard Duke of York, but Richard King of England, 
Perkin proclaims himself K. of England.  under which title they marched as fare as Exeter, and laid siege to the City, making against it many violent assaults: to rescue which, and to remove the siege, the King came with a strong Army, at whose approach the multitude submitted themselves, for their Captain Perkin had forsook them and took Sanctuary at Bewdley, and of the King's free grace were pardoned. King Henry loath to violate the privilege of Sanctuary, would not take him thence perforce, but upon promise of life he yielded 
Perkin taken by the K.  himself to the king, who after he had confessed unto him all the manner of his juggling; and from whence it came, he brought him up with him towards London, where by the way he was made a scorn and mockery of the people: upon the eight and twentieth of November he was committed to the Tower, and after set at large, and was at free liberty in the Court: From 
Again sent to the Tower.  whence he made a second escape, and being again taken, his life was again pardoned, and he sent to the Tower.  
But for that delicate Lady Katherine Gordon, the wife of this counterfeit, his Majesty much 
The King's bounty to the Lady.  commiserating that the nobleness of her blood should be so much abused, heega●…e unto her the means of a marchioness, a yearly revenue answerable to so noble a birth and rare a beauty.  
Whilst the Duchess of Burgundy's creature was thus in the Tower, he plotted with the young Earl of Warwick, who had been there a prisoner from his infancy, who had so fare prevailed with the Lieutenant's servants, that upon promise of reward, they had plotted by killing of their Master, to make themselves keepers of the keys, and set the two prisoners at liberty: which plot being discovered before it came to proof, upon the sixteenth of November, in Whitehall at West minster for the former predictory practice were arraigned Perkin Warbeck, and three others; and being convicted of capital Treason, Perkin and one john Awater were soon after hanged at Tyburn; and 
Perkin hanged at Tyburn.  soon after the young Earl of Warwick, son to the Duke of Clarence was beheaded at Tower Hill; and the same day one Blewet, and another 
The young Earl of Warwick beheaded on Tower-hil.  Astwood executed at Tyburn.  
Thus you see how the Duchess of Burgundy's plots were confounded in the death of this Perkin: Concerning whom it was thus long before predicted, 
That Mercury should (though it might seem rare)  
Consult with Cassiopeia in her Chair,  
To fashion new impostures, etc.   
And (than the former discoursed of) never were any that carried such countenance to the deluding of so many foreign Princes: the Prophet in Cassiopeia (with whom Mercury consulted) meaning the factious Duchess, who by all her endeavours, studied to disturb the peace of that prudent prince King Henry, who was able to over-match her in policy, and therefore Merlin fore seeing her future juggling by impostures and adulteration (yet seeming) Heirs to the Crown, as also his sundry Troubles in the North raised by Scots, and qualified again by the valour of the noble Earl of Surrey, the King's Lieutenant and others: the sequel is verified. 
— But wars god,  
By sword: nor Hermes by his charming rod  
Shall aught prevail, where power and prudence  
And when Religion shall devotion greet. (meet,  
Where all these four at once predominant are  
Vain are th'attempts of stratagem or war,  
But he who of the former is possessed,  
Shall be abroad renowned, and at home blest.   
This Cassiopeia was the daughter of Aeolus, the 
Cassiopeia, and where the allusion grew.  wife of Cepheus, and mother of Andromeda, who in her pride of beauty, comparing with the Nereids, was after translated amongst the Stars, in whom the prophet allegorically compreheuds the Burgundian Duchess, I am loath to enter into a further discourse of the passages in this King's Reign, being excellently and judicially expressed by Sir Francis Bacon, Lord Chancellor in prose, and in an accurate and ingenious poem, by Master Charles Allein. Briefly this worthy and wise Prince expired the Saturday before Saint George's day, being the one and twentieth of April, at his Manor of Richmond, 
The death of Henry the seventh.  when he had reigned three and twenty years, and eight months wanting but one day, in whose praise no pen can be too prodigal, who studied rather to end his wars by policy, than the profuse effusion of Christian blood. In so much that all his Neighbour Princes laboured to have with him peace and alliance, and because in all Temporal policies, he fare exceeded all the Christian Princes in his time, reigning: Three sundry Popes, Alexander the sixth, Pius the Third, and julius the second, every of them during the time, they held their Ecclesiastical Sovereignty, by the unanimous consent of their spiritual Counsels, admitted him for a chief 
K. Henry much favoured by the Bishops of Rome.  Defender of the Church above all others: and for a confirmation of the same, sent unto him by three several famous Ambassadors, three rich Swords, and three Caps of Maintenance, who notwithstanding his many costly buildings, and infinite expenses as well in foreign parts, as to pacify the domestic Tumults and Seditions in his own Kingdom, left behind him a mighty 
His great riches at his death.  magazine of Treasure, with riches innum●…rable, complying with the prophecy: 
Fame afar off his glorious acts shall tell,  
And Plutus (near hand) make his coffers swell.   
Him succeeded his sole son (after the decease of Prince Arthur) Henry the Eighth of that name, the true and rightful inheritor to the two Crowns of England and France. Who began his Sovereignty of this Realm, the two and twentieth day of April, in the year of the Incarnation of our blessed Lord and Saviour, one thousand five hundred and nine: and was crowned at Westminster, on the day of the Feast of Saint john Baptist, or Decollations: This Royal Prince, was joyfully received as the successor 
The Coronation of K. Henry the eighth.  to so worthy a Prince as his Father; who was both famous and fortunate, from the beginning to the end of his Reign, of whom it was thus predicted: 
Rouse him shall this fierce Lion in his den, 
The prophesic of Henry the Eighth.   
Be favoured of the gods, and feared of men.  
Gallia shall quake, Albania stand in awe,  
And Caesar's stoop, when he but shows his paw.  
To league with him, Hesperia shall take pride,  
Those, whom the Afrique Moor's half black had died,  
He, by his art, shall fashion Musical grounds  
From th'untuned Harp, that discords only sounds  
And further, from the sceptarchy of Hills,  
That Europe awes, and triple-crown, that fills  
The Christian world with terror: take the power  
And bring it home unto his British bower:  
Blunting the horns of all the Bashan Bulls,  
And rooting from the Land the razord skulls:  
O'er Glastenbury, for the eye that's dim,  
May at that day behold a Whiting swim.  
But none without their faults, since Adam's fall:  
He shall have many virtues, but not all.  
Who never spares, (for who can fraeilty trust?)  
Man in his rage, or woman in his lust.    

CHAP. 32.  
Prince Henry married to his brother's wife: He winneth Turwin and Turney in France: Floden-Field, with the famous victory against the Scots. Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk, marrieth the French Queen the King's sister. The Emperor Charles the fift made Knight of the Garter: Peace with France: Both Kings defy the Emperor: The death of Cardinal Wolsey: Henry divorced from his first wife, Marrieth the Lady Anne Boulogne: Her death: He marrieth the Lady jane Seimour: He revolteth from Rome. The Earl of hartford's victories in Scotland: Boulogne besieged and won.  
HEnry the Seventh who was loath to part with the Dower of the Spanish princess, wrought so by a Dispensation from the pope, that his son prince Henry was married to the late Widow of his own brother prince Arthur deceased, who coming to the Crown (some say by the counsel of his Father on his deathbed) put to death Empson and Dudley, who had gathered a great mass of money into the King's treasury, by exacting, and extorting from the Commons, of whom they were extremely hated, for which piece of justice he won the hearts of the people, and soon after was borne at Richmond, upon New years 
The birth and death of prince Henry.  day prince Henry the King's son, who died upon S. Matthews day the year following: and soon after was the Lord Dacres sent into Spain to aid the King against the Moors, and Sir Edward Poynings into Gelderland, to aid the prince of Castille: And in his fourth year the King in person invaded France, and took Turwin and Turney, having discomfited the French 
King Henry aideth Spain, invadeth France. Floden Field in which the K. of Scots was slain.  Host at a place called Blewmy, during which time the Scotch King raised against England, an hundred thousand men, whom the Earl of Surry, the King's Lieutenant encountered at a place called Flodden, in which battle the King himself was slain with eight Bishops, and eleven Earls, besides of the common soldiers innumerable: for which service by him done, King Henry created him Duke of Norfolk, and his son Earl of Surrey.  
In his sixth year, a peace was concluded betwixt England and France, and in the seventh 
Peace betwixt England and France.  year, the French King espoused the Lady Mary, the King's sister in the month of june, and died upon New years day next ensuing, wherefore 
The birth of the Lady Mary. Charles Brandon married to the French Queen Mary the king's sister  the King sent for her again by Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk: In February was borne the Lady Mary the King's Daughter at Greenwich, and in April the French Queen came over into England, and was married to the foresaid Duke of Suffolk, in which year also Margaret Queen of Scots the King's sister fled into England, and lay at a place called Hare-bottle, where she was delivered of a daughter called Margaret, and came to London in May, and tarried here a whole year, and upon the eighth of May following, returned again into her Country.  
In October, the tenth year of the King, the Admiral 
An ente●… view betwixt the Kings of England and France.  of France came into England, and Tournay was delivered again to the French King, whom after Henry met between Arde and Guiens, where were great Triumphs: after there was a solemn meeting betwixt the Emperor and Charles the fift and the King of England, who went with him to Gravelling, and after he went to Calais with the King, where he was royally entertained and feasted, who in the thirteenth of the King, the sixth of june was honourably received 
Charles the fift Emperor made Knight of the Garter.  into the City of London, by the Lord Major, the Aldermen, and the Communality, who from London went to meet the King at Windsor, where he was made Knight of the Garter, which was done with great solemnity, and then from Southampton he sailed into Spain: soon after Christian King of Denmark, came into England, and had Royal entertainment from the King.  
During these passages, the Earl of Surrey Lord Admiral, who before had appeased the tumults and manifold combustions stirred up in 
Britain, Picardy & France invaded by the English.  Ireland, burnt divers Towns in Britain and Picardy, and the Duke of Suffolk invaded France with 10000 men. and passing the River of Some, spoiled many Towns and Villages, and returned without opposition, and the Duke of Albany in Scotland, who before had made a vain e attempr against England, besieged the Castle of Wark, but hearing of the Earl of Surrey's marching towards him, he fled into his Country.  
In the eighteenth year of the King, Cardinal 
Cardinal Wolsey Ambassador into France.  Wolsey went over into France pompously attended, where he concluded a league betwixt the King of England and the French King, who both defied the Emperor, and sent an Army into Italy to make war against him, and upon the nineteenth of October, the great Master of 
England and France defied the Emperor.  France came over to England, to ratify the League made betwixt the two Kings, all which verify that part of the prediction. 
Rouse him shall this fierce Lion in his den,  
Be favoured of the gods, and feared of men.  
Gallia shall quake, Albania stand in awe,  
And Caesar's stoop, when he but shows his paw.  
To league with him, Hesperia shall take pride,  
Those, whom the Afrique Moor's half black have died.   
By Albania is meant Seotland, so called from Albanactus, the second son of Brute, the first King thereof, and by Hesperia Spain, who after the African Moors had long possessed the greatest part of the Land by enterchangable merceage betwixt them and the Natives, the Spaniards are black and tawny even to this day.  
In the one and twentieth year, the King having cast his eye upon a new Mistress, pretending 
A divorce sought by the King betwixt him and Queen Katherine.  a matter of conscience, he began to consider with himself, that he had long incestucusly lived with his brother's wife, for which cause the Legates of Rome met with the King at Black Friars, about the lawfulness or unlawfulness of that marriage. Amongst the rest Cardinal Wolsey standing stiff against a Divorce, in October following was discharged of his Chancellourship, and presently after was a peace concluded betwixt the Emperor and the King, and in the year after the great Cardinal, who had been arrested of high Treason, and by that means forfeited his infinite estate to the 
The death of Card. Wolsey.  King, died on Saint Andrews in a poor Friary, not without suspicion of poison.  
After by a legal course, and due process of Law, the king was divorced from the Lady Katherine his brother's wife, and soon after married to the Lady Anne Boulogne, who upon 
The King married to the Lady Anne Bolloigne.  Whitsunday, was crowned Queen, and on Midsummer day following died the French Queen Mary the king's sister and wife to Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk. And on the Eve of the Nativity of the blessed Virgin, following, was born the Lady Elizabeth at Greenwich, in which 
The birth of the Lady Elizabe●…h.  year, (as an happy presage of her future love unto the Gospel) it was enacted that no man should sue any appeal to Rome.  
In january, the seven and twentieth of the King, died the Lady Katherine princess Dowager, 
The death of Q. Katherine.  late wife to the King, and in the 28 of his Reign, Queen Anne Bolloigne, with her brother the Lord Rochfort, Noris, Weston, Breerton, and Marks were attainted of high Treason, and 
The King married to the Lady jane Seymour.  beheaded, and soon after the King married the Lady jane Seymour, in the year one thousand five hundred thirty seven: on Saint Edward's eve in june, Prince Edward was borne at Hampton 
The birth of Pr. Edward.  Court, and the three and twentieth of October following died Queen jane, and lieth buried at Windsor: then was the Bishop of Rome with all his usurped power quite abolished out of the Realm, and the King assumed to himself the supremacy over the Church in England and Ireland, to whom were granted the first-fruits, (before 
The death of Sir Thomas Moor, etc.  paid to the pope) with the Tenths of all spiritual possessions.  
For denying of whose Supremacy, that famous and learned Gentleman Sir Thomas Moor Lord Chancellor of England, with the Bishop of Rochester, were beheaded, and presently after, three Monks of the Charterhouse for the some offence. Then followed the dissolution of all the Abbeys, Fryeries and Nunneries through the whole Realm, when the Mass and all Romish Superstitions were forbidden, and divers Images that had Engines to make their eyes open and shut, and their other limbs to move and stir, were broken to pieces and defaced, and all Friars, Monks, Canons, and Nuns were forced to change their Habits, and forsake their Cloisters. A proclamation also was made, which hath been since established as a Law, that the English Bible should be read in every Church 
The English Bible commanded to be read in Churches.  throughout the Realm, and that no Holidays should be solemnised and observed, except our Ladydayes, the Apostles, the Evangelists, Saint George, and Saint Mary Magdalen, and that Saint Marks Eve, and Saint Laurence Eve should not be kept as fasting days. And that children should not go decked and garnished (as they do on Feasting days) upon Saint Nicholas, Saint Katherine, Saint Clements, and the holy Innocents', and the like, all which comply with the prophecy. 
— He from the sceptarchy of Hills,  
That Europe awes, and triple-crown, that fills  
The Christian world with terror, takes the power  
And brings it home unto his British bower:  
Blunting the horns of all the Bashan Bulls,  
And rooting from the Land the razord skulls:   
By the Sceptarchy of Hills, meaning the seven Hills on which the City Rome standeth, and further 
The prophesy explained.  taking on himself to be the supreme Head of the Church within his own Dominions, he takes away that power from the Pope's Triple-crowne, to which all the Christian Kingdoms else were in vassalage: By blunting the horns of the Bashan Bulls meaning the Pope's Writs of Excommunications, Interdictions, Anathemaes, or Curse, which are called his Bulls, the terror whereof he now vilifies and sets at nought: by rooting the rozard skulls from the Land, is meant the suppression of Friars 
Divers who suffered for denying the King's Supremacy.  and Monks, who had the upper part of their heads always shaved, etc. Many were those who suffered for denying the Supremacy, as Friar Forrest, who was hanged and burnt in Smithfield, with the Image of Darvell Gathrens in Wales: and for the same offence suffered the Abbots of Reading, of Colchester, and the great rich Abbot of Glastenbury, whose name was Whiting, whom the King commanded to be hanged upon the top of the Tower, an eminent place, and visibly afar, for which way soever a man travels towards that Town, it may be seen twenty miles distant, now it seemed a thing impossible, that the Sea with his greatest inundation should swell so high, that any Fish should float over or upon it, yet so saith the prophecy, and all such are mystically delivered, parabolically, or in allegorical figures. 
O'er Glastenbury, for the eye that's dim,  
May at that day behold a Whiting swim.  The place being so conspicuous and apparent, that one with half an eye, might see his body waving betwixt the two Elements of Earth and Aire.  
After divers rebellions in Ireland, for which 
Rebellions in Ireland.  the Earl of Kildare was committed, and died a natural death during his imprisonment in the Tower, and that his son made a new insurrection, and slew the Bishop of Develin, and that for another Rebellion, Thomas Fitzgarret with five of his Uncles were drawn, hanged, and quartered, and that the Lord Leonard Grace was beheaded on the Tower-hill, for divers Treasons done in Ireland, during the time he was there Deputy for the King: yet the King so wisely and discreetly demeaned himself towards that Nation, that in the thirtieth third year of his reign the Earl of Desmond, and the great Oneile submitted themselves to his mercy and grace: after which the great Oneile 
The great Oneile made Earl of Tyron.  was created Earl of Tyron, and his son Baron of Doncannon. Thus you see 
He by his Art could fashion Musical grounds  
From th'untuned harp, that discords only sounds   
By the Harp, which is the Arms of the kingdom, meaning Ireland itself, etc. For Treason also were beheaded at the Tower-Hill Thomas Cromwell Earl of Essex, and Vicar general 
The death of Cromwell Earl of Essex  of England, (who had been once a faithful servant to Cardinal Woolsey, and after entertained, and raised by the King: who (as it is commonly voiced) put it first into the king's head to pull down the Abbeys, and make a dissolution of the Monasteries:) and with him died the Lord Hungerford.  
In the thirty fift year of the king, the Earl of Hartford being made Lieutenant General for his wars in Scotland, in regard of divers affronts given him: the fourth of May he landed at Leith, burning and destroying the Country, sparing neither Castle, Town, Pile, nor 
The Earl of hartford's voy age into Scotland.  village, for he ransacked and laid waste the Borough and town of Edenborrow, with the Abbey called Holy rood house, and the King's Palace near adjoining, the Town of Leith also with the Haven and Pire: the Castle and Village of Cragmiller, the Abbey of New Bottle, with part of Muskelborrough Town, the Chapel of the Lady of Lauret, Preston Town, & the Castle of Harinton Town, with the Friars and Nunnery: a Castle of Oliver Sanckers, the Town of Dundbarre, Laureston, with the Grange, Vrilaw, Westcrag, Enderlaw, the Pile and the Town Broughton, Chester Fell's, Crawned, Dudistone, Stanhouse, the Fiker, Beverton, Franent, Shenstone, Marcle, Farpren, Kirklandhill, Katherwyke, Belton, Eastbarnes, Howland, Butterden, Quickwoe, Blackbourne, Raunton, Bildi, and the Tower, with many other Towns and Villages by the Fleet on the Seaside, as Kincorne, Saint Mivers, the Queen's Ferry, part of Petinwaines, etc. Which done, for their brave and notable service there done, he made 
Forty five Knights made at Leith.  at Leith forty five knights. And thus was the king victorious over Scotland.  
In this interim Wars were proclaimed against France, so that the king gave free liberty and licence to all his subjects, to use the French king, and all that depend upon him to their best advantage and commodity: and the same year he prepared an Army to invade 
King Henry in person invadeth France.  France, and himself in person the fourteenth of july departed from Dover towards Callais, and the next day removed to Morgisen: upon the twenty sixth of the same month the Camp removed to high Bulloine, and there camped on 
The siege of Bulloine.  the north-east part of the Town: two days after the Watch Tower, called the old man, was taken, and the day after base Bulloine was won: and upon the thirteenth of Septemb. the Town 
Bulloine taken by the K.  was victoriously conquered by Henry the eight king of England, France, and Ireland, defender of the faith, who upon humble petition made by the French, suffered them to departed the Town with bag and baggage: and this year were taken by the English fleet 300 and odd ships of the French, to the great enriching of this nation, and the great impoverishing of theirs.   

CAP. 33.  
The death of Henry the eighth: Edward the sixth crowned: a calculation of his reign: Musselborow field won by the Lord Protector: The death of the two brothers, the Lord High Admiral, and Lord protector: a Character of the Duke of Somerset: the death of King Edward, not without suspicion of poison: His Character, etc.  
THe year following being the thirty seventh of the king's reign, upon the thirteenth of june, being Whitsunday, 
Peace concluded betwixt England and France.  in London was proclaimed a general peace betwixt the two kingdoms of England and France, with a solemn procession at the time of the proclamation, and that night were great Bonfires made in the City and Suburbs for the celebration of the said union: and upon the one and twentieth of August came over from the French king Monsieur Denebalt, high Admiral of France, and brought 
Monsieur Denebalt Ambassador from the French King.  with him the Sacre of Deep, with twelve Galleys bravely accommodated, who landed at the Tower, where all the great Ordinance were shot off, and he received by many peers of the Realm, conveyed to the Bishop of London's palace, where he rested two nights; and on Monday, the twenty third of the same month, he road towards Hampton Court, where the king than lay: whom the young prince Edward met with a royal train, to the number of five hundred and forty in velvet Coats, and the 
His entertainment by Prince Edward.  prince's Livery were with sleeves of cloth of gold, and half the Coats embroidered, where were eight hundred Horses richly caparisoned, and riders suiting to the state, who brought him to the Manor of Hampton Court: The next morning the KING and he received the Sacrament together in confirmation of the late concluded peace. After that were many Masques and Shows, in which the very Torch 
Magnificent Shows.  bearers were apparelled in gold, with costly feasts and banquets, during the space of six days: after, with many great gifts given to him, and his chief followers, he returned to his country.  
The next year, being the thirty eighth of the King, upon the ninth of january; by the 
The death of the noble Earl of Surrey.  King's express command was beheaded on the Tower-hill that noble and valorous gentleman the Earl of Surrey, who had engaged his person in Picardy, Normandy, Ireland, Scotland, etc. from whence he never came, but crowned with victory: and the twenty eighth of the same Month, the King himself departed the world, in the year one thousand five hundred forty 
The death of Henry the eighth.  seven, whose body was most Royally entombed at Windsor the sixteenth of February following.  
King Edward the sixth began his dominion 
The inauguration of Edward the sixth.  over the Realm of England, the one and thirtieth of january, in the year of grace one thousand five hundreth forty seven; and upon the nineteenth of February ensuing he road with his Uncle Sir Edward Seymour, Lord governor and Protector, and Duke of Somerset, with the Nobility of the Land, from the Tower through the City of London, and so to Westminster, and was anointed and Crowned by Doctor Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, who after ministered unto him the Sacraments, with other divine Ceremonies, according to the Protestant reform Church. Of this King's Birth and Reign it was thus calculated. 
By birth a Caesar, and in hopes as great,  
Shall next ascend unto th' Imperial seat.  
Who, 'ere mature, (cropped in his tender bloom)  
Shall more against, than Caesar could for Rome.  
He, th' Aristocracy Monarchal makes:  
This from the triple Crown the Sceptre takes.  
Upright he shall between two Bases stand,  
One in the sea fixed, the other on the land.  
These shall his pupillage strongly maintain,  
Secure the continent and scour the main.  
But these supporters will be ta'en away  
By a Northumber's Wolf, and Suffolk's Grey.  
Then fall must this fair structure built on high,  
And th' English, like the Roman Caesar die.   
In his first year, Sir Thomas Seimour, the King's uncle, brother to the Duke of Somerset, being Lord high Admiral, by the Vice-admiral, called Sir Andrew Dudley, having no other Vessels but the pance and the Hart; and these singly manned, there was a great conflict at Sea with three tall Scottish ships (in the narrow 
Victory by sea.  Seas) doubly manned and trimmed with great Ordinance: notwithstanding which, he took them, and brought them into Orwell Haven, where he had good booty, and store of prisoners.  
And the same year in August, the Lord Protector, the Duke of Somerset, with the Earl of Warwick, and others, marched with a noble Army into Scotland, and not fare from Edenborrough, at a place called Mosselborrough, 
Musselborough field.  the English and Scotch Hosts met, where between them was fought a sharp and cruel battle: in which in the end the English were victors, and in which were slain of the Scots fourteen thousand, and prisoners taken of Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen, to the number of fifteen hundred: This year also was ordained that the Communion should be received in both kinds; and at that time Stephen Gardner, Bishop of Winchester, for opposing the same, was commanded to the Tower: Commandment 
Gardner committed to the Tower.  also was given, to all the Curates of every parish Church throughout England, that no Coarse should be buried before six a Clock in the morning, nor after six at night: and that when any died the Bell should ring three quarter of an hour at least.  
In this Interim, the two great Dukes of Northumberland and Suffolk, Dudley and Grace, privately murmuring, and openly maligning, that 
The two Dukes of Northumberland and Suffolk.  the Kings two Uncles should bear such great authority in the Kingdom: by which, their glories seemed not only eclipsed, but quite darkened, the elder brother commanding the Land, the younger the Sea; the one Lord Protector, the other Lord High Admiral; so that the whole Dominion and Sovereignty of the kingdom (the king's name excepted) was divided betwixt them: And further considering, that it was in vain for them to attain to their own ambitious ends, but by sundering this fraternal tye, and unloosing this Gordian knot 
Their plots 'gainst the Protector, and Admiral.  of Consanguinity, which had been so long inseparably continued betwixt them: they therefore projected betwixt themselves, how this (almost impossible thing) might be brought to pass, and doubting the event, if they should attempt to work by their servants, as to corrupt them with Bribes, or the like: they therefore took a nearer and more safe course to practise it by their Wives, and to draw their balas from out of their own bosoms: and 
The Wives made themcans to betray the Husbands.  most successively to their purpose, thus it happened.  
Sir Thomas Seimer Lord High Admiral, having married the Queen Dowager, (whose good Fortune it was of all the rest of the king's wives to survive her Husband) contested with her sister in law for precedence and priority of place: to which the Protectors wife standing upon her prerogative, could by no means be won to give way: This emulation betwixt the two sisters, fitly sorting to the Duke's purposes, (for the one challenged the right hand, as once being Queen, and the other claimed it, as wise to the present Protector:) To this new kindled fire, the two Dukes bring fuel, Dudley encourageth the one secretly, Grace the other privately, so that the Wives set the Husbands at odds by taking their parts; so that by the instigation of those emulous and incensed Ladies, a mortal hatred grew betwixt the two brothers: insomuch, that in the third year of the King, the Admiral was questioned for the ill managing his Office, and sundry Articles preferred in Court against him: so that he was condemned in Parliament, and his head 
The death of the Lord high Admiral.  strooke off, the Protector his brother signing the Warrant for his death.  
The one being thus removed, there was the less difficulty to supplant the other; for in the same Month of February, in which the Admiral lost his head, was the Protector committed to the Tower, by the Lords of the Counsel, of which the two Dukes were chief, and many Articles of Treason and ill government of the state commenced against him: but about a year after his confinement, by his submission to the Lords, and intercession made for him by the K. upon the sixth of February he was released, & enjoyed his former offices & honours: but all this was but a lightning before death, for his two great & potent adversaries still prosecute their malice against him: insomuch that not long after, calling him to a second account, when he had nobly acquit himself at the Bar of all treason objected against him, he was in the Guild Hall of London (not by a jury of his peers) by 
The Lord Protector put to death for felony.  twelve men convicted and condemned of Felony: for which, on a Scaffold on Tower-Hill, he suffered death: verifying what was before spoken of the young King. 
Upright he shall between two Bases stand,  
One in the sea fixed, th' other on the land.  
These shall his pupillage strongly maintain,  
Secure the continent, and scour the main.  
But these supporters will be ta'en away  
By a Northumber's Wolf, and Suffolk's Grey.   
It is so manifest it needs no Comment.  
This Edward Seimour was (the son of Sir 
A Character of the L. Protector  Edward Seimour) knighted by Henry the eight, who had married the Lady jane, his natural sister: He after created him Viscount Beauchamp, in the year one thousand five hundred thirty six, and the year following Earl of Hereford: after that he was installed Knight of the Garter, 
His honours and offices.  made Lord great Chamberlain of England, & one of the honourable privy Counsel, much favoured of the eighth Henry, who in his last Testament, instituted him one of the chief of his sixteen Executors: after this King Edward created him Baron de sancto Mauro, than Duke of Somerset: He was next by a general voice of parliament, made Protector over the King's person, and of all his Kingdoms and Dominions Governor, and Lord General of all the King's forces by Land and Sea: He was moreover Lord high Treasurer, and Earl Martial of England, Captain of the two Islands of Gernsie and jersie, and Chancellor of the University of Cambridge: In all which Offices and Dignities he demeaned himself 
The Duke of Somerset catalogued amongst the English Martyrs.  with such Honourable bounty, and singular piety, that some have not doubted to Catalogue him amongst our English Martyrs.  
But to return to the History; by this protector's means who was a constant Protestant, Images were pulled down through all Churches of England: Marriage of priests made lawful 
The suppressing of the Romish Religion.  by parliament, and Doctor Bonner with other Romish Prelates, deposed from their Bishoprics, and other of the Reformed Church supplied their places; making good what was before calculated of the young King. 
By birth a Caesar, and in hopes as great,  
Shall next ascend unto th' Imperial seat.  
Who, 'ere mature, (cropped in his tender bloom)  
Shall more against, than Caesar could for Rome.  
He, th' Aristocracy Monarchal makes:  
This from the triple Crown the Sceptre takes.   
This needs some explication: He is called young Caesar, as being produced into the world, 
The prophecy explained.  by the cutting or ripping up of his mother's womb, from which the great Roman julius, (borne after the same manner) had added to him, the name of Caesar, which Title he left as Hereditary to all the succeeding Emperors after him: who as he reduced the Aristocracy, which was the government of the Senate and Optimates into one entire monarchal Diadem placing the Empire in Rome, so of the contrary this young King, from the great Pontifex of Rome, who in time wearing a Triple Diadem, and thereby challenging power in Heaven potently upon earth, regency and predominance over Hell, and moreover, making earthly Kings and Emperors to acknowledge unto him a pre-eminence and supremacy, making them to kiss his feet, with other servile office●…; ●…e by opposing this Sovereignty, and shrinking his head out of so extreme a servitude, may be truly said to have done more against Rome in his pious devotion, than Roman julius did for Rome in his great magnanimity and prowess.  
Now to prove that King Edward was a Caesar: 
To prove King Edward a Caesar.  the young Lady jane Seymour, being at Hampton Court, when the time of her teeming came, and there was small hope of her delivery, news was brought to the King that her throes were violent upon her, and that the Infant could not be brought into the world, but by the death of the mother: For by preserving the one, the other must needs perish. When that his pleasure was demanded what was to be done in so strict an exigent, He commanded that the child should be cut from the womb, saying, Sure I am that I can have more wives, but uncertain I am whether I can have more children, etc.  
Upon the sixth day of july, in the year one thousand five hundred fifty three, john Barnes 
The death of Edward the sixth.  Mercer, being Lord Major, and William Garret, and john Mainard Sheriffs, at Greenwich departed out of this world King Edward of that name the sixth, in the sixteenth of his age, and the seventh of his Reign, whom some say, that he died of a pleurisy, others that he was poisoned by a Nosegay: For it was generally murmured by the people, that the Uncle's being removed, the Nephew could not long remain after, which best complyes with the former calculation, which saith, 
Then fall must this fair structure built on high,  
And th' English like the Roman Caesar die.   
The first made away in the Court, the other murdered in the Capitol: of which hopeful and toward Prince, this character is left to future memory.  
He was careful for the establishing of the Protestant Religion, to have it flourish through 
His Character. His zeal to the propagation of true Religion.  all his Dominions. The Mass he abolished, and Images demolished, the learned men of his time he greatly encouraged, moving them to interpret the Scriptures to the capacities of the vulgar, and commanded the Liturgy and Common Prayers to be read in the English tongue.  
In his minority, he had maturity of judgement, and was literated in all the Arts liberal: of a retentive memory: He knew all the Ports and Havens in England, France, Scotland, and Ireland: being as well acquainted with their scites as their names. In the Greek, Latin, French, Italian, and Spanish Tongues extraordinarily versed, in Logic, Moral Philosophy and the Mathematics conversant; in Cicero, Livy, Tacitus, and Sallust, frequent, Hesiod and Sophocles, 
His knowledge in all kinds of literature.  he understood, and was able to interpret Isocrates from the original. He was wisely witty, even to wonder, his body featured, and his mind modelled almost to miracles: religiously he lived, devoutly he died: that he breathed his last, it is certain, but where his body lies buried, to us most uncertain.   

CHAP. 34.  
The Lady jane proclaimed Queen. Northumberlands Commission to suppress the Lady Mary: He is arrested of high Treason: The Coronation of Queen Mary: A prediction of her Reign: The Romish Religion restored: The death of Northumberland: Of Suffolk: Of Guildford Dudley: Of the Lady jane Grace: Her character: The death of Cranmer, Ridley, and Latimer: The life of Cardinal Poole, twice elected Pope: His coming into England, and made Archbishop of Canterbury: His death.  
THe two ambitious Dukes of Northumberland and Suffolk, thinking to disable, the two sisters Mary and 
The ambition of the two Dukes.  Elizabeth, the daughters of King Henry the Eighth, from any lawful claim to the Crown, as reputing them no better than bastards, had made a matched betwixt Guildford Dudley, the fourth son to Northumberland, and the Lady jane Grace sole daughter to the Duke of Suffolk, and pretending that King Edward in his last will nominated her Heir apparent to the Crown after his death, they caused the said Lady jane presently upon the King's death, june the tenth, to be proclaimed Queen, and true and immediate Heir to the Kingdom, 
The Lady jane Grace proclaimed Queen.  in sundry places of the City of London, which proved to her utter ruin.  
The Lady Mary being at that time at Framingham 
The Suffolk men adhere to the Lady Mary.  in Suffolk, was much troubled at the report of such disastrous news, which the more perplexed her, because she had intelligence, that it was done by the Nobility, and the whole body of the Council, to whom the Suffolk men assembling (as not liking such shuffling in state) proffered her their voluntary assistance, to possess her in her lawful and indubitate inheritance: Before which time, The great Duke of Northumberland, having a large Commission granted him by the Lords of the Council, and 
Northumberlands Commission to fetch in the Lady Mary  signed with the great Seal of England, had raised an army with intent both to suppress and surprise the Lady Mary, which was no sooner advanced, and the rising of the Suffolk men bruited at Court, but the Lords in general, either for fear of the Commons, or repenting them of the injury done unto the rightful Inheritrix, they sent a countermand after the Duke to lay by his Arms, who when he thought himself in his greatest power, being abandoned by the Nobility, he was also forsaken of the Commons, so that at Cambridge, he with his sons and some few servants were left alone: who thinking thereby to make his peace in the open market place, proclaimed the Lady Mary Queen of England, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, etc. notwithstanding which, in King's College he was arrested of high Treason, and 
Northumberland arrested of high treason  from thence brought up to London, and committed to the Tower.  
Then was the Lady Mary generally received as Queen, & so proclaimed through the Kingdom, the twentieth of july, and the third of August 
The Lady Mary received for Queen.  following, she took possession of the Tower, and during her abode there, released all the Romish Bishops there imprisoned. From thence she road in great state through London towards her palace of Westminster, where she was solemnly crowned by Stephen Gardiner, Bishop of Winchester, her sister the Lady Elizabeth being present at her Coronation: Of this Queen and her Reign, it is thus predicted. 
Then shall the masculine Sceptre cease to sway, 
A prediction of her and her Reign.   
And to a Spinster, the whole Land obey,  
Who to the Papal Monarchy shall restore  
All that the Phoenix had fetched thence before,  
Then shall come in the faggot and the stake,  
And they, of Convert bodies bonfires make:  
Match shall this Lioness with Caesar's son  
From the Pontifick sea a pool shall run  
That wide shall spread its waters, and to a flood  
In time shall grow: made red with martyrs blood.  
Men shall her short unprosperous Reign deplore  
By loss at sea, and damage on the shore:  
Whose heart being dissected, you in it  
May in large characters find Calais writ.   
Now ceased the Heir Male to Reign, and the Sceptre was disposed to the Female, which was not seen nor known, since long before the Conquest: when Bouduca, or as some call her Boadicia soveraignized. In the time of Nero Caesar: and Spinster was an ancient British Title given to the Feminine sex before King Edgar's Reign, by which name, even princesses being convented, or summoned into any Court are called unto this day: but to proceed with the History, in the tenth day of the month after her Coronation, 
A Parliament in which Romish Religion is restored.  began a Parliament, in which besides the supplanting of the protestant Religion, which began to be established in the days of King Edward; were convicted and attainted of high Treason, john Duke of Northumberland, Thomas Cranmer late Archbishop of Canterbury, Sir Ambrose Dudley Knight, Guildford Dudley Esquire, and Husband to the Lady Grace, Sir Andrew Dudley Knight with others: as William marquis of Northampton, john Earl of Warwick, etc. and the twelfth of August, was beheaded on the 
The death of the Duke of Northumberland.  Tower Hill john Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, Sir john Gates, and Sir Thomas Palmer.  
Thus you see the end of Northumberland: if any be desirous to know also what became of Suffolk, I can parallel him to none more genuinely than to the Duke of Buckingham: He 
Underwood a second Banister.  had a Banister, this an Underwood, a servant raised by him, to a fair revenue, and to whose safeguard he had committed his person, who in a spacious hollow Tree, for some few months concealed him, whether he brought him meat and drink with millions of oaths engaged, for his truth and fidelity, but being easily corrupted with some small quantity of gold, and many large and liberal promises, he judas-like betrayed his Master, and delivered him up to the Noble Earl of Huntingdon, who with a strong guard brought him through London, to the Tower: He was after arraigned in the great Hall 
The death of the Duke of Suffolk.  at Westminster, and soon after on the Tower Hill lost his head.  
Yet probable it was, that the Queen had pardoned that offence, had he not seconded it with another, by confedering with Sir Thomas Wyatt of Kent, to interpose her marriage with Philip of Spain, son to the Emperor, and to that purpose departed secretly into Warwick and Leicestershire, where he knew himself best affected, and made their open Proclamation to keep all strangers from the Land, for which he fell into the Queen's irreconciliable displeasure, which not only hasted his own end, but the deaths of Guildford and the Lady jane, for the Statists at that time, especially those that were devoted to the Romish faction, held it no policy to suffer any of the contrary Religion to live, especially if they could entrap them in any quiddits of Law which might be stretched to be made Capital, therefore upon the twelfth of February, in the year one thousand five hundred fifty four, it being the first day of the week Guildford Dudley was brought to the Scaffold upon the Tower hill, where when he 
The death of Guildford Dudley.  had with all Christian devotion made his peace with Heaven: he with a settled and unmoved constancy submitted himself to the stroke of death, which was given in the sight of his excellent Spouse, who to that purpose was placed in a window within the Tower, the object striking more cold to her heart, than the sight of that fatal axe, by which she was presently to 
The death of the Lady jane Grace.  suffer, which she most patiently endured.  
Never was sweet Lady's death more passionately bewailed, being remarkable in judge Morgan, who pronounced the sentence against her, who presently after fell mad, and in all his distracted rave, Cried, Take away the Lady 
The death of judge Morgan.  jane, take her from me; and in that extreme distemperature with these words in his mouth ended his life: some report that she was young with child at the time of her suffering, but though her Romish opposites were many, and the times bloody, Christian charity may persuade they would not use such inhumanity, especially against a person of her Royal blood and Lineage: she was an excellent Lady, endued with more virtues and extraordinary endowments than is frequently found in that sex: being a pattern to others for true Religion and Piety, of which her godly Oration to the people, and holy prayer at her death, extant in Mr. 
The Lady janes' character Her age at her death.  Fox his martyrology abundantly witness: she exceeded not sixteen years of age, of an excellent feature, and amiable aspect, of Learning incredible, in wit incomparable, of enforced Honours so unambitious, that she never attired herself in any Regal ornaments, but constrainedly and with tears. Divers of her Latin Verses have been spread to posterity, and of her Works in the English Tongue, an Epistle to a learned man fall'n off from the Truth, and turned Apostate, another Epistle to her sister, with a Colloquy or reasoning with one Freckman a Romist about Faith and the Sacraments, etc.  
Soon after followed the deaths of Doctor Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, (acquit of 
The deat●…s of Cranmer, Latimer and Ridley.  Treason, and condemned of Heresy) Nicholas Ridley late Bishop of London, and Hugh Latimer: with infinite others, insomuch that scarce any City or Market Town thorough the whole Kingdom in which some pious professor or other, had not felt the scorching of the fire and faggot, I should fill whole pages to reckon up particulars: only thus in brief, it is observed, that Queen Maries Reign was the shortest of any Prince since the Conquest, that wore the Crown (Richard the Thirds only excepted) and that more Christian blood was spilt in her few years (concerning Religion and matter of 
The great tyranny used in her time.  conscience) then had been shed in any one Kings Reign, since the time of King Lucius, the first establisher of Christianity in this his Realm of England, which recollects the memory of the former prophecy, where he speaks of the Spinster. 
Who to the Papal Monarch shall restore  
All that the Phoenix had fetched thence before.  
Then shall come in the Faggot and the Stake,  
And they of convert bodies bonfires make, etc.   
By the Phoenix meaning King Edward, so termed by Hieronymus Cardanus, because he was unparallelled in his time: and by the Convert bodies, those who where converted to the reformed and protestant Religion: for which cause thousands in sundry places of the Kingdom suffered. Now why Queen Mary was so zealous to propagate the popish faith, it followeth next to inquire, she was brought up 
Why Queen Mary was so forward to prefer the Romish Religion.  under her Mother's wing; a Spaniard, who being of the Spanish blood, persisted in the Spanish belief: but when her mother, after three year's divorce from the King expired, she was committed to the guardianship of Margaret, Countess of Salisbury, and daughter to George Duke of Clarence, brother to Edward the fourth, who died in the Tower. This Countess 
Of Cardinal Pool from his minority.  had one only son, called Reignold Pool, who was of great familiarity with the Lady Mary in their minority, and devoting himself wholly to the study of the Arts, was initiated in Maudlin College in Oxford: but being a very young man left the University, and having a great desire to travail crossed the seas, and went into Italy: seven years he spent in the Academy of Milan, where entering into great familiarity with Peter Bend, (chief Secretary to the pope, then reigning) he brought him into such reputation with his holiness, that in the year one thousand five hundred thirty eight, he was made 
His employment to the Emperor and French K.  Cardinal, and employed in Embassy both to the Emperor and French King: in which negotiations he is said to have dealt perfidiously with his own. Liege Lord and Sovereign King Henry the eighth: (For dangerous is an English man being once Italionated.)  
The incensed King not able to reach the Son, who was the Actor, yet used his power against the mother as an accessary; who being questioned for sending her son daily supplies of money from England into Italy, was for that convicted 
The Countess of Salisbury his Mother beheaded.  of Treason, and being fourscore year's ofage, was beheaded: This Cardinal Poole was of the Royal blood, as lineally descended from George Duke of Clarence, of singular learning, and approved modesty: insomuch, that in the twice vacancy of the See of Rome, he was in either selected and nominated as pope: but refusing it as too great a charge (for such was 
Cardinal Pool twice elected Pope.  his apology) he rather choosed a solitaty and sequestered life, and so retired himself into a Monastery near Verona, of which (according to rumour) he was first Founder and Patron: in which, he spent a great part of his age; as a man extermined from his native Country, so continuing the later part of Henry the eight, and the entire Sovereignty of Edward the sixth: But Queen Mary, his first acquaintance, being invested into the English Throne, having the sovereign power in her own dispose, she sent to call him home, with purpose (as it was then rumoured, having the p●…pes authority 
Queen Mary is purposed to marry with Car dinal Poole.  to dispense with all his Ecclesiastical dignities) to have made him her husband.  
Of which Charles the Emperor having notice, partly by his power, and partly by his policy, wrought so by his Engineeres, that 
Spanish policy.  he was detained in Italy, till a match was fully concluded betwixt his son Prince Philip, and the Queen: which being perfected, and then past prevention; the Cardinal was at liberty to dispose of himself; and for his greater Honour was sent over by the pope with the title of Legatus alatere: at which time, as Doctor Thomas Cranmer was not only suspended, but 
Cardinal Pool made Archbishop of Canterbury.  dispossessed of the Archbishopric of Canterbury, in stead of whom Cardinal Poole was installed into that See: where having been three year's Archbishop, when news was brought him of the death of his Cousin Queen, he the same hour expired, the fifty eight of his age, 
His death.  and lieth buried within Saint Thomas Chapel in Canterbury Church: with this short Inscription only, 
Depositum Cardinalis Poli.  The prophecy aiming at him, where it saith, 
From the Pontificke Sea a Pool shall run,  
That wide shall spread its waters; and to a stood  
In time shall grow, made red with Martyr's blood   
The next Chapter leads me to the entrance of prince Philip, son to the Emperor Charles, into the Land, and his marriage with Queen Mary, etc.   

CAP. 36.  
King Philip's entertainment into the Land, presented with the Garter: He is made King of Naples, and Jerusalem: the great solemnity of the King and Queen's marriage at Winchester: Their Titles, their riding through London: The Queen rumoured to be with Child, King Philip's cautelous proceed: he favoureth the Lady Elizabeth: He leaveth the Land: Queen Mary's discontent at his departure: The loss of Calais: The death of Queen Mary: The Inauguration of the Lady Elizabeth: A prophecy of her birth and reign.  
TO omit all the Insurrections (in Her time) of the discontented Commons, as that of Sir Thomas Wyatt in Kent, to keep King Philip out of the Land; in which the Duke of Suffolk was 
Insurrections in the time of Queen Mary.  a partisan; with another commotion in Devonshire, by Gown, and Peter Carow, Giles Champernham, and others: with a third about Woodhurst in Sussex, which was soon appeased: a fourth by Udall, Throgmorton, Daniel, Pecham, Stanton, etc. A fift, by Henry Stafford, who took Scarborough Castle in the North. I come now to Prince Philip, who after all those that interposed his landing were cut off: in the year of grace one thousand five hundred fifty four, the twentieth of july made his safe arrival at South-hampton, where he was honourably received by 
Prince Philip landeth at Southampton.  the greatest part of the Nobility, and was presented with the Order of Saint George, and the Garter set with rich stones, fastened about his Leg: who before he would enter any house, 
Prince Philip presented with the George and Garter.  went first into Holy Rood Church, which standeth just opposite to the Towne-Hall, where he gave thanks to God for his safe and prosperous arrival: and having spent some half an hour in his devotion, he mounted upon a goodly I●…nnet, richly caparisoned (which was that morning sent him by the Queen) and so road back towards his lodging, which was near unto the Water-gate.  
The monday following he left Southampton, and attended by the Lords and Gentlemen of England, road towards Winchester; but by the reason of great store of Rain that fell the same day, the journey seemed something unpleasant, but there about seven of Clock towards night he was magnificently received, and road to the Church before he would see his lodging; loud Music entertained him at his alighting, and the bishop of that Sea, with 
Stephen Gardiner.  four other met him at the Church door, attended with Priests, Singing men and Choristers, all in rich Coaps, who had three fair Crosses or Crucifix s born before them: In the first entrance of the Church, the Priest kneeled down to pray: which done, he arose, and went under an Embroidered Canopy, from the west door up to the Choir, who when he saw the Host, put off his Hat to do it reverence, and then entered into a goodly Traverse, hung with costly Arras, and there kneeled again, till Winchester the Chancellor began Te Deum, whom all the whole Choir seconded: that done, he was brought thence by Torchlight, and went on foot through the Cloisters to his lodging, whither the Queen's Guard attended him, to a fair House belonging to the Dean.  
He was at that time apparelled in a Coat, or Mantle curiously embroidered with gold, his 
Prince Philip's demeanour to the people.  Hat suitable, and a white Feather in it, with a rich Orient jewel: all the way as he passed, he turned himself to the people on both sides, with a pleasant Countenance; and after supper, which was about ten of Clock, certain of the Counsel by a private way brought him to the Queen, who entertained him graciously 
His first meeting with the Queen.  and lovingly: they had conference together abouthalfean hour in the Spanish tongue, which ended, he took his leave, and was conducted bacl to his lodging: Upon the Tuesday following, about three of clock in the afternoon he came from his lodging on foot, attended by the Lord Steward, the Earl of Derby, the Earl of Pembroke, and other Lords and Gentlemen, as well strangers as English: and that day he was attired in a cloak of black Spanish cloth, embroidered about with Silver, a pair of white silk stockings, and the Garter of the Order about his leg, where he shown himself 
His apparel.  freely and openly to all men: at his entrance into the Court loud Music was heard, and in the great Hall the Queen met and kissed him before all the people: then (she taking the right hand) they went together in the presence Chamber, and talked under the cloth of state about a quarter of an hour: He than took leave of her Majesty, and coming into the open Court, the Pensioners, and Yeomen of the Guard stood on both sides as fare as the Gate: from whence the Lords conducted him to the Cathedral, where he heard Evensong, which ended, they brought Him bacl to His lodging with Torchlight, and so left him.  
The same night the Emperor sent a Message to the Queen, to give her to understand, that 
P. Philip made K. of Naples and Jerusalem.  his son was not a Prince only, but a King, of Jerusalem and Naples, with other dominions, after mentioned in his style. Upon Saint james his day, being the five and twentieth of july, about eleven of clock in the morning, the King and Queen came from their lodgings, towards the Church on foot, both richly attired in Gowns of cloth of Gold, set with pearl, stones and gems: he with his Guard, and the with hers, either having a Sword born before them: before her by the Earl of 
The Ceremonies before the marriage.  Derby, before him by the Earl of Pembroke: being c●…me unto the Church, he went to one Altar, and she to another, hanged with Curtains of Cloth of gold, which being after drawn, it was imagined, that they were there shriven; after they came from their places, and meeting, they very lovingly saluted each other, he also being at that time bareheaded.  
Then six Bishops went to the place prepared for the Nuptial Ceremony, the King standing on the left hand, and she on the right. Then the Lord Chancellor asked the Banes betwixt them, first in Latin, and then in English. The Ring was a plain hoop of gold, without any 
The solemnisation of the marriage betwixt king Philip, and Queen Mary.  stone: For she desired to be married as Maids used to be of old: the Nuptials being ended, the King and Queen went hand in hand under a sumptuous Canopy, by six Knights borne over them, and two swords carried before them: coming before the Altar, they kneeled down, with either of them a lighted Tapor in their hands, than they arose and withdrew, she into a Traverse on the right side, He into another on the left: After the Gospel read, they again appeared, and kneeled before the Altar, all the time of Mass; which being ended, the King of Heralds openly proclaimed their Majesty's King and Queen, with these Titles following.  
Philip and Mary, by the Grace of God, King 
Their Royal titles.  and Queen of England, France, Naples, Jerusalem, and Ireland, defenders of the Faith, King and Queen of Spain, Sicilia, Leon, and Arragon, Arch-duke's of Austria, Dukes of Milan, Burgundy, and Brabant, Counties of Husburgh, Flanders, and tyrol, Lords of the Islands of Sardinia, Majorcha, Minorcha, of the Firm land, and the great Ocean Sea, Palatines of Henault, and the holy Empire. Lords of Freezeland, and of the Isles, and governor's of all Asia and Africa.  
The Trumpets ceasing, the King and Queen came forth hand in hand, royally attended, and so went on foot to the Court, and dined together openly in the Hall at one Table. Thus you see, 
The Lioness hath matched with Caesar's son.   
I have been the longer in this Relation, to show the magnificent solemnities of Princely Nuptials in those times used. The eighteenth of August, the King and Queen went to Suffolk place in Southwark, and there dined: after Dinner they road together over London Bridge, and so passed through the City, the streets 
Their entertainment into the City of London.  being hanged sumptuously, and divers pageants and Shows presented unto them, having relation to their persons, and the great joy of the people conceived at their Royal Marriage, and unity of the Nations, being after received by the Bishop of London into the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, with Procession; where having done their devotion, they road on in great state towards their palace at Westminster. Then came divers Ambassadors from several Countries, from Russia, Poland, Denmark, Hungary, Naples, etc. to gratulate the Nuptials of these two potent princes.  
After it was bruited that the Queen was with Child, for which there was great thanksgiving, 
The Queen rumoured to be with child.  and prayers through all the Churches of London for her safe delivery to come, and King Philip chosen to be protector of the Infant, Male or female, (by a decree in parliament) in case the Queen should miscarry in Childbirth: But some having whispered in his head, that he should be deluded by a supposititious infant, prepared for that purpose, and loath that a counterfeit should be heir to all his Realms and dominions, he would not departed the Chamber at the time of her delivery; by which the plot took no effect, and bred some distaste betwixt the King and the Queen: Again, to 
King Philip favoured the Lady Elizab.  second this, the King greatly favoured the Lady Elizabeth; and observing what Tyranny was used against the dejected princess, he began to be somewhat jealous of the English Nation, and their proceeding in state, apprehending, that if they insidiated the life of a Native, being their Queen and Sovereign's sister, with what small scruple of Conscience, might they aim to supplant him, or any of his followers, who were aliens and strangers? which made him so suddenly to forsake the Queen and the Land; his excuse being, to visit his Father the 
King Philip leaveth the Land.  Emperor, and to take possession of the Low Countries, to the great sorrow of her Majesty, of whom he took his leave the fourth day of September.  
In her days Calais was lost by the English, 
Calais lost by the English.  and taken by the French, by the ill management of the State, especially the Clergy, who in her days swayed all, and were so busied in the butchery, and burning of Martyrs at home, that the honour and state of the Kingdom was much neglected abroad, which Town had two hundred and odd years belonged to the Crown of England. It was first won by Edward the third, the eleventh King from William the Conqueror, after the siege of eight Months, and was lost by Mary, the eleventh from the said Edward, in eight days. Who when she heard the Town was taken, in a great passion uttered these words: The loss of Callais is written in 
Queen Mary's sorrow for the less of Calais.  my heart, and may be there read when my body is dissected. Besides Martyrdom, in her time was great Mortality of people, much harm done by lightning and Thunder, a great part of her Fleet suddenly fired, King Philip's second returning into the Land, and his short sojourn here ere he left it again. These with other discontents so wrought upon her princely Nature: that verifying the former prediction, which saith, 
Men shall her short unprosperous reign deplore,  
By loss at Sea, and damage on the shore:  
Her heart when 'tis dissected, you in it  
May in large Characters read Calais writ.   
These cogitable remembrances brought her into a Consumption, or (as some say) into a 
Some say of a Dropsy or imposthume.  burning Fever, so that in the forty second year and sixth day of her age, she departed the world at the Manor of St. james, near Westminster, the seventeenth of November, in the year of our blessed Saviour's Incarnation, one thousand 
The death of Queen Mary.  five hundred fifty eight, after she had reigned five years, four months, and eleven days: whose body lieth buried in a Chapel in the Cathedral of Saint Peter's Church in Westminster, in a bare grave without either Tomb or any Inscription: either of which might have 
She lieth buried without a Monument.  been some memorable decorement to adorn her Hearse.  
The same day of her death was proclaimed 
The Lady Elizabeth proclaimed Queen.  Queen the Lady Elizabeth, sister to Queen Mary, and daughter to Henry the eight, and the Lady Anne Bulloine, who was apppointed by parliament to succeed her sister, dying without Issue, who shortly came to London, where she was joyfully received by all ages, sexes, and degrees, (the Romists only excepted) and passing through the City to the Tower, she shown to all her people and subjects the deportment of so sweet and a gracious Lady, and they so mutual and alternate a joy for her happy and prosperous Inauguration, that it almost wanted precedent, and of whom it was thus predicted. 
From th''others ashes shall a Phoenix rise,  
Whose birth is thus predicted by the wise, 
The prophecy of her birth & reign.   
Her chief predominant star is Mercury,  
jove shall with Venus in conjunction be.  
And Sol with them, shine in his best aspect:  
With Ariadne's Crown, Astraea decked,  
Shall then descend upon this terrene stage:  
(Not seen before, since the first golden age)  
Against whom all the Latian Bulls shall roar,  
But at Ioves awful summons shall give over.  
Through many forges shall this met all glide  
Like gold, by fire repured, and seven times tried  
Her bright and glorious Sunbeams shall expel  
The vain clouds of the Candle, Book, and Bell.  
Domestic plots, and stratagems abroad,  
French machines, and the Italianated god,  
The Spanish Engine, Porteguized jew:  
The jesuitick mine, and politic crew  
Of homebred Vipers, let their menaces come  
By private pistol, or by hostile Drum,  
Though all these Dogs chase her with open cry,  
Live shall she loved, and feared, then Sainted die.  Concerning the Astrological calculation of her 
A calculation at her birth.  birth, in her it proved most infallibly true, for where Mercury's Star is predominant, it portends a rare acuteness and sharpness of wit, a volubility in speech, and retentivenes of memory, with a natural inclination to acquire Learning and knowledge. jupiters' star infuseth honour, state, power, and Majesty: and Venus, feature, beauty, affability, and clemency: both which being at that time in conjunction, conserd their general gifts upon her in particular, and Sol shining at the same hour with a favourable aspect ratified the former, of which part of the prophecy there needs no further explanation.  
To write largely of her troubles being, a princess, or of her rare and remarkable Reign 
An apology of the Author.  after she was Queen, I should but feast you with diet twice dressed: Having myself published a discourse of the first: from her cradle to her crown: and in another bearing Title of the nine worthy Women: she being the last of the rest in time and place, though equal to any of the former both in religious virtue, and all masculine magnanimity: and yet because the present occasion enforceth it, I will give you only a capitulation in brief, of those passages which were at large related in the former, which I refer to the following Chapter.   

CHAP. 37.  
A brief nomination of her troubles, wrought by the Popish Clergy: Her passage through London, to her Coronation with the Speeches spoke in the pageants: A short remembrance of the prime passages in her Reign: The former prediction fulfilled, her death: other predictions fathered upon Merlin explained, etc.  
She was borne the seventh of September, 
A brief catalogue of her troubles.  and baptised the third day following, in the Friar's Church in Greenwich, her Godfather was Thomas Cranmer Archbishop of Canterbury, her Godmothers, the Duchess of Norfolk, and marchioness of Pembroke, both widows. At her birth, Marry the elder Daughter to the King, by Queen Katherine, was disabled of any claim to the Crown, and his Heirs by Queen Anne of Boulogne admitted, during her childhood, she came not near her sister, but was brought up in the Protestant Faith, and to her brother Edward much endeared. Her Uncle the Protector brought her Suitors of Honourable quality in her minority, whom she refused with great modesty. At Queen Mary's Coronation, she graced her with her company, but soon after confined her at the instigation of the Clergy, no insurrection in her sister's time, to which they would not have made her accessary, 
Who were her greatest adversaries.  as that of Wiat's in Kent, the Carowes in Devonshire, Throgmortons, etc. for which she was by them maliciously questioned, but by the power of Heaven miraculously acquitted: from Ashredge sent for to London, from thence committed to the Tower, her barge grating on the arches by the way, her landing at the Traitors stairs, her close imprisonment there: her dangers in being conveyed thence: Her train untutored Soldiers, Her bondage under Benningfield, His fury at Woodstock, and the firing of her Lodgings, a private Warrant for her death accidentally discovered, and by King Philip prevented. By these with infinite others appears, 
That against her the Latian Bulls did roar,  
But by Ioves awful power at length give o'er.  This hath not only reference to her pupillage, 
By Latium is meant Italy, etc.  but the time of her principality, in which the Latian Bulls, meaning the Bulls of Pope Pius Quintus, so raged in the Land, that they deposed her from the Crown as an Heretic, and released her Subjects from their allegiance: all which by the power of God, her chief and only supporter, proved no other than flashing false fires, and words vainly uttered against the wind. But now Astrea decked in Ariadne's crown, 
Descends again upon this terrene stage,  
Not seen before since the first golden age.   
Astraea in whom is figured justice (and here Queen Elizabeth personated) borrowing Ariadne's 
Astraea otherwise called Virgo, justice, etc.  Crown, which is one of the Celestial Constellations, who left the world in Saturnus Reign, called the Golden Age, when the seven deadly sins began first to peep into the world, and claim chief predominance on earth: who now at this restauration of true Religion, is said to descend from her place in the Zodiac, where she sat constelled by the name of Virgo, and be tarrassed over this blessed Queen's Tribunal, in which all justice (with mercy mixed) was continually exercised.  
I come now to her passing through the City, 
Her passage through the City to her Coronation.  at her first coming forth from her lodgings in the Tower, before she would suffer herself to be mounted in her chariot, she devoutly lifted up her eyes and hands towards Heaven, speaking these words: My God I thank thee, who hast been so merciful, as to spare me to see this joyful and blessed day; and I confess, that thou hast dealt as mercifully and miraculously with me, as thou didst with thy faithful servant Daniel, whom thou savedst from the Lion's den. For so was I distressed, and by thee so delivered to thee therefore, and thee only be thanks, honour and praise for evermore, Amen.  
The first pageant to entertain her was at Fanchurch, near unto which was placed a stately 
The first pageant at Fanchurch.  scaffold, with a curious consort of sweet sounding Instruments, upon which stood a young man of good aspect, and gorgeously apparelled, ready with a speech in Latin, in the City's behalf, to give her welcome, who seeing him preparing for that purpose, commanded her Chariot to stay, and beckoning with her hand to the people for silence, he spoke to her in Latin as followeth. 
Vrbs tua, quae ingressu dederit tibi munera  
O Regina, etc. (prima.  Which for the more general understanding, I deliver you thus interpreted into our vulgar 
All these speeches made in Latin, I have given the English.  Tongue. 

Behold, o Queen, what to thy great renoun,  
Thy City doth present thee, two things are  
In stead of gifts, to guide thee to thy Crown:  
Loud tongues, and loyal hearts without compare.  
Their tongues thy welcome in loud Tones proclaim,  
Their hearts rejoice when they but hear thy name.   

Then welcome gracious Sovereign: happy we,  
And above hope blest to behold this day, (gree,  
As our tongues speak, our hearts with them a-  
And what save welcome, can we think or say?  
Rich, poor, young, old, who all these places fill,  
Have both in tongue and heart, your welcome still.    
At the conclusion of this Speech the people made a loud acclamation, Every one crying, God save Queen Elizabeth, with other zealous wishes as their fancies led them. Hear was observed 
Her deportment at the speech.  her constant attention to what was delivered, with a change of countenance, when any phrase reflected upon her private person, and thereby her great courtesy and clemency, in giving the people public thanks for their so hearty votes and wishes.  
Thence she moved forward to Gracious 
The pageant in Gracious street.  street, where was erected a very sumptuous structure, extended from the on side of the street to the other, curiously vaulted below, and decored with battlements above, it had 3 ports, over the middlemost were advanced 3 several stages, one degree above another: on the lowest was a Seat Royal, in which were placed two persons in rich Robes of State. The one representing 
The uniting of the white Rose and the Red.  Henry the Seventh, the other the Lady Elizabeth his wife: He (being of the House of Lancaster) environed with a branch of red Roses, & she of the house of York, enclosed with a branch of white Roses: out of these two being of divers colours, sprung two branches of Damask or White intermingled with Red, which were directed upward to the second stage, where sat environed one with a Diadem upon his head, presenting King Henry the Eighth (her Father) and a second personating Queen Anne of Bolloigne (her mother) in a third degree surmounting their heads, to which the former branch reached, sat one resembling Her Majesty's person. The Motto inscribed was: The uniting of the two Houses of Lancaster and York. The Speech directed to her, being to this purpose, 
Hii quos jungit idem solium, quos annulus idem  
Haec albente nitens, ille rubente rosa, etc.  

Those Princes that upon this State are seen  
One with the red Rose, th'other with the white,  
Are the seventh Henry and his royal Queen,  
One marriage Ring, one throne doth them unite.   

Heir to the House of Lancaster, the King:  
The Queen to York: both in one blood combined.  
From these King Henry (styled the Eighth) did spring,  
The Seat aloft is to your place assigned,   

(O royal Queen) and as all civil wars  
Long reigning, did in their uniting cease,  
So may you live free from domestic jars,  
Amongst us styled the Queen of prosperous peace.    
There were moreover divers Latin sentences inscribed upon several labels, persuading to unity and concord, which for brevity's sake I here omit.  
Thence she passed to Cornhill, where stood another pageant composed with three open gates, 
The pageant in Cornhill.  over the middle part thereof sat one magnificently enthroned, figuring her Royal person. In the frontispiece was written in a large character, The seat of worthy Government: which seat was 
The seat of worthy government.  so artificially framed, that it seemed to have no prop or stay on which to subsist: In four several comportments, stood four reverend persons, one, figuring true Religion, treading upon ignorance and superstition, the second stood for the love of subjects to their Prince, spurning at insolence and rebellion: the third wisdom, tyrannising over folly and vainglory: the fourth justice, having dominion over flattery and bribery: Divers other ingenious fancies there were, of virtues and vices, with moral sentences inserted and interlaced to adorn the Fabric. Her Royal Arms being richly garnished, and set in the Apex or top thereof, supported by a Lion and a Dragon: the speech being to this effect, 
Quae subnixa alti solio regina superba est,  
Effigiem sanctae principis Alma refert.  
Behold, O Queen, thy picture in this frame,  
Richly enthroned to celebrate thy Name.  
Whilst true Religion in thy Reign, shall tread  
On ignorance and superstition's head,  
Whilst subjects love, rebellion shall distress,  
And overtumourd insolence make less,  
Whilst justice keeps an incorrupted place.  
To have all flattery and bribes in chase.  
Whilst wisdom, armed with vows devout and  
Shall have a power above ostent and folly, (holy  
Whilst these continue (which we much desire)  
So long thy people shall thy Reign admire.   
To this she answered, that she had took notice of their good meaning towards her, and 
The Queen's gracious construction.  most graciously promised her best endeavour, for the continuance and encouragement of those virtues, and suppressing of the said vices. Passing from thence to Soper lane end, where stood another sumptuous and goodly pageant, spreading from one side of the street to the other, being raised three degrees or stories high, in the upper sat one Child, in the second three, in the third and lowest four, representing the eight Beatitudes. The Speech followeth, delivered 
The pageant at Soperlane end.  to her in Latin. 
We that thy great afflictions late have seen,  
Acknowledge thou art blest 8 times (o Queen)  
Blest hast thou been, because so poor in spirit,  
And therefore thou a kingdom dost inherit.  
Blessed, for thou mourned haste, and therefore see  
Great comforts are prepared now for thee.  
Blessed, for thy meekness next, with thoughts divine. (thine.  
Therefore this earth from henceforth shall be  
Hunger and thirst, for godliness, thou hast  
Suffered, now all good things shall please thy taste.  
Blessed, since to all thou'rt merciful and kind,  
Therefore thou mercy shalt hereafter find.  
Blessed, because pure in heart, therefore thy grace  
Shall be to look thy Maker in the face.  
Blessed, as contentions having reconciled.  
All peacemakers, Gods children shall be styled.  
Blessed art thou, since for righteousnesses sake  
Thou persecution suffered haste: to make  
Thy patience greater, thy reward more strong,  
For to all such salvation doth belong.   
At the conclusion of this speech, the people 
The votes of the people.  wished all together with one general vote these blessings abundantly to fall upon her, whom she much thanked, and past on to the Standard in Cheap, which was garnished with 
The Standard in Cheap.  divers Banners, pennons and Streamers, and upon it placed a noise of Trumpets, the Cross being very beautifully trimmed, upon the porch of Saint Peter's Church door, stood the Waits of the City, with Cornets and Oboes, and played loud Music, moving onward she espied another pageant erected at the little Conduit, 
The pageant at the little Conduit.  in the upper end of Cheap, and demanded what it might signify? One told her Majesty that there was placed Time: Time replied she? and Time I thank my God hath brought me hither, and being further informed that the English Bible was there to be delivered unto her by Truth the daughter of Time, she answered, she was beholding to the City, for that 
Her love to the English Bible.  present above all other, which she would maintain with the best blood that ran in her Royal veins, and commanded Sir john Parrot, one of the Knights that held the Canopy to fetched it from the child. But understanding that it was to be let down by a silken string, she caused him to stay: and proceed no further, then met her the Lord Major, and the Aldermen.  
There the Recorder made a learned speech, 
She is met by the L. Major and Aldermen.  and delivered unto her withal a purse of Crimson Satin richly embroidered, and in it a thousand Marks in gold: which she received with her own hand, and to his speech she made present answer as followeth.  
I thank my Lord Major, his brethren, and you all: where your request is that I should continue your good Lady and Queen, be assured I will be as good and gracious unto you as ever Princess was to her people, no will in me can want, and I persuade myself, no power shall be deficient to provide for the safety and security of you all, for which I shall not spare my best blood: God thank you all. The Bible being presented unto her, and all the pertinences of that Show being past, coming over against Paul's School, one of the Scholars delivered her a Latin Oration, with divers Latin Verses: The Oration began, Philosophus ille divinus 
Her coming to Ludgate.  Plato, etc. and the Verses, 
Anglia nunc tandem plaudas, laetare, resulta, etc.   
It would ask too long time to interpret them: she passed thence through Ludgate, which was gorgeously beautified and adorned, where were Trumpets, Cornets, Shawms and Oboes, and thence into Fleetstreet, where at the Conduit she was received by the fift and last pageant, in 
The pageant in Fleetstreet.  which was expressed Deborah the judgesse, and Restorer of the House of Israel. At Saint Dunstan's Church stood the Children of the Hospital, and by one of them a speech delivered unto her, to which she attentively listened, and promised to be their future Benefactor: upon Temple Barre were placed, the two Giantlike figures of 
The show at Temple bar.  Corinaeus and Gogmagog, holding a Table wherein the effects of all the former pageants were in Latin inscribed. Thence she departed toward Westminster, where she was the next day being the fifteenth of january, with all Royal solemnity crowned. 
Her coronation  
Thus Sol shines on her with his best aspect,  
With Ariadne's Crown, Astraea decked,  
Doth now descend upon this terrene stage,  
Not seen before, since the first golden age.  
Through many forges did this metal glide,  
Like gold by fire repured, and seven times tried.   
In regard that her inimitable Reign and Government hath so oft, and amply, so largely and learnedly both in the Latin and English tongue, been voluminously discoursed, I will only present you with a Table of their Tractates and Treatises, as a brief Register, to prompt the Readers remembrance: As first by refusing a Marriage with her brother in law Philip King of 
Foreign and domestic attempts against ●…er Majesty after she was Queen.  Spain, she made him her public and professed enemy: that the French animated by the Guisians, in the right of Mary Queen of France and Scotland would have invaded her Kingdom, that Spain, France, and Scotland, all, and at once combined against her: the thundering Bull of Pius Quintus, which quitted all her subjects from their allegiance: Rebellions in the North, Duke Dalva's attempts in the Low countries, Pools and Dacres Conspiracies: john of Austria from Spain, Stukley in Ireland, Saunders and Sam. josephus: Desmond, and Fitz-morris: Paget, Throgmorton, and Arondel, Bernardine, Mendoza, and Cardinal Allan, the Spanish Armado styled Invincible. The fourteen Traitors, Englefield and Rosse Hispanified, Parry with his pistol Italianated, Aubespinaeus and Trappius his Secretary Frenchified, Walpoole the jesuite, Lopez the jew, and Squire, who would have poisoned her Saddles pummel, etc. these prove what was before by the Prophet predicted. 
Her bright and glorious Sunbeams shall expel 
These are so plain they need no exposition.   
The vain clouds of the candle, book and bell,  
Domestic plots and stratagems abroad,  
French machines and the Italianated god,  
The Spanish Engines, Porteguized jew.  
The jesuitick mines, and politic crew  
Of homebred Traitors, let their menaces come  
By private pistol, or by hostile Drum, etc.   
Yet notwithstanding over these and many others (strengthened and protected by the hand of the Almighty) she was miraculously victorious, whose fame can never fail, or Her memory perish, and therefore I draw my present conclusion from the premises. 
Though all these Dogs chase her with open cry;  
Live shall she feared and loved, then Sainted die.   
Many other prophecies have been dispersed abroad under the name of Merlin: of which I will give you the taste of one only, and that's this: 
When Hemp is ripe and ready to pull, 
A prophecy conferred on Merlin.   
Then Englishman beware thy scull.   
In this word Hemp be five Letters H. E. M. P. E. now by reckoning the successive Princes from Henry the Eighth, this Prophecy is easily explained, H. signifieth Henry before named, E. Edward his son, the sixth of that name, M. Marry who succeeded him, P Philip of Spain who by marrying Queen Mary during the time of her life participated with her in the English Diadem: lastly by E. Qu. Elizabeth, after whose death there was great fear that some troubles might have rose about the Crown, or that King james her successor of like blessed memory might have come in after an hostile manner, and so to have made that good. 
Then Englishman beware thy scull.  Yet proved this augury true, though not according to the former expectation or imagination: for after his happy and peaceable proclamation and Inauguration, there was great mortality, not in London only, but through the whole Kingdom, from which the Nation was not quite clean in seven years after.   

CHAP. 38.  
The title of K. james to the Crown. His coming into England: A prophecy of his Reign: The first treason attempted against him: The gunpowder treason, and what the conspirators were: The K. of Denmark twice cometh into England: An Epitaph upon Prince Henry: One of the Duke of Richmond and Lenox: Another of Q. Anne: An Epitaph upon K. james: K. Charles proclaimed King: his Father's Funerals, etc.  
UPon Thursday, being the twenty fourth of March, about two of the clock in the morning, deceased Queen Elizabeth of blessed memory, at her palace of Richmond, being aged three score and ten years, and having reigned forty four years, five months and 
King james his lineal title to the Crown of England, etc.  odd days, and the same day about eleven of clock in the forenoon was proclaimed james the sixth King of Scotland, King of England, Scotland. France, and Ireland, at the high Cross in Cheapside, with the Title of Defonder of the Faith, being lineally descended from Margaret eldest daughter to King Henry the seventh, by Elizabeth his wife, who was the eldest daughter to King Henry the fourth: the same Margaret was married to King james, the fourth of that name King of Scotland, in the year of Grace, one thousand five hundred and three, who had issue james the fifth, who was Father to Mary Queen of Scotland, Mother to james the sixth, Monarch of great Britain, and King of France and Ireland: of whom ere I further proceed to speak any more, let me acquaint you with one thing most remarkable, 
A thing worthy to be observed.  namely how ominous the Thursday hath been to King Henry the Eighth, and to all his posterity, for he himself died upon Thursday the eight and twentieth of january, his son King Edward the sixth, on Thursday the sixth of july, Queen Mary, on Thursday the seventeenth of November, and Queen Elizabeth on Thursday, the twenty fourth of March: but I return to King james, and the prediction made of him and his prosperous Reign. 
On Boreas' wings then hither shall be borne,  
Through Week, o'er Tweed a Princely Unicorn 
The prophecy of K. james.   
Who brought into the world, his own fair. crest,  
A rampant Lion figured on his breast,  
And to his Arms six Lions more shall quarter  
With six French Flowers environed with the  
joining (by fates unchangeable dispose) (Garter,  
The Northern Thistle to the Southern Rose,  
He shall the true Apostolic Faith maintain,  
With pious zeal: During the blessed Reign  
Of this fair sprig derived from Richmond's stock,  
No Noble head shall stoop unto the block.  
Yet shall from th' old Lupanar Wolves be sent  
To undermine both Crown and Government,  
Striving in Hell to register their names,  
By blowing up the State in powder flames,  
Ah (woe the while, Rebellion, and prestigion,  
Should mask themselves in visors of religion.  
All which the holy book merely gain-says,  
But man's corrupt, God, Just in all his ways.  
Witness their wretched ends, but happy they  
Who keep for that, an annual holiday  
That King shall be a second Solomon,  
Whom all Kings else with wonder gaze upon:  
Who, as to an Oracle to him shall come,  
And when he speaks, be silent all and dumb,  
Peace shall he keep within him and without him,  
Whilst all lands else combustions are about him.  
Him shall a second issue male succeed,  
Gracious in word, victorious in his deed.  Though divers adulterate copies something alluding to this purpose, have been frequent in the mouths of many, yet this best agreeing with the Author's meaning, aught to be first received, which though it need no explanation at all, yet thus much briefly, for the satisfaction of the vulgar. By Boreas is meant the Northwind, upon whose wings the Unicorn is borne, is implied King james, who gives the Unicorn in 
The Unicorn part of the Scottish Arms.  Heraldry. Through Week over Tweed, that is, he came through Barwick, over the River Tweed, which parteth England and Scotland: He 
King james born with a Lion on his breast.  was also borne with the exact portraiture of a Lion upon his breast, presaging, that the white Lion of Scotland should have a proximity and alliance, with the three red Lions of England quartered, with the three Flower delyces of France, (the noble remembrance of Edward, surnamed the Black Prince, son to Edward the Third, who by taking the King prisoner in battle, added them to the Arms of England,) which are encompassed by the Garter, an Order first made, by the aforesaid Edward the Third. The●…e came into the peaceable possession of King james, who also brought the Thistle (part of the Arms of Scotland,) to join 
The Thistl●… joined with the Rose.  with the two united Roses, (the White and Red, figuring of the two divided Houses York and Lancaster, to make one perfect Damask.  
I omit the manner of his Majesty's coming out of Scotland, and his Royal entertainment into this Kingdom with joyful acclamations of the people, and the unanimous suffrage of the whole Nation, with his Inauguration, Coronation, and solemn and pompous passing from the Tower through the City of London to Westminster, with the several pageants and shows, his Creating of Baron's Viscounts and Earls, and making of Knights and Knight Baronet's in great number, etc. The several Ambassadors that came from all parts of Christendom, to congratulate his coming to the Crown, His peace established with all Christian Princes, especially with Spain, consisting of seven and thirty Articles: The calling of his first Parliament, and his excellent delivery of his mind therein, etc. which would ask long Circumstance, I come to the first Treason attempted against him, for which were arraigned at 
The first treason attempted against King james.  Winchester, the fifteenth of November, George Brooke, brother to the Lord Cobham, Sir Griffin Markham, and Sir Edward Parham, Knights; Watson and Clarke, Romish priests, Bartholomew Brooksby Esquire, and one Anthony Copley Gentleman indicted. 
To conspire to kill the King,  
To raise Rebellion,  
To alter Religion,  
To subvert the State,  
To procure invasion by strangers.   
And this was in the first year of his Majesty's Reign, for which were after also arraigned and convicted Henry Brook, Lord Cobham, late Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, Thomas Lord Grey of Wilton, and Sir Walter Raleigh, late Lord Warden of the Stanneries: For which the two priests Watson and Clerke were executed at Winchester, the twenty ninth of November, and George Brooke was beheaded the fift of December, but all the rest by the King's gracious clemency had their lives pardoned, though some of ●…hem brought to the block, expecting no other mercy but what the sharp axe of justice could afford them.  
The second treason (of the like to which was never precedent) was the attempt to blow 
The powder Treason.  up the Parliament house, in which because it was so long predicted, I could desire to be the larger, but that it is of such late memory, and new in the mouths of all men, and so shall (no doubt) continue to all posterity: the fatal day appointed for that horrid and most execrable fact was the fift of November, in the third year of his Majesty's Reign. The names of the Conspirators were Henry Garnet, a principal jesuite resident in England, Robert Catesby Gentleman, Francis Tresham Esquire, Thomas Winter Gentleman, 
The names of the Conspirators.  Thomas Percy, john Wright, Guido Vaux, who went by the name of john johnson, Master Percy's man, john Grant, Ambrose Rookwood, Sir Everard Digby, etc. The discovery thereof was as followeth. About ten days before the Parliament should begin, the Lord Mounteagle son and Heir to the Lord Morley, lying in the Strand, a stranger met his man in the street, and delivered him a Letter to give to his Lord, the contents were as followeth.  
MY Lord, Out of the love I have to some of 
A Letter sent to the Lord Mounteagle.  your Friends, I have care of your preservation: therefore I would advise you, as you tender your life, to devise some excuse to shift off your attendance on the Parliament, for God and man have conspired to punish the wickedness of this time, and think not slight of this advertisement, but retire yourself into your Country, where you may expect the event in safety, for though there be no appearance of any stir: yet I say, they shall receive a terrible blow this Parliament, and yet they shall not see who hurt them: this counsel is not to be contemned, and can do you no harm. For the danger is past, so soon as you have burnt the Letter, and I hope God will give you grace to make good use of it, to whose holy protection I commend you.  
And this came unto him without date or name, in a counterfeit and unperfect hand, which Letter coming to the King's hand, when none of the Counsel could sound the depth thereof, (though they were men of great wisdom and experience) His Majesty was the first that took notice of these words in this Letter, They shall 
The King's wisdom first discovered this treason.  receive a terrible blow, which he conjectured to be by a blast of powder, and therefore commanded all the places under the Parliament House to be searched the night before their first sitting: which charge was given to Sir Thomas Knivet, Gentleman of the King's privy Chamber, who attended with a small number came to the place at midnight, where at the entry he found Fawks (Percies pretended servant) booted and spurred, and apprehended him, and having removed certain billets and coals laid their under a colour, he first discovered one small barrel of powder, and after all the rest, being in number, thirty six with other Engines fit for that bloody purpose, there was also found in Fauxes pockets, a piece of touchwood, and a Tinderbox 
Guido Faux apprehended.  to light it, and a Match which Percy and he had bought the day before, to try conclusions for the long or short burning of the tuchwood, prepared to give fire to the train of powder: then they carried him bound to be examined before 
An obstinate Traitor.  the Council: who would acknowledge no other name but john johnson Percy's man, stiffly denying that he knew any complotters in that horrible Treason, justifying the act good and warrantable by Religion, denying the King to be his Liege Lord, or Gods Anointed, because he held him for an Heretic, only repenting him that the deed was not done, saying, that good would have concealed it, but the Devil himself only discovered it.  
This Treason after broke into a practice of Rebellion, of which the circumstances are too large to stand upon: Divers of them being besieged in an House together, as they were drying of wet powder, a blunt Miller let a coal fall amongst it, by which most of them were cruelly scorched, tasting themselves in some measure of that fire-plot prepared for others: Catesby and Percy issuing out of the House were shot to death, and their heads set after upon the parliament House, and their quarters upon the gates of Warwick: after them issued both the wright's who were slain also, Thomas Winter hoping the 
Those that were arraigned at Westminster.  like fate was taken alive, these following were by an honourable Trial arraigned at Westminster, Thomas Winter, late of Hardington in Warwickshire Gentleman, Guido Faux late of London Gentleman, Robert Keys late of London Gentleman, Thomas Bates late of London Yeoman, these were first called to the bar: and alleged against them for plotting to blow up the Parliament House with Gunpowder, for taking oath and sacrament for secrecy, for hiring an House near unto it, for digging a mine, and finding the mine faulty, hiring a Cellar for lodging of powder, match, and touchwood into the Cellar to effect their Treason.  
Robert Winter late of Hardington Esquire, elder brother to the aforesaid Thomas: john Grant late of Yarthbrooke in Warwickshire Esquire, Robert Rookwood late of Sunningfield in Suffolk Esquire, these were indicted for being acquainted with the Treason after, for giving their full consents thereto, for taking the Sacrament for secrecy: Sir Everard Digby, late of Galhurst in Buckinghamshire Knight, for being acquainted with the Treason, for giving assent, for taking an oath: all which were convicted, condemned, drawn, hanged and quartered: also upon Friday the twenty eight of March in the fourth year of the King, Henry Garnet the 
Henry Garnet provincial of the jesuits executed.  provincial or principal of the English jesuites, was arraigned at Guild Hall in London, upon the same Treason, and condemned, and after drawn from the Tower to the West end of Paul's, was executed like the former Traitors: Thus we see: 
That from the old Lupanar Wolves were sent,  
To undermine both crown and government:  
Striving in Hell to register their names,  
By blowing up the State in powder flames, etc.   
The word Lupanar comes from Lupa, a she Wolf or Prostitute, so was the wife of Fanstulus the Nurse to the two Infants Romulus and 
Lupanar, she was also called Acca Laneratia.  Remus (the first erectors of Rome) called, from Lupa comes also Lupanar, that is, a brothelhouse, and Idolatry is called fornication almost through the whole Scripture, and from Rome, had these Arch-traytors, their Incendiary, etc.  
Amongst other Royal Visitants Christianus, the fourth of that name King of Denmark, came into England, royally attended to see his 
The King of Denmark cometh into England.  brother in law King james, and his natural sister Queen Anne, whom the King in person met a shipboard with Prince Henry, The Duke of Lenox, and divers of the Nobility, and dined with him in his Cabin, the two Kings afterward road triumphantly through the City of London, the Ambassadors of France, Spain, and Venice, being spectators of the solemnity: Here He was royally and magnificently entertained and feasted till his return, etc. who liked his welcome so well, that he came hither the second time. And in all the passages of His Majesty's Reign, where was nothing seen but peace, tranquillity and quietness, there is no subject to write on, but of sundry Plantations during his Reign, as in Virginia, Bermudas, or the Summer Islands, etc. Of men raised to Office and Honour, of his several Embassies into Foreign Countries, to make peace and atonement betwixt divided Kingdoms, and his interchangeable entertaining of their Ambassadors: of the marriage of the Lady Elizabeth, to the prince Palatine: of the death of that most hopeful plant of Honour and Royalty Prince Henry, of whom I have read this Epitaph. 
In Nature's law, 'tis a plain case to die;  
No cunning Lawyer can demur on that, 
An Epitaph upon Prince Henry.   
For cruel death and fat all destiny,  
Serve all men with a final Latitat: (tried,  
So brave Prince Henry, when his cause was  
Confessed the action, paid the debt and died.   
I may also put you in remembrance of the new erecting of the Artillery Garden, of the New River brought to London, of the building of the New Exchange in the Strand, and Hicks Hall, of Censures in the Star-chamber, in the High Commission Court, the burning of the Banquetinghouse, etc. of Sir W. Raleighs execution at Westminster, etc. the creating of George Villiers Gentleman Duke, & his Mother Countess of Buckingham; with infinite other peaceable passages, but these are now out of my road. In the year one thousand six hundred and eighteen, upon Wednesday the eighteenth of November, ablazing Star appeared, and upon Tuesday the second of March following, at Hampton Court died Queen Anne, of whom was made this Epitaph. 
The death of Queen Anne.  
Her to invite, the great God sent his star,  
Whose friends and kindred mighty Princes are,  
Who though they run the race of men and die,  
Death seems but to refine their majesty:  
So did this Queen, from hence her Court remove,  
And left the earth to be enthroned above:  
Then she is changed, not dead, no good Prince dies,  
But like the daystar, only set to rise.   
Upon Monday, the sixteenth of February, one thousand six hundred twenty three, the King with the Nobility prepared to go to the Parliament House, but that morning died Lodowick Duke of Richmond and Lenox, at 
Upon the death of the Duke of Richmond and Lenox.  his lodging at the Court in White Hall, who is worthily remembered in this Epitaph following. 
Are all diseases dead? or will death say,  
She could not kill this prince another way?  
Yes, it was so: for time and death conspired,  
To make his death (as was his life) admired,  
The Commons were not summoned (now I see)  
Merely to move laws, but to mourn for thee.  
No less than all the Bishops could suffice  
To wait upon so great a sacrifice.  
The Court, the Altar was; the Waiters, peers.  
The myrrh and frankineense, great Cousins tears.  
A braver offering with more pomp and state,  
Nor time, nor death, could ever celebrate.  Of King james his wisdom, integrity, bounty, his study of peace, which he made good in his Motto, Beati Pacifici, and for all his other singular virtues; He with a superarrogative overplus made good, what was before, for many years predicted of him: all which may be included in this one Epitaph made upon him. 
Can Christendomes great Champion sink away  
Thus silently, into a bed of clay?  
Can such a Monarch die? and not to have  
An Earthquake (at the least) to open his grave?  
Did there no Meteors fright the Universe,  
Nor Comet hold a torch to light his Hearse?  
Was there no clap of thunder heard to tell  
All Christendom their loss? and ring his knell?  
Impartial Fates: I see all princes then (men:  
Though they lived Gods, yet they must die like  
And the same passing bell, may toll for them  
Which rung but now the beggar's requiem.  
When such a soul is from the earth bereaven,  
Me thinks, there should be triumph made in Heaven;  
The stars should run at tilt, at his decease,  
To welcome him into the place of peace:  
Who whilst he lived, in peace lived, and did  
Being in peace, to keep peace still alive: (strive,  
No widows curses, and no Orphans cries,  
Shall interrupt his hallowed obsequies:  
For their slain husbands, or their fathers lost  
In bloody war: to wake thy peaceful ghost.  
Let thy great predecessors boast the prize  
Of glorious (and yet bloody) victories.  
Let them upon their sepulchres expose,  
Triumphs of war; and spoil of foreign foes,  
And glory to have turned the harvest field:  
To a pitched Camp: and ploughshare to a shield,  
So that on bloody furrows there were born  
As many blades of steel, as now of corn  
Yet shall thy praise be greater, since thy joy  
Was to plant nations rather than destroy,  
And though no mortal trophy speak thy praise,  
Because no drop of blood hath stained thy days:  
Yet this sure truth, their greatest fame controls  
They subdued bodies, thou hast conquered souls.  
Truth was thy banner, the thrice sacred word,  
Thy target and thy pen a two edged sword.  
But lo, when Spanish coast, Rome's canon shot,  
False Gowries treason, Cateshy's powder-plot,  
Can not destroy (all these thy fate did brave.)  
A Fever would needs bring thee to thy grave.  
For (being mortal) fate could not invent  
His passage by a nobler instrument  
Than his own blood: which made him compre-  
Within himself the glory of his end. (hena  
Like to a circle, this rich Diamond must  
Be cut by no means else then it's own dust.  
Thus is our Sun set, never to return.  
Pay therefore tri●…ute to his funeral urn,  
All peaceful souls; and with true sorrows sense:  
Give unto him your heart's benevolence.  
Of pious tears, then turn you from the West,  
To see the new Sun rising in the East.   
King Charles the first of that name King of 
Prince Charles proclaimed King.  England, began his Reign on Sunday the twenty seventh of March, one thousand six hundred twenty five, and the next day after commanded by proclamation, that all Officers and Magistrates of what degree or quality soever through out his whole Dominions should sti●…l use and exercise all such power and authority as they held from his Father (of blessed memory) until his pleasure were further known: and on Saturday the seventh of May next ensuing, were performed the Funeral rites of his Father King 
The Funeral of King james  james, and his corpse with all magnificence and state carried from Denmark house in the Strand, to Westminster Abbey Church, King Charles being the chief and principal Mourner, artended with all the Nobility, Clergy, and judges, with sundry Ambassadors, and all his officers and domestic servants in mourning habits. His Hearse being more royally adorned and attended then any of his predecessor Kings, in which magnificent solemnity his corpse was interred in the Chapel Royal, etc.  
I should now pr●…ceed to the Reign of the high, mighty and invincible Prince Charles, concerning whose sacred person (my rude pen dare not be so bold, nor with any of his just and 
Of Prince Charles.  royal proceed, but am rather content to leave them to those of more knowing and bet ter approved judgements, and more frequently versed in state business, and the laws and limits that belong to History and Chronologie then myself: yet thus fare according to my weak Talon and crassa Minerva, let me borrow leave to confer on him (though far short of his great meed and merit) a brief character: He is a Prince wise and just, crowned with all the especial gifts of nature and fortune, but (which fare transcends the rest) plenteously endowed with all heavenly graces: Blessed in a Royal, chaste and beautiful Consort, blest with a most hopeful and numerous Issue, conspicuous in the four Cardinal virtues, justice, Prudence, Temperance, and Fortitude, grounded in the three Theological Graces, Faith, Hope, and Charity, illustrious in all other Virtues which generally adorn men, but make a Prince greatly admired and gloriously eminent: whom with his incomparable Queen, the unparallelled Prince his son, with the rest of his Royal Issue, God Almighty in his great providence, and infinite mercy, continue in long life, health, prosperity and happiness, etc.   
FINIS.