Π Ρ Ο Ε Δ Ρ Ι Α- Β Α Σ Ι Λ Ι Κ Η: A DISCOURSE Concerning the PRECEDENCY OF KINGS: Wherein the REASONS and ARGUMENTS Of the Three Greatest Monarches of Christendom▪ Who claim a several Right Thereunto, Are Faithfully Collected, and Rendered. Whereby occasion is taken to make Great Britain better understood then some Foreign Authors (either out of Ignorance or Interest) have represented Her in order to this Particular. Whereunto is also adjoynd A distinct Treatise of AMBASSADORS, etc. Symbolum Authoris Senesco, non Segnesco. LONDON: Printed by ja. Co●…trel, for Sam. Speed, at the Rainbow; and Chr. Eccleston, at the middle shop under St. Dunstan's Church in Fleetstreet. 1664. TO HIS MAJESTY OF Great Britain, France and Ireland, etc. SIR, There are many who have written of the Pre-eminences and Antiquity, of the Power and Prerogatives of France and Spain in order to a Precedence or Superiority; But while they magnify their own Kings, they deerogate from other: Moreover, while they produce their Reasons, they often fall into such excesses of speech, that they may be called rather Rodomontadoes than Reasons. But there is none who hath written yet of Great Britain in relation to this Point; therefore 'tis the principal scope of this Work, wherein there is an Endeavour to make Her better understood; and to prove by Relevant and lively Reasons, (without offence to any) That the Monarch of Great Britain if He go not before, at least He ought not to come behind any King whatsoever. Now, in regard 'tis a Theme of so sublime a Nature, and depends chiefly upon ancient Records, History, and the Opinion of Civilians, (who have been principally consulted) the Author hath had a special Care and Caution to be very exact and true in his Quotati on's of all kinds. Lastly, The Author (most humbly under favour) did deem Himself not altogether incapable of such a Task, for having been in most of the great Courts of Christendom; For having Negotiated by Royal Commission above three years in the Court of Spain; For having been Orator in an extraordinary Ambassage to Denmark, and divers Princes of Germany; For having been so often in France, and sundry Courts of Italy, etc. He may be thought not to be Impar Negotio. May all the Blessings and best Influences of Heaven light upon Your Royal Head this New-Year, and many, many, many more, according to the due and daily Devotions of the humblest of Calendis Januarii, 1664. Your MAJESTY'S Votaries & Vassals, J. Howel. To the Discerning Reader. THe Ingredients and Matter whereof this New kind of Historical Piece is composed, may be said to be all of Crown-Gold, the subject thereof being Kings: Whence it is worth the observing, that History is a Lady of that Excellence, that she hath Kings to her Subjects. We well know what a ticklish and tremendous Task it is to treat of Kings, who have power of Life and Death; There must be as much Caution as Care used therein; It is as perilous as it is painful: It is as walking upon the Ridg of a high House, or dancing upon a Rope, where unless one be well counterpoizd, he is in danger to break his Neck; Especially a task of this high nature, that treats of Regal Precedence. And we find that they who write too peremptorily thereof, have done it with more offence than satisfaction. And indeed there was never any binding Determination made thereof, but where Decisions have been made, the Princes upon new occasions have excepted or protested against them: Therefore the Author here doth not presume to determine the Question positively and definitively en dernier resort; for — Tantas componere lights Non opis est nostrae— Therefore he refers it to the Discerning Reader, who is left free, and every way unsubornd to pass his judgement accordingly, in mesuring every King by the merit of his own Reasons, which are here fairly and faithfully exhibited; and those of France and Spain exactly drawn out of their own Authors, having not omitted any that hath any weight. Now, 'tis found among Historians, that Contestations about Precedence of Session and Superiority, with other Formalities, Compliments, Visits and Ceremonies, have been very fatal to Christendom; And 'tis observed also that the various Dignities in the Church hath multiplied them: The great Clash 'twixt Rome and Constantinople, ('twixt St. Peter and St. Andrew) was the unhappy cause of the Defection and total Separation of the Greek Church from the Latin: The hot Dispute for Precedence 'twixt the Emperor Frederiki and Pope Adrian 4. did put all the Christian world on fire: The great Ecumenical Council at Lions, which concerned so much the interest of Christendom, broke up about Punctilios for Precedency: The great Contest 'twixt Patriarches and Cardinals bred a great deal of confusion; but at last the Patriarches had the better, for they of Constantinople, Jerusalem, Antioch, and Alexandria precede the Cardinals, though they be called the Princes of the Church, and have the Prerogative not to be tried without 72 Witnesses, I mean the Bishop-Cardinals; 44 Witnesses the Cardinal-Priests, and 30 the Deacon-Cardinal. One of the 24 Causes, (and it proved the greatest) that the English lost France, was a Clash that happened at St. Omers 'twixt the Duke of Bedford and Burgundy about Punctilios of Compliment and Precedency. That hopeful Trety of Peace at Bullen 'twixt Queen Elizabeth and her Brother-in-law Phil. 2. King of Spain, after a long lingering War by Sea and Land, broke off for question of Precedence, or rather for the peevishness of the Spanish Ambassadors, who had no other Argument that had any probability of reason, but that the Catholic King was increased in Territories; whereas the Civilians say, that Supervenient and Accessary Dominions, with accumulation of Titles, have no force 'twixt Princes all the while they continue still in eodem gradu dignitatis. Nor could they give any answer at all to the Arguments the English Ambassadors produced, whereof one was, that of Volaterranus, who doth plainly relate how the Pope did adjudge the Prerogative of Precedence to Hen. 7. of England, before Ferdinand of Spain, as it will appear more at large in the following Discourse. Now, there have been divers means found by prudent Mediators from time to time for accommoding and reconcilement of differences in point of Precedence; sometimes by dilatorious ways; sometimes by Alternatif Determinations, yet Jure Partium integre reservato; As the great clash 'twixt Warwick and Buckingham in England was composed that they should precede alternatim every three years; so the hot contest 'twixt the Ursini and the Colonnas, two of the antientst Families in Rome, was reconciled, that the elder of the two who were living, should precede, which makes the younger never come to the Pope's Chapel, where they take place next Kings Ambassadors. The difference Inter Scherensem, & Wolfeggianam Familiam in Germany was reconciled, that the one should carry the Pomum Aureum, the Golden Apple of the Empire going in, the other at going out. Among Artificers, and Men of Trade, the Civilians say, that each one is to precede according to the Dignity of the Stuff whereon they work. Moreover, when Public Instruments are made, that Kingdom in whose Right 'tis made hath the Precedence, so sometimes Scotland is named before England, etc. General Precedences do differ according to the Genius of some Nations; as among the Turks, to go on the left hand is more honourable sedendo & incedendo in sitting and going then on the right; and the reason is good, because he may seize upon his Companions Sword at pleasure. In Spain the Pages and Laquays go before, and the Lords follow; And in some cases 'tis so in France, as in going over a Bridge, a Plank or a River, the Man goes before the Master, according to the old Proverb, En Pont, en Planche, en Riviere Valet devant, Maitre derriere. Concerning Ambassadors, there is a way that they shall never clash, which is, to make them Parallels, viz. that the Ambassadors of those Kings who stand in competition for Precedence, do never meet (unless it be in visiting one another) And the Mathematician tells us, That Parallelae etiamsi ducantur in infinitum nunquam concurrent, Parallels although they be drawn in infinitum, they will never meet; and if Ambassadors never meet, they will never jussle or jar. J. H. THE Civilians, Antiquaries, and Historians, BOTH Latin, English, British, Italians, Spanish, and French, That were Consulted, and Cited in the Compilement of this WORK. GOldastus Cassanaeus Besoldus Valdesius Francisco Vasquez Volaterranus Bodin Boterus Albericus Gentilis Lansius Augustin Caranato Thesaurus Politicus Ant. Corsetus Camillo Borrello Boccolini Sleidon Dr. Gaspar Bragaccia Paschalius Don Ant. de Zuniga Mariana Garibai Fredericus de Marselaer Carolus de Grassaliis Du Haillan Comines Pierre Matthieu The Bishop of Rhodes Du Serres Vers●…egan Il Conte Losco The Lord Coke Bishop Usher Sir Thomas More Sir Walter Raleigh Sir Robert Cotton Sir Henry Spelman Sir Richard Baker Sir john Finet Sir john Price judge Doddridge Humphrey Lloyd judge jenkin's Mr. Campden Mr. Selden Mr. Fabian Philipps Barclays Argenis Matthew Paris Polydore Virgile Sir Henry Wotten Sir Isaak Wake Mr. Minshew. Besides these Authors, many Ancient Records and Manuscripts have been consulted; and the perusing of old Parchment-Records is a hard and harsh Work; it may be said to be like the peeling of old Walnuts. ANALYSIS Totius Operis. TOuching the Matter and Method in framing this Work, it is by dividing it into four Compartments, viz. into four Sections; The first three treat of the Precedence of Kings; The fourth of Ambassadors. Every one of the Sections is subdivided into ten heads or Paragraphs, containing still new matter. The first Section consists of the Reasons of the King of Great Britain, etc. First, That He had to his Predecessors as ancient Kings as France and Spain, and as famous; among others Mulmutius Dunwallo, who reigned here many hundred years before the Romans came in, and he was so great a Legislator, that his Laws are called Leges Mulmuntinae, and stand upon record to this day. Moreover, his Majesty now Regnant is the hundred thirty ninth King of Britain, and the hundred and ninth of Scotland; whereas neither Spain or France can show a Catalogue of half the number. 2. The King of Great Britain had to his Predecessor the first Christian King that ever was upon earth, viz. King Lucius, according to the concurrent Opinion of all Antiquaries, for St. Peter's Church in Cornhill was built by him, as a Record yet extant shows; and this was many hundred years before France or Spain had any Christian King, which made England to be entitled in all dispatches from Rome, Primogenita Ecclesiae, the firstborn Daughter of the Church. Now, it is a Canon among the Civilians, Summa Ratio quae ducitur à Religione; and Grotius hath also a Principle, Qui primò Christianismum professi sunt Praecedant, etc. 3. The King of Great Britain hath a Merum & immixum Imperium he hath as absolute Possession and Authority, and more Independent than France or Spain, take Spiritual and Temporal together. 4. The King of Great Britain for Eminence of Royal Dignity, for State and Titles, hath as fair Flowers, He hath as rich Jewels in his Crowns as any other; He hath as Noble Arms, the Cross, and the Lion who is King of Animals. 5. The King of Great Britain had to his Predecessor the first Christian Emperor Constantin, and the first Christian Worthy Arthur the first Founder of Martial Knighthood, whom there is Truth enough to make Famous without that which is thought Fabulous. 6. The King of Great Britain's Predecessors were the first who freed themselves from the Roman yoke long before France or Spain; and this is one of the greatest Arguments that those Kings do produce for a Precedence one of another. 7. The Kings of Great Britain had Precedence adjudgd Them both of France and Spain in General Councils, as also by the Decrees of Popes, as it will appear in the following Discourse. 8. The King of Great Britain is Souverain of as Noble an Order of Knighthood as any in Christendom, whereof eight Emperors, and well near eight times as many Kings have been, and is more ancient than the Royal Orders of France or Spain. 9 The King of Great Britain hath had as Martial and Magnanimous Progenitors as any of the other two, who performed great Acts both far and near; and touching Exploits in the Holy Land, the Kings of Spain had little share in them. 10. The King of Great Britain hath as freeborn and strong sturdy Peeple of four several Nations to make Soldiers of, as either France or Spain: He hath the best Mariners, the stoutest Men of War, the Noblest Haven, for so Milford is accounted by all Geographers: He hath the Inaccessiblest Coasts, with the greatest Command and Power at Sea both Defensive and Offensive of any King whatsoever. The second Section Consists of Reasons and Arguments why France doth pretend and challenge Priority of Place; which Reasons (under favour) may be appliable also to the King of Great Britain, and the world knows why: But for to make the King of Great Britain come after the King of France, is to make him come behind himself, which is no less than an absurdity. The third Section Consists of the Reasons and Arguments which Spain allegeth for Precedence, at least of an Equality with the two forementiond Kings; extracted with as much fidelity as carefulness out of her own Authors, as Don Diego de Valdez, D. Francisco Vasquez, with others. The fourth Section Consists of a Discourse of Ambassadors. 'tis true, there are some who have written of this subject already, yet not any under this Meridian; But those Forreners who have discoursed thereof do amuse the Reader with such general Notions, that the Breeding and Qualities which they require, as also the Monitions, Precepts and Instructions which they prescribe, may fit any other Minister of State, or Man of Business. But this Discourse doth appropriate itself solely to the subject we undertake, viz. to the Function, Office and Incumbency of an Ambassador. A necessary Aviso to the Reader. Whereas the four following Sections which may be called so many Decades, in regard every one consists of Ten several Discourses, which makes forty in all; I say, whereas they are full of Quotations, Authorities, Texts, Testimonies, and Examples, both Modern and Ancient; And whereas the Author was not so precise as to point at the particular Pages, Paragraphs, or Chapters where they are found, and wherewith other Books have their Margens so cloggd: The Reader is humbly desired to take this Advertisement, That it belongs to Schoolmen, and Professors of the Laws, who use to deal with matters of Meum & Tuum, or of Life and Death, to be so punctual; But, under favour, free Historians are not tied to such a strictness: Wherefore they may modestly expect, that, with an Ingenuous Candour the Readers would carry with them a Generous Confidence, which they may do here without scruple of Conscience, or incurring any danger to wrong their Faith. J. H. Several Books worth buying, to be sold by Samuel Speed at the Rainbow near the Inner Temple-gate in Fleetstreet. Guillims' Heraldry: Folio. Atter solemnising on Philemon: Folio. Ammianus Marcellinus: Folio. Porta's Natural Magic: Folio. Pharamont, a Romance: Folio. Shepherds Actions on Deeds: Folio. Palmerin of England: 4. Artificial Changeling: 4. Bacon's History of England: 4. Dr. Griffiths Bethel: 4. Purchas of Bees: 4. White on the Sabbath: 4. Genealogies: in 4. in 8. in 12. Mountagues Essays: 4. Perkins Catechism: 8. Judge Ramsey of Coffee: 8. Ramsey of Poisons: 8. Paracels●… of Metals: 8. Ainsworths' Communion of Saints: 8. Saddler's Art of Physic: 8. Burgersdicius Logic: 8. The Life of Henry the fourth: 8. Latin Bibles: 12. Andrews Catechistical Doctrine: 12. Drexelius' Christian Zodiac: 12. Wollebius in Latin: 12. — in English: 12. These to be sold by Christopher Eccleston, under St. Dunstan's Church in Fleetstreet. CRooks Report: Fol. Wingates Reports: Fol. Latches Reports: Fol. Queen's Closet: 12. Wit's Recreations: 8. Athanasius Life: 8. Life of St. Cuthbert: 8. Littleton on the Church-Catechism: 8. Wars of the Jews: 8. Cases of Conscience about things indifferent. Grand Case of the present Ministry. Review of the Grand Case. Sales Epigrammatum, being the choicest Dysticks of Marshal's Epigrams, of chief Latin Poets that have been these last two hundred years. Shakespears Plays. Touching the PRECEDENCE OF Sovereign Princes. COncerning the Pope and the Emperor, there never was any question or controversy of their Precedencies, and consequently of their Representatives in all Transactions and Signatures, at all Ecumenical Councils, with other Public Meetings, being allowed to the One (by those who are devoted to him by way of Filiation) as he is held The Vica●… of Christ, The Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, The Holy Father, who hath the command of the Spiritual Sword which strikes deep, having Dominion over the Noblest part of Man which is the Soul; Insomuch that some have magnified Him so far, and fallen to such an excess of speech, as to say, That He antecels all Temporal Princes as much as the Soul excels the Body. Nor do they only allow him Priority of place, but out of high Ideas of Holiness, both Emperor and Kings esteem it a great honour to hold the Basin and Towel when he washeth his hands; nay, to hold his Stirrup and Bridle, yea to kiss his Feet: according to the Poet, who gives this Character of Him: Ense potens Gemino, Cujus vestigia adorat Caesar, & aurato vestiti murice Reges. He who commands the Two-edged Sword, whose Feet Caesar, and crowned Kings with Kisses greet. Insomuch that when at the great Ceremony of his Consecration by the Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia, the Papal Mitre is put on his head, the chief Deacon says aloud, Accipe Tiaram tribus ornatum coronis, & scias Te esse Patrem Regum, & Rectorem orbis, etc. Receive the Mitre adorned with three Crowns; and know, that thou art the Father of Kings, and Rector of the world, etc. From hence is derived the Precedence that all other Churchmen have; as at the Election of the Emperor, the three Ecclesiastical Electors, viz. the Archbishops of Mentz, Colen, and Triers, take place of the King of Bohemia, and all the rest. Moreover, out of a special Veneration of the Church, when the Tremendous Oath is read and administered unto them to be just in their choice, the Archbishops put their hands only upon their Breasts, whereas all the Secular Electors hold their hands upon the Book all the while. Add hereunto, that the Cardinals being Princes of the Church, deduce such a Pre-eminence from the Pope, that they take Precedence of all Ambassadors whose Masters are devoted to the Roman See. Moreover, among the Peers of France, the Six Spiritual without any scruple take Precedence of the rest: as also our Bishops do in England in the Parliament-house of all the Lay Peers. Furthermore, the Pope hath still such a sway and influence upon the Emperor, that he cannot be styled Augustus, or receive the Golden Crown, until he be confirmed by the Consistory at Rome. Of the Emperor. WE come now to wait on the Emperor, who retains still the Title of Caesar, and Semper Augustus: He also is styled Numen, Divus; and his Edicts are called Sancita Divalia, Godlike Decrees. For many Descents the Empire continued in the Race of julius Caesar, until Domitius Nero's time; then the Name of Caesar grew to be Accidental, and given by way of Adoption to the Heir apparent of the Empire, whereas before he was called Princeps juventutis: and when the Western Empire came to be revived in Charlemagne, the next to succeed was termed King of Italy, but now he is created King of the Romans; which Institution was made by Charles the Fifth. julius Caesar was the first who raised Rome to an Empire, though it cost him dear: for the Foundation thereof was cemented with his own blood, being assassinated in the Senate by his nearest Confidents in compassing that great work: whereby 'tis observable what an extraordinary kind of Fate did betid that City: for as the first Foundation thereof was sprinkled with Blood when Romulus caused his Brother Rhemus to be put to death, when the first Walls thereof were erecting; so the Roman Empire was afterwards first raised by Caesar's Blood. And the Spiritual Empire she enjoys since, may also be said to have been raised by the Blood of Christian Martyrs, among whom above thirty of the first Bishops of Rome were of the number. Now, if one should compare the present Roman Empire with the Old when it was at the highest flourish, the Parallel would bear no more proportion than a Wren (who yet is called in Latin Regulus, a little King) doth hold with an Eagle: for the Roman Monarchy when she was at the greatest pitch of Sublimity and Altitude of Puissance and Glory, may be said to have no Horizon, no Termination (as the Author hath it elsewhere) while she sat upon her seven Hills, she may be said to have overlooked the World. The City of Rome was then fifty Miles in circuit; five hundred thousand Free Citizens were computed to sleep within her Walls, by that famous Cense which Vopiscus speaks of. The Roman Eagle fixed his Talents upon the banks of Euphrates Eastward; on the Nile, and the Mountains of the Moon, South; on the Danube and Rhin Northward; and West, as far as the British and Germane Ocean. Her annual Revenues were computed at 150 Millions, whereof the Salary of her Legionary Soldiers amounted yearly to above 20 Millions, etc. But that high-soaring Eagle, who with full-summed Wing flew so far, and may be said to have the Sun himself for her Companion, now with a few broken and tattered flaggy Plumes flies only 'twixt Danube and the Rhin; and were she not impd with Austrian Feathers, she would be as bald as a new-plucked Capon. Yet for all this Fatal Stoop, had the Emperor at present all Germany entirely subject to himself, as he precedes in Title and Place, so he might haply compare in Power with any one Christian Prince: for Almain or Teutony is a Continent of such a vast Expansion, that it might give the Law to any one single Kingdom in Europe were it subject to one Head. But the Emperor in statu quo nunc, may be said to be but Titulary Emperor of Germany: for of those Ten Circles where into it is divided, viz. Austria High and Low, Franconia, Bavaria, Saxonia, Westphalia, the Lower Circle of Saxony, the two Palatinats, and Burgundy, he hath no absolute Authority but only in Austria, which is his Patrimonial Inheritance. The Government of the rest, though it be principally in the Emperor, 'tis diffusedly in the Dier or Imperial Parliament, but contractedly and actually in the seven Electors, who have a kind of Ius Regale in them, as power of Life and Death, Coining of Moneys, Levying of Men, and settling what Religion they please; it being a Rule and Prerogative among them, That Quilibet Imperii Status tantum possit in suo Territorio, quantum Imperator in toto Imperio: Every State of the Empire hath as much power in his own Territory, as the Emperor hath in the whole Empire. Yet they cannot make any League or Confederacy with any other Prince, but with this Reservation, That it be not prejudicial to the common Peace of the Empire. Now we find that there were many fatal Causes which concurred to bring the Roman Empire to so low an ebb: The first was the Translation of the Imperial Court from Rome to Byzantium or Constantinople, whereby the Eagle grew to be a Monster with two heads, the one looking Eastward, the other West: yet he of the East styled himself still for about 400 years The Roman Emperor, governing the West by Deputies; during which time, a world of tough Northern Nations broke into Italy to draw nearer the Sun; and there as well as in other places, took firm footing, until Charlemagne chased them away, who first styled himself Emperor of the West by an Agreement made with Nicephorus at Constantinople: which Western Empire also received soon after a fatal Blow by the Partition that his Son Lewis the Debonnaire made to find Portions for his three Sons; insomuch that the Roman Empire came to be cooped up at last within the Germane Pale: and since that time it stands upon Historical Records, how from the Reign of Rodolph the first, above 200 Princes, States, and Imperial Cities, have dismembered and emancipated themselves from the Empire; some by working upon the Emperor's Necessities, and furnishing him with Treasure to support his Wars; and for their Moneys they had Immunities granted them equivalent to a Releasement from Subjection. Moreover, as the Pope's Temporal Dominions most of them were Plumes taken from the Roman Eagle, so the change of Religion by the Lutherans did much weaken him, for many since revolted quite from him without paying any thing. the last were the Lituanians, the Swisses, and Geneva; the first fell from Charles the Fifth, who summoning them to their Obedience, and threatening else to reduce them by Arms, they returned this jeering Answer, That they believed his Horse would tyre before he could reach the Skirts of Lituania. And the Swiss falling from their Spiritual Obedience to the Pope, fell also from their Temporal Allegiance to the Emperor, and to have any thing to do with the Chamber of Spire. Thus we see in part the Degrees and Causes of the Declination ●…f the Roman Monarchy at first, and of the Germane Empire afterwards, which may be said to have shrunk from a great Lion into a Catskin. But to know the principal cause, we must cast our eyes upward, and attribute all to the Will and high Pleasure of the All-disposing Emperor of the Universe, who as he puts bounds to the raging Billows of the great Ocean, so he sers' Boundaries and Periods to all Earthly Grandeurs. Nevertheless, though in point of Power and Territories the Emperor be grown so weak and naked in comparison of what he was, yet in point of Precedence and Dignity he bears up still the same, being accounted the prime Potentat, and Prince paramount of Christendom. And well may all Christian Kings esteem him so, in regard that their Territories may be said to be but Branches of the great Roman Tree, which falling off, and taking new Roots, they began to taper up, and grow to be Regal Trees of themselves. Great Britain, as she was the last that was reduced under the Roman Yoke, so she was the first who shook it off, and enfranchised herself: which is no mean honour and advantage to her King in point of Precedence, as will appear more at large in the ensuing Discourse. Nor is the Emperor and his Ministers thus esteemed among Christian Kings only, but also by the Turk, who styles him still the Roman Emperor, and next himself the greatest Monarch; reputing his Ambassadors accordingly, by allowing them to have Palaces in Constantinople the same side the Seraglio is on; and they go always concomitant with the Ottoman Court wheresoever it removes. They have the Precedence given them of the Ambassadors both of the Persian and Tartar, notwithstanding that the first holds himself the greatest Potentat upon Earth, having a custom duly observed, that after Dinner an Officer winds a Trumpet at his Courtgate towards the four parts of the world, to give notice to all other Princes that he hath Dined already, and so they may go now all to Dinner. And concerning the Persian, the example of the Lo. David Ungnadius shall serve, who being Ambassador in the Turks Court for the Emperor, and coming for Audience to the Duana, the Persian Ambassador had come before, and got the Chair; but Ungnadius offering to go away, the Gran Visier caused an upper Chair to be put for him. Another time at Mahomet the thirds Circumcision, which lasted 40 days, there being then in Constantinople the Ambassadors of the greatest Monarches upon Earth, yet the Ambassador of Rodulphus the Emperor had the Precedence of them all. All this is but Collateral to the main Design of the intended Discourse, which aims chiefly at Kings, whereunto we now hasten; but we will first give a few Hints or Prolegomenas' of the Original of Kingly Government. Of Royalty, or Kingly Government. THere is a Saying in France, Pape par voix, Empereur par Force, Roy par Nature: Pope by Choice, Emperor by Might, King by Nature, viz. Successive, and Hereditary Kings who ought to have the Precedence of Elective. Whence may be inferred, That Kingly Government is most agreeable to Nature. Now 'tis a true and elegant Principle, That Naturam sequi est Deo obsequi; To follow Nature is to obey God. Concerning the Character or Title of King, it is of a more ancient date then that of Emperor. For they who grope at Government before the Flood, speak of Kings in Chaldee and Egypt. Rome began with Kings, and it may be said, that it was more the Peeples Wantonness than Tarquin's which put them down. Afterwards the Name of Emperor was given to that person who was Commander in chief of the Army or Praetorian Bands, and Legionary Soldiers: it was not a Title of that Sublimity and Transcendence as it proved afterward. Among the Greek Authors the Names of Monarches, Kings and Emperors are taken promiscuously: But all Writers that pretend to Policy, acknowledge that Kingly Government of all other as it is the most ancient, (and may be said to begin with Adam) so it hath most conformity with that of Heaven, whence the best patterns for all Humane Actions are to be fetched, and 'tis no presumption to do it. Moreover, of all kind of Ruling Powers, Royalty is the prime; for in it, as the Civilians say, there is formalis, & completa gubernandi ratio, the most formal, and complete Essence of Government. Royalty also hath the easiest, the fewest, and certainest Principles, (if any certain can be found) for there is no Knowledge so subject to confusion and incertitudes, as the Art for Man to govern Men; It could never yet be brought to a Science, which consists of general and true Apodictical Demonstrations. The Reason may be, the various Inclinations, Caprichio's, and Humours of Peeple, proceeding from the diversity of Climes, and Celestial Influences; as also, from that World of Contingencies which attend Human Negotiations; likewise from the differing Positions of Earth, for those Laws and kinds of Government which may be proper for the Continent, will not fit an Insulary Peeple; nor those Laws of a Maritime Country can suit with mere Inland, or Mediterranean Territories: Therefore, that Gran Senior of all Knowledge, the Stagirite, whereas he useth to be constant to himself while he gives Maxims for other Sciences, when in his Politics he comes to Human Government, and beats his Brain how to prescribe certain Rules conducing thereunto, He is not found only at a loss, and wavering to himself, but he wraps his Scholars here and there in Clouds of Ambiguities. Nor can we blame him and others to rove up and down in that manner upon this subject, it being beyond the compass of Human Brain to enact such Laws may fit all times, prevent all accidents, and quadrat with the Genius of all Nations. Some Peeple are so fiery-mouthed that they must be rid with a Bit, Curb, and Martingale; but a snaf●…le and gentle hand will serve to manage others: Now 'tis observed, that they who inhabit hard and barren Countries, are more easily governed then those who live in fat and luxurious soils, where being pampered with Plenty and Wealth, they are apt to grow wanton, and kick at, or overthrow their Riders. Yet it may be said, that there is one certain and Universal Rule for Government, and to keep a Peeple in a constant and exact Obedience; and that Rule is, For the Sovereign Prince to have always a standing and visible actual Power in motion, as well to conserve as to curb a Peeple in case of any Commotion; And 'tis consentaneous to good Reason, that the Subject should contribut for this general Protection, according to the saying, Defend me, and spend me; that so every one may rest under his own Roofs, and sit at his own Fires in quietness and safety. In sum, All Statists concur in this, That there is an Awe due to a King, as well as Affection; He must be a Dread Sovereign, as well as a Gracious; and that Goverment●…s best tempered where a few Drams of Fear are blended with the Peeples Love. But now to our main Work. Touching The Precedence of Kings, And particularly of the great TRIUMVIRS, OR The Three most Potent KINGS in Europe. IN discussing this high Point, we will first look Westward: For there is a Story tells us, That once when there were divers who stood in competition for the Kingdom of Persia, it was agreed between them, that the next morning they should all meet in a great Plain, and he who did first see the Sun rising, and that his Horse did neigh, should be the King. Being met on Horseback at break of day, as the rest stood gazing towards the East, Darius one of the Competitors, looked always towards the West; and at last finding a glance of the Solar Beams, his Horse neighed; whereat he suddenly turned back, and so claimed the Kingdom: So, to find the truth of what is here sought after, we will first look Westward towards Great Britain, whose King may compare with any other whatsoever for these Reasons. First, for Antiquity of Predecessors, and particularly of Christian Kings. Secondly, for an Independent, absolute and unhomageable Possession and Authority, both Spiritual and Temporal. Thirdly, for Eminence of Royal Dignity, State and Titles. Fourthly, for Martial Exploits and Achievements abroad. Fifthly, for a stout and strong sturdy freeborn Peeple, with a plentiful Masculine Country, and generality of Wealth. Sixthly, for a Royal long-lind Extraction and Blood. Seventhly, for Hospitality, and a plentiful Kingly Court, with number of Officers, and stately Attendance. Eighthly, for diversity of Nations, and differing Maternal Languages; As also that no King's Face shines upon his Coin in purer Metal. Ninthly, for Prudential Laws and Constitutions. Tenthly, for Greatness of Power by Sea and Land Defensive and Offensive, With other Prerogatives: I say, that the King of Great Britain may hereby not only claim an Equality with the other two, but stand fair for a Precedence. Now, for proof of all the fore-pointed Particulars, we will put every one by itself, and treat thereof in several Paragraphs; and first, Of the Antiquity of the King, and particularly of the Christian Kings in Great Britain, whereby we take A Jove Principium.— IT is observed by most Annalists who write of Countries and Nations, that the Britain's who were the Aborigenes, the Primitive Inhabitants, and may be said to be Connatural with this Island itself, were by a special instinct much devoted to the contemplation of heavenly things: For the ancient druids that were the first Divines or Professors of Religion, (who in lieu of Monasteries or Colleges, were used to retire themselves to Woods and solitary places to speculat the Works of God and Nature) were renowned far and near beyond the Seas; and the Emperor julius Caesar writes, that the Gauls (now French) were wont to come over to be instructed by the British druids, who, as he saith elsewhere, and is seconded by Cornelius Tacitus, (which spent part of his life here) had more pregnant capacities than the Gauls. Now, in those times there were divers Martial Kings here, whereas they scarce make mention of any in Gallia. To avoid prolixity, we will instance only in Boadicia that admired Virago, and Cataractus, who having maintained for many years this Kingdom from the Romans more by the Bodies of Men, and pure Natural Valour, then by Arms, was at last carried Prisoner to Rome, where being not a whit daunted, he reproached the Romans, (yet with a kind of compliment) That he wondered how they having such stately Palaces at Rome, would take such long hazardous Journeys to dwell in homely Houses of Clay, as those of Britain were in those days. Before the Romans reigned here, there had been very many Kings of this Island, for Cassibelan whom Caesar speaks of, was the sixty third British King thereof; when it pleased the Father of Light to display the early Beams of Christianity in this Island, which was very betimes: for, as Gregory the 15th says in his Letter to his late Majesty at that time in Spain, (which he was to receive in common civility as the Pope is also a Temporal Prince) No sooner did the Roman Eagle fly over hither, but the Standard of the Cross was inarborated and set up: I say, that then, which may be said to be in the nonage of the Church, Lucius Surius, called in British, Llei vab Coel Lucius, the Son of Coel, (who was King before him) sent to Eleutherius for his Laws to govern the Church by, who returned him this answer: Vicarius Dei estis in Regno vestro, Gentes vestri Regni pulli vestri sunt, etc. Habetis penes vos legem, & Fidem Christi; Habetis utramque paginam, etc. You are God's Vicar in your Kingdom, your Peeple are your Chickens; you have the Law, and Faith of Christ; you have both the Testaments, etc. This King Lucius afterwards having frequent symptoms and fits of extraordinary Devotion, forsook all earthly Pomp and Pleasure, and went on Pilgrimage to Rome, where he employed the remnant of his life in the Theory of holy things, and to study the Art of Mortification, as Venerable Bede and Baronius, with all Authors both Old and New, do affirm. Now, this was a long tract of time before ther was any Christian King in France or Spain, or indeed any where else. 'Tis true, that St. james the Apostle was in Spain, but as the Story says, there were but nine persons that were converted; but in Great Britain it may be said, that as the Sun when he begins to appear and culminat in the East, doth as it were in a moment enlighten the whole Hemisphere; so the Rays of the Son of Righteousness did with marvellous celerity and success (leaping over as it were many other Countries) illuminat this Western Island first, insomuch that when Austin (whom many call The Apostle of the Saxons or English) arrived here some Ages after, there were then in Bangor and elsewhere above 2000 Monks. He found the Pentateuch of Moses & the New Testament translated into British, as also a Form of Divine Service, which stand yet upon record. The huge Continent of Germany, with Norway and Denmark, with divers other Countries, acknowledge to have received the first light of Learning and of the Gospel from hence by Winfrid and Willebrod, as an ingenious German-Poet confesseth in these Numbers: Haec tamen Arctois laus est aeterna Britannis, Quòd post Pannonicis vastatum incursibus Orbem Illa bonas Artes, & Graiae munera Linguae, Stellarumque vias, & magni sydera Coeli Observans, iterum turbatis intulit oris, Quin se Religio multùm debere Britannis Servata, & latè circum dispersa fatetur; Quis nomen Winfride tuum, quis munera nescit! Te Duce Germanis pietas se vera, Fidesque Insinuans coepit ritus abolere prophanos; Quid non Alcuino facunda Lutetia debet? etc. And as it is the consentient Opinion of all Antiquaries, That the first Christian King who ever reigned in Europe was of this I'll, so the first Christian Emperor (Constantin the Great) came from her Bowels, being Son to Helena that renowned British Lady, who bears one of the first places in the Catalogue of Saints, and is called Elen luyddiog (the Warlike Helen) in Welc●… to this day. These Premises being well weighed, this Conclusion may be deduced, That the King of Great Britain may well claim de jure the title of The first Son of the Church. Therefore, under favour, it may be justly questioned why the next King Eastward should assume it; for Clovis the first Christian King in France was near upon 400 years after King Lucius, as all Historians do assert. Moreover, 'tis well known that besides the title of defender of the Faith, (whereof we will speak hereafter) the title of Christianissimus was sent to Hen. 8. with much solemnity by Pope julius the second, accompanied with a Cap of Maintenance, and a Sword; which title was confirmed by Authority of the Lateran Council: which great transaction was solemnly published in the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, and seconded with Justs and Tournements; yet this was but the renewing of an old Title, for among the Saxon Kings some were called so, and there are Records yet extant that King Oswald and Edward the third were styled so. We will conclude this Paragraph with this Observation, That Great Britain was the first Country in Europe who shook off the Roman Yoke, and raised some of the former old British Blood to be Kings again for many Descents, insomuch that the Romans here made but an Interregnum: And this was before any absolute King was elsewhere in Europe upon the declinings of the Empire, specially in France and Spain, who continued but Roman Provinces many years after. We will now to the second Paragraph. Of the Independent, Absolute and Unhomageable Possessions and Authority, both Ecclesiastical and Temporal, of the King of Great Britain. FRom the precedent Paragraph it appears, That Albion or Great Britain was a Royal I'll from the beginning, since there was any coalition or aggregations of mankind within her to govern. For in the body of the British Laws made by Mulmutius Dunwallo, which are yet to be read in fair British-Manuscripts, there are these words, Un Goron arbennig y sydd y ynis Bridian; One Monarchical Crown is held in the I'll of Britain: Just according to the ancient Greek Poet: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Many Lords are not good, let there be but One. Now from that time to this, the King of Britain had and hath as Souveraign and incontroulable a sway as any. 'Tis true that he admits others sometimes to share with him in Counsel, but not in Power: by a kind of Influence he gives Light and Command to others, but he himself receives none from any. In the Neighbouring Monarchies it cannot be said so, and particularly in France and Spain, where it may be said there is Regnum in regno, there is another Power à Legatus de latere, that in a Court of Plea sways o'er the ecclesiastics who make a considerable part of the Peeple. Touching the latter, the King of Spain is Feodary either to the Pope, the Emperor, or to France, for all the Countries he hath: The Kingdoms of Navarre and Granada were made Feodary to the Pope under julius the second: Arragon to Innocent the third, as also Sardinia in formula fiduciae. Sicilia is relevant from the Church, as also both the Indies and the Canary Lands. For the Kingdom of Naples and Calabria he sends a Mule, with a Purse-full of Gold, as a Heriot to Rome every year, (for fear of an Excommunication the next day) at the receipt whereof the Pope says, Sufficiat pro hac vice. He holds the Dukedom of Milan from the Empire, and most of the Provinces in the Netherlands from France, whereof he is a double Peer, as he is Duke of Burgundy and Earl of Flanders. Now 'tis questionable among the Civilians, whether a Feodary or Homager may be called an Absolute Prince, specially when Appeals may be made from him to another Court, as the Spanish Clergy may from the King to Rome in divers cases. The Kings of ENGLAND are free from Subordinations of that kind, as the Fundamental Laws of the Land, and all the ancient Learned Judges do evidence. 'Tis a Principle in the English Laws, (which is confirmed by Baldus, and other great Foreign Jurists) That Rex neminem habet in Dominiis suis nec Superiorem nec Parem: The King in his own Dominions hath neither Superior nor Equal, (He may be said to be both Caesar and Pompey.) There is another, Omnes sub Illo, Ille sub nullo; All under Him, He under none. Another yet, Satis habet Rex ad poenam quod Deum expectet Ultorem: 'Tis enough for the King that God is to be his Judge; which is expressed in this Distic: Subditus in Regem peccat, Legemque Fidemque At Rex in Solum, Rex quia, nempe Deum. There are divers others that are conducing hereunto; As, The King must not be put to do any thing per aspertè, but of his free pleasure: The King never dies, but the Heir apparent is King Inchoative as soon as the former dies; and the Coronation is but a mere Ceremony not Essential: for divers Kings, as Hen. 5. and others, had Allegiance sworn unto them before they were Crowned. There are more Maxims yet, That the King can do no wrong, but his Ministers may, through whose mouths he pronounceth sentence. Moreover, Nullum tempus occurrit Regi, there's no Immemorial or Prescription against the King. It is High Treason not only to contrive, but to imagine ill against the King. By the King's Prerogative Life itself may be leased, etc. But that Traverse 'twixt King john and the Legate Pandolpho, when they say he transferred the Crown to the Pope, is much insisted upon: whereunto 'tis thus answered: That there are four great things whereof the Records cannot be found: The first is that wherein the Emperor Constantine gave Rome to the Pope; The second is that wherein Venice hath the Dominion of the Adriatic or Illyrian Gulf; The third is the Salic Law; The fourth is that Instrument whereby King john passed over his Crown, and made the Pope Lord Paramount of England. Sir Thomas More, who was so far devoted to Rome that he is canonised for one of her Martyrs, denieth absolutely that King john either did or could make England Feudetary to the Pope, because without the consent of his Barons an Act so much prejudicial to his Royal Successors was not valid; and that the Peter-pences which they hold to be a Tribute relating to the foresaid Act, was but a mere Alms which was given by King Ina 500 years before. Moreover, put case there had been such an Act, yet it stands upon good record that Innocentius the third did give a Release in these words; Per Praeceptum Domini Papae 7 julii Homagium relaxatur omninò. The Romescot also was but Regis larga benignitas, the King's bountiful kindness. Add hereunto, that when the Pontificial Power was here at the highest pitch, no Legate de latere was allowed, but the Archbishop of Canterbury (his Subject) who by his Dignity is perpetual Legate de latere, He is Legatus natus (as he of Toledo is in Spain, and the Primate of Armagh in Ireland) and in point of Precedence, at the Council of Clermont anno 1096. a Prerogative was given him for ever to sit at all general Councils at the Pope's right foot; Pope Urban at that time declaring in these terms, Includamus hun●… in Orb nostro tanquam alterius Orbis Pontificem Maximum, Let us include him in our world as Pope of another world. 'Tis true, there have been other Legates de latere upon extraordinary occasions admitted, but it was with the King's leave, and with this Proviso, That he hath no Authority to hold Plea in the Realm prejudicial to the Laws thereof, or derogatory to the King. Thus it appears that no Extern power hath any thing to do in Great Britain; and as the Pope, so the Peeple neither, whether considered Diffusively, Collectively, Representatively, or Virtually, partake any thing of the Souverain Power; there is no power either Co-ordinat, Coequal, Corrival, or Collateral with it. The Kings of England have had always by the known Laws of the Land a pure underived Power, not depending upon Pope or Peeple, or any other Prince whatsoever: They are Kings by the Grace of God, which implies no earthly Dependency. It stands upon good record, how King Ina in the Preamble to his Laws (for he was a great Legislator) begins, I Ina, by the Grace of God King, etc. and this was above a thousand years ago, about two hundred years before Charlemagne, in whose time that stile of Dei Gratia came first in use in the Empire. And as on Land the King of Great Britain hath such a Latitude and Independence of Supreme Power, so by Sea he hath the like; which is such, that (without disparagement, much less any injustice to any) I may avouch no other Prince hath the like. The greatest claim of Sea-Dominion that France makes, is to the Coasts of Armorica, or little Brittany, and a few Leagues in the Mediterranean. The Spanish Laws are for the community, and free use of the Sea, challenging no Dominion at all. There are divers States in Italy that claim a particular command and propriety in some Seas; as the Duke of Tuscany challengeth a Dominion of the Tyrrhene Sea; the State of Genoa of the Ligustique; Venice claims a right to the Adriatic as (symbolically) to a Husband, for she marries him upon Ascention-day every year, the Duke going in procession with great solemnity in the Buantoro to that purpose, and throwing a Ring into the water; and She hath power to do in that part of the Sea which she calls her Gulf, as much as she can do in Venice itself in point of laying Impositions and Gabels, and to cause what Mercantile ships she please to unlade their Cargazons at the City of Venice itself. God and Nature hath much favoured the King of Denmark with the command of a Neck of Sea, I mean the Sound, for it is the strongest Sinew of his Crown by the Tolls he receaves of those who pass and repass into the Baltik. He commands also at large the Norwegian or Hyperborean Sea. But among all, if we observe his Title, the King of Portugal hath a greater Maritime command then all these, which Title runs thus: Dom Manuel por Graca de Deos Rey, etc. Senhor de Guinee, & da Conquista, Navigacaon, & Comercio d' Etiopia, Arabia, Persia, & da India à Todos, etc. Don Emanuel by the Grace of God King, etc. Lord of Guiney, and of the Conquest, Navigation, and Commerce of Ethiopia, Arabia, Persia, etc. These are the Princes who have most command of Sea, but they command only the Strands and Ports, or Maritime Tract. They cannot be said to command the Sea itself, as the King of Great Britain doth, for he commands no less than four Seas, which are circumfluent about his Territories; and the Law says, The Sea is of the Ligeance of the King as any other thing: He is Protector as well as Lord of them: He takes both the Dominion and Defence of them; also he scours and secures them from Pirates and Praedatory Rovers: He makes all ships, whether Merchants or Men of War, Forreners or Subjects, to dash their Colours, and strike their Topsayls not only to his Castles, but to any of his ships Royal as they pass and repass. Which mark of Dominion the Republic of Venice hath not, though she also hath her Galleys always in course to scour and secure the Gulf from Cursaries and Robbers, which is one of the chief Regalia's St. Mark hath, though the Sea she thus commands be scarce 30 Leagues in extent, for it is but fourscore Italian Miles. Nor doth the King of Great Britain's Dominion terminat in his own Seas, but as most Civilians hold, it extends as far as the shores of his Transmarin Neighbours, and as far North as the Artic Circle: which Grotius did once acknowledge, and publish to the world (though another Caprichio came into his head afterwards) in the Panegyric he sent King james at his Inauguration, when he says, —— Rerum Natura Creatrix Divisit populos, & metas ipsa notavit; Sic juga Pyrenae, sic olim Rhenus, & Asps Imperii mensura fuit. Te flumine nullo Detinuit, nulla nimbosi verticis arce, Sedtotum complexa Parens hic terminus ipsa Substitit, atque uno voluit sub limit claudi; Te sibi seposuit supremo in gurgite Nereus; Finis hic est qui fine caret, Quae meta Britannis Littora sunt aliis, Regnique accessio tanti est Quod ventis, velisque patet— We will put a period to this Paragraph with a Request to the Reader, That having well weighed the Power of the King of Great Britain, and joined that of the Sea with the Land, as also the Reasons of the preceding Paragraph with this, to judge whether it be fit that He should go or come in the Arriere to any King whatsoever. We will now to the third Paragraph. Touching the Eminence and Royal Dignity, the State, Grandeur and Titles of the King of Great Britain. Corsetus, a known and well-accounted Author, divides Kings into Illustres, and Super-Illustres; He gives the King of England the second place among the Super-Illustres; and one of the Reasons are, that he is an Anointed King, whereas the King of Spain and others are not, unless the King of Spain may claim it as he entitles himself King of jerusalem and Sicily; for besides the Kings of England and France, they two are only capable of being Anointed. The King of England hath a Gift also to cure the Strumatical Disease, called therefore in England The King's Evil, ab effectu sanationis, whereas in French 'tis called Les Ecrovelles, and Los Lamperones in Spanish, etc. Some have written that the King of England hath a Virtue to cure this Disease as he is King of France; but that's a vulgar Error: for King Edward the Confessor was used to heal that way, which was 300 years before. Platina makes the King of England Filium Adoptivum Ecclesiae, the Emperor Filium Primogenitum, and the French King Filium natu minorem; One the Adopted Son, the other the Firstborn, the third the Cadet or younger Son. Volaterranus is related by Philippus Honorius in a well-known Work of his called Praxis Politicae prudentiae, anno 1610. that julius 2. gave the Precedence to the English Ambassador before him of Spain. Hen. 2. was King of jerusalem, and Edward 3. was made Perpetuus Vicarius Imper●…i, which is no mean Title. The Spanish Ambassador never questioned the Precedence of the English Ambassador till in the Council of Basile; and touching the Contest 'twixt them in the Council of Constance, there was at Louvain Anno 1517. a Book entitled, Nobilissima disputatio super dignitate & magnitudine Regnorum Britannici & Gallici habita ab utriusque Oratoribus in Concilio Constantiensi; where you see he puts Britain's King before the French in the very Frontispiece; and the chiefest Reasons asserted therein are found in this Discourse. Hen. 6. employed Thomas Polden Bishop of Chichester, with others, in quality of Ambassadors to the Council held at Sienna, to claim his session, otherwise he would protest, and poursue the Protestation. In the Reign of Hen. 6. there was a Public Instrument put forth by Ericus King of Sweden and Denmark, wherein he puts England before France; which Instrument ●…uns thus: Caveant omninò Mercatores & alii quicunque homines & subditi Reg. Angliae & Franciae ne de caetero sub poena amissionis vitae & Bonorum, visitare praesumant Terras Islandiae, Finmarchiae, Halghalandiae, seu alias quascunque Terras prohibitas, aut Portus illegales in Regnis Daniae, Sueciae & Norwegiae. An authentic Copy of this Instrument was brought by the Danish Ambassador to Breme 1562. and showed to the English Delegates there at that time from Queen Elizabeth about the great business of the Hans Towns. In the Capitulations of Peace 'twixt Hen. 7. of England, and john 2. of Denmark and Norway 1490. England is put before France: as for example: Sancitum est quod Mercatores, & Homines Ligii, Piscatores & quicunque alii Reg. Angliae & Franciae subditi liberè possint temporibus futuris in perpetuum ad Insulam Tyle i. e. Islandiam, etc. Augustus' de Cavallis, who is no obscure Author, infers the Queen of England from her Ancestors, both in respect of Inheritance, Conquest and Gift, to be Queen of France de jure. In the Treaty 'twixt Hen. the 7. and Philip of Castille 1506. the English Commissioners subsigned first. As also in the Treaty of Marriage with Queen Mary, Anno 1533. the first Signature is given to the English Ambassadors. When Queen Elizabeth employed the Earl of Derby, the Lord Cobham, Sir james Crofts, Doctor Dale, and Doctor Rogers in quality of Ambassadors, with their Assistants to Ostend, anno 1588. Dignitatis Praerogativa & incedendo & sedendo, The Prerogative of going and sitting was given her Ambassadors. In the Treaty at Bullen 'twixt England and Spain for renewing the Burgundian League, Queen Elizabeth sent Sir Hen. Nevil, Sir john Herbert, Robert Beale and Tho. Edmund's, who in their Instructions had command in no case to give Precedence to the Spanish Ambassadors; but being met, there was a Contest happened: The English produced a Certificate procured privately from Rome out of the Book of Ceremonies there, which according to the Canon giveth the Rule in such cases, That the King of England is to have place before the King of Castille; That the English quietly held this Right in the Councils of Basil, Constance, and others: They alleged also that the Kingdom of Castille (which is the Spaniards first Title) is but an upstart-in regard of England; for it had no Kings but Earls till the year 1017. Moreover, Pope julius 3. gave sentence for Hen. 7. of England against Ferdinand of Spain in this particular, etc. Furthermore, for Eminency of Title, Great Britain is oftentimes called an Empire by Foreign Authors; nay, Pope Urban terms it a World of itself at the Council of Clermont almost a thousand years since, wherein the Archbishop of Canterbury is called Alteterius Orbis Papa, The Pope of another World: What would he say now that Ireland and Scotland are added! Some of the Saxon Kings styled themselves Emperors, as Ego Ethelredus, Ego Edgarus Anglorum Induperator, etc. William the Conqueror writ, Ego Willielmus Rex Anglorum ab incarnatione Domini 1089. 2 Anno mei Imperii. This is found upon record in his Charter to the Monastery of Shaftsbury. In Hen. 8. Reign, the eighth year thereof, England was declared an Empire in Parliament, where he had also these Epithets, Metuendissimus, Praepotentissimus; and London was called the Imperial Chamber. But most memorable is that of King Edgar in the Charter that he gave the Church of Worcester; Which Charter is yet extant, and runs thus: Altitonantis Dei largifluâ clementiâ, qui est Rex Regum, Ego Edgarus Anglorum Basileus, omniumque Regum, Insularum, Oceanique Britanniam circumjacentis, cunctarúmque Nationum quae infra Eam includuntur Imperator, & Dominus; Gratias ago ipsi Deo omnipotenti Regi meo qui meum Imperium sic ampliavit, & exaltavit super Regnum Patrum meorum; Qui licet Monarchiam totius Angliae adepti sunt à tempore Athelstani, qui primus Regnum Anglorum & omnes Nationes quae Britanniam incolunt, sibi Armis subegit, nullus tamen Illorum ultra ejus fines Imperium suum dilatare aggressus est. Mihi autem concessit propitia Divinitas cum Anglorum Imperio omnia Regna Insularum Oceani cum suis ferocissimis Regibus usque Norwegiam, Maximamque Partem Hiberniae cum sua nobilissima Civitate Dublinia Anglorum Regno subjugare. Quos etiam omnes meis Imperiis colla subdere, Dei favente gratia, Coegi. Quapropter ut Ego Christi Gloriam & laudem in Regno meo exaltare & ejus servitutem amplificare devotus disposui, & per meos Fideles Fautores Dunstanum Archiepiscopum, Ayeliolanum ac Oswaldum Archiepiscopos quos mihi Patres Spirituales, & Consiliarios elegi magna ex parte disposui, etc. Facta haec sunt anno Dom. 964. Indictione 8 Regni. Ego Alfrye Regina consensi, & signo Crucis confirmavi ✚. This being so ancient a Record, and of so high a Tenure, I thought good to render it into English for the satisfaction of the Common Reader. By the clemency of the highthundring God, who is King of Kings, I Edgar King of the English, and of all Kings, of Lands, and of the Ocean circumjacent to Britain, and of all Nations which are included within her, Emperor and Lord; I give thanks only to Almighty God my King, that he hath amplified and exalted my Empire above the Kingdom of my Fathers, who although they had obtained the Monarchy of all England from the time of Athelstan, who was the first that subdued the Kingdom of the English, and all Nations who inhabit Britain, yet none of them attempted to dilate his Empire beyond its bounds. But propitious Divinity hath granted unto me to subjugat, together with the Empire of the English, all the Kingdoms in the Isles of the Ocean, with their most ferocious Kings as far as Norway, and most part of Ireland, with her most Noble City of Dublin. All whom I compelled to bow their Necks to my Commands, the Grace of God so favouring me, etc. This King Edgar, though very little of stature, was so magnanimous and successful, that he was Rowed upon the River of Dee by four subjugated Kings, whereof Kennad King of Scots was one. There is also a very remarkable and authentic story of King Canutus afterwards, who being upon Southampton-Strand at the flowing of the Sea, he sat in a Chair of State which was brought him upon the sands; and the Billows tossing and tumbling towards him, he gave the Sea this command: Thou art my Subject, and the Earth whereon I sit is mine, and there was none yet that ever resisted my Command who went unpunished: Therefore I command Thee that Thou come not up upon my Earth, nor presume to wet the Garment, or the Body of thy Lord. But the Sea continuing his course, dashed and wetted his feet and thighs ill-favouredly, without any reverence or fear: whereupon the King stepping back, declared, That none is worthy of the Name of a King, but only He whose Nod both Sea and Earth observed. And, as the story hath it, he never wore the Crown of Gold again, but being fixed to a Cross, did consecrat it to the Image of our Saviour. There have been also Titles of Dignity given to our Kings in the Abstract, (which hath more of State and Substance in it then the Concrete) as Celsitudo Tua, Magnitudo Tua, given by the Pope in his Letters to Ed. 2. And Edward the 4. was used to write, Nostra Regia Majestas; though indeed that word Majestas began first in France, but in Hen. 2. Reign, (and sacra Majestas since.) Therefore Pope Leo gave it betimes to Hen. 8. in that famous Charter he sent him, when he commanded all Christians, that in their Directions to him for the future, after the word King, they should style him Defender of the Faith. Which great Charter signed by the Pope and 27 Cardinals, 1521. I thought proper and worthy to insert here, having procured a faithful Copy from the very Original. Leo Episcopus servus servorum Dei, Charissimo in Christo Filio Henrico Angliae Regi, Fidei Defensori, Salutem, & Apostolicam benedictionem. Cum supernae dispositionis arbitrio, licet imparibus meritis, Universalis Ecclesiae regimini praesidentes ad hoc cordis nostri longè lateque diffundimus cogitatus ut Fides Catholica sine qua nemo proficit ad salutem continuum suscipiat incrementum. Et ut ea quae pro cohibendis conatibus illam deprimere, aut pravis, mendacibusque commentis pervertere, & denigrare molientium sana Christi Fidelium praesertim Dignitate Regali fulgentium Doctrina sunt disposita continuis proficiant incrementis partes nostri Ministerii, & operam impendimus efficaces. Et sicut alii Romani Pontifices Praedecessores nostri Catholicos Principes, prout Rerum & temporum qualitas exigebat, specialibus favoribus prosequi consueverunt, Illos praesertim qui procellosis temporibus, & rabida Scismaticorum & Haereticorum fervente perfidia, solùm in Fidei serenitate, & devotione illibata sacrosanctae Romanae Ecclesiae immobiles perstiterunt; Verum etiam tanquam ipsius Ecclesiae legitimi Filii ac fortissimi Athletae Scismaticorum & Hereticorum insanis furoribus spiritaliter & temporaliter se opposuerunt. Ita etiam nos Majestatem Tuam propter Excelsa & immortalia erga nos, & hanc sanctam sedem in qua Divina permissione sedemus, opera & gesta condignis & immortalibus praeconiis ac laudibus efferre desideramus, ac Ea sibi concedere propter quae invigilare debeat à grege Dominico lupos arcere, & putrida membra quae mysticum Christi Corpus inficiunt, ferro & materiali gladio abscindere, & nutantium corda fidelium in Fidei soliditate confirmare. Sanè cum nuper dilectus Filius johannes Clerk Majestatis Tuae apud nos Orator in Consistorio nostro coram venerabilibus fratribus nostris sanctae Romanae Ecclesiae Cardinalibus, & compluribus aliis Romanae Curiae Praelatis Librum quem Majestas Tua Charitate quae omnia sedulò, & nihil perperam agit, Fideique Catholicae zelo accensa, ac devotionus Erga nos & Hanc sanctam sedem fervore inflammata contra Errores diversorum Haereticorum saepiùs ab hac sancta sede damnatos, nuperque per Martinum Lutherum suscitatos, & innovatos, tanquam nobile & salutare quoddam Antidotum composuit, nobis examinandum, ac deinde Authoritate nostra approbandum obtulisset, ac luculenta oratione sua exposuisset, Majestatem tuam paratam ac dispositam esse, ut quemadmodum ver is rationibus, ac irrefragabilibus sacrae Scriturae ac Sanctorum Patrum authoritatibus, notorios Errores ejusdem Martini confutaverat: ita etiam omnes eos sequi, & defensare praesumentes totius Regni sui viribus, & Armis persequatur, nosque ejus Libri admirabilem quandam, & Coelestis gratiae rore conspersam Doctrinam diligenter, accurateque introspeximus, Omnipotenti Deo à quo omne Datum optimum, & omne Donum perfectum est, immensas gratias Egimus qui optimam, & ad omne bonum inclinatam mentem tuam inspirare, eique tantam gratiam supernè infundere dignatus fuerit ut ea scriberes quibus sanctam ejus Fidem contra novum errorum damnatorum hujusmodi suscitatorem defenderes, & reliquos Reges & Principes Christianos Tuo exemplo invitares, ut & ipsi etiam Orthodoxae Fidei & veritatis Evangelicae veritati in periculum & discrimen adductae omni ope sua adesse, orportunéque favere vellet. Aequum autem esse consentes Eos qui pro Fidei Christi hujusmodi defensione pios labores susceperunt omni laude, & honore afficere, volentesque non solùm ea quae Majestas Tua contra ●…undem Martinum Lutherum absolutissmâ Doctrinâ, nec minori Eloquentiā scripsit condignis laudibus Extollere, ac Magnificare, Autoritateque nostra approbare & confirmare, sedetiam Majestatem ipsam Tuam tali honore ac titulo decorare, ut nostris ac perpetuis futuris temporibus Christi Fideles omnes intelligant quam gratum acceptumque nobis fuerit Majestatis Tuae Munus, hoc praesertim tempore nobis oblatum. Nos qui Petri quem Christus in Coelum ascensurus Vicarium suum in Terris reliquit, & cui curam sui Gregis reliquit, veri successores sumus, & in Hac sancta sede à qua omnes Dignitates ac Tituli emanant, sedemus, habita super hiis cum iisdem Fratribus nostris matura deliberatione de ●…orum unanimi consilio & assensu Majestati Tuae Titulum Hunc, viz. Fidei Defensorem, etc. Et profectò Hujus Tituli excellentia, & dignitate ac singularibus meritis Tuis diligenter perpensis & consideratis, Nullum neque dignius, neque Majestati Tuae convenientius nomen excogitare potuissemus, quod quoties audies ac leges, toties propriae virtutis optimique meriti Tui recordaberis. Nec hujusmodi Titulo intumesces, velin superbiam elevaberis, sed folita Tua prudentia humilior, & in Fide Christi ac devotione hujus sanctae sedis à qua exaltatus fueris, fortior, & constantior evades, ac in Domino bonorum omnium Largitore laetaberis perpetuum hoc ac immortale Gloriae Tuae Monumentum Posteris Tuis relinquere, Illisque viam ostendere, ut si Tali titulo ipsi quoque insigniri optabunt Talia etiam opera efficere praeclaraque Majestatis Tuae vestigia sequi studeant, quam prout de nobis & dictâ sede optimè merita unà cum Uxore & Filiis, ac omnibus qui à Te, & ab illis nascentur nostra Benedictione in nomine Illius à quo illam concedendi potestas data est, larga & liberali manu benedicentes Altissimum Illum qui dixit Per me Reges regnant & Principes imperant, & in cujus manu corda sunt Regum, Rogamus, ac obsecramus ut eam in suo sancto proposito confirmet, ejusque devotionem multiplicet, & praeclaris pro sancta Fide gestis ita illustret, ac toti Orbi Terrarum conspicuam reddat, ut judicium quod de Ipsa fecimus, eam tam insigni Tit●…lo decorantes, à nemine falsum aut vanum judicari possit. Demùm mortalis hujus vitae finito curriculo sempiternae illius Gloriae consortem atque participem reddat. Dat. Romae apud sanctum Petrum, Anno Incarnationis Dominicae millesimo, quingentesimo vicesimo primo, 5 Idus Octobris, Pontificatus nostri anno nono. Ego Leo Christ. Catholicae Ecclesiae Episcopus ss. Then his Seal or Signet, engraven within, Sanctus Petrus, † Sanctus Paulus; and this Motto about, Ad Dominum cum tribularer clamavi, & Exaudivit Me. Then the subscription of 27 Cardinals on both sides of the Signet, the Cardinal- Bishops on the right-hand of the Signet, and close to it; then on their right-hand the Priests-Cardinals; and on the left side of the Signet (as it is accustomed in all Bulls, and other Public Instruments) the Deacon-Cardinals have their place, and precedence. King Henry's Book against Luther was presented to the Pope in full Consistory by Sir john Clerk, (than Ambassador at Rome for the King) with a long solemn Oration: the Original of which Book is yet to be seen in the Vatican at Rome, with this Inscription written with King Henry's own hand: Anglorum Rex Henricus Leoni X. mittit Hoc Opus, & Fidei testem, & Amicitiae. Henry King of the English sends this Work to Leo the Tenth, as a Witness both of Faith and Friendship. And as the Kings of England themselves have such supereminent Titles, so their Firstborn Sons have a Title not inferior to any Royal Heir apparent in Christendom, which is Prince of Wales; and this Title is many years more ancient than that of Dauphin in France. Moreover, whereas other King's Sons come so naked to the world that they have not of their own wherewith to buy them Clouts, or pay their Nurses, but what they have from their Parents, The Firstborn of the King of England, ipsissimo instant, the very same instant that he is born, is Duke of Cornwall, and is presupposed by the Law to have Liv●…ry and Seisin then given him of the said Duchy, with all the Lands, Rents and Honours thereunto annexed. 'tis true, that the conferring of the Title of Prince of Wales, depends merely upon the King's Pleasure, which was done out of a Political consideration, to keep the King's first Sons still in awe, and within the bounds of a greater Obedience. Nor is there any Queen also lives in a greater State and Dignity, or hath more Prerogatives and greater Jointures than the Queen of England: For though Aliens at first, and still under Couvert Baron, yet they may purchase Lands by Fee-simple, They may make Leases and Grants without the King; They also must be petitioned unto first, before any can implead them in point of right. We will proceed now to the fourth Paragraph. Touching the Martial Exploits and Achievements which the Kings of Great Britain have performed from time to time, etc. TO proceed in this Paragraph, we must make Retrosvects a far off: we will begin with Brennus that bold Britain, who in the Government of Consuls took and sacked Rome, (364 years before Christ) and did notable feats afterwards in Greece and Asia: insomuch that the Welsh in honour of that Hero their Countryman, call a King from his Name Brenin to this day. Cataracus overthrew a mighty Army of the Romans, and Boadicia slew 70 thousand of them in one Battle, as their own stories declare. King Arthur is ranked among the Nine Worthies, for he discomfited the Saxons in twelve several Battles, and erected the first Order of Knighthood. There was one English King, and three King's Sons went to the Wars of the Holy Land. What Exploits did Richard coeur de Lion perform there, so much to the envy of the King of France, who therefore returned before him! He conquered the Island of Cyprus, where Marrying Berengaria, he transferrd the Kingdom to Guy Lusignan, who had right to the Crown of jerusalem, which in exchange he resigned to King Richard. But the French are they whom the English did so often rout, subdue and subjugat with the Grey-goose Wing, wherewith they did so often penetrate the very heart of France in so many glorious Victories that can be hardly paralleled, take all circumstances. We will instance in some of the most famous, and begin with that of Cressy the first great Battle. The Battle of Cr●…ssy in France. That Heroyk King Edward the third, having been provoked by divers Affronts that Philip of Valois the French King had offe●…'d him, goes over in person to France with an Army of 80000 men at Arms, and 10000 Archers, as Froissard hath it. He takes with him his Son the Prince of Wales and Duke of Guyenne, being but 15 years of Age, (called afterwards the Black Prince) to train him up in feats of Arms. Landing in Normandy he carries all the Country before him as far as Poissy, within ten miles of Paris, and after divers Skirmishes a Battle was appointed. King Edward had encamped near a Village called Cressy, where he divided his Army to three Battalions; the first was led by the Prince of Wales, the second by the Earls of Arundel and Northampton, in the third was the King himself. The Battle thus ordered, being mounted upon a White Hobby, he rides from Rank to Rank, encouraging every man to the performance of his duty, and to have a regard to the Honour of his King and Country. The French Kings Army was at least twice the number, consisting of above 60000 Combatants, with all the flower of the French Chivalry, whereof the chief were the Duke of Alencon the King's Brother, the King of Bohemia, the Duke of Lorraine, the Earl of Flanders and Savoy, with other great Princes. The Vanguard was led by the King's Brother, the Rear by the Earl of Savoy, the main Battle by the King himself. The French King was so fierce in assurance of Victory, that he would scarce admit of any counsel. The old King of Boheme advised that the Army should receive some refreshment before, and that the Infantry of Genowais, whereof there were 15000 Crossbows, should make the first Front, and the Cavalry to follow: which being agreed on, the Duke of Alencon did stomach that the Genowais should have the honour of the first Rank; so in a kind of fury he caused them to change place: which bred such a discontent, that they were more incensed against their Leader then against the Enemy; but in the interim there fell such a shower of Rain that wetted their Bowstrings, which they had not the wit to cover all the while, (as the English did) that for the limmerness thereof when they came to action they grew useless. At the ceasing of the shower the Sun did shine full in the face of the French, thereby dazzling their eyes, but on the back of the English. King Edward being got into a Windmill all the while, whence as from a Sentinel he might explore and behold the face of the Enemy, and discovering the disturbance that was made because the Genowais were put to change their place, instantly gave order to charge that part, which made the discontented Genua to recoil. Alenson perceiving this, rides on in a rage, crying out, Sa, sa; on, on; let's make way o'er the Bellies of these Genowais, for they do but hinder us. So riding through them, he came up to the English Battle, where the young Prince was. The fight grew hot, and doubtful, insomuch that the Commanders sent to the King to come up with more power: The King ask the Messengers, Whether his Son was hurt or slain, and being answered No, he replies, Then tell them who sent you, that so long as my Son is alive they send no more to me, for my Will is that he have the honour of the day. So the Fight on both sides growing very furious, the French King having his Horse killed under him, withdrew; which being known by the English, it added so to their courage that they soon after won the Field. This was the first considerable Battle the English had of the French, which was so sanguinary, that there were none made Prisoners, but all put to the Sword, and the number of the slain French surmounted the whole Army of the English; for the number of the slain were about 30000. the chief whereof was Alenson the King's Brother, the Dukes of Bourbon and Lorain, the Earl of Flanders, the Dauphin de Viennois, Son to Imbert, who after gave Dauphine to the King of France, provided his First Son should still be called the Dauphin, which hath continued ever since. This signal Victory was seconded the same year, about six weeks after, with another the Queen of England got against the Scots, then confederate with the French, where David the Scots King was taken Prisoner: but this is reserved for another place, because for a more methodical order we will hasten to the second great Victory in France, the Battle of Poitiers. The Battle of Poitiers. The Black Prince being taperd up now to a good growth, was sent by advice of Parliament to Gascony; whence the Truce being expired, he oreran and ravagd all the Country as far as Tourayne. john the French King raiseth a potent Army, more numerous than that at Cressy; and going to find out the Prince of Wales, found him about Poitiers, having not much above 10000 effect if men in his Army, whereas the French had six times as many: whereupon being advisd to make for Bourdeaux, he was prevented by the French Army on all sides; so a Battle being intended, two Cardinals came from the Pope to mediate a Peace, but the French King would hearken to none, unless that he would as a Vanquished Man send him four Hostages, and give up himself and his Army to discretion. The Prince answered, That he was willing to restore what places he had taken of His in good War, but without prejudice to his Honour, whereof he was accountable to the King his Father, etc. john not harkening to this, but being resolved to fight, the Prince also resolved to part with his Life upon as high a rate as he could being reducd to this straight, therefore he providently makes use of the Position of ground; and finding that the main Army of the French consisted in Horse, he entrenchd among the Vineyards; where when the French Cavalry entered, being wrapped and encomberd among the Vines, the English Archers did so ply and gall them, that, being thereby disordered and put to rout, the whole Army was soon totally defeated. But, it seems this Battle was not so fierce as that of Cressy, where no quarter was given: for in this, Prisoners were made, among whom was King john himself, whom the Prince brought to England; and, as the French Historians themselves confess, he was so civil to him all the while, that he knew not whether he was a Free King or a Captif. Besides Lords, there were slain 2000 of the French Nobless, as Froissard hath it, in this Battle; and, as at Cressy, more French slain then the whole English Army was in number. We will now to Agincourt. Agincourt- Battle. Henry the Fifth, that Man of men and mirror of Princes, being come to the Crown, he did cast his Eyes presently towards France for claiming of his Title. In order whereunto, he altered in his Arms the bearing of Semi de Luce's, and quarters the three full Flower de Luce's as the King of France himself did bear them. He sends the Duke of Exeter, with the Archbishop of Dublin, and sundry other Noblemen, in a magnificent Embassy, attended by 500 Horse, to Paris, to demand the Crown: but receiving no satisfactory answer, but rather a kind of jeer, the Dauphin sending him a Sack full of Racket-court-Balls to pass away his time; He replied, That for every one of those Balls, he had so many fiery Bullets to shoot at the proudest Turrets in France, as he should shortly find. And he was as good as his word: for he presently got over, and encountering the French Army at Agincourt, he gave it an utter overthrow, and took more prisoners than his own Army had Soldiers; which was upon a Sunday-morning about Ten of the Clock: whereof having sent notice to England before, and that extraordinary Masses should be sung then in all Churches, he stood upon the defensive part till that hour; but then making a Speech of encouragement to his Army, and among other strains, telling how all England was praying for them at that time, he carried away a complete Victory; he himself leading the main Battle with the Duke of Gloucester his Brother, etc. But besides the foresaid Piety, there was Policy also used; for the King, to prevent the fury of the French Cavalry, appointed divers Stakes studded with Iron at both ends of six foot long, to be pitched behind the Archers, and ordered that pioneers should attend to remove them as they should be directed: which invention conduced much to the success of the Action. The King himself charged the Duke of Alenson, and beat him off his Horse, who thereupon was slain; so there was a complete and glorious Victory obtained. We come now to the Battle of Spurs, so called because the Frenchmen trusted more to their Spurs in fleeing away, then to their Swords and Lances. It was before Terwin in Hen. 8. Reign, when Maximilian the Emperor served under his Banner, and received pay. There came 8000 French Horse to relieve the place, and a hot Dispute happened; but they were all routed, and put shamefully to flight, so the Town was taken by the English. There were a world of other Warlike Encounters and Skirmishes 'twixt the English and French, whereof the stories are full; and 'tis observed, that the English at most were but half in number to the French in all Engagements; insomuch that by pure prowess and point of the Sword they possessed two parts in three of that great Kingdom. We read that when the English were at the height of their power in France, the Pope came then to keep his Court at Avignon; and there was a common saying among the Peeple, which since is grown to be a kind of Proverb, Oars le Pape est devenu Francois, & jesus Christ est devenu Anglois; The Pope is turned Frenchman, and Jesus Christ is become an Englishman: which was spoken in regard we had such prodigious Successes. Before I part with France at present, 'tis very fit (the main subject of this Work being of Precedence) to speak something of the Black Prince while he was Governor of Aquitane, where he performed such notable Exploits; and among other, of that famous Charter of Precedence which was given to the Crown of England by Don Pedro King of Castille, who being detruded out of the Throne by Henry his younger Brother, fled for succour to the Black Prince in Gascognie, who had at that time two other Kings in his Court, viz. Ricaredo King of Navarre, and Don jayme King of Mallorca. Which Charter being yet upon Authentic Record, and not specified in the story of either Nations, may very well deserve to be inserted here; and it runs thus. Petrus Dei gratia Rex Castellae & Legionis, omnibus praesentibus pariter, & futuris praesentes literas inspecturis, lecturis aut audituris salutem, & fidem plenariam iisdem adhibere. Cum in largitione, donatione, & concessione privilegiorum, libertatum, franquesiarum, ac honorum Praerogativa, illis nos liberales, & gratiosiores reddere debeamus à quibus multiplicia beneficia & honores nos recognoscimus recepisse; Cumque Illustrissimus Rex Angliae, & Edoardus ejus primogenitus Princeps Aquitantae & Walliae consanguinei nostri nos & praedecessores nostros Reges Castellae retroactis temporibus fuerint favorabiliter prosecuti, & specialiter cum nuper per Henricum quondam Comitem de Trestamare qui factâ cum quibusdam suis Complicibus coadunatione Regna nostra invasit, usurpavit, & etiam occupavit more praedonico, & hostili, & ea indebitè detinet occupata de Regno in regnum, & de Dominio in Dominium, & loco ad locum ad mortem nos esset insecutus à qua persecutione per receptationem dicti Dom. Principi●… in Terra sua de nobis factam fuerimus liberati, & per ipsum & gentes suas comfortati, ac honorabiliter recepti, & tractati, Nos memores dicti accepti beneficii, & in aliqualem praemissorum Recompensationem, & alias de nostra certa scientia, speciali dono, & regia donatione, & potestate damus & concedimus pro nobis, haeredibus & successoribus nostris Regibus Castellae per praesentes dicto Illustrissimo Regi Angliae, & Edoardo ejus Primogenito Principi Aquitaniae & Walliae, Quòd quandocunque idem Rex & ejus Primogenitus qui nunc sunt, aut eorum Haeredes & successores Reges Angliae, & eorum Primogeniti qui pro tempore fuerint, voluerint venire in propria persona ad Guerram quam nos habebimus, aut Haeredes nostri Reges Castellae habebunt contra Regem Granatae, aut alios Fidei inimicos, quod iidem Reges, & eorum Primogeniti habeant primum bellum sive la Delantera ante omnes Mundi Christianos, & omni tempore. Ita tamen quod Nos possimus & Haeredes nostri Reges Castellae si voluerimus ponere vexilla nostra in dicto bello pariter cum vexillis Regis Angliae, vel Ipsius Primogeniti. Item quod si contigerit dictos Reges, aut eorum Primogenitos ad Guerram quam Nos & Haeredes nostri habebimus contra Regem Granatae, aut Alios Fidei inimicos non venire, aut nolle, vel non posse venire, volumus & concedimus quòd unum vexillum de Armis Regis Angliae sit omni tempore in dicta guerra in primo bello, sive in la Delantera honorificè prout decet nostris, & successorum nostrorum Castellae regum propriis sumptibus & expensis. Item quia Patria ejusdem nostri Consanguinei plurima damna, & expensa innumerabilia sustinuit tempore quo ipse pro nostro succursu exercitus suos congregabat prout oculis propriis conspeximus, licet flebiliter gereremus, in recompensationem praemissorum, privilegiamus, volumus, & concedimus quòd omnes homines, incolae, nobiles, peregrini, cujuscunque status, sexus aut conditionis existant, Regni, Patriae, & dominii Angliae, & principatus Aquitaniae sint immunes ab omni pedagio, leuda, costuma, maletota, ceu aliis quibuscunque Impositionibus, Exactionibus in Regnis nostris impositis, seu in posterùm imponendis. Ita quòd dicti homines dictorum Regni, Patriae, & Dominii Angliae, & Principatus Aquitantae transeundo, morando, & redeundo per Regna nostra per mare velper terram, Costumam, Pedagium, Leudam, Maletotam, seu quamcunque aliam Impositionem vel Exactionem minimè solvere teneantur, nisi dicti homines causâ Mercimonii vel pro emercimiando aliquid emerent. Super quo an causa Mercimoniandi empta existant nec ne, per officiarios nostros, & receptorum dictorum pedagiorum stare volumus dictorum hominum juramenta de quibus rebus causa Mercimoniandi emptis non compellantur solvere, nec aliquid ultra ab iis exigatur quam caeteri Mercatores solvere consueverunt. Et juramus ad Sancta Dei Evangelia à nobis corporaliter manu tacta & in verbo promittimus Regio concessiones, donationes, privilegia praedicta, & omnia & singula in praesentibus Litteris contenta tenere, complere, & inviolabiliter observare. In quorum & singulorum Praemissorum testimonium, & ad ipsorum Majorem firmitatem his praesentibus Nos manu propria Subscripsimus, & iisdem sigillum nostrum in pendenti duximus apponendum: Volentes, & concedentes ac etiam requirentes vos Magistrum johannem de London publicum Autoritate Apostolicâ Notarium quatenus ad perpetuam omnium & singulorum praemissorum memoriam vos cum praesentibus testibus subscribatis, praesentesque Literas signo vestro solito consignetis. Datum apud Liborniam Diocesi Burdegalensis die 23 Mensis 7 bris Anno Dom. 1366. Praesentibus praecharissimo Consanguineo nostro Domino johanne Deuce Lancastriae, Regis Angliae filio ac fratre dicti principis, & Reverendis in Christo Patribus Dom. Helia Archiepiscopo Burdegalensi, Dom. Bernardo Episcopo Xancton. johanne Electo Bathoniensi, & Wellensi Cancellario Aquitaniae, johanne Shandos Constabulario, & Thoma de Felton senescallo Aquitaniae, Nigello de Loereyn Camerario dicti Principis, Balboyno de Frevilla senescallo Xancton. & aliis testibus ad praemissa. You el Rey. I the King. Et Ego johannes de London Cler. Winton. Diocesis publicus Authoritate Apostolica Notarius undecima die mensis Februarii anno Domsupradicto, Indictione quinta, Pontisicatus sanctissimi in Christro Patris, & Domini nostri Dom. Urbani divina providentia Papae quinti anno quinto infra castrum Civitatis Baionae in capella ejusdem castri unà cum testibus infrascriptis fui praesens quando dictus Dom. Rex Petrus promissa omnia & singula innovavit, confirmavit, & juramento suo vallavit tangendo propriis manibus suis sancta Dei Evangelia, & quando ipse Rex manu sua propria se subscripsit, & me requisivit, & mandavit ut praesentibus Literis me subscriberem, & signum meum apponerem consuetum. Testes qui fuerunt praesentes ad ista unà mecum sunt Dom. frater Martinus Lupi Magister Militiae Domus de Alcantara Ordinis Cistern. Rogerus Dom. de la Wara, Gomeicus dicti Dom. Regis Magister, Paulus Gabrielis Civis Ispalensis. johannes Guttern Decanus Ecclesiae Segobien, & Magister Robertus Fregand Notarius Cancellarius Domini Principis Aquitaniae & Walliae supradicti. Then the Great Seal of Castille and Leon was affixd. By virtue of this Charter legally made to King Edward, and the Prince his Son, and to their Heirs and Successors Kings and Princes of England for ever, it is thereby granted that whensoever it should please them to be in person in the Wars with any King of Castille, against the King of Granada, or any other Enemy of the Christian Faith, They should have the First place in the Vanguard above all other Princes of Christendom; and although neither of them were present, yet there should be always provided by the Kings of Castille and their Successors a Standard of the Arms of England to be born in the same place. This Instrument was made after that the Black Prince had done the Work, and restored Don Pedro to his Kingdom: therefore he passed it as a Monument of eternal Gratitude unto him. But before the Prince vudertook the business, there was also a Bond from the King to pay so much money for defraying the Prince's Army; and in consideration also of this undertaking, it was legally agreed that the Prince should have the Castle of Vermeo, de la Quet, Bilbo, Biscay, and the Castle of Ordials, A tenir perpetuellement à li & says Heirs & Successeurs, & pour donor là où luy plerrà, to be held perpetually by Him and his Heirs and Successors, and to give to whom he pleased. All which was ratified under the Great Seal of Castille, and confirmed by Oath upon the holy Sacrament in the great Church of Burgos. The Original of which Instrument remains yet in Thes. Regio apud Westm. We will pass over the Exploits done in Armorica or Little Brittany, and cross over to a tougher Peeple the Scot, who though Conterranean, and our near Neighbours, yet they did always confederate with the French against England, and England still boar up single and victoriously against both of them: For when Scotland was at the highest pitch of power, when she had active and boisterous Kings to her Generals, and the French for her Coadjutors and Auxiliaries, as also the Danes in Ages past, yet the English carried away many fair Victories, with divers of their King's Prisoners. As will appear by a short Survey we shall take of such Battles and Warlike Encounters which intervend from time to time 'twixt the two Nations. We will begin with that famous Battle 'twixt King Athelstan and them, when they had a great Army of Danes joined with them, and being twice in number more than the English, yet King Athelstan obtained a signal Victory both by Prowess and Policy; for the two Armies being ready to join, the English made semblance to flee away, leaving their Baggage behind; which as the Scot and Dane were a sharing, the English did suddenly wheel about by the advantage of a Woody Hill, and finding them in disarray, and laden with Booty, they rushed upon them with such a Resolution, that above 40 thousand of them, and, as Buchanan their chief Chronologer hath it, the flower of their Nobility, perished there at that time. The first Fireball of War which was thrown 'twixt both the Nations since the Norman Invasion, was in William Rufus his Reign, when the Scot having made divers Incursions into the English Borders, Mowbray Earl of Northumberland was sent against them, who encountering their King Malcolm with his eldest Son in the Field, they were both slain, and the whole Army overthrown. In King Stephen's days, Thurston then Archbishop of York, was sent with an Army against the Scot, who meeting the King himself in the head of his Forces, utterly routed him, with the death of above 10000 of his Men. Henry the second employed only the Knights of Yorkshire, as, Humphry-vile, Scuttvil, and Vescy, to make head against the Scot, which they did with such Valour and Success, that they took the King in the Field; and as a Trophy of their good Service and Victory, they presented him Prisoner to the King at Northampton, whence he carried him along to attend him in his French Wars. William the Scots King attended Richard the Lionhearted at his second Coronation when he returned from the Holy Land, and carried the Sword before him bareheaded. Edward the first, called in story, and as his Tomb in Westminster tells us, Scotorum Malleus, the Hammer of the Scots, summoned King Balliol to Newcastle to swear Fealty unto him: but fleeing afterwards to the French King, at his return King Edward summons him again to Berwick, where he re-submitted himself with all his Nobles in open Parliament, which King Edward held there; and for Caution brought Balliol along with him, leaving the Earl of Surrey Warden of Scotland. Then started up a notable Blade, one Wallis, who notwithstanding that King Balliol was Prisoner in England, gathered such a strength, that caused King Edward to go again in person, and at Fonkirk Battle killed outright 200 of their Nobles and Gentry, with about forty thousand Common soldiers. Then he summons a Parliament at Edinburgh, where all the Scots Nobleses swore Fealty to him; and then he carried away thence their Great Charter, called the Ragman-Roll, the Black-Cross, and the Stone, wherein they believe the Fate of Scotland is fixed. Then there was a third Provocation offered, for le Bruce was crowned King of Scotland, whereupon the Earl of Pembroke was sent against him, who utterly defeated him at johnston: yet all was not quiet, but King Edward was forced to make a fourth expedition thither in person, when he constrained le Bruce to flee away to Norway, where he blew on his Nails while King Edward lived. But Bruce being come back, and Usurping during Edward the seconds time, (who we read was so infirm and infortunate a King) his Father Edward the third restored Balliol by force of Arms, and made him swear Fealty to England again. But some years after King Edward being deeply engaged in the French Wars, David the next Scots King rushed into England with about sixty thousand men, being confederate with the French King to divert the War there. But Queen Philippe, with the Archbishop of York, and the Lords and Knights of the North, encountered this huge Army, and utterly defeated it, one Copland taking the Scots King Prisoner, whom he he reserved for a present to give King Edward when he came from France, and to keep company with john the French King, who also was taken Prisoner by the Black Prince: And there were but six week's difference of time 'twixt both Victories. In Richard the seconds Reign, the French King sent his High Admiral, with a thousand choice men at Arms, in a Fleet of 60 Sail of Ships, with Arms for 12000 men more into Scotland. Thereupon an English Army being raised, it struck into Scotland like a Whirlwind, and piercing the very heart of the Country, advanced as far as Dundee, and returned Victorious. Henry the Fifth took james the first Prisoner, and carried him over to attend him in his French Wars. In Hen. 8. time, the Scots King (although his Brother-in-Law) taking his advantage when he was in France, battering the Walls of Bullen, with the flower of the English Nobility, raised the greatest Army that Scotland could make for invading England; thereupon King Harry sent a Commission to the Earl of Surrey to raise Forces accordingly. The two Armies met at Flodden-field, where the Scots King and the Archbishop of Saint Andrews his Brother were slain, with twelve Earls, 14 Barons, and 12000 more. Not long after Solmosse Battle was fought, where eight Scots Earls were taken Prisoners, with 200 Gentlemen and others: insomuch that as the story saith, there was never an English soldier but had his couple of Scots Prisoners. Four and thirty years after, the same day both of the month and the week, (as the Historians observe) Musselborough-Battail was fought; which because it was the last, and one of the most signal and sanguinary great Battles from the Conquest that was fought 'twixt the English and the Scots, I will here particularise, but with as much brevity as may be. The Duke of Somerset was General of the English, the Earl of Warwik his Lieutenant, the Lord-Admiral Clinton had 60 ships of War, which were to hold course with the Land-forces; the whole Army consisted but of about 13000 Foot, 1200 men at Arms, 2500 Light-horse, 16 Pieces of Ordinance, every Piece having a Guard of pioneers who came to about 1400. From Berwick they entered Scotland, and marchd as far as Musselburgh far within the Country; they seized upon three small Castles as they passed, and with infinite pains overcame the Natural and Artificial Difficulties of the Ways. They understood that the Scots Army far exceeded them in number, and there came Recreuts daily unto it: For the Fire-cross was carried about by the Heralds through all parts, (which is two Firebrands upon the point of a Spear) that all above sixteen, and under sixty years should repair to the General Rendezvous: insomuch that the Scots Historians themselves do mention that there were above thirty thousand in the whole Army, which was twice the number of the English. The Battle was fought with much resolution and cagerness on both sides; yet notwithstanding that the Scot was at his own home, and that the English were tired by a long difficult march, they obtained an absolute Conquest: there were slain of the Scots about 14000 outright upon the place, whereof there were 3000 Kirk-men, as Friars and Monks, Huntley with other great Lords were taken Prisoners, 30 Pieces of Ordinance were taken and shippd for England, with 30000 jacks, as the Record says; and the English plunderd the Country five days march further, and did what they would. We will conclude with the late Battle at Dunbar still fresh in memory, where there were not much more than 8000 English, and the Scot had them at a great advantage, yet the English making a Virtue of Necessity, utterly overcame an Army of about 24000 Scots; an Army that had been long a moulding, and consisted of many of their Nobility and Gentry: they lost both Bag and Baggage, Artillery and Arms: there were above 3000 slain, 10000 taken Prisoners, whereof there were 260 Officers, 15000 Arms, and 30 Pieces of Ordinance, and near upon 200 of their Colours were brought to hang in Westminster-Hall for Trophies. Out of what hath been said, this Inference may be made: That in all those Traverses and Encounters of War that England had with Scotland, which were near upon an hundred since the Conquest, take small and great together, the English did always foil the Scot, except in Ed. 2. time, as shall be said hereafter. In some Battles we may find how they carried away more Captives than they were common soldiers themselves, driving them as it were like sheep before them: And observable it is, that the greatest Battles were fought in Scotland itself, after that the English had been tired and dispirited by long marches, over uncouth and strange places, being ignorant both of the Advenues and Advantages of them. Tru it is, that in Ed. 2. Reign they won two or three Victories, whereof that at Bannocks-Battail was the greatest, where Gilbert de Clare Earl of Gloucester, and about 40 Barons, with 700 Knights and English Gentlemen, were killed. In Hen. 8. Reign they got also a small Victory, when Sir Ralph Evers was slain. In the time of the Long Fatal Parliament they did likewise many Insolences, and rushed far into England: but those Invasions may be rather termed Invitations by some spurious and unworthy-degenerated Englishmen, who had contrived their coming in long before; whose memories will stink in the Nostrils of all Posterity. But the English have taken four of their King's Captives, killed two other in the field, carried away their Crown, with the chiefest Ensigns of Royalty, etc. Nor were such high Exploits performed by the Kings of England on Land only, but by Sea they have been as glorious. Historians say how King Edgar had a Navy of three thousand six hundred ships, and bottoms of all sorts, which he divided to three Fleets that used to coast about, and scour the Seas as far as Norway every year, and he in person would go often Admiral himself, and be all the Summer abroad. Philip the French King not long before the Battle of Cressy, to hinder Edward the thirds return into France, got a mighty Navy in Equippage of 200 sail of ships, besides Galleys in the Haven of Sluice; whereof King Edward being advertised, prepared such another Fleet, and encounters the French with such resolution and success, having the Wind and the Sun for him, that he utterly defeated the whole Navy, slew about thirty thousand men, and so returned with mighty triumphs, and the admiration of all Europe. Philip the second of Spain, having (as he conceaud) endured divers Affron●…s and Injuries from Queen Elizabeth, concealed his Discontents a long time, until he had provided the Invincible Armada, as it was called, wherewith he hoped to have swallowed all England. It was three years preparing, it consisted of above 150 sail, whereof most of them were galleons: they were mannd by 8000 Mariners: they carried 20000 Listed soldiers, besides Volunteers: they had 1600 Brass Cannons, 1000 of Iron, and 120000 Granado's, with other Fireworks of all sorts. This Prodigious Fleet stood the King of Spain in 10 Millions first and last, from the time that she set sail out of Lisbonne, as 'tis found in their Annals: she looked like a Forest at Sea as she steered along. Q Elizabeth had first news hereof from Hen. 4. of France. But then how did that Masculine Queen, that notable Virago, bestir herself? how suddenly was there a great Fleet in a readiness, and an Army by Land? how magnanimously did she view her Musters, and encouraged the soldiers, riding up and down with a Plume of Feathers in her Hat like another Boadicia? So that mighty Armada passing through the narrow Seas as far as the Downs, her great galleons were so plied and pelted by the English ships, that they were utterly overthrown, only some few fetching a compass about Scotland, got safe to Spain to bring news what became of the rest. I have been somewhat overlong in this Paragraph, but there shall be a compensation made for the Prolixity thereof by the Brevity of those that follow. The Fifth Paragraph. That the King of Great Britain hath as stout and strenuous sturdy Freeborn Peeple to his Subjects as any other King, with as generous a Country, and Generality of Wealth. I Will begin this Paragraph with a late eloquent Character that an Italian Nobleman the Count Alfonso Loschi of Vicenza gives both of the Peeple and the plenty of England in his late printed Volume, called, Compendi Historici. La popolatione d' Inghilterra è innumerabile, gli huonimi sono disposti, & ben organizati, grandi di corpo, di faccia serena, bianca, & rubicunda, nella guerra terribili, & audaci, nelle risolutioni precipitosi, & crudeli. Qe Donne riescono à Maraviglia belle, & gratiose & can la Leggiadria del vestito rapiscono I cuori. Inghilterra vanta non immeritament titolo di Monarchia in expressione, & gieroglifico di che tiene il Re di sotto allo scettro la palla per figura della dominatione del mondo. Non cie Potentato che con armata maritima possa approdare à liti, à quali servendo per mura l' Oceano, & per isbarco sicurissimi, & arenosi recessi non vimprontano l'orme piedi stranieri, & se ben spesso con Intestine seditioni non havesse contro le proprie viscere rivolto le seditioni, & l'armi riuscirebbe indomabile, ne cisarebbe potenza sopra l'Inglese. L'aere salubre, ricchezze grandissime, li terreni fecondi, & minerali, li pascoli abondanti, & delicati, onde le lane d'Inghilterra tengono il primo luogo, etc. Which Character coming from so indifferent a Judge, and so fresh an Author, and a Personage of so high a Wit and Quality, I thought worthy the rendering into English. The Peeple of England are innumerable; the Men welldisposd, and organizd or limmd; tallish of stature, of comely Countenances, white, and reddish: they are terrible in the Wars, and bold, headlong and cruel in their resolutions. The Women are marvellously beautiful and handsome, and by the quaintness of their Dresses do ravish hearts. England not undeservedly glorieth of the Title of Monarchy, by the Expression and Hierogliphic that the King bears under his Sceptre, which is a Globe or Ball that represents the Government of the world. There is no Potentat whatsoever that with any Naval power can approach his shores, whereunto the Ocean serving for a Wall, with most secure and sandy Recesses for disembarking, the stranger cannot plant his foot. And if England did not use so often to turn the sword into her own Bowels by intestine seditions, she would prove invincible, and there would be no power above the English. The Air is healthful, mighty Riches; the Soil is plentiful, and abounding with Minerals; the Pasture luxurious and delicate, whence it proceeds that the English Wool is incomparable. This new noble Author when he comes to deliver his Opinion of France and Spain, doth not speak half so much of either, nor of any Country else; for he treats of all the Kingdoms of Europe, and of other besides. Now, it is taken pro concesso, 'tis a truth granted by all, that there is no King hath more choice of lusty and stout Bodies to make soldiers of, than the King of Great Britain hath in his Dominions; there is the English, Welsh, Scots and Irish, Nations that keep still entire their innated spirits, and stoutness uncowd: And this may be imputed to the Policy and Moderation of Government, to the equal distribution of the Wealth and Plenty of the Country. For the Yeoman and Franklin goes well clad, hath wholesome Nutriment; and as a return of his Labour from the grateful Earth, hath wherewith to provide for his children that they may not increase the number of Beggars. It is not so in some Countries, which made one say, (though there may be some excess in the expression) That the Yeomen and Freeholders of Kent are able to buy half the Peasants of France. Such Subjects and such a Country the King of Great Britain commands; which made Eumenius in his famous and elegant Panegyric to Constantin the Great, to melt thus into her praises. O fortunata & omnibus beatior Terris Britannia, quae Constantinum Caesarem prima vidisti; Meritò Te omnibus Coeli ac Soli dotibus Natura donavit, in qua nec hyemis est nimius rigour, nec aestatis ardour. In qua segetum est tanta foecunditas ut muneribus utriusque sufficiat & Cereris & Liberi. In qua nemora sine immanibus bestiis, Terra sine serpentibus noxiis. Pecorum mitium innumerabilis multitudo lacte distenta, & onusta velleribus, Certè quidem quod propter vitam diligitur longissimae dies, & nullae sine aliqua luce noctes, dum illa littorum extrema planities non attollit umbras, noctisque metam Coeli ac Syderum transit aspectus, ut Sol ipse qui nobis occidere videtur ibi appareat solummodo praeterire. O most fortunate Britain, (saith Eumenius) more blessed than any other Country; which didst first see Constantin Caesar; Nature hath deservedly endowed thee with all Gifts both of Heaven and Earth. In thee neither the excessive cold of Winter, nor the ardent heat of Summer doth offend the Inhabitant. Thou swellest with such a secundity of all kind of Corn, that thou mayst be called the Favourite of Ceres and Bacchus. Thy Groves are without savage rapacious Beasts, and thy Heaths without any poisonous Serpents. Thy Fields are covered with innumerable multitudes of mild Cretures▪ labouring with exuberance of Milk, and laden with rich Fleeces. For delightfulness of Life, thy days are very long, and no night but hath some glimpses of light: the glorious Sun which sets and goes down in other Regions, seems only to pass by thy Horizon. From this temperatness of Clime and Fertility, may proceed the Well-favouredness, the Procerity, as also the Health and Longaevity of the Inhabitants; in regard Nature doth not finish her course in the bodies of Males and Females so soon here as she doth in France and Spain. For 'tis observed by all strangers, that an English woman looks as fresh and beautiful at forty, as a French or Spanish at five and twenty; it being very ordinary for them to continue still teeming and prolifical when they are passed fifty years. And for the Men, it would be Registered for a Miracle in Spain or France to find ten men of a thousand years, (one with another) as were found in Hereford about 60 years since, within two miles' compass of the town, who were so vigorous, strong and spriteful, that they danced the Morice-dance in the Marketplace for many hours, with a Maid-Mariam of a hundred and three, and a Tabourer of a hundred and five years old. From the Fertility and Generousness of the Earth, may proceed also the extraordinary Courage and Hardiness of the Peeple; which hath been so well known and felt in other Countries beyond the Seas, as the Examples in the former Paragraph do prove at so many signal and difficult famous Battles, where the English Army was never half so numerous in any they got, no not sometimes the third or fourth part in number to the Enemy; and such an esteem they had in France, that (as their own stories relate) when the Duke of Brittany or Armorica was to encounter the French Army in a Battle, he thought it a Policy to cloth a whole Brigade of his Soldiers after the English mode, to make them appear the more formidable to the French. Nor doth that Primitive innate Courage languish a whit, or decline in them, (as some think the World doth) as we find it hath done in other Nations, as the jew and Greek, with others, but it continueth still at the same height; as it appeerd in the year Eighty eight by Sea, as was said before, and in several Exploits in the Low-Country Wars, as Newport, the Retreat before Gaunt, etc. by Land. Likewise by fresher Examples in the late Civil Wars 'twixt King and Parliament, and since, wherein the Power, Strength and Wealth of England was never more discovered: For the late usurper (having such a Command over the Peeples purse, and never wanting money) made Spain and France strive who should be his Confederate, as also the Hollander, the Swed, and others: I say, in those times the ancient stoutness of the English appeerd in many Traverses of War; as at Dunbar in Scotland, and by Sea against the Hollander, who were beaten and battered into a Peace. What a hazardous piece of service was performed when we invaded Barbary at Tunis? but especially that desperate Exploit Blague did at the Canaries? The French King confessed that the Brigade of English before Dunkirk, commanded by a little bold Britain, though not the fifth part of the Army, did contribut most to the late taking of that strong Praedatory Town. And the King of Portugal acknowledged, that in this years great Defeat 1663. he gave Don john of Austria near Ebora, that Brigade of English who served there, though not much considerable in number, did perform the toughest part of the service, and first showed them the way of using the Rests of the Musket to knock down the Enemy; which made the Frenchmen cry out, Faisons comme les Anglois, Let's do as the English. The Sixth Paragraph. Touching the Ancient and Long-lind Extraction, Decendency, and Bloud-Royal of the Kings of Great Britain, etc. THe Races of Kings may be said to be like great Rivers, that stream out into divers large Channels and Arms, which become great Rivers of themselves afterward: Or like huge Trees which use to stretch their Branches beyond the Ocean, where being inoculated and graffd, they make divers other Royal Trees to sprout out of them in Foreign soils. There were divers Royal Ingrafting of this kind that Great Britain had with the chiefest Potentats, and some of them Imperial: The first was before the English took footing here, between the Emperor Constantius and Helen, a Britain born, and Mother to Constantine the Great, the first Christian Emperor: for this Island was held in such high esteem by the Roman Emperors, (when they had almost all the world besides) that divers of them kept their Courts here; among whom Severus, and Constantius died at York: which City may deservedly vaunt of two things, viz. that two Roman Emperors were buried, and a third born in her, viz. Constantin the Great. After the Saxons came, this Island also continued in such a repute, that Ethelwolph Son to King Egbert, Anno 830. married the Lady judith, called the Fair for her extraordinary Beauty, and Daughter to the Emperor Charles le Chawe, grandchild to Charlemagne. The Emperor Otho the Great married the Sister of King Athelstan, whose friendship was so much sought by all his Neighbouring Kings, that they wooed for it by rich Presents: which made the King of France send him the sword of Constantin the Great, in the Hilt whereof there was one of the Nails that fastened Christ to the Cross: He sent him also the Spear of Charlemagne. The King of Norway sent him a curious Ship, with a Gilt Stem, Purple Sails, and the Deck garnishd all with Gold. The Emperor Otho his Brother-in-law sent him a Vessel of precious stones artificially made, wherein were Landscapes with Vines, Corn and Reapers so much to the Life, that they seemed to move, and act, etc. There have been eight Nuptial Conjunctions 'twixt Great Britain and France, (besides the Scots alliance with that Country.) The first was about the year 900. 'twixt Charles the first of France, and the Lady Ogine Daughter to Edward Son to King Alfred, that admired Saxon King, who is so famous in story for divers signal things: for He cleared the whole Kingdom of the Danes, who had so much infested and harassd it. He Founded the University of Oxford, Anno 895. He was the first who divided England into Shires, Hundreds, and Weapontakes. He divided the Natural Day also into three parts; eight hours for Recreation, and matters concerning his Health, as sleep, etc. eight hours for Meditation and exercise of Piety; and eight hours in Council, and the public Affairs of his Kingdom. He Founded also Shaftsbury-Abby, Winchester-Church, and Eldinsey-Monastery. The second Marriage with France was 'twixt Hen. 3. of England, and the Lady Margaret Daughter to Lewis the seventh of France. The third was between Edward the first, (that great Hero of his time) and the Lady Margaret, Daughter to Philip the Hardy of France. The fourth 'twixt Edward the second and the Lady Isabel, eldest Daughter to Philip le Bell King of France, Mother to Edward the third of England, who by right of her claimed and carried afterwards the Crown of France. The fifth was 'twixt King Richard the second, and the Lady Elizabeth, Daughter to Charles' the sixth of France: but she was but his second Wife, for his first was the Lady Anne, Daughter to the Emperor Charles the Fourth. The sixth was between Henry the fifth of England, and the Lady Katherine, another Daughter to Charles the sixth of France. The seventh was 'twixt Lewis the twelfth of France, and the Lady Mary, second Daughter to King Henry the seventh of England. The eighth and last Inoculation 'twixt the Rose and the Flower de Luce, was that of Charles the first of England, with the Lady Henrietta Maria of Bourbon, youngest Daughter to Henry the great of France. In which Matches England hath had six Daughters of France, and France two of England. By the fourth Match 'twixt Ed. 2. and Isabel eldest Daughter to Philip le Bell, Edward the third of England being her eldest son, was Heir to the Crown of France; and demanding his Right thereunto, he was answered, La Couronne de France n'est pas lièe à la quenoville, That the Crown of France was not tied to a Distaff: whereunto he replied, That he would then tie it to his Sword; and he was as good as his word. But Henry the fifth some fourscore years after tied it faster, for he reducd Charles the sixth to such terms, that after his death he should immediately possess the Crown and Kingdom of France, and that in the interim the Dauphin his son (afterwards Charles the seventh) should be disinherited; That in the interim King Henry should be Regent of France, (in regard the present King was sometimes crazd in his Intellectuals;) That he should take to Wife the Lady Isabel, Daughter to the said Charles: All which Capitulations not only the King, but the chiefest Peers and Nobility of France did consent unto, and ratify by solemn Oath, obliging themselves further to uphold and assist Henry of England, with his lawful Heirs and Successors, against Charles the Dauphin whom his Father had legally disinherited. Hereupon Henry the fifth dying in France, (a Death much too soon and immature for so brave a man) his son Hen. 6. was proclaimed King of England and France in Paris: In which public Proclamation, 'tis very observable how England had the precedence; and thereupon the chiefest of the Officers of the Crown and Nobles swore Fealty and Allegiance unto him; divers of which Nobles grew afterwards Apostats, and joined with the Dauphin. Against Edward the thirds Right the Salic Law was alleged, which they would force and pin upon a Text of Scripture, Lilia neque nent, etc. The Lilies neither spin, etc. But though King Edward had cut the Labels of that Law with a victorious sword, yet it was not quite cancelld: Nor indeed could it be possibly done, for it was but a kind of Chimaera, a mere imaginary Law; and one of the Authentiqust French Historians Du Haillan hath no better opinion of it. They who are the greatest Champions of that Law, acknowledge that it was at first a particular Topical Law made at Salem, a place upon the Rhine, but they have stretchd it since to all France: As if the Law of Gavelkind, which is peculiar to Kent and other distinct places, should be made to extend itself, and be in force all England over. But some there are that will not allow any Essence at all to the Salic Law, no not to be a Local restraining Law to the foresaid place near the Rhine; Therefore the same answer may be fit to be given un to the Assertors of It, as was given by the Venetians to the Pope, when there happening a clash between them touching the Sea about Ancona, which they alleged belonged to the Venetian Gulf whereof they had the Dominion, And the Pope demanding what warrant they had for it, 'twas answered, by a kind of Sarcasine, If your Holiness please to produce the Instrument whereby the Emperor Constantine the Great passed over the City of Rome to your predecessors, upon the back of that Grant your Holiness will find Saint Marks Charter to the Souverainty of the Adriatic Gulf: whence an Intimation was made, that neither of the Charters had ever any being; which may be justly applied to the Salic Law. And besides that, du Haillan, though a Frenchman, in the first Volume of his History, confutes that Law. It is confirmed also that there never was any such Law in France by the testimony of the Duke of Burgundy, who when Philippe le long was created King, he openly cried out against his Creation, alleging that the Kingdom of France belonged then to jane daughter unto Hutin King of France formerly: but to stop his mouth, Philip was forced to make a Gift unto him of the Dukedom of Burgundy in dower with his eldest daughter. But touching the Title of Henry the Fifth, which was confirmed by Solemn Agreement, and Sacramental Oaths, the French found out another Evasion. For it was avouchd, That the Kingdom of France goeth not by Descent or Inheritance, but by Succession, which is grounded not upon a Law but upon Custom; by virtue whereof the next of the Blood Royal, be He of the furthest degree that may be to the kindred, succeedeth, not as lawful Heir, but as a Successor by Custom, not newly invented, but of long continuance, even from the time of Pharamont. But this new-devised Objection is refuted also by the foresaid Du Haillan one of the prime French Historiographers, and a Frenchman born, who reckons up a long Catalogue of French Kings which did not succeed one another, but were chosen one after another. Another Objection was also suggested, that Charles the sixth, who made the foresaid Contract with Henry of England, was no better than a Lunatic, though he had sometimes Lucida Intervalla. Whereunto it is answered, that at the time when that Agreement passed He had a lucid interval, and was in his right wits and memory: Besides, the chiefest Nobility of the Realm were parties in it, and did not only consent, but obliged themselves by Oath to the performance of it. There was a third Objection which kept a higher noise, viz. That the King of France cannot alienate the Demeanes, Rights, Titles, and Interests of the Crown, without the consent and suffrage of the Assembly of Three Estates, which was not had then, because a great part of the Peers, Nobles, and others were then absent. Whereunto 'tis answered, That in claims which go by plurality of voices, it is not always necessary that all should be present, if the greater and better part of them be there, specially if after Citation the rest absent themselves: For although the point that concerneth All, should be approud by All; yet, as Civilians hold, when some or all may approve or disallow the things which concern Them, and They will not be present to show their consent or dislike, their Absence shall not prejudice the stipulation of the Contract. And in this great business 'twixt two Kings, those who were away were Traitors to Charles the sixth, for they were in arms against him, by taking part with the Dauphin who was in Rebellion against his Father at that time; Therefore their absence could not in any respect prejudice the validity of so solemn a Contract whereupon depended Peace or War. The fourth Objection carried more of pusillanimity with it, than strength of proof, viz. That when the foresaid Contract was made, the English had almost overrun all France, and that the King was coopd up in a corner of the country; Therefore whatsoever He did being done by fear, duresse and compulsion, was of no better force than a Covenant extorted by violence, or made in prison by a private man, which when he is at liberty he is not bound by Law to perform if it tend to his damage. To this 'tis answered, That the case is far different 'twixt Souverain Princes and private men, for between the one there fall out but Processes and Suits in law if they disagree, or not perform what is a greed upon; But between Princes, blood and Wars, fire and Sword, death and destruction sometimes of whole Countries and millions of human souls do Ensue: Therefore when a King by the propitiousness of Heaven, and his own prowess, by the hazard of his life, loss of his people, with infinite pains and expense of Treasure, hath gained a Victory by the justness of his Cause and Divine decree, or redu●…d his Enemy to a straight, All the Civilians concur in one unanimous opinion that he may make the best advantage he can of his good successes, and reduce his Enemy to what terms he please; And the Articles which shall then be capitulated, consented and sworn unto, are to be exactly performed; otherwise there would be no end of any War. Now, the French Chroniclers themselves acknowledge that Henry the 5. might at that conjuncture of time and fortune, have destroyed the whole Realm of France, and taken the King prisoner, or driven him quite out: But he was so far from doing so, that he suffered him to enjoy the Kingdom while he lived, and by taking his daughter to wife made her Issue thereby capable not only of the French, but also of the English Crown, with all the Dominions thereunto annexed. Whence some Authors observe that the English have been used in all Treaties and Stipulations to be over-reasonable, merciful, plain and downright; But the French crafty, double minded, inhuman, high and subdolous upon all advantages: Insomuch that 'tis a question which was sharper, the English blade, or the French brain. I will conclude this digressive discourse with another argument of the French, viz. That Charles the sixth could not legally disinherit his eldest son, being Hei●… apparent to the Crown of France. To this may be answered, that neither Charles the sixth was rightful King, nor consequently his son heir apparent: for since Edward the third of England, all the French Kings were but Usurpers; they were Kings de facto, not the jure. Moreover there are many Examples how the eldest sons of the Kings of France have been disinherited: We read that Robert made his second son Henry King of France, by disinheriting Robert his eldest, who for compensation was made Duke of Burgundy. Lewis le Gros, with the consent of all the Peers and Estates of France, made also Lewis his second son King, and gave Robert his eldest the Earldom of Dreux. Dagobert made Clovis his second son King of France, by putting by Sigisbert his eldest son. I have been somewhat long in discourse of this great Transaction 'twixt England and France, because the chief aim of this Work being at Precedence, the discerning Reader may regulat his judgement accordingly. We will now go on to conclude this Paragraph, the main scope whereof being Antiquity, and continuance of Royal Blood. The Genealogical Tree of the Kings of this Island, as all other Countries, hath had various Stems: the first were Britain's (now called Welsh) who may contend for Antiquity, and may be said to be coetaneous with the Island itself, yea before it was an Island; for there want not some who hold that it was at first a continent, or a peninsula tied to Gallia by an Isthmos or neck of land stretching from Dover to Bullen: for the Rocks on both coasts being of a colour and shape, look as if they were slented one out of the other. Before the Romans took footing here, which was near upon 200 years before they could do it peaceably, the Britain's did still so bear up against them; whereas Gallia or France was fully conquered in less than 10 years: I say, before the Roman Eagle fixed his talons here, there had been 65 Kings of the British Blood: But then that Race being interrupted by the Romans for above 400 years, the Island being freed of Them, some of the old British Blood came to be Kings again, among whom some were very famous, as 〈◊〉, and Arthur his son the chief Christian Worthy, who was the first Founder of Warlike honour conferred upon his Knights of the Round Table. And this Race of the old British Kings lasted till the reign of Cadwallader, Anno 689; yet there were Welsh Princes that swayed still (as among other Howel Dha the Great Legislator) and stood stoutly for their Liberty until the reign of Edw. 1. in whose reign Leol●… the last Prince of the British Blood being slain in battle, his head was brought to King Edward, who commanded it to be crowned with I●…ie, confessing that he had met with more valour in the Welsh then the Scots, for he had fierce Wars with both. But Cadwallader being dead, the British Race was interrupted again (till Owea Tewdors time, who descended from Cadwallader, as shall be showed) by a G●…rman people inhabiting the lower Circuit of Saxony, and so called Saxons by the Welsh and Irish to this day. They had a 〈◊〉 a long time; but Egbert by conquest redu●…d them to a Monarchy, and he was the first who called himself King of England. Then that English Race al●…o of Kings had two short Interruptions, one by the Danes whereof there reigned here three Kings, but all their reigns extended not to ●…5 years; Then by William of Normandy, and that Interruption ●…asted about 40 years, till Henry the first married the lady Matilda daughter to Malcolm King of Scotland by the Lady Margaret sister to Edgar Athel●…g, whereby the English Blood Royal was restored. Then by a marvellous providence the British Royal Blood after about 800 year's Interruption was resto●…d by Owen Tewdor, who married the Queen Dowager Katherine, and so was Granfather to Hen. 7. which Tewdor by an exact 〈◊〉 that was made by the British Bards, and confirmed by the English Heralds, came lineally from the foresaid King Cadwallader and Leolin: so there were three Kings, viz. Hen. 7. Hen. 8. Edw. 6. with two Queens, viz. Mary and Elizabeth, all Tewdors. Then came in the Royal Race of Scotland by the Lady Margaret Tewdor eldest daughter to Hen. 7. and first branch of the two Roses. Now, by a due computation made of the premises, it will be found, that (take British or English) the source and series of the Blood Royal of England is above a thousand years since. And if from Cadwallader you go to the British Kings before the Romans interrupted the Royal succession thereof, it will be near upon 3000 years; which no kingdom ●…ls can say. Moreover, the Blood Royal of Scotland some hundreds of years before was incorporated in the British: for the mother of the first King of the Stuarts was a British Lady. And as there is a Register of 139 British and English Kings, so there is an exact Catalogue of 110 Scots Kings: whereas all the three Races of the French Kings make but 64 Kings in all. Nor did any of those three Royal Races continue much above 300 years in a Blood, but were quite extinguished, both Merovingiens, Carlevingiens, and Capevingiens. The House of Valois extinguished in the late Queen Margaret, first wife to Hen. 4. And this present King is but the Third of the House of Bourbon. Spain cannot say so much: for the furthest Line that Her Kings can draw, is not much above 500 years ago, from the Counts of Castille; nor was there ever any King of Castille till the year 1017. And touching the House of Austria, it became Royal but about 300 years since. To conclude this Paragraph, his present Majesty of Great Britain, in point of Royal Extraction and Lineage, is the Greatest born Prince that any Age can produce. For whereas his Granfather and Father were allied only, if you regard Foreign Consanguinity, to the House of Holstein, and that of Lorain; Charles the second of England bears in his Veins not only That Blood, but also the Bloods of all the Great Princes of Christendom, being nearly linkd to the Houses of France and Bourbon, To the House of Austria, and consequently to the Emperor and Spain by the Maternal side, as also to the Dukes of Savoy and Florence. Moreover, He is nearly allied to the King of Denmark, and to all the prime Princes of Germany, as the Saxe, Brandenburg, Bavaria, the Palsgrave, etc. The seventh Paragraph. Touching the Hospitality, and plentiful Kingly Court, with number of Officers and Stately Attendants of the King of Great Britain. 'tIs ordinary for Latin Authors old and new, to break out into the praises of Great Britain, and their Eulogiums are many: but le's hear what a great Greek Poet speaks of Her. —— 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 No Isle did ever dare With Britain yet compare. Among other Encomiums of England, she is much cried up for her wonderful fecundity and fullness of all things relating to the nourishment of mankind, all things that Earth, Water or Air can afford: which (with the Divine benediction) must be imputed to the temper of the Clime; And besides, there be gentle breezes that are conveyed from the circumfluent Seas, which refresh all kind of animals both Brute and Rational. The clouds there may be truly said to drop fatness, dissolving into silver wholesome showers to soften and fertilise her Glebes: In December and january there is commonly Frost enough to knit and corroborate the joints of the earth: In February there is usually Snow enough to fill the Dikes, and like a gentle white rug to cover her ploughed fields, and keep the bed of the earth warm from the inclemency of the circumambient cold air. It is observed that there is not such a multitude of Volatils' any where: And touching her Seas, there are not any where so great variety of Fish swimming in such huge shoals like mountains, and taking their turns and seasons about the Island once every year: Her fresh rivers are also full of them. Her Forests and Woods have not such ravenous beasts as other Country's use to have: yet there are store of savage beasts for Recreation, as the Stagg, the Hind, the Hart, the Hare, the Otter, the Fox and Badger, etc. The bowels of the earth are no where so pregnant of Metals, Stone, and Fuel, etc. The Sun, which scorcheth other Countries, may be said but to warm the English soil with his gentle rays. The Air is nothing so foggy and dull as in many other Regions, but cleared and attenuated ever and anon with refreshing blasts. Nor is the body of the earth so subject to shaking Agues and Earth quakes, to trepidation and quakings, as other places are, which are full of sulphurous bituminous concavities. Touching store and superfluity of Corn, with all sorts of Grain, Britain in the times of the Romans was called, as Tacitus says, the Barn and Granary of the Western world. Take all these particulars together, the Poet doth not much compliment with England when he breaks thus into a Character of her. Anglia Terra ferax, Tibi pax secura quietem, Multiplicem luxum merx Opulenta dedit. Tu nimio nec stricta gelu, nec sydere fervens, Clementi Coelo, temperiéque places. cum pareret Natura parens, variásq favore Divideret dotes omnibus una locis, Sepofuit potiora Tibi, Matremque professa Insula sis foelix, plenaque pacis, ait, Quicquid amat luxus, quicquid desiderat usus, Ex Te proveniet vel aliunde Tibi. This is the cause of that infinite Commerce she hath to all parts of the habitable earth as far as the Antipodes, and the incredible benefit which other Nations make of her Commodities; Insomuch that Guicciardine, an Author well to pass, relates that after the Articles of the Intercursus magnus were made with Flanders or the Netherlands, the Annual Trade amounted unto above twelve Millions Sterling, whereof the one half was in Woollen Manufactures, whereby the 17 Provinces did wonderfully improve in Negotiation and Wealth: Insomuch that the ground of the Order of the Golden Fleece established by the Duke of Burgundy, related to the English Wool, which proved so infinitely beneficial unto them. From this marvellous exuberance and superfluity of substantial Staple-commodities proceed the luxe, the plenty and profuseness of the Inhabitants: for there is no where such frequent Invitations and Feasts in Town and Country; which made one say, That among others, England hath an Enchanting kind of quality, to make Forreners forget their own Countries, when they have once tasted of the sweetness thereof. The Franklins, Yeomen or Freeholders live like Gentlemen, The Gentlemen and Esquires live like Noblemen, The Noblemen like Princes. The Lord Maior and Sheriffs of London have Tables most days of the week fit to entertain Kings. Now, touching the Royal Court, which may be called the Epitome of the whole Country, Ther is no King whatsoever lives in that height of magnificence and plenty. There was communibus annis served in kind in provisions for his Majesty's house by way of composition, 3790 quarters of Wheat; 1493 Oxen fat and lean; 7000 Muttons; 1231 Veals; 310 Porks; 410 Sturks; 26 Boars; 320 Flitches of Bacon; 6820 Lambs; 40 Barrels of Butter; 145 dozen of Geese; Capons course 252 dozen; Hen's 470 dozen; Pullet's course 750 dozen; Chickens course 1470 dozen; Wax 3100 weight; sweet Butter 46640 pounds; Charcoals 1250 loads; Talwood, Billets, Faggots, 3950 loads; Herrings 60 barrels; Wine-cask from the Vintner's 600 Tun, etc. Beer 1700 Tun, etc. This was for the first course: Now for the second course innumerable sorts of Fowl and Fish according to the season, which was exactly observed. This made Bodin the great Critic to confess, that considering all things, there was not a more magnificent and plentiful Court upon earth. Now the riches and fatness of a Country should be principally seen in the King's house; and indeed the greatest glory of England appeers there, as all observing Forreners confess: and nothing conducd more to the continuance, increase and support of his power and honour, and which drew more awe and reverence from all people; all which are so requisite and essential to the prosperity of King and Peeple, as they cannot be wanting, but are and should be perpetual attendants of the Sovereign Prince. Now, this cannot be without the concurrence and service of the Peeple: Now, from all times the English were observed to be industrious, and make it their chief care to provide the best things for the King's Court; according to that ancient, and no less eloquent speech of a great Lawyer: Domus Regis vigilia defendit omnium; Otium Illius labor omnium; Deliciae Illius industria omnium; Vacatio Illius occupatio omnium; Salus Illius periculum omnium; Honour Illius periculum omnium. The King's House should be the watchfulness of All; His recreations should be the labour of All; His pleasures should be the inventions of All; His safety should be the danger of All; His honour the object of All. Now, the greatest cause of the honour and plenty of the Royal Court in England, were the Preemption, Pourvoyances and Compositions he had from every County, which were so moderate, That they who have cried them down, thinking it to be a great advantage and ease unto them, will find in time that they were no wiser than the Ass in the Fable (as a very judicious Gentleman observes) who thought to make his burden of Sponges the lighter by lying down with them in the water: For those Compositions, considering the smallness of them, and how many went to bear the burden, were scarce any weight at all, as will appear by those Shires I shall produce for instances. All the thirteen Shires of Wales were charged but at one hundred and fourscore Sturks, which stood that whole Dominion but in three hundred and threescore pounds, whereof Anglesey, which hath 83 Parishes, paid but 5l. which amounts not to 15 pence every Parish. The County of Derby, which hath one hundred and six Parishes, paid but 254l. per an. Worcestershire, which hath one hundred and two Parishes, was assessd at 495l. which is about three pounds seven shillings upon every Parish. Yorkshire, which hath 459 Parishes, besides many large Chapelries, was charged but with 495l. which was not two and twenty shillings upon every Parish one with another. Bedfordshire, which hath one hundred and sixteen Parishes, paid four hundred ninety seven pounds eight shillings four pence. Cheshire, having sixty eight Parishes, was to furnish but 25 lean Oxen at the King's price, viz. four marks a piece, etc. with other things, which came not to one pound nine shillings upon every Parish. Cornwall, having an hundred and sixty Parishes, did not bear so great a contribution as eight shillings upon every Parish. The County of Devon, which hath three hundred ninety four Parishes, paid no greater sum for every yearly composition than ten shillings upon every Parish. Herefordshire, having one hundred seventy six Parishes, made every one to contribut no more then about twelve shillings six pence upon every Parish. The huge County of Norfolk, which hath 660 Parishes, paid but one thousand ninety three pounds two shillings and eight pence; which in proportion comes not to one pound eleven shillings upon every Parish. Somersetshire, which hath 385 Parishes, paid seven hundred fifty five pounds fourteen shillings eight pence, which amounts to about 40 s. a Parish. The County of Northampton, which contains 326 Parishes, paid towards Pourvoyance and Composition nine hundred ninety three pounds eighteen shillings four pence; which was for every Parish little more than three pounds. Lincolnshire, which hath 630 Parishes, paid one thousand one hundred seventy five pounds thirteen shillings and eight pence; which amounted to less than forty shillings a Parish. Glocestershire, which hath 280 Parishes, paid four hundred twenty two pounds seven shillings and eight pence; which was not one pound eleven shillings per Parish. There be other Counties, by reason of their vicinity to the Court, and being very great gainers for the vent of their commodities by the King's constant Residence, with his Tribunals of Justice in his Imperial Chamber of London, were charged deeper; as, The County of Kent, which hath 398 Parishes, And is the common road of Ambassadors passing to and fro, as also where his Arsenals, Docks and Navy Royal lies, with four of his Cinq Ports, etc. paid three thousand three hundred thirty four pounds and six shillings. The County of Sussex, which hath 112 Parishes, paid one thousand and sixteen pounds two shillings and six pence. The County of Surrey, having 140 Parishes, paid one thousand seventy nine pounds and three pence. Hertfordshire, which hath one hundred and twenty Parishes, paid one thousand two hundred fifty nine pounds nineteen shillings four pence. The County of Essex, having 415 Parishes, for her neighbourhood to London and the Court, paid two thousand nine hundred thirty one pounds two shillings and two pence. The County of Buckingham, which hath 185 Parishes, paid two thousand and forty pounds sixteen shillings and six pence. Berkshire, having 140 Parishes, paid one thousand two hundred and fifty five pounds seventeen shillings and eight pence. The County of Middlesex, which hath 73 Parishes besides what are in the Suburbs of London and Westminster, paid nine hundred seventeen pounds nineteen shillings per an. which was no great matter in point of proportion to the rest of the Counties, In regard of the great advantages this Shire hath by the propinquity and residence of the King's Court, And so by letting and setting of Lands, Pasturages, Houses, Lodgings at highet rates, with the improving the prices of all other commodities. The City of London, which hath such mighty benefits by the constant sojourn of the King, and of his principal Courts of Justice at Westminster-Hall, by the Records in the Tower, by the Inns of Court and Chancery, with variety of other advantages, as the King's Customhouse, whereby she is swollen up to be so vast in Building, and to such infinite Rich●…s, that she swallows up the Trade of all the three Kingdoms; yet for all these advantages, she with the outparts did contribut in Grocery ware for the service of the King's House but about 2000 l. per annum. Nor did the King's Brewers in London, and four miles compass about, pay but one half▪ penny in every Bushel of Malt; which is now remitted: And what an inconsiderable small ease it is to so many Brewers, let any man judge. Out of the Premises touching Compositions for Pourvoyances, this inference may be drawn, what a care and love our provident and prudent Progenitors bore to the honour of their King, his Court, and Household; And under favour I may say that these Royal Pourvoyances, and his tenors in Capite, were two of the fairest flowers in the English Crown, in lieu whereof it may be said there is set in an ear of barley, with a Chimney- Wallflower; there is froth and fume given in exchange, which doth so much sully the lustre of it: for, as I intimated before, the state and plenty of the Court was accounted the greatest glory of the Crown of England, as Foreign Authors of most Nations do acknowledge in their public Writings. Now, whereas some do affirm that the yearly benefit of the Excise doth make a full compensation for the Court of Wards, and tenors in Capite, out of which there was also computed fifty thousand pounds yearly towards the Diet at Court, It is too well known that the said Excise doth not make the King any Equivalent satisfaction for his Tenors alone (if well managd) much less for his Pourvoyances, Preemptions and Carriages: For there was an exact account made by his Majesty's special command, of the last years expense, that there were Seventy three thousand six hundred and seven pounds fourteen shillings and seven pence spent more in the Court-diet, and provision of the Stables, than were in the time of Pourvoyance, besides the extraordinary charge of Carriages for his Removes, and Navy Royal. Now, in expending those provisions that were served into the Court by way of Pourvoyance and Composition, there was the greatest care and Oeconomical good husbandry used that possibly could be: for when there were more Beefs and Muttons with other provisions served in then the Court wanted, The faithful Officers of the Green-cloth caused them to be Sold, and with the moneys arising thence they were commonly used to buy Nappery, and other Houshold-things for the service of the King's House, as also in paying the arrears of some of his Servants wages with the surplusages. But now that we dance after the French Fiddle so fast, as we always did so for the back, and now begin to follow him also in things relating to the Belly, by Board-wages, etc. I wish the time may not come that we do not follow him too far; As that one cannot put a grain of Salt in his pot unless he buy it of the King, whereby, in making Salt his own Commodity, the French King raiseth by the mere Gabel which ariseth thence above 20 millions of Livres every year, which is two millions Sterling; which sum is twice more than the King of Great Britain hath from all Incoms whatsoever, as Crown-lands, Customs and Imposts, Excise and Chimney-money, with other perquisits and casualties: And as the French thus cannot put a grain of Salt in his pot, so the Spaniard cannot put a corn of Pepper into his Olla unless he hath it from the King; Nor can he buy a pair of Cards or Dice to pass away the time withal, unless he hath them of the King; Nay, he cannot buy half a sheet of Paper to write either Bond or Bill, Acquittance or Receipt, or other legal Instrument, but he must buy all of the King; Which adds millions to his yearly Revenues: yet the people of Spain are cried up for a free people. But touching the Imposition of Excise (which is given the King for his Royal Tenors, and House-keeping) I well remember the time, that Excise was held such an abominable word, that my Lord Carleton but only for naming it once in the Parlement-House, (yet to no ill meaning at all) was violently cried to the Bar; and, though a person of that eminence, as being then a Privy Counsellor, and principal Secretary of State, he hardly escapd being committed to the Tower. The Excise was then called the Dutch Devil, because it came first from Holland, with other fine words, as plunder, storming, etc. which were all made free Denizens of England by that so longd-for Long Parliament. And observable it is, that the first imposing and use of Excise in England was to enable Rebels to make War against their King and Country. Having thus briefly run over the Sumptuary part of the English Court, we will now proceed to the Servants and Officers, to the Attendance and State thereof, which comes not behind any other Court whatsoever: And this might be the ground of that ancient Proverb in England, and nowhere else, There is no Fishing to the Sea, nor Service to the Kings. The Court is the rendezvous of Virtue, of Cadets, and persons well qualified: It is the Scale by which they rise, the King being the fountain of Honour, as well as of Bounty. But before we come to speak of the Officers at Court, and of their Diet and Bouche, which by a pitiful corruption is vulgarly called budge, whereas it is bouche a mouth; therefore it is a French phrase, Il a bouche à la Cour, He hath a mouth at Court, viz. he hath a Diet: I say, before we come to speak of the Dishes and Diet at Court, let the Reader take this small Advertisement in the way, that every Dish at Court was computed to cost the King viis & modis at the years end 100 l. a dish: But now since the Preemption and Pourvoyance is taken away, every dish doth stand in four times as much, at least. The King's Court or Household. The Lord Great Chamberlain and Earl Marshal are rather Officers of State, and as it were extraneous in relation to the Household: so, in a manner, are the four Officers of the Crown who use to have Houses abroad, viz. The Lord Chancellor or Keeper of the Great Seal of England. The Lord high Treasurer. The Lord Privy Seal. The Lord high Admiral. But the proper'st Domestic Officers are as follow, viz. The Lord Steward of the Household, who hath allowed him every day besides his Fee— 32 dishes. The Treasurer of the Household 32 dishes; and besides his table he hath a Fee of— 123 l. 14 s. 4 d. The Controller, besides thirty two dishes a day, hath a Fee of— 167 l. 17 s. 4 d. The Cofferer, besides his Table, hath— 100 l. The principal Secretary of State hath besides his Table— 100 l. The Secretary for the Latin Tongue, Fee— 40 l. The Secretary for the French Tongue, Fee— 66 l. 13 s. 4 d. The Clerks of the Signet, Fee every one— 40 l. Four Clerks of the Privy Council, Fee every one— 50 l. Clerk of the Council in the Star-chamber, Fee— 26 l. 13 s. 4 d. Two Clerks of the Parliament, Fee The first,— 40 l. Two Clerks of the Parliament, Fee The second,— 10 l. Clerk of the Market, Fee— 20 l. Postmaster, Fee— 20 l. Thirty standing Posts appointed by the Postmaster, every one Fee— 18 l. 5 s. Two Carriers To one— 24 l. 3 s. 4 d. Two Carriers To the other— 12 l. Officers above Stayrs. Lord Chamberlain of the Household, besides his Table of thirty two dishes a day, hath a Fee— 100 l. The Groom of the Stole, who is always a Gentleman of the Bedchamber, hath every day— 32 dishes. Vice-chamberlain, Fee— 100 Marks. Knight-Marshal, Fee— 100 Marks. The Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber, whose number is indefinite, Fee every one— 50 l. Three Gentlemen-Ushers of the Privy Chamber— 30 l. Ten Grooms of the Privy Chamber, Fee apiece— 20 l. Four Carvers, Fee every one— 50 Marks. Three Cupbearers, Fee every one— 50 Marks. Four Sewers, Fee every one— 50 Marks. Four Escuyers of the Body, Fee every one— 50 Marks. Four Yeomen-Ushers, Fee every one— 9 l. 2 s. 6 d. Twelve Ordinary Grooms, Fee every one— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. Four Pages, Fee every one— 2 l. Clerk of the Closet, Fee every one— 4 l. Four Messengers, Fee every one— 5 l. The Band of fifty Gentlemen-Pensioners, Fee for every one— 50 l. Standard-bearer to the Pensioners, Fee— 100 Marks. The Guard. Captain of the Guard, fee besides a Livery-Gown— 14 l. Two hundred ordinary Yeomen of the Guard, Fee— 16l. 13s. 4d. Fifty extraordinary, 8 d. per diem— 1 l. 13 s. 4 d. Standard-bearer to the Guard, Fee— 100 Marks. Clerk of the Check, fee— 100 Marks. The Great Wardrobe. The Master, his fee— 100 l. Livery— 15 l. Two Clerks, fee each— 4 l. 6. 8 d. Rent-gatherer, fee— 5 l. 0 s. 8 d. Four Tailors, fee every one— 9 l. 2 s. 6 d. Skinner, fee— 18 l. 5 s. 0 d. Three Embroiderers, fee every one— 18 l. 5 s. 0 d. The Butlary of England. Chief Butler, Fee— 50 Marks. The Counting House. Four Clerks, fee every one— 44 l. 6 s. 8 d. Clerk to the Cofferer, fee— 20 l. Yeoman, fee— 5 l. Groom, fee— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. The jewel-house. Master, his fee— 50 l. Yeoman, his fee— 6 l. Groom, his fee— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. The Green-cloth. I should have spoken before hereof in point of precedence, It being a Court of Justice continually sitting in the King's Palace; The chiefest whereof are the Lord Steward, the Treasurer, the Controller, and Cofferer, the Master of the Household, two Clerks of the Green-cloth, and two Clerks Controwlers. Of these, the first three are usually of the Privy-Council; For unto This, being as some hold the first and ancient Court of Justice in England, is committed the Charge and surintendency of the King's Court Royal for matter of government. It is called the Green-cloth, from the colour of the Carpet at which they sit, whereon the King's Arms are embroidered, and on each side the Arms of the Counting House bearing verd, a Key and a Rod or white Staff argent saultie, signifying their power to reward or correct, as persons for their great prudence and experience thought fit to exercise both those functions. The Robes. Yeoman, fee— 50 l. Groom, fee— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. Page, fee— 2 l. Harbingers. Knight-Harbinger, fee— 50 l. Four Harbingers, fee every one— 10 l. Thirty Yeomen of the Crown, fee every one— 6 l. 1 s. 8 d. The Beds. Five Marshals, fee every one— 11 l. 8 s. 1 d. ob. Four Sewers, fee every one— 11 l. 8 s. 1 d. ob. Two Survayors, fee every one— 11 l. 8 s. 1 d. ob. Two Yeomen, fee every one— 5 l. Clerk, fee— 14 l. Two Grooms, fee every one— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. Two Pages, fee every one— 2 l. The Pantry. Sergeant's fee— 11 l. 8 s. 1. ob. Four Yeomen, fee every one— 5 l. Four Grooms, fee every one— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. Two Pages, fee every one— 2 l. Bread-bearer, fee— 1 l. 10 s. 4 d. The Boteller. Yeoman, fee— 5 l. Groom, fee— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. The Hall. Servitor's sixteen, to four, fee— 3 l. 8 s. 4 d. To the rest— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. The Buttery. Four Yeomen, fee every one— 5 l. Four Grooms, fee every one— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. Two Pages, fee each— 2 l. The Cellar. Sergeant, fee— 11 l. 8 s. 1 d. ob. Seven Yeomen, fee every one— 5 l. Groom, fee— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. Two Pages, fee each— 2 l. The Ewery. Sergeant, fee— 11 l. 8 s. 1 d. ob Three Yeomen, fee every one— 5 l. Two Grooms, fee each— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. Two Pages, fee each— 2 l. Three Clerks, fee every one— 11 l. 8 s. 1 d. ob. The Bakehouse. Sergeant, fee— 11 l. 8 s. 1 d. ob. Seven Yeomen, fee every one— 5 l. Two Grooms, fee every one— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. Four Conducts, fee every one per diem— 4 d. The Kitchin. Two Master-Cooks, fee every one— 11 l. 8 s. 1 d. ob. Six Yeomen, fee every one— 5 l. Six Grooms, fee every one— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. Eight Children, fee every one— 2 l. Galapines', apparel for them of the Hall, Kitchen, and Privy Kitchen— 50 l. Surveyor of the Dresser, fee— 22 l. 1 s. 3 d. To the Cooks at Easter in Largesse— 6 l. 13 s. 4 d. To the Scullery, Largesse— 1 l. To the Pastry, Largesse— 2 l. The Spicery. Clerk, fee— 32 l. Yeoman, fee— 5 l. The Pitcher-House. Two Yeomen, fee every one— 5 l. Two Grooms, fee every one— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. Two Pages, fee every one— 2 l. The Chaundlery. Sargeant, fee— 11 l. 8 s. 1 d. ob. Two Yeomen, fee each— 5 l. Two Grooms, fee each— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. Two Pages, fee every one— 2 l. The Larder. Sergeant, fee— 11 l. 8 s. 1 d. ob. Yeoman, fee— 5 l. Two Grooms, fee every one— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. Two Pages, fee every one— 2 l. The Boiling House. Two Yeomen, fee every one— 5 l. Three Grooms, fee every one— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. Two Pages, fee— 2 l. Clerk, fee— 6 l. 13 s. 4 d. The Neatery. Yeoman-Pourvoyer of Salt Fish, fee— 40 l. Yeoman-Pourvoyer of Fresh Fish, fee— 7 l. 13 s. 4 d. Seven Yeomen-Pourvoyers of Oxen, Mutton, Veal, Lamb, etc. fee every one— 7 l. 13 s. 4 d. Four Grooms, fee every one— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. Yeomen of the Storehouse, fee— 5 l. The Poultry. Sargeant, fee— 11 l. 8 s. 1 d. ob. Clerk, fee— 6 l. 13 s. 4 d. Four Yeomen-Pourvoyers, fee every one— 7 l. 13 s. 4 d. The Scalding House. Yeoman, fee— 5 l. Two Grooms, fee each— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. Two Pages, fee each— 2 l. The Pastry. Two Sergeants, fee each— 11 l. 8 s. 1 d. ob. Clerk, fee— 6 l. 13 s. 4 d. Two Yeomen, fee each— 5 l. Four Grooms, fee every one— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. Four Children or Pages, fee every one— 2 d. The Scullery. Three Yeomen, fee every one— 5 l. Two Grooms, fee each— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. Two Pages, fee each— 2 l. Amners. Gentleman-Amner, fee— 11 l. 8 s. 1 d. ob. Sub-Amner, fee— 6 l. 16 s. 10 d. ob. Four Yeomen, fee every one— 5 l. Two Grooms, fee each— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. Chappel. Gentlemen of the Chapel, fee apiece— 11 l. 8 s. 1 d. ob. Master of the Children, his fee— 40 l. To the Children at high-Feast-Largesses— 9 l. 13 s. 4 d. Allowance for their Breakfasts— 16 l. The Laundry. Two Yeomen, fee each— 5 l. Two Grooms, fee each— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. Two Pages, fee each— 2 l. One Woman-Laundress, fee— 10 l. The Wafry. Clerk, fee— 6 l. 13 s. 4 d. Yeoman, fee— 5 l. Groom, fee— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. The Woodyard. Sergeant, fee— 11 l. 8 s. 1 d. ob. Four Yeomen, fee every one— 5 l. Four Grooms, fee every one— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. Two Pages, fee every one— 2 l. Two Wood-bearers, Largess to them at Midsummer, and to the Grooms of the King's Hall— 5 l. Six Porters and Scowrers, Largess at Easter— 5 l. Porters of the King's Gates. Three Yeomen, fee every one— 5 l. Three Grooms, fee every one— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. Master of the Horse. Besides thirty two Dishes per diem, fee— 100 l. In whose gift are, the chief Avenor, fee— 40 l. Fourteen Escuyers, fee every one— 20 l. Clerk of the Stable, fee— 16 l. 14 s. 7 d. Three Survayors, fee every one— 16 l. 14 s. 7 d. Sergeant of the Carriages, fee— 22 l. 16 s. 3 d. Six Riders, fee every one— 30 l. Sixteen Footmen, fee every one— 20 l. Eight Coachmen, fee every one— 18 l. 5 s. Yeoman of the St●…rrop, fee— 13 l. 13 s. Three Sadlers, fee every one— 9 l. Six Litter-men, fee every one— 10 l. Four Yeomen-Pourvoyers— 12 l. 10 s. Three Yeomen-Granators— 13 l. Yeomen of the Male, fee— 12 l. 13 s. 4 d. Sargeant-Ferrier, fee— 20 l. 15 s. 8 d. Three Yeomen-Ferriers, fee— 9 l. Yeoman-Bittmaker, fee— 6 l. 1 s. 8 d. Yeomen of the close Cart, fee— 12 l. 8 s. 1 d. ob. Sixty four Grooms, fee every one— 18 l. 5 s. The Tents. Master, fee— 30 l. Controller, fee— 12 l. 3 s. 4 d. Clerk, fee— 13 l. 6 s. 8 d. Keeper of the Tents, fee— 10 l. Yeoman, his fee— 9 l. 2 s. 6 d. Groom, his fee— 5 l. Revels. Master, fee— 100 l. Yeoman, fee— 9 l. 2 s. 6 d. Four Masters of the Requests, fee a piece— 100 l. Hunting. Master, fee— 18 l. 5 s. Sargeant, fee— 11 l. 8 s. 1 d. ob. Officers and others serving under the Master, Wages and Allowance for them— 113 l. 6 s. 8 d. Harriers. Master, fee— 18 l. 5 s. Officers and others subservient to the said Master, Wages and Allowance for them— 79 l. 1 s. 8 d. Otter-hounds. Master, fee— 13 l. 6 s. 8 d. Buck-hounds. Master, 12 d. per diem for himself, and to sundry Hunters serving at his appointment— 50 l. Two Sergeants, fee each— 20 l. Two Yeomen-Prickers, fee each— 9 l. 2 s. 6 d. For meat for the Hounds to the Grooms— 13 l. 6 s. 8 d. Musicians and Players. Sargeant-Trumpeter, fee— 40 l. Sixteen Trumpeters, fee every one— 24 l. 6 s. 8 d. Two Luters, fee every one— 40 l. Two Harpers, fee every one— 19 l. 5 s. Eight Singers, fee every one— 6 l. 13 s. 4 d. Allowance to six Children for Singing— 50 l. Rebeck, fee— 28 l. 6 s. 8 d. Nine Minstrels— 151 l. 15 s. 4 d. Six Sackbutt, fee every one— 24 l. 6 s. 8 d. Eight Viols, fee every one— 20 l. Three Drumsteds', fee every one— 18 l. 5 s. Two Players on the Flute, fee a piece— 18 l. 5 s. Two Players on the Virginals, fee a piece— 30 l. Seven Musician-strangers— 183 l. 6 s. 8 d. Eight Players of Interludes, fee every one— 3 l. 6 s. 8 d. Two Makers of Instruments, fees— 30 l. Surgeons. Two Surgeons, fees between them— 60 l. Two other, fees to both— 40 l. Two more, fees between them— 20 l. Three Physicians, fees every one— 100 l. Three Apothecaries, fee every one— 26 l. 13 s. 4 d. Astronomer, fee— 20 l. The King's Barge. Master, fee— 16 l. 8 s. 1 d. Twenty five Watermens for the Barge, one— 8 l. 1 s. 8 d. Another— 6 l. 1 s. 8 d. The rest every one— 2 l. Artificers. Stationer, fee— 26 l. 6 s. 8 d. Printer, fee— 4 l. Cutler, fee— 6 l. 1 s. 8 d. Weaver, fee— 9 l. 2 s. 6 d. Wheelwright, fee— 18 l. 5 s. Crossbow-maker, fee— 6 l. 1 s. 8 d. Coach-maker, fee— 10 l. Clock-maker, fee— ●…8 l. 5 s. Budget-maker, fee— 6 l. 1 s. 8 d. Feather-dresser, fee— 13 l. 6 s. 8 d. Lock-smith, fee— 2 l. 13 s. 4 d. Arrowhead-maker, fee— 6 l. 1 s. 8 d. Buckler-maker, fee— 3 l. 0 s. 8 d. Handgun-maker, fee— 24 l. 6 s. 8 d. Graver of Stones, fee— 20 l. Sargeant-Painter, and others under him— 100 l. Arbour-maker, and Planters of Trees— 25 l. 10 s. Stillers of Waters, fee— 40 l. Bowyer and Fletcher, fee a piece— 9 l. 2 s. 6 d. Clock-keeper, fee— 12 l. 13 s. 4 d. Keeper of the Libraries— 13 l. 6 s. 8 d. The King's Works. Surveyor, for himself, one Clerk, Boat-hire, and Riding-charges— 142 l. 19 s. 2 d. Controller of the Works, fee— 18 l. One Clerk, fee— 9 l. 2 s. 6 d. Clerk of the Engrossment of the pay-book— 18 l. 5 s. Pourvoyor, fee with charge of a horse— 18 l. 5 s. Paymaster, fee 12 d. per diem— 18 l. 5 s. Keeper of the Storehouse, fee— 11 l. 8 s. 1 d. Clerk of the Check, fee 10 d. per diem— 15 l. 4 s. 2 d. Clerk of the Controlment— 10 l. 12 s. 11 d. Carpenter, fee per diem 12 d.— 18 l. 5 s. Plummer, fee per diem 12 d.— 18 l. 5 s. Mason, fee per diem 12 d.— 18 l. 5 s. joiner, fee— 19 l. 9 s. Glazier, fee— 36 l. 10 s. Survayor of the Mines, fee— 36 l. 10 s. Devisor of the Buildings, fee— 36 l. 10 s. Kings at Arms and Heralds. Garter Principal King at Arms, fee— 40 l. Clarencieux King at Arms, fee— 30 l. Norroy King at Arms, fee— 20 l. King's Heralds seven, fee every one— 13 l. 6 s. 8 d. Poursuyvants at Arms four, fee apiece— 10 l. Sergeants at Arms twenty five, fee every one— 18 l. 5 s. Standard-bearer, fee— 100 l. Banner-bearer, fee— 100 l The Admiralty. Lord High Admiral of England, fee— 300 Marks. Vice-Admiral, fee— 100 Marks. Two Clerks fee of the one— 18 l. 5 s. Two Clerks fee of the other— 15 l. 1 s. 8 d. Boat-hire upon all occasions— 10 l. Riding-charges during his travel, per diem— 10 s. Treasurer of the Navy, fee— 100 Marks. Two Clerks, fee 8 d. per diem— 24 l. 6 s. 8 d. Riding-charges upon occasion per diem— 6 s. 8 d. Master of the Ordnance, fee— 100 Marks. Three Clerks, fee among them per diem— 3 s. 4 d. Boat-hire upon all occasions— 8 l. Riding-charges per diem— 6 s. 8 d. Controller of the Navy, fee— 50 l. Two Clerks, each per diem— 8 d. Boat-hire— 8 l. Riding-costs per diem— 4 s. Survayor, fee— 40 l Two Clerks, each per diem— 8 l. Riding-co●…ts per diem— 4 s. Boat-hire upon all occasions— 8 l. Clerk of the Ships, fee— 33 l. 6 s. 8 d. Boat-hire upon all occasions— 6 l. Riding-costs per diem— 3 s. 4 d. Clerk of the Storehouse at Deptford, fee— 33 l. 13 s. 4 d. One Clerk subservient— 6 l. Pilot, fee— 20 l. Victualler of the Navy, fee— 58 l. One Clerk, per diem— 8 d. Riding-costs per diem— 5 s. The Ordnance. Master of the Ordnance, fee— 151 l. 11 s. 8 d. Two Clerks one per diem— 10 d. Two Clerks the other— 8 d. Surveyor, fee— 36 l. 10 s. One Clerk, per diem— 8 d. Riding-costs per diem— 6 s. Lieutenant of the Ordnance, fee— 100 Marks. One Clerk, per diem— 8 d. Boat-hire upon all occasions— 8 l. Riding-costs— 0 s. 0 d. Keeper of the great Store, fee— 40 l. Clerk, per diem— 8 d. Riding-costs— 0 s. 0 d. Keeper of the small Store, fee— 40 Marks. Riding-costs— 0 s. 0 d. Clerk of the Deliveries, fee— 20 l. Master-Gunner of England, fee per diem— 2 s. 6 d. 〈◊〉- maker, fee per diem 12 d.— 18 l. 5 s. Saltpe●…er-maker, fee— 18 l. 5 s. Two Gun-founders— 33 l. 9 s. 2 d. Gun-smith, fee 6 d. per diem— 9 l. 2 s. 6 d. Engin-Artificer, fee per diem 4 d.— 6 l. 1 s. 8 d. Master-Carpenter, fee per diem 8 d.— 12 l. 3 s. 4 d. Ordinary Gunners or Cannoneers, one hundred and nine, fee— 1161 l. 18 s. 4 d. Yeoman of the Ordnance, fee per diem 9 d.— 13 l. 14 s. 1 d. The Tower of London. Constable's fee— 100 l Lieutenants fee— 200 l. Porter's fee— 9 l. 2 s. 6 d. Yeomen-Waiters or Warders, fee— 9 l. 2 s. 6 d. Allowance for Fuel— 6 l. 13 s. 4 d. Keeper of the Lions, etc. fee— 36 l. 14 s. 6 d. Carpenter, fee— 12 l. 3 s. 4 d. Keeper of the Wardrobe, fee— 12 l. 13 s. 4 d The Armary. Master of the Armary, fee— 31 l. 18 s. 9 d. Armarers under the Master, twenty, one at— 36 l. Five, every one at— 20 l. Three, every one at— 15 l. The rest every one at— 9 l. 2 s. 6 d. The Mint. Master, or Treasurer of the Mint, fee— 100 l. Controller of the Mint, fee— 100 Marks. Assay-master, fee— 100 Marks. Clerk of the Mint, fee— 10 l. Auditor of the Mint, fee— 44 l. 6 s. 8 d. Allowance for Paper, 〈◊〉, and other necessaries— 10 l. Teller of the Money, fee— 33 l. 6 s. 8 d. Survayor of the Melting-house, fee— 26 l. 13 s. 4 d. Clerk of the Irons, fee— 13 l. 6 s. 8 d. Chief Graver, fee— 30 l. Chief Finer, fee— 10 l. Sinker of Irons, fee— 10 l. Three Melters, fee every one— 13 l. 6 s. 8 d. Two Branchers, fee every one— 13 l. 6 s. 8 d. Pourvoyer, fee— 10 l. Pot-maker, fee— 10 l. Porter, fee— 10 l. Diet to all these Officers by the week— 1 l. 10 s. The high Court of Chancery. Lord Chancellor, or Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England, fee per diem 23 s.— 419 l. For his attendance in the Star-chamber— 200 l. More by name of Annuity— 300 l. Robes out of the Wardrobe— 40 l. Wine out of the Butlery twelve Tuns— 72 l. Wax out of the Wardrobe— 17 l. Sum. allocat. per an.— 1048 l. Master of the Rolls, fee— 34 l. 15 s. 8 d. Livery out of the Hamper— 28 l. 8 s. 4 d. Masters of the Chancery, fee apiece— 6 l. 13 s. 4 d. Clerk of the Crown, fee— 20 l. Livery for Summer and Winter— 26 l. 13 s. 4 d. Protonotary, fee— 33 l. 13 s. 4 d. Clerk of the Hamper, fee— 43 l. 13 s. 4 d. Annuity— 40 l. Livery for himself and his Clerk— 6 l. 13 s. 4 d. Controller of the Hamper, fee— 10 l. Enrollers of Evidences, fee— 20 l. Seal, fee— 6 l. 16 s. 10 l. Livery— ●…0 s. Sargeant at Arms, fee— 18 l. 5 s. Cryer, Fee and Livery— 7 l. 16 s. 10 d. Chaffer of Wax— 7 l. 6 s. 7 d. Necessary charges of Wax, Parchment, Paper, Riding Coats, and other yearly Expenses— 220 l. The Privy Seal. Lord Keeper of the Privy Seal, fee per diem— 1 l. Allowed for his Table at Court— 345 l. Clerks of the Privy Seal, fee apiece— 50 l. Four Masters of the Requests, fee apiece— 100 l. The King's Bench. Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench, who holds his place only by a short Writ, not by Patent as others do, for his Fee, Reward and Robes— 208 l. 6 s. 8 d. Wine two Tuns— 10 l. Allowance for Justice of Assize— 20 l. To three Justice's assistants, Fee, Reward, and Robes apiece— 128 l. 6 s. 8 d. Allowance to every one as Justice of Assize— 20 l. Clerk of the Crown, fee— 10 l. Livery out of the Wardrobe— 6 l. 13 s. 4 d. Protonotary, fee— 26 l. 13 s. 4 d. Keeper of the Writs and Rolls, fee— 8 l. Cryer, fee— 6 l. 13 s. 4 d. The Common Pleas. Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, Fee. Reward and Robes— 141 l. 13 s. 4 d. Wine out of the Butlery, two Tuns— 8l. Allowance for keeping the Assize of the Augmentation-Court— 12l. 10s. Allowance for Justice of Assize— 20l. Three coadjutant Justices, Fee, Reward and Robes to every one— 128l. 6s. 8ds. Allowance for being Justices of Assize— 20l. Attorney-General, fee— 61l. Allowance for being Justice of Assize— 20l. Sollicitor-General, fee— 50l. Keeper of the Writs and Rolls, fee— 4l. Four Sergeants at Law, to each Fee, Rewards and Robes— 26l. 6s. 8ds. Allowance as Justice of Assize— 20l. Allowance for keeping the Assizes of the Court of Augmentations— 12l. 6s. 8ds. Cryer, fee— 5l. Chief Officers of the King's Revenues, and of the Exchequer. The Lord High Treasurer of England, fee— 368l. Robes out of the Wardrobe— 15l. 7s. 8ds. Wine so many Tuns Impost free— 0l. 0s. 0d. Allowance for Diet— 0l. 0s. 0d. Chancellor of the Exchequer, fee— 113l. 6s. 8ds. Livery out of the Wardrobe— 12l. 17s. 4d. Tuns of Wine Impost free— 0l. 0s. 0d. Officers of the Exchequer-Court. Lord Chief Baron, fee— 100l. Livery out of the Wardrobe— 12l. 17s. 4d. Allowance for being Justice of Assize— 20l. Tuns of Wine Impost free— 0l. 0s. 0d. The Barons of the Exchequer, to each fee— 46l. 13s. 4d. Livery out of the Wardrobe— 12l. 17s. 4d. Allowance for being Justices of Assize— 20l. Other Officers of the Exchequer. The King's Remembrancer, fee— 55l. 17s. 4d. Livery out of the Wardrobe— 4l. 12s. 4d. The Lord Treasurer's Remembrancer, fee— 46l. 2s. 1d. Livery out of the Wardrobe— 2l. 13s. 4d. Clerk of the Pipe, fee— 65l. 4s. 2d. Livery, etc.— 2l. 13s. 4d. Under-Tresurer of the Exchequer, fee— 73l. 6s. 8ds. Livery, etc.— 4l. 6s. 8ds. Seven Auditors, fee every one— 10l. Foreign Opposers, fee— 16l. 13s. 4d. Clerk of the Extreats, fee— 15l. Clerk of the Pleas, fee— 5l. Clerk of the Summons, fee— 4l. Two Marshals, fee apiece— 4l. Two Deputy-Chamberlains, fees apiece— 2l. 10s. Two Secondaries in the King's Remembrancers Office, fee every one— 8l. Two Secondaries in the Pipe-Office, fee— 5l. Four Secondaries in the Treasurer's Remembrancers Office, fee every one— 4l. Clerks of the Tallies, fee every one— 17l. 10s. Clerk of the Pell, fee— 17l. 10s. Four Tellers, fee every one— 13l. 13s. 4d. Clerk in the Pipe-Office for offering Amercements, fee— 9l. 13s. 4d. Clerk in the Office of the King's Remembrancer, fee for writing the Fines, Issues and Amercements due to the King every year— 15l. 6s. 8ds. Clerk in the Office of the Treasurer's Remembrancer, fee for offering the Amercements— 6l. Clerk in the Office of the Pleas, fee— 3l. The four Ushers of the Court of Exchequer for their fees, in delivery of Processes, and for Paper, Wax, and other necessaries by them provided, and bought for the Officers of the Court amongst them— 140l. Four Porters, Livery to every one— 4s. Two Joiner's for Tallies, fees apiece— 10l. Two Deputy-Chamberlains to write the controlment of the Pell, fees apiece— 6l. One Clerk to write the Tallies of Controlment, fee— 9l. One Porter of the Bags, and Keeper of the Tresure-House-Keys, fee— 6l. 6s. 8ds. Four Messengers, fee per diem— 4d. ob. The Grooms of the Receipts fee by Rewards and Allowances— 2l. To the Treasurer's, and Chamberlains Officers, allowed for Parchment— 6l. Three Ushers of the Receipts, Fees, for Diet, Wax, Paper, Parchment, etc.— 60l. The Court of First-fruits and Tenths. Chancellor, fee— 200 Marks. Diet-money— 100l. Hire for a house for himself, and for the Records— 9l. Treasurer, fee— 20l. Diet-money— 10l. House-rent— 10l. A Deputy— 4l. A Clerk— 6l. 13s. 4d. Attorney, fee— 26l. 13s. 4d. Auditor, fee— 20l. Diet-money— 51l. 10s. One Clerk— 6l. 3s. 4d. Other Allowances and Expenses. Clerk of the Court, fee— 40l. Keeper of the Records, fee— 20l. Messenger, fee— 2l. 10s. 7d. Allowance— 13l. 6s. 8ds. Usher, fee— 2l. 10s. 7d. Allowance— 3l. 6s. 8ds. The Duchy of Lancaster. Chancellor, and Allowance with 4l. for Paper, Ink and Parchment— 142l. 16s. Survayor, Fee, and Allowance— 66l. 13s. 4d. Attorney, Fee, and Allowance— 38l. 10s. 4d. Clerk of the Court, Fee and Allowance— 27l. 10s. 4d. Messenger, Fee besides Riding costs— 10l. Assistants in the said Court. One Attorney for the Duchy in the Exchequer, fee— 100l. Attorney likewise in the Chancery, fee— 20l. To the Usher of the Receipts in the Exchequer, fee— 20l. Four learned men in the Law retained for Counsel for the said Duchy, fee every one— 7l. 6s. 8ds. Besides Auditors, Receivers, etc. The Presidential Court in Wales, or the Council of the Marches. Lord Precedent, Diet for himself and Council per an.— 1040l. Divers Counsellors, to some— 100 Marks. To others— 50l. To others— 40l. Secretary, his fee— 13l. 6s. 8ds. Attorney, fee— 13l. 6s. 8ds. Solicitor, fee— 10l. Surveyor, fee— 6l. 13s. 4d. Touching the Presidential Court in the North, where there was used to be also a Lord Precedent, four of the Learned Counsel, a Secretary and other Officers, the King saves ne'er upon 2000l. per an. The like sum or thereabouts is saved by the Court of Wards, though the loss which the Crown of England hath received thereby in point of honour by Tenors in Capite, and Royal Pourvoyances, etc. be invaluable; which makes our next Foreign Neighbours in a kind of jeer (and the best of their wit lies in jeering) to say, that all the Noblemen and Gentry of England, since Tenure in Capite was taken away, are become little better than Roturiers, than Yeomen that hold in Soccage. The former Catalogue of Court-Officers was delivered to King james at his first coming in, And there may be some alterations since. Now there is a mighty number of other Officers belonging to the Crown: as Auditors, Receavors, Surveyors, Escheators, Customers; Governors and Constables of Castles, Keepers of Forts, Points and Bulwarks; Rangers of Forests; Keepers of Chases, Parks and Woods, etc. which would make a Volume of itself, and is not so proper to the design of this subject, which aims principally at the Menial and domestic servants attending at Court, though we have been transported as we went along to other Offices. Out of the premises this result may be drawn, that besides the unparallelld plenty, fatness and hospitality of the English Court in point of provision, and munition de Bouche, as the Frenchman calls it, There is no Court in Christendom served with more punctual attendance and state; whereas if you cross o'er the Channel, and take a view of the next transmarin Court, one shall see common Laquays, Scullions, and greasy Galopins bring meat to the very rails of the King's Table: And touching the Spanish Court, 'tis so pitifully thin at dinner and suppertime, that one would think he were in some Monastery of Capuchins: But go to either of their Kitchens, one may break his neck as soon as break his Fast. While I was writing this, a pleasant reparty came into my memory that happened 'twixt that worthy and warlike British Knight Sir Roger Williams, (who being General of an English Army in France, Henry the Great confessed to be a better Soldier than himself) Sir Roger being at an Ordinary in Antwerp, where among others there was a Spanish Alferez who began to speak much of the dainty Fruits and Salads of his Country, Sir Roger let him go on a good while, and at last answered bluntly, 'Tis true Sir we have not such Lemons, Oranges, and Pomegranates which you have in Spain, but we have in England good Chines of Beef, and Sirloyns of Veal, etc. We have the meat, and you have but sauce for our meat. I will close up this Paragraph with this humble Advertisement; That it highly concerns the common interest of the English Nation to introduce again, and revive the most ancient and legal usage of his Majesty's just rights of Preemption, and Pourvoyance or compositions for them; Otherwise it is impossible for him to keep a Court any thing suitable to a King of Great Britain. The Eighth Paragraph. Touching the diversity of Nations, and differing Original Mother-Tongs, with other Dialects, that are under the Dominions of the King of Great Britain: As also, Of the variety of Royal Recreations, number of Palaces, Forests, Chases and Parks, which belong to the Crown, etc. THe greatest Antiquaries and Linguists that treat of Tongues, and of their Originals, do affirm that there are eleven Maternal Tongues throughout all Europe, which are 1. the Greek, 2. the Latin, 3. the High-Dutch, Teutonick or German, 4. the Slavonian, which hath two Characters, both a Greek and Dalmatian character, which come near the shape of the Latin; Then there is 5. the British or Welsh Tongue; 6. Irish; 7. The Bascuence or Cantabrian, which is the relics of the old Spanish, or Iberian tongue; 8. the Albanian, of a people who inhabit about the mountains of Epirus; 9 the Hungarian, which came into Europe out of Asia with the Huns; 10. Is that of Finland, near to which is that of Lapland in the North of Sweden; 11. Is that of the Cosacks, and Tartars. Of all these the Slavonian is of largest extent; for it is observed that three and twenty several Nations speak it. Now, The French King hath not one Mother, and pure inde●… Tongue spoken in all his Dominions; they are but dialects, Languages or Speeches derived from other Tongues: The purest French, which is spoken at Court, and upon the river of Loire, is but a dialect of the Roman or Latin Tongue; so is the Walloon, the Provensal, the Gascoon, the Limosin, and others: That of Bearn is but a Dialect of the Bascuence and Gascon; That of Brittany or Armorica is but a dialect of the ancient British continued so wonderfully in Wales after so many revolutions and changes of differing Nations to this day. Indeed the King of Spain hath an old Maternal Tongue under his Dominions, which is the Cantabrian or Bascuence; all the rest are but several Idioms or Dialects derived from the Latin, and inlaid with a multitude of Morisco words. The Castilian, the Portuguese, the Catalan, the Valenciano, are Dialects of the Latin. But the King of Great Britain hath two pure ancient Mother-Toungs within his Dominions; which is the British, or old Comraecan Tongue; And the Irish or Hibernian Tongue, which are subsistent of themselves, and have no derivation or affinity at all with any other Tongue. There are six Dialects also spoken in his Kingdoms; The English, which is a dialect of the Saxon or high- Dutch; There is the Scotish, which is a sub-dialect of the English; There is the Mankmen, or they of the I'll of Man, which is also a sub-dialect of the Welsh. There is the Highlander or Redshank, which is a dialect of the British and Irish; There is the Cornish, which is a dialect of the Welsh; And the Language of jersey and Gernsey (the only remains that are left us of Normandy) which is a dialect of the French. Now, It cannot be soberly denied but that it is an addition of Honour to the King of Great Britain to have more Mother-Toungs (reserved yet in his Dominions, and as it were unconquerd) than his two Neighbour-Kings. Touching variety of Palaces, and change of Royal Mansions, he may compare, if not outgo any of the other Kings: For within half a days journey of London he hath eight several Houses, and divers elsewhere; whereas the French King hath but the Lovure, Fountainbleau, Bois de Vincennes, St. german de Say, and Madrid, a small ruinous pile of stones which Francis the first caused to be erected in commemoration of his captivity so many years in Madrid in Spain in a small Brick House, wherinto there was a low little door built by the command of the Emperor Charles the fifth, of purpose to make the King stoop when he entered; which he observing, because he should not bow his head, went in backward, putting in his bum first. The King of Spain hath but his Palace, and La Casa de buen retiro in Madrid; he hath Aranjuez with the Pardo between Madrid and the Escurial; where he hath a Royal House, yet it is but a Cantle of a Monastery, 'tis but the handle of a Gridiron, which that great structure resembles, in memory of the Martyr St Laurence; Philip the second having been forced, for the advantage of avenues to batter down a Convent dedicated to that Saint a little before the battle of St Quinten, where he proud Victorious against the French; and to perform a Vow he then made, he built the Monastery of Saint Laurence at the Escurial. Now, touching all the foresaid Palaces in France and Spain, Winsore-Castle may compare with any for Magnitude, Majesty and State; As Sir Thomas Roe, who had been Ambassador at the great Mogors Court, at the Seraglio of the Gran Senior, at the Germane Emperors, at the French, Polonian, Danish and Swedish Courts; I say, Sir Thomae Roe did confidently and knowingly affirm, that Winsor-Castle may not only compare, but have the precedence of all the rest, in point of Grandeur, Majesty, Situation and Stateliness. Moreover, the King of Great Britain hath Lodges, and other places of pleasure without number; In regard of so many Forests, ●…haces and Parks that are annexd to the Crown. Touching Forests, there is no Potentat on Earth hath so many, I may truly avouch. Now, a Forest is a Franchise of so Princely a tenure, that according to the Laws of England none but the King himself can have a Forest; if he chance to pass one over to a subject, 'tis no more Forest, but a Frank Chase. A Forest hath peculiar Laws of her own to take cognizance of, and punish all Trespasses: A Forest hath her Court of Attachments, or Swainmote-Court where matters are as legally pleadable as at Westminster-Hall. The Hart, the Hind, the Hare, the Boar, and the Wolf, are Forest-beasts; The Buck, the Do, the Fox, the Matron, the Roe, belong to a Chase and Park. And all these kind of Recreations the King of Great Britain hath in so many Forests, whereof there are in England (besides thirteen Chases, and seven hundred eighty one Parks) these whose names follow alphabetically. Forests name. County. 1. Applegarth Ebor. N. Rid. 2. Arundel Sussex. 3. Ashdown. Susses. 4. Bear-Forest. Hamp. 5. Birnwood Buck. 6. Blackmore. Wilt. 7. Blethvay. Radnor. 8. Bowland. Lanc. 9 Braden. Wilt. 10. Buckholt. Hamp. 11. Cantselly. 12. Cardith. Caermar. 13. Chur. Hamp. 14. Charnwood. Leicester. 15. Chul. Wilt. 16. Coidrath. Pembr. 17. Copland. Cumb. 18. Dallington Suff. 19 Dartmore. Devon. 20. Delamere. Chesh. 21. Dene. Gloc. 22. Dereford. Salop. 23. Waterdown Suss. 24. Exmere. Devon. 25. Feckenham. Wigorn. 26. The Forest. Cardig. 27. Fromselwood. Somers. 28. Gaiternack. Wilt. 29. Gautry. Ebor. 30. Gillingham. Dors. 31. Hatfield. Essex. 32. Harwood. Salop. 33. hay. Heref. 34. Holt. Dors. 35. Huckstow. 36. Inglewood. Cumb. 37. Knaresburg. Ebor. 38. King's wood. Gloc. 39 Knuckles. Radnor. 40. Leicester. Leicest. 41. St. leonard's. Suss. 42. Lounsdale. 43. Lowes. Northumb. 44. Lune. Ebor. 45. Leyfield. Rutl. 46. Mallerstang. Westm. 47. Mocktry. Salop. 48. Narborth. Pemb. 49. Neroch. Som. 50. New Forest. Hamp. 51. New Forest. Ebor. 52. Peak. Derb. 53. Pewsham. Wilt. 54. Pickring. Ebor. 55. Radnor. Radnor. 56. Roscob. Card. 57 Rockingham. Northam. 58. Sapler. 59 Savernack. Wilt. 60. Sherwood. Notingh. 61. Selwood. Som. 62. Saucy. North. 63. Wabridg. Hunt. 64. Waltham. Essex. 65. West Forest. Hamp. 66. Westward. Cumb. 67. Whichwood. Oxf. 68 Winfield. Westm. 69. Whitehart. 70. Whittlewood. Northam. 71. Whitway. 72. Wyersdale. Lanc. 73. Winsore. Bark. 74. Wolmer. 75. Wood Ebor. 76. Worth. Suss. 77. Wutmer. Hamp. This is the old number of Forests in England (whereof a few, as Blackmore in Wiltshire, with others, are deforested) which Forests cannot by the Laws be in any one's hands but the Kings; and the reason is, because none hath power to grant a Commission for Justice in Eire but the King, which justice is to keep a Court every three years once, but the Swainmoot-Court every one year thrice. Forests were at first for the King's Princely delight, Venery and pleasure, meerd with unremovable marks and boundaries; And the old Law is, Omnis homo abstinent a Venariis meis super poenam vitae: It was capital to hunt in any of the King's Forests without leave. Now, if one should make the Perambulation of all France and Spain, he will not find half the number of Forests in both Kingdoms: And whether this be not a notable advantage to the King of Great Britain in point of Honour, let any unpassionat and sober-minded man determine. The Ninth Paragraph. Touching the Prudential Laws and Constitutions of Great Britain, relating to Prince and Peeple: As also, The Eminence and Variety of Honours which the King can confer, etc. What the Arteries, Nerfs and Cartilages are to the Body Natural, the same are Laws to the Political; they are the Ligaments of a Kingdom, which connect and tie all sorts of people, though of so many different humours, in one Government, and under one Souverain head. The Common Law of England, though in some things it differs from the Civil, by which most parts of Europe are governed, yet it hath the rationability and justness, the general notions and aim of the Civil Law, which is to preserve every one in the possession of his own, and the Souverain Prince in honour, power and Safety. The main quarrel against it, is, that it wants Method, and that it is not reducible to any, or capable to be digested into such a Pandect as the Civil Law is. Whereunto it may be answered, That the Common Law of England hath for its grounds 1. Custom, 2. judicial Records, And 3. Acts of Parliament or Statutes. The two later being declarations of the Common or Customary Law of the Land, are methodizd and digested to order, as the book of Statutes, etc. whence the Sheriffs, the Justices of peace, and Constables, with other Officers, may learn their duties, and how to execute their places, and any subject else may know how to keep himself within the bounds of his obedience. But the Common Law of the Land consisting of Cases, Precedents and Judgements, as also of Immemorial and Uninterrupted Municipal Customs, which being no Written Things, Therefore it is no wonder that the professors thereof have not been so curious, to attempt hitherto the Methodizing of that Art which consists most of Custom and Usage; yet fair Essays are made daily for better retaining the same in memory, by putting particular Cases under general Rules, whereof there are divers Volumes frequently publishd of late years. Now, the Laws of England look two ways, either upon the Souverain Prince, or upon the people: Touching the later, there is no Law upon earth so careful and tender of a man's life (or livelihood) be he the meanest subject under the Crown, as the Common Law of England is: For whereas in other Countries a single Judge and Witness may take away ones life (or estate) whereof the one may be suborned, the other corrupted; 'tis not so in England, but besides Witnesses and Judges, there be two sorts of juries, one the Grand Inquest, which consists of twenty four Gentlemen, or able Freeholders, to consider by a previous consultation of all Bills of Indictment to be preferred to the Judicial Court, which upon strict examination they either approve, and transfer to the Court by writing upon the Bill, Billa vera; or they disallow it by writing Ignoramus. Such causes as they approve, if they concern Life and Death, are further referrd to another jury to consider of, because the case is of such importance; but others of lighter moment, are upon their allowance fined by the Bench without more ado, Except the party traverse the Indictment, or challenge it for insufficiency, or remove the Cause to a higher Court by a Certiorari, in which two former cases it is referrd to another Jury, and in the later transmitted to a higher; and presently upon the allowance of this Bill by the Grand Inquest, the party is said to be Indicted; but such as they disallow are delivered to the Bench, by whom they are forthwith cancelld or torn. The Indicted party being to stand afterwards at the Bar, and desiring to be tried by God and his Country, there is a Petty Jury empannelld of Twelve, who bear the public repute of honest men; and the Law of England is so indulgent of life, that the prisoner may challenge or except against any to such a number; and withal a Butcher, who is inurd to blood and slaughter, is incapable by the Law to be a Juryman for life. So the said Jury, after a strict and painful examination of the Fact, with all the least circumstances thereof, deliver their Verdict according to their consciences, whereby the Judge doth acquit or condemn the party according to the quality of the offence: nor can any pecuniary Mulct satisfy for the life of any, as it is in other Countries. And as the Common Law of England is thus so tender of humane life, so it is as cautious, indulgent and careful of the livelihood and propriety of the meanest subject in the Land, which in case of controversy is done also by Jury, and put home to the Consciences of twelve indifferent good men, and not left only to the breast and opinion of any one Judge, be he never so learned, and incorrupt. The English Law likewise favours Widows and Orphans, and the poor have Counsel appointed them gratis, etc. It appeers out of the premises what a great regard the Common Law of England, the Lex Terrae, hath to the lives and properties of the people in point of Justice. Now in point of Reverence and Loyalty to the Souverain Prince (which is more pertinent to this disourse) there is no Law hath higher regards likewise that way, nor also to his honour and dignity, to his welfare and safety, to his Royal Prerogatives and glory, which Prerogatives intrinsically stick, and are inherent in the Crown, yet are they, and the Liberties of the Subject determined, and bound by the Law. The Laws of England make the King their Protector; and reason good, for they are his own Productions, 'tis he that puts life into them; They bear such reverence to his person, that in his Presence none can be seized, or violently laid hands on, or arrested, his very presence being a Protection for the time: He who giveth but a blow to any in his Court, the Law adjudgeth him to lose his Right hand. The Law saith that the King hath his Title to the Imperial Crown of Great Britain, and to his Kingly Office and power, not as a fiduciary thing conveyed from the people, but by inherent birthright, and inalienable heritage immediately from God, from Nature, and from the fundamental Constitutions of the Land: He hath not only Ius paternum, a paternal power over his subjects, but Ius despoticum & herile: he hath dominion over them, which Dominion is devolud upon him gratiâ Dei, by Divine dispensation and favour. There is no Allegiance or Fealty due to any other power but to the King. The Law is so careful of the sacred person of the King, that it reacheth unto the very thoughts, and restrains them from machination of any evil against him: For the Law says it is Treason to Imagine mischief against the King, much more to attempt, act and execute it. The Common Law of England makes the King the Supreme and independent Governor, And all other persons derive their power and authority from him, either by his Royal Writ, Patent or Commission. The Law presupposeth that he sits not only at the King's Bench, but in other Courts of Judicature; for the Writs go, Teste meipso: And because the Law saith that the King must govern in Mercy and Justice, the sole power of Pardoning is in Him. Moreover, the power of Coinage is only in the King, with the enhancing or decrying the price of money: He is the sole Gran Master of the Mint; whereas in France others partake with the King in this high Prerogative: Nor doth any King's Face shine in purer Metal; for it shines only in pure Gold and Silver, and that of the finest Standard, Mixture and Alloy of any in Europe: whereas I have seen and felt the face of the French King in Copper and Brass, with other mixed mongrel stuff; As also of the King of Spain's, though he terms himself the Monarch of Gold and Silver Mines; yet the common currant Coin 'twixt Merchant and Mechanic is Copper, wherein the Hollander by his cunning hath done him a world of mischief from time to time, by counterfeiting that Copper Coin, and ●…oysting it in by divers artifices; as in a ship laden with Lead and Tin, there would be sometimes divers Sows of Lead hollowed and crammd with quartils, as also in hollowed Masts, with other inventions; Insomuch that one time, when all the Vellon or Copper Coin was called in, and a scrutiny made how much had been coined, there were many millions more found to be brought in, and counterfeited, then had been stampd in the King's Mint. By the Common Law of the Land, the King of Great Britain hath three Royal Ensigns which cannot belong to any other: He hath the Crown, the Sceptre, and the (Polemical) Sword, (as I have mentioned in another Treatise, and is proper to touch here.) By the first, He reigns; by the second he makes Laws; by the third, viz. the Sword, He protects them. Concerning the Crown, or Royal Diadem, the Laws of England assert, that it descends upon his head by a right Hereditary line, though through d●…vers ancient Royal Races, whereof some were Conquerors. The Crown is His, as much as any man's Cap's his own; And there is no Crown stuck with fairer Flowers, I mean Royal Prerogatives, whereof divers were spoken of before. Concerning the Sceptre, it may be called an Individual Copartner, or a Royal Appendix to the Crown: It doth capacitate the King to Enact Laws: for before his Assent, all the Results and Determinations of Parliament are but Bills; they may be said to be but abortive things, and mere Embryos; nay, they have no life at all in them, till the King by his breath infuseth vigour and animation into them; and the ancient Custom was for the King to touch them with the Sceptre, than they are Laws, and have a virtue in them to impose an universal obligation upon all sorts of people. Now, it is an undeniable Principle of the Law of England, That nothing can be generally binding without the King's Royal Assent, nor doth the Law take notice of any thing without it: This makes Them to be called afterwards the King's Laws; and the Judges are said to deliver the King's judgements: nay, he himself is always Lord Chief Justice of England, which Title is not assumable by any Subject. Now, before an English Law is made, there is mature and mighty long deliberation goes before: for first the business is agitated and canvasd many days in the House of Commons (which represents all the people of England) till it comes to the ripeness of a Bill: The Bill being drawn, is read thrice in the House; and having passed the brunt of all Exception, 'tis engrossd and transmitted to the Lords; and there also 'tis read thrice, and debated with much deliberation: Then by concurrence of both Houses 'tis presented to the King, who consults with his Learned Counsel whether there be any thing therein derogatory to his Prerogatives: if not, He giveth his Royal Assent, and then 'tis created a Law, and generally binding. Touching the power of the Sword, it is more proper to treat of it in the next Paragraph. Moreover, the Lex Terrae, the Common Law of England makes the King the Fountain of Honour; nay, without any disparagement or offence be it spoken, He can confer Honour upon other Kings, and Souverain Princes, as he is Souverain of the Order of Saint George, whereof there have been eight Emperors; five Kings of the French, four of Spain, seven of Portugal, two of the Scots, four of Denmark, three of Naples, one of Poland, and another of Sweden; two Dukes of Urbine, one of Milan, one of Ferrara, one of Savoy, one of Calabria, one of Holland, one of Gueldres; four Princes of Orange, seven Counts Palatin of the Rhin; two Dukes of Brunswick, two of Holstain, one of Brandenburg, and one Duke of Wittenberg, with divers other Foreign Princes. Now, among all Orders purely Military, there is not any now remaining in the Christian world, either more ancient or honourable than the Noble Order of Saint George, whereof the Garter is a Symbol; therefore are they called Equites periscelidis, Knights of the most Noble Order of the Garter; which Order was first instituted by that Victorious King Edward the third, (who was offered to be Emperor) Anno 1350. which was threescore years wanting one before the Institution of the French Order of S. Michael by Lewis the eleventh; and 229 years before the Order of St. Esprit by Henry the third; and full fourscore years before the erection of the Order of the Golden Fleece by Philip Duke of Burgundy: It is also 209 more ancient than the Order of the Knights of the Elephant, which was devisd by the Kings of Denmark; and much more than that of Amaranta excogitated by Sweden, etc. Now observable it is, that among all these Orders, l'ordre del toison d'or, the Order of the Golden Fleece related to the English Wools which were transported to Flanders by our Merchants, whereby all the Provinces adjoining did so infinitely enrich themselves: And this Order of the Golden Fleece, as it is one of the highest Esteem, so it hath most affinity with our Order of St. George in point of Regulation, as also that there are so few of it. For our Order is accounted far the Nobler, because it hath constantly kept itself to the same number of Knights, viz. 26. since the primitive Institution; whereas the French Orders have multiplied so fast in number of Knights, that one said the Order of the French Knighthoods are now become Collars for every Ass to wear about his neck. And as this high Order of St. George hath the precedence of all other now worn by any King, in point of Antiquity; so the ground and design of it was very Noble: For when the first Idea of erecting a new Order of Knighthood entered into the head of the foresaid Heroic King Edward the third, his thoughts reflected upon King Arthur, who indeed was the first founder of Knighthood not only among Christians, but of any other Nation upon earth, As also the first King who gave Royal Arms, His Coat being Azure, nine Crowns Or, marshalled 3. 3. 2. and 1. Afterwards the Saxon Kings gave Arms; And Edward the Confessors Coat was Azure, a Cross patence between four Martelets Or. And as King Arthur's Round Table, which is yet to be seen at Winchester, had seats for twenty six Knights; so it seems King Edward proportioned his number. Now, the occasion of it was, That he having resolved upon a War with France for attaining that Crown, which was due unto him by his Mother's side, He conceaud it advantageous to invite and engage to his party such as were of a Martial spirit, And to that end erected a round Table at Windsor, in imitation of King Arthur, where they were entertained with Tilts and Tournements, magnificent Feasts, and other Princely ways to unite and encourage them. Philip de Valois, who was in possession of the Crown of France, went about to countermine him by erecting also the like Table in his Court, and so drew many gallant and adventurous spirits that way, and some out of England; so that King Edward not finding this design answerable to his mind, he fell on another, such as might prove more adherent and binding unto Him; to which end he establishd this high Order of Chivalry consisting of twenty six persons of eminent note, whereof He Himself and his Successors Kings of England were to be perpetual Souverains: All of them were to be men of Heroic parts, and such as should be obliged by Oath and Honour to adhere unto Him upon all occasions; which might be the probablest cause that he made the Garter for a Badge thereof to be fastened about the left leg with a Buckle of Gold to be continually worn; therefore are They styled Equites Periscelidis, (as was touched before) which hath its Etymology from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, Crura ambiens, girding about the knee; which al●…udes that those Knights should be bound in one League and Confederation of love and affection severally one unto another, and all of them in joint service to the Souverain. Some there are who are of opinion, that the Garter was given because that in a Battle where King Edward proud Victorious, he had given the word Garter for a Signal: Others in a derogatory way would ground it upon the Countess of Salisburies' Garter falling off from her in a dance, and so taken up by the King: But the Black Book in Winsore (which deserves most faith in this point) gives the first Reason for it. Among other Laws that were enacted in the Chapter when this Order was first raised, one was, That every Knight by solemn Oath upon the Evangelists was sworn to defend the Honour and Quarrels, the Rights and Lordship of the Sovurain, etc. Such a Sacramental Oath the Knights of the Bath also take, which is, To love their Sourain above all earthly cretures, and for his right and dignity to live and die, etc. Therefore, I have often stood astonished at the largeness of the consciences of some Knights of both these Orders, who besides other astringing Oaths, as those of Allegiance, Supremacy, etc. could dispense with them All in the late Rebellion so far, as not only not to adhere to their Sourain Liege-Lord and King, when his life was sought for by small and great Shots, with other instruments of open hostility and slaughter, but to appear for, to serve and stick unto the contrary party all the while: Truly under favour, I would▪ be-loth to exchange souls with them. We will put a period to this Discourse of the ancient Noble Order of St. George with a signal observation of Bodin's: Decretum fuit in Collegio Equitum Periscelidis in Anglia ponere stemmata Regis Francorum ante caetera omnia post Principem Ordinis: It was decreed in the College of the Knights of the Garter in England, to put the Stems of the King of the French before all other except the Prince of the Order. And the reason I conceive was, that Philip the second whiles King of England was formerly put before. But Bodin was herein deceived, for the Emperor's Arms (whereof there have been eight of the Order) go before, and have the precedence. Out of the premises may be deducd this clear Conclusion, as a Meridian Truth, that the Common Law of England in all things aims at the Honour and glory, the power and authority, the Safeness and incolumity of the Sourain Prince, more than the Laws of any Country: And whereas we had some touches before, how the Common Law, which is peculiar only to England, hath the rationability of the Civil Law, though not so digested to Method, in regard it consists most of Custom, Cases and precedents; we will conclude this Paragraph with some principles wherein they both agree; As, Actori incumbit onus probandi, The proof lies on the Accuser: Nemo oportet esse sapientior legibus, No man ought to think himself wiser than the Laws: Ubi lex non distinguit, ibi non est distinguendum; We must not distinguish where the Law doth not: Accessorium non ducit, sed sequitur suum principale, The Accessary doth not lead but follow the principal: Volenti non fit injuria, No wrong can be done to him who is willing: Agentes & Consentientes pari poena plectuntur, Actor and consenter are to be punished alike: Apices juris non sunt jura, The punctilios of the Law is no Law: Nemo potest esse judex in propria causa, No man can be Judge in his own cause: Caveat Emptor, Let the Buyer beware: Contraria allegans non est audiendus, Who allegeth contraries is not to be heard: Cujus est dare ejus est disponere, The Giver may dispose of his gift as he pleaseth: Quilibet in Arte sua est credendus, Every one is to be believed in his own Art: Potestas derivativa non potest esse major primitiva, A Commissioner cannot have greater power than He who gave him the Commission: Dies Dominicus non est juridicus, The Lord's day is no day of Law: Dormit aliquando Lex, moritur nunquam, The Law may sleep a while, but never die: Dilationes in Lege sunt odiosae, Delays in Law are odious: Facinus quot inquinat aequat, All are principals in a crime: Generale nihil certi implicat, No certitude can be had out of generals: Ignorantia non excusat Legem, Ignorance of the Law doth not excuse the breach of it: Lex non cogit ad impossibilia, The Law doth not tie us to impossibilities: Lex est summa Ratio, The Law is the highest Reason: Lex citius tolerat privatum damnum quam publicum malum, The Law tolerats a private damage rather than a public: Mala Grammatica non vitiat Chartam, False Latin doth not destroy a Deed: Linea Recta semper praefertur transversali, A right Descent is always preferred before a Collateral in kindred: Nemo debet his puniri pro uno delicto, No man is to be punished twice for one offence: Nemo potest plus juris in alium conferre quam Ipse habet, No man can transfer a greater power to any other, than he hath himself: Nemo tenetur prodere seipsum, No man is bound to betray himself: Omnia quae movent ad mortem sunt Deo danda, All things which cause death are forfeit to God: Qui non habet in aere, luat in corpore, Where the purse cannot, let the body suffer: Qui peccat ebrius, luat sobrius, Who offends when he is drunk, let him be punished when he is sober: Qui sentit commodum, sentire debet & onus, Who receive the benefit, aught to feel the burden: Quod semel meum est, ampliùs meum non est, That which was mine, is none of mine: Stat praesumptio donec probetur in contrarium, A presumption stands till the contrary be proud: Ubi non est principal is ibi non potest esse accessarius, Where there's no principal there can be no Accessary: Unumquodque dissolvitur eo ligamine quo ligatur, Every thing is untied as it is bound: Par in parem non habet Imperium, Equals cannot command one another: Nemo dat quod non habet: No man can give that which he hath not: And this doth hold also in Heraldry; therefore the Knighthoods (with other Honours) that Cromwell was so free to confer, are void in Law, because he was never Knight himself. By these few Principles, with multitudes more, it appeers that the Common Law hath much affinity with the Civil; whereof there are as learned Professors in England as any where else. Whence it may be inferrd, that the King of Great Britain is supplied with more helps for the administration of Justice then any Nation in the world besides. For in regard that England is an Island having such a great Trade at Sea, and so great dealing with divers other Nations; Having also besides Land-matters both Temporal, Ecclesiastical and Maritime, which are not so proper for the Common Law, He allows of the Civil Law answerable to the quality of the Case, which hath been practised in England beyond the memory of man, or the reach of any Record. And though there happen oft some Emulations and high Contests betwixt these two Professions, yet such hath been the prudence of the Sovurain Prince to keep them both in as equal a Balance as could be, and not to suffer the one to insult or encroach upon the other, but to have the same freedom of study and practice to the universal good of Forreners, as well as of his own Subjects. And so much concerning the National Law, and Prudential Constitutions of England. The Tenth and last Paragraph. Touching the greatness of Power, of Military Might and Puissance by Land and Sea, as well Defensive as Offensive, etc. of the King of Great Britain. THe Duke of Rohan in his Book called Les Interests des Princes, The Interests of Princes, saith, that England is like a great Animal that cannot die unless he kill himself. He acknowledgeth Her also to be Latroise●…e Puissance, the third Power of Christendom: But by the Arguments that shall be produced in this Paragraph, I believe it will appear to any discerning and unbiassd. Reader that England, taking her Kingdoms annexd along, with her strength at Sea as well as shore, will be inferior to none. There was a Comparison made long since, That Gallia & Hispania sunt quasi lances in Europae libra, & Anglia est lingula sive libripendens; That France and Spain were as the Scales of the great Balance of Europe, and that England was the Tongue or Beam of the Balance, which keeps it in aequilibrio, in an even counterpoise, that neither side should be trab●…ccant. This hath been often verified, specially in the Reign of Henry the eighth, whose Motto was, Cui adhaereo praeest, He to whom I adhere prevails. He would sometimes make Francis the first to weigh down, sometimes Charles the fifth: And touching the former, He acknowledged King Henry under God to be the chiefest Deliverer of Him and his Children from his captivity in Spain; And so likewise did Pope Clement, when he was freed from the Castle of St. Angelo, where Charles the Emperor had coopd him up, Therefore was Henry of England called Liberator Orbis by the whole Confistory at Rome, as he was before Protector of the great Clementine League, And indeed the Arbiter of all Christendom in his time. Touching the Marshal Might of the King of Great Britain, we will first examine that of England, which we must distinguish into Intrinsecal or Terrene, And into Extrinsecal or Maritime. Concerning the first, ther are five Counties alone can put into the Field forty thousand men, all armed; for so many are listed in the Muster-makers Book as Traind-Band-men, viz. the County of York 12000; Kent 8000; Norfolk, 〈◊〉 and Devonshire above 6000 apiece; And the rest of the Counties, whereof there are forty seven, may have twice as many at least; which come to a hundred and twenty thousand Soldiers e●…olld, and ready upon all occasions either for general service, or private in the Counties where they are, for assisting the Sheriff and other Officers in the execution of the Law, in case of any resistance; therefore are they called Posse Comitatu●…. The power of the County. So that in time of peace England alone hath an hundred and twenty thousand Soldiers enrolld, besides those in Ireland and Scotland: And in time of War, the late bloody Rebellion (bleeding yet in the purses and estates of many thousand poor Cavaliers) hath sufficiently tried the strength (and wealth) of England: For there was a computation made at one time of those that were in actual Arms for King and Parliament, and they came to near upon two hundred thousand fight men under Commission, whereof there were about fifty thousand Horse and Dragoons: And I do not remember to have read that in the time of the famous Ligue in France there were so many, take in strangers and all. Hence we see that the King of Great Britain may be said to have a constant standing Army in time of peace, of which he hath the sole disposing: For the Sword is his as much as the Sceptre and the Crown, which are inalienable from his power, and incommunicable to any other but by his Royal Commissions: And indeed 'tis the Sword that makes all King's powerful; The Crown and the Sceptre are but impotent, and poor unwieldy things; they are but naked Indefensible badges without it. there's none so silly as to think there's meant hereby an ordinary single sword, such as every one carrieth by his side; Or some Imaginary thing, or Chimaera of a sword; No, 'tis the public Polemical Sword of the whole Nation; It may be called an Aggregative or compound Sword, made up of all the Ammunition, the Artillery, Pikes, Muskets, Helmets, Headpieces, with all kind of arms small and great; It reacheth to all the Military strengths both by Land and Sea, to all tenable places, as Castles, Forts, Bulwarks, within and about the whole Island: The Kings of England have had the sole power of this Sword, and the Law gives it them by virtue of their Royal Signory from all times: The very Law doth gird it to their sides; They employ it for repelling all Foreign force, For vindicating all Foreign wrongs and affronts, For suppressing all intestine Tumults and Rebellions, And to protect and secure the weal of the whole Body politic. The people of England (represented in Parliament) were never capable to manage this Sword, the Fundamental Constitutions of the Country flatly denieth it them; This Sword is fit only to hang at the King's side, as the Great Seal hangs at his girdle, being as it were the key of the whole Kingdom: and it is recorded of the Emperor Charlemagne, that he carried his Great Seal always embossd upon the pommel of his Sword; which signified that he was ready to make good and maintain what he had Sealed. Now, to let the Peeple have the Sword, is to put it into a Madman's hand: And one of the pregnantst Foreign examples to prove this, is that notorious Popular insurrection in France called La jaquerie de Beauvoisin, when the Peasans and Mechanics had a design to wrest it out of the King's hand, for to depress all the Peers and Noblesse of the Kingdom: and the Rebellion had grown to such a strength, that it was like to take effect, had not the Prelates and Churchmen stuck close to the King and the Nobility: but afterwards, poor harebrained things, they desired the King upon bended knee to take the Sword again. The Civilians, (who in all points are not so great friends to Royalty as the Common Law is) assert, That there are six Praerogatives which belong to a Sovurain Prince: 1. Armamenta Army: 2. Potestas judicatoria, power of Judicature: 3. Potestas vitae & necis, power of life and death: 4. Bona adespota, masterless goods: 5. Census, the numbering of the people: 6. Monetarum valour, the raising or abating the value of the public Coyn. Among these Regalias we find that Arming, which in effect is nothing else but the King's Sword, is one, and as I said before, 'tis as proper and peculiar to his Person, and to be solely on his side, as the Crown on his Head, or the Sceptre in his hand, and of greater importance then either: For by those two he draws only a voluntary love, and an opinion from his Subjects; but by the Sword (as thread thorough a Needle's eye) he draws a Reverential Fear and awe. Now, these two mixed with the other, are the best Ingredients of Government. With the Sword he confers Honours, as dubbing of Knights, etc. From this Sword all the chiefest Magistrates have their authority; The Lord Deputy of Ireland, the Lords Mayors of London and York have their Swords by deputation from Him; and when he entereth any place Corporat, the first thing which is presented unto him is the Sword. Nor doth the point of this Sword pass thorough the diameter, and reach only to every corner of his own Dominions, but it extends beyond the Seas, as well to preserve his Subjects from oppression, and denial of Justice, as to vindicat public wrongs and affronts, to make good the Interests of his Crown, as also to assist his Confederates and friends. And this public Sword is so inseparable from him, that by the Law of the Land he cannot ungird himself of it, or transfer it to any other; for that were to desert the protection of his people, which is point blank against his Coronation-Oath, and Office. Therefore the very Proposition itself, that the Long Parliament made to his late Majesty to have the Militia passed over unto them, was no less than High Treason: for nothing could be more derogatory to his Kingly Honour, which they had protested so solemnly to maintain by their so many public Instruments and Oaths. We proceed now from the Rural Power, or Country-campane of the King of Great Britain, to his Oppidan Strength; And first of his Court at Westminster, where there are 200 goodly tall men of his Guard; Then he hath a Band of Pensioners, who are Gentlemen of quality and wealth. Moreover, he hath 3000 Foot, and 1000 Horse, for his Lifeguard, besides divers Garrisons in sundry Towns. And now we make our entrance into the City of London, that huge Magazine of Men and Might; A City that may well compare with any in France or Spain not only for Power, but for any thing else, and in some particulars may haply go beyond them, and deserve a Precedence, as shall be showed. Nor doth this Power extend only to her own Self-protection, but it may be made use of for any part of the Kingdom upon any Civil Insurrection, or otherwise, as it shall please the Sourain Prince (and no other whatsoever) to employ it. The City of London is like a fair Quiver of keen strong Arrows for the King to draw forth upon all occasions, for his own and his peeples preservation: For besides twelve thousand choice gallant Citizens in London and Westminster, with the Hamlets of the Tower, who are enrolld, and always ready, and have their Arms fixed for Honour and Defence, there may be, as appears by divers Censes and Computations which have been made, about two hundred thousand choice able men raised for service if necessity requires, and the City will scarce sensibly miss them; nor are Seamen, Mariners and Watermens meant to be of this number. The Kings of France and Spain, I may well avouch, have not any such Town or City: That which is most capable of comparison with London is Paris, for which she hath many advantages, for she is a Cité, Ville and Université, she is a City, a Town and an University, as also the chiefest Residence of the French King. But le's go a little to particulars, and first to the Populousness of both Cities. They say that the Parishes of St. Eustace and St. Innocent which lie about the centre of Paris, have above one hundred thousand Communicants in them alone; and that by the last Cense which was made, there were near upon a million of humane Souls in City and Suburbs, whereof the sixth part are made up of Strangers and Churchmen, which the King cannot make use of upon Military occasions: But look a little forward it will appear that London hath above a Million of souls. For largeness and magnitude 'tis true, that Paris hath the advantage of an Orbicular Figure, which is most capacious of any: But by the judgement of those Mathematicians who have taken a survey of both Cities, if London were cast into a Circle she would be altogether as big as Paris. Touching public Buildings, 'tis true, that the Lovure is a vast Fabric, and the like is not found in London; but 'tis the only Court the French King hath in the City, whereas in London there are four Royal Seats, with two Parks annexed to them. I hope the Bastille will not offer to compare with the Tower of London, nor the River of Seine with the Thames; much less I believe will Paris offer to make any comparison with London in point of Traffic, and Societies of Noble adventuring Merchants, who trade on both sides of the earth as far as the Antipodes; And divers Kings have been of their Corporations. Nor will the Provost of Paris I think offer to compare with the Lord Mayor of London, being the prime Man in England upon the decease of the King until another be proclaimed. The City of London hath divers other advantages not only of Paris, but of any other City of Europe take them all together; which for a more methodical proceeding we will particularise as they are found in my Londinopolis; which being so proper to this Paragraph, I thought fit to insert here, and being well considered, it will be found that London need not veil to any City under the Sun. 1. For conveniency of Situation, and salubrity of Air. 2. For strictness of Government both Nocturnal and Diurnal. 3. For the Magnificence of the Chief Magistrates. 4. For Regulation of all Trades Domestik and Foreign. 5. For variety of Professions and Artisans. 6. For a greater number of Corporations and Halls. 7. For plenty of all provisions that Air, Earth or Water can afford. 8. For Springs, Aqueducts, and other conveyances of fresh wholesome Waters. 9 For Universality of Trade, and Bravery of the Adventurers. 10. For solidity and richness of Native Commodities. 11. For Artillery, Ammunition, Docks, and a number of Military and stout well-armed Citizens. 12. For an ancient and glorious large Temple. 13. For an admirable mighty great Bridge. 14. For a noble and strait Navigable River. 15. For a cheerful and wholesome green circumjacent Soil. 16. For Hospitality and Festival public Meetings of Corporations, and other Societies to increase love, and good intelligence between Neighbours. 17. For all sorts of Boats by Water, and number of Coaches by Land for the accommodation of Passengers. 18. For sundry kinds of Reliefs for the Poor and Lame. 19 For various kinds of honest corporal Recreations and Pastimes. 20. For the number of Humane Souls. 'tis confessed that many of these conveniences may be found in other Cities, which taken singly may exceed London in some; but take them all together she may vie with the best of them, and run no great hazard. Concerning the first advantage, which is convenience of situation, and salubrity of Air, the wisdom of the old Britain's our Ancestors is to be much commended for the election of the place in point of the benignity of the Heavens, with the temperature and influences thereof, wherein London is as happy as any other City under the Skies. Some hold that that City is best situated which resembleth a Camels back, who hath by nature protuberancies and bunches; so a City should be seated upon small Hillocks or rising Grounds: It is just the posture of London, for she is built upon the sides, flanks, and tops of divers small Hillocks lying near the banks of a great Navigable River, being incompassd about with delightful green Meadows and Fields on all sides: She is at so fitting a distance from the Sea, that no Foreign Invasion can surprise her but she must have notice thereof. The quality of her soil is Gravel and Sand, which is held to be the wholsomst for habitation, and conduceth much to the goodness of the Air, though it useth to be barren: but that barrenness is remedied by Art and Composts, insomuch that round about the City, within the distance of a mile or two, one may behold two or three thousand milchd Cows a grazing every day of the week, besides number of other Beasts. Touching the second advantage, which is a strict and constant course of Government, there's no place goes beyond Her, or indeed can equal Her, take night and day together. And whereas in Paris one dare not pass the Pontneuf, with any place else, after Ten a clock at night without danger, one may pass through London-streets as safely as in the day time; there being Constables and their Watch up and down to secure Passengers: yet they must give good account of their being abroad so late, there being strict Laws against Noctivagation. Touching the Magnificence, Gravity, and State of the chief Magistrate, neither the Praetor of Rome, nor Perfect of Milan; neither the Procurators of St. Mark in Venice, or their Podesta's in other Cities; neither the Provost of Paris, or the Mark-grave of Antwerp, or any other Oppidan Magistrate goes beyond the Lord-Mayor and Sheriffs of London, if one go to the variety of their Robes, sometimes Scarlet richly surrd, sometimes Purple, sometimes Violet and Puke. What gallant Shows are thereby Water and Land the day that the new Lord-Mayor is sworn! What a huge Feast and Banquet is provided for him! Touching the Regulation of all sorts of Trade, and Laws for the improvement thereof, the City of London hath not her fellow. Touching variety of Artisans, London abounds with all sorts. 'tis true, that mingling with Forreners hath much advantagd her herein: But those strangers themselves confess that the English having got an Invention, use to improve it and bring it to a greater perfection. Touching Corporations, Halls, Fraternities, Guilds, and Societies, London hath not any Superior; witness the twelve great Companies, out of which one is elected yearly to be Lord Mayor, with threescore several Companies of Citizens besides. And touching all sorts of Opificers, and variety of industrious ways to improve all kind of Manufactures, and thereby gain an honest livelihood and proportion of Riches, London may be called (as Luca is in Italy) a Hive of Bees, or a Hill of Ants, which have always been accounted the Emblems of Industry and Providence. Touching abundance, and plenty of all kind of Provisions, as Flesh, Fish, Fowl, Fruits, Fuel, variety of Drinks and Wines, with any other Commodity that may conduce to Pleasure and Delight as well as to supply Necessity, London may glory to be as well served as any City under Heaven. A knowing Spaniard said, that he thought Eastcheap-shambles alone vended more Flesh than is spent one week with another in all the Court of Spain. Gascon Wines drink better in London then at Bourdeaux: Canary Wines better than at Lancerote: Rhenish Wines better than at Backrag. Nor doth London abound with all things for the Belly alone, but also for the Back, either to keep it warm, or make it gay. What varieties of Woollen Stuffs are found in every Shop! What rich Broad-cloths! some being wrought to that height of perfection, that some have been made of Ten pounds a Yard in price. But our unlucky English-Schismatiques pretending to flee for persecution of conscience, have set up their Looms, and showed the Hollanders the way, to the great detriment of their own Country. Concerning wholesome sweet Springs, and clear Waters, London may be said to have as good Blood running through her Veins as any other, by those Aqueducts, Conduits, and conveyances of fresh Waters round about to serve for all Uses. What an Herculean work was that of Sir Hugh middleton's to bring the River of Ware threescore miles by Compasses to run through her streets, and refresh her houses, as also to preserve them from firing! for which there are divers ingenious useful Engines besides. Concerning Universality of Trade, there is no City upon the surface of the earth goes beyond Her; For there are no Seas that any of the two and thirty winds blow upon from the Artik to the Antartik Pole, from the Orient to the setting Sun, but London by her Navigations finds them out, and makes rich returns by way of Barter or Emption. Touching solid and useful Wares that she hath of her own, what a substantial Commodity, and of what high esteem all the world over is her Cloth, her Kerseys, and divers kinds of Woollen Manufactures? Add herunto her Lead and Tin, which she transmutes to Foreign Gold and Silver. For Healthful Corporal Recreations, and harmless Pastimes, London may go in the Van to any place that ever I saw: Go and walk in her Fields, you shall see some shooting at long Marks, some at short; some bowling upon cheerful pleasant Greene's, some upon Bares and Alleys; some wrestling, some throwing the Bar, some the Stone; some Jumping, some Running; some with their Dogs in Duck-ponds, some at a Bear-baiting, some at the Bull; some Riding upon Naggs, some in Coaches to take the fresh Air; some at Stoolball, others at Kittlepins; with variety of other. For a stately Cathedral Temple, and general Dome of Devotion, the time was, and I hope will be yet within a few years, that London did not yield to any City in this particular; Saint Paul's Church being esteemed by all Nations to be one of the eminentst & visiblest Temples, one of the most glorious piles of stones that ever was reared, taking all the Dimensions together, with the conspicuous site thereof, being about the centre of the City, and upon a rising Ground. She hath also this singular property to be founded upon Faith, by having a large Parish-Church of that name supporting her, and directly under her Chancel. Touching a rare huge Bridge, and Navigable River, London is not inferior to any other City whatsoever. Concerning the first, what a rich Rent hath it to preserve itself yearly! what a vast Magazine of Corn is there always in the Bridge-house against a Dearth! (as well as in many other places.) What a number of Officers look to the reparations thereof, and are handsomely maintained thereby! Touching the second, viz. The River of Thames, she hath not her peer, if regard be had to the length and straightness of her course running from West to East, without so many Meanders as other Rivers have; Her convenient distance from the Sea to prevent all Surprisals; The Amoenity of the Soil on both Banks; The wholsomness of her water, which makes the best Beer in the world, being so much transported by other Nations, and sold as dear as Wine; The diversity of her Fish, the fatness of her Mudd, etc. For number of Humane Souls in City and Suburbs, London is nothing inferior to Paris, whose last Cense, as is said before, came to about a Million: But in the year 1636. command being sent to the Lord Mayor to make a scrutiny what number of strangers were in the City, he took occasion thereby to make a general Cense; And there were of Men, Women and Children near upon seven hundred thousand that lived within the Bars of his Jurisdiction. And this being 27 years ago, 'tis thought that London hath since more by the third part in all probable conjecture. Now for Westminster, the Strand, Bedford Berry, St. Martins-lane, Long-acre, Drury-lane, St. Giles of the Field, High Holborn, with divers other thick-peepled places which are so contiguous, and make one entire piece with London itself, I say take all these Buildings together, the forenamed number of Seven hundred thousand may well be thought to be double so many. Touching the shape of London, I find nothing to assimilat it unto more properly then to a Laurel Leaf that is far more long than 'tis broad, which may be a cause she doth not appear so populous as Paris, her passengers not encountering so often as they would if she were of a round Figure. Touching her length, take all Buildings that are adjoining one to another from the utmost point of Westminster to the utmost point beyond the Tower, she may be well thought to be five Miles long, about half so much in latitude, and in Circuit about twelve Italian miles. To conclude, touching the Defensive and Offensive Power of the City of London in point of Arms of all sorts, of Artillery, Ammunition, Arsenals, and Docks on both sides the River, Her Trained Citizens and expert Firelocks, neither France or Spain hath her equal. It is recorded that in King Stephens Reign the City of London raised 60000 Foot, and 20000 Horse: how many more were she able to do now in case of necessity? For to compare her in statu quo nunc to what she was then, were to compare a Giant to a Dwarf in point of proportion and strength. The Record hath it also that Anno 1293. London was able to put out a Fleet of 95 Ships to scour and secure the Seas from Depredations and Pirates, etc. which she was often used to do. Such an Imperial Chamber, such, such a potent and well appointed City hath the King of Great Britain always at his command: And if some of the Roman Emperors about Fifteen hundred years ago in their Diplomatas or Edicts styled her Augusta, (which was always a name of Magnificence and State) how much more may she deserve that name in the condition she now is arrived unto! Thus have we discoursed, though in weak imperfect Expressions, of the Power and Military Might of the King of Great Britain, not including all this while his two Kingdoms of Scotland and Ireland, which being cast into the Balance may make his Power so much more. Touching his Maritime Power, 'tis spoken of in another Paragraph going before; whereunto we will add, that the King of Great Britain hath such a Haven that neither France or Spain, or indeed any part of the world can parallel, which is Milford Haven, whereof the most famous ancient Authors, not only Latin but Greek, make most honourable mention, calling it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the thousand forded Haven. One other passage we will add, which is but fresh, that besides the reducing of the Hollander, the very last year a few of the King of Great Britain's Frigates did beat those desperate Pirates of Barbary into a Peace, whereas neither France or the Dutch could do it: And this year those few English that are in Tanger did also force Guyland the great Morocco Rebel to Articles of Peace. As I was writing this, me thought I had whispered in my ear, that the French King hath one kind of Power that transcends any of the King of Great Britain's, which is, that he may impose what Taxes he please upon the people by his Edicts alone. 'tis true he can, and he may thank the English for that power; for when they had coopd him up in a corner of France, (in Berry) the Victorious English being Masters of the rest, That Power which before was in the Assembly of the three Estates of laying Impositions, was invested in the King himself pro tempore during the Wars because the three Estates could not assemble: But this Power makes him a King of Slaves rather than of Free Subjects; and if they may be called Subjects, they are Subjects of an Asinin condition which cannot have any true manly courage in them, or a competency of wealth to bear it up; which is the cause that though France be a rich and self-sufficient Country, yet some think there are more Beggars in Her then in all Christendom besides. Now, it is a Principle in the Civil Law, That Dominum habere nobiliorem confert ad dignitatem Vassalorum, & nobiliorum habere populum confert ad nobilitatem Principis; To have the nobler Lord conduceth to the dignity of the Vassal, and to have the nobler Peeple conduceth to the dignity of the Prince. By this Axiom the King of Great Britain is the more Noble, because he is Lord of a freeborn wealthy people, and not of Slaves and Beggars. Yet it cannot be denied but that it is one of the greatest advantages of power and repute for a King to be Rich, (provided he come not to be so by grinding the faces of his Subjects.) The Republik of Venice and the Seat of Genoa carry that high esteem in the world, because the one hath the treasury of Saint Mark, and the other the Bank of St. George. The Duke of Florence is styled the Grand Duke more than other Dukes who have larger Territories, because he hath always a rich treasury. Therefore I will draw towards a conclusion of this Paragraph with this most humble Intimation to the great Council of England now Prorogued, that at their Re-access they would please to consider; that whereas the fame of being Rich, and to have the Coffers of his Crown well ballasted, conduceth so much to the Repute of a King, and so by Reflections upon the whole Nation, As also to make Him redoubtable both abroad and at home; And whereas the contrary fame exposeth him to contempt, Insultings and Pasquil's, (as some frisking French Wits have been lately too busy and bold that way) and likewise our Neighbour Hans who daily offers us such insolences: which makes me think of an Italian Proverb, which though homely, yet it comes home to this purpose, Cavagliero (ò Principe) senza quatrini, è come un muro senza croce da tutti scompisciato; A Cavalier (or Prince) without money, is like a Wall without a Cross for every one to draw upon: Therefore I am bold to reiterate the foresaid humble Intimation (I will not presume to say Advice, though it may be well called so) to the Honourable House of Commons when They reassemble, That in their great Wisdoms they would have a sense of the present condition in this particular of their King so miraculously restored unto Us by a pure Act of the Omnipotent: And that whereas the Two Neighbouring Kings have of late years enhancd their Revenues and Incomes far higher than they were formerly, They would be pleased to think it not only agreeable to the Rules of true Policy, but most necessary for the Honour and safety of the whole Nation, to make the Monarch of Great Britain to correspond and bear up in a handsome proportion this way with either of Them, as He doth in all other things besides. A Corollary to what hath been said in this first Section IN the preceding Paragraphs it appeers by luculent and clear proofs, how the King of Great Britain Had to his Predecessor the first Christian King that ever was upon earth. He had to his Predecessor the first Christian Emperor (and Empress.) He had to his Predecessor the first Christian Worthy, and the first Erector of Military Knighthood. He had to his Predecessors some of the most victorious Kings that ever were. His Predecessors were the first who freed themselves from the Roman Yoke both in Temporals at first, and in Spirituals afterwards. It hath appeerd how He is Sourain of the Noblest Order of Knighthood that any King hath. It hath appeerd that his Ambassadors had the Precedence given Them in divers General Councils. It hath appeerd how the King of Great Britain hath as Freeborn and valiant Subjects as any other. It hath appeerd that He hath the most plentiful and hospitable Court of any other King. That He hath as independent Authority as any other King. It hath appeerd that He hath the stoutest Men of War, The Noblest Haven, The Inaccessiblest Coasts, with the greatest Command and Power at Sea of any other. Which makes the English Merchants to be so highly respected abroad above other Nations, having more Privileges at the entrance of the Baltik in the Sound, as also in Hamborough and Holland, where they have Houses like Palaces provided for them gratis, and free from Excise. In Leghorn, in Constantinople, and the gran Moscow, they are more esteemed than any other Merchants: And 'tis well known how his Subjects the Scots have the privilege of Preemption in the Vintage at Bourdeaux, with divers other Immunities in France above other Nations. Wherefore if any King may be called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, 'tis the King of Great Britain, to whom that famous Verse of the Father of Poets may be applied: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, A Sceptre is given Thee to be Honoured by all. To these particulars we will subjoin the Reasons that Sir Henry Nevil with the rest of the English Ambassadors sent by Queen Elizabeth in a joint Legantine Commission to Bullen in France to negotiate with Don Balthasar de Zuniga, and others sent Ambassadors from Philip the second of Spain and the Archduke Albertus; I say, we will insert here the Reasons which the English Ambassadors gave then for prerogative and right of Antecedence, in the contest that happened then with those of Spain, by a Remonstrance which they sent the said Ambassadors in these words, as 'tis extracted out of the Record itself. Illustres & Magnifici Domini, Perlegimus scriptum quod Illustres & Magnificae personae vestrae ad nos heri miserunt, & Illa capita quae substitutionis potestatem, & sigilli vigorem attingunt statuimus non ulteriùs prosequi, confidentes de sinceritate serenissimi Domini Archiducis, & acquiescentes integritate Illustrium & Magnificarum vestrarum personarum quae nobis pollicentur bonam fidem in hoc quod agitur negotio summo cum candore & humanitate conjunctum. Clausulam vero quam in serenissimi Archiducis Commissione omissam esse superiùs demonstravimus, quam primùm commodumque videbitur quod polltcitae sunt vestrae illustres & magnificae personae petimus inserendum. Quod verò illustres & magnificae vestrae personae asserunt insolitum & novum videri quod proposuimus de Praerogativa & Praecedentiae dignitate serenissimae Reginae Dominae nostrae semper debita, non possumus dissimulare, nos valde mirari illud viris vestrae conditionis, eruditionis & judicii novum esse & insolitum, quod universo orbi terrarum notum est, & celebratissimum. Res enim est exploratissima quod Regio Hispanica cum distributa fuerit in diversa Regna, & devoluta in manus Regis Ferdinandi & Reginae Isabellae, Regumque Granatae insuper ei adjunctum, unà cum caeteris partibus Indiarum Occidentalium orta est contentio speciosè magis quam solidè recteque fundata de Praecedendi dignitate cum Regno Anglorum tempore quo Papatum occupavit▪ Alexander ejus nomini sextus natione Hispanus, quae perducta ad tempora julii secundi. Volatarranus Author imprimis bonus, Historiographus Italus nullo privato beneficio Angliae obstrictus, quique eodem tempore Romae vixit, ea de causa quemadmodum Res actae, gestaeque fuerunt probè potuit intelligere, de hac Re ita refert. Inter Oratores Henrici septimi Regis Angliae & Hispaniae Regis inter sacra sedendo orta est contentio quae etiam sub Alexandrio caeperat. Iulius Locum honoratissimum Anglis pro tempore adjudicavit, quod quidem Ius, & praerogativam Regis Angliae possidentes tenuerunt usque ad tempora Caroli quinti Imperatoris qui licet ratione Caesareae Majestatis supremam sedem dignitatis inter▪ Principes 〈◊〉, Illud tamen privilegium ad posteros suos in praejudicium aliorum Principum transmittere non potuit. Ideóque post obitum ejus quaestio illa Praecedentiae ad eosdem terminos unde ante digresserat reversa est. Cum igitur Reges Angliae semper tenuerunt priorem, & augustiorem sedem prae singulis illis Regibus priusquàm Regna eorum in unum reducta fuerint, reductisque in unum indeque ea de requaestione motâ jus suum ex sententia Papae retinuerint de quo nullo unquam tempore aut occasione cesserunt: Extra controversiam igitur putamus illud de jure pertinere ad Coronam Angliae, utcunque propagata & amplifica sunt Territoria & Dominia Regni Hispaniae quod recta rerum aestimatione nihil valet aut valere debet inter Christianos Principes ad hanc Praecedentiae quaestionem: Alioqui plurimi Reges & Principes assumerent sibi Praecedentiam in multos alios Principes quibus jam & liberè & libenter concedunt. Amplius de haec praesenti controversia de Praecedentiae dignitate hoc ipso tempore aliud est quod se non indignè offert judici is vestris examinandum, nempe quodunus è nobis quem serenissima Regina Domina nostra ad hunc tractatum pacis concludendum elegit, Legatus ejus est qui quotidie residet apud Christianissimum, quam dignitatem unà cum omnibus Praerogativis quae eam comitantur retinet quoad in Regno Galliae commoratur. Primus vero è vobis licet sit Legatus Catholici Regis apud serenissimum Archiducem cum jam sit extra territorium Archiducis, qualitatem eam, dignitatemque exui: censemus quoque nostrum in quo multiplicata ista dignitas elucet, & dominatur jure praeferendum unicuique qui singulari & nudo titulo deputati scilicet ad tractatum pacis inductus prodit. Vobis igitur si placeat quaestio ista alto silentio praetermittatur, haecque praerogativa de qua agitur maneat habitetque in serenissima Regina Domina nostra ad quam jure spectat, pertinetque. Ita alacrioribus animis ad conventum, colloquiumque cujus causà huc accessimus feremur. Ista omnia pro prudentia & moderatione vestrarum illustrium & magnificarum dominationum petimus amicè & candidè accipi, ut quae profecta sunt ab observantiis & religione officii nostri, non à studio tempus consumendi aut contentionis excitandae. Datum Boloniae 26 Maii, stylo veteri 1600. Rendered thus in English. Illustrious and Magnificent Lords, We have read through the Writing which your illustrious and magnificent Persons sent us yesterday; and touching those heads which appertain to the power of your substitutition, and the vigour of the Seal, we have resolved not to prosecut further, confiding in the sincerity of the most serene the Lord Archduke, and acquiescing in the integrity of your illustrious and magnificent Persons, which doth promise us a good faith in the business we are to agitat with the greatest candour and humanity that may be. And touching the Clause we demonstrated before, we desire it may be inserted as soon and as conveniently it may be, as your illustrious and magnificent Persons have promised. And whereas your illustrious and magnificent Persons assert, that it is unusual and new what we proposed concerning the Prerogative and dignity of Precedence due always to the most serene Queen our Mistress, we cannot dissemble, but we much wonder that that should seem new and unusual to men of your condition, learning and judgement, which is so well known, and most celebrous to all the world. For it is a most explored truth, That the Region of Spain distributed to divers Kingdoms, when it was devolud to the hands of King Ferdinand and Isabel, whereunto the Kingdom of Granada was adjoined, and the West-Indies, a Contention did arise more speciously then solidly and rightly grounded, touching the dignity of Precedence with the King of England at that time, when Alexander the sixth, who was a Spaniard born, held the Papacy, which continued to the time of julius the second: and Volaterranus a special good Author, and an Italian Historiographer, being not engaged to England for any private benefit, and one that was well capable to know how matters passed, and were transacted, doth relate that betwixt the Ambassadors of Henry the seventh King of England, and the Ambassador of Spain, a contention did arise about Precedence of session in the Church, and julius adjudgd the most honourable place to the English; which Right and Prerogative the Kings of England possessed until the time of the Emperor Charles the fifth, who in regard of Caesarean Majesty, had the supreme place among all Princes. But he could not transmit that privilege to his posterity, to the prejudice of other Princes: Therefore after his decease, that question of Precedence returned to those terms whence it had formerly digressd. Since therefore the Kings of England always held priority of place and session of those several Kings before their Kingdoms were reducd to one, a question being moved thereabouts, they have retained their Right by the Pope's sentence, and never yielded it upon occasion. Therefore without controversy we think that Right to appertain still to the Crown of England notwithstanding that the Territories and Dominions of the Kingdom of Spain be propagated and amplified, which in the right estimation of things prevails not, or aught to prevail 'twixt Christian Princes touching this question; For then other Kings and Princes would assume a right of Precedence above others, to whom now they grant it, ever and anon, if their Dominions increase. Moreover, touching this present controversy about Precedence, there is another thing which doth not unworthily offer itself to be examined by your Judgements, which is, That one of Us which the most serene Queen our Mistress hath chosen her Ambassador to conclude this Treaty of Peace, is one who daily resides in that quality in the Court of the most Christian King; which Dignity with all Prerogatives he retains as long as he sojourns in France. But the first of you, although he be Ambassador to the Catholic King with the most serene Archduke, and being out of the Dominions thereof, he puts off that quality and dignity. We think also that our Ambassador in whom this Dignity is multiplied, and shines more, aught by right to be preferred before any that is appointed by a single and bare title only for this great Treaty. Therefore if you please, let this Question be pretermitted with deep silence, and let this Prerogative remain, and dwell in the most serene Queen our Mistress, to whom it justly belongs and appertains; so we shall more cheerfully apyly ourselves to the business for which we are come. All this we desire may be candidly and friendly accepted according to the prudence and moderation of your illustrious and magnificent Lordships, as proceeding from the Observances, and Religion of our Office, not with any dessein to consume time, or raise contentions. Bullen 26 Maii, 1600. Henry Nevil, john Harbert, etc. The Spanish Ambassadors made an answer herunto, which we reserve for the third Section, wherein the Arguments of Spain for Precedence are set down, whereof one of the strongest he urgeth is the Multiplication and increase of Dominions, which according to Besoldus and Cassaneus, with other great Civilian Jurists, is no Argument at all, in regard it doth not hold among ordinary Nobility. As for example: He of Arundel is first Earl in England; He of Angus in Scotland; And He of Kildare in Ireland, by the Laws of Heraldry and Hereditary Right: Put case that some other of their fellow Earls in either Kingdom should grow richer, and have more Manors, Possessions and Lordships, yet they will not offer to take place or precedence; so the Argument may hold A minori ad majus: For if it be so among Noblemen, much more should this Rule have validity among Sovurain Princes. I will go on with a passage that happened in Paris a little above twenty years since. Hugo Grotius residing at Paris in quality of Ambassador for the Crown of Sweden, attempted to make his Coaches go before those of the Earl of Leicester, pretending a right of Precedence, because the King of Sweden whom he represented, was King of the ancient Goths and Vandals, etc. which was, under favour, but a feeble Argument, For there were Kings of Great Britain thousands of years before the Goths or Vandals were scarce known to the Christian world; nor do any stories make mention of them until a little after the declinings of the Roman Empire, about the year 350 from the Incarnation, nor came they to be Christians till a long time after; And it is the Position of Grotius himself in his Book de jure Belli, Inter Reges qu●… primo Christianismum professi sunt praecedunt, Who first professd Christianity ought to precede. Moreover, the King of Denmark entitles himself King of the Goths and Vandals as well. But my Lord of Leicester carried himself so like himself, that our Swedish Ambassador was put behind with a Disgrace somewhat answerable to his Presumption, and to the explosion of the Spectators. Now, Let the prudent and unpassionat Reader weigh with leisure the foregoing Particulars, and reserve his Judgement till he hath run through the Reasons and Arguments of the other two Kings in order to a Precedency. 'tis time now to cross over to France, and produce the Arguments of that King, faithfully extracted out of the most received and celebrated Authors who assert his Right to sit next the Emperor upon all occasions, As Cassanaeus, Ferhaut, Besoldus, Carolus de Grasseliis, Hierome Bignon, Pierre Matthieu, etc. And let this be a close to the First Section. The second Section, Consisting of the Reasons whereby the French King pretends and claims Priority of Place, and Proximity of Session next the Emperor at all Solemn Meetings, and in all public Transactions of State, etc. Which Reasons, In regard they lie confused and scattered in other Authors, we will reduce to Ten Heads or Arguments, whereof the first shall be drawn 1. A Nobilitate Regni, from the Nobleness of the Kingdom. 2. The second A Nobilitate Regionis, from the Nobleness of the Country. 3. The third A Noblitate Regiminis, from the Nobleness of the Government. 4. The fourth A Religione, & Nobilitate Ecclesiae, from Religion, and the Nobleness of the Church. 5. The fifth A Nobilitate Gentis, & multitudine Subditorum, from the Nobleness of the Nation, and multitude of Subjects. 6. The sixth A plenitudine Regiae Potestatis, from the absolutness of Regal Authority. 7. The seventh A Potentia ipsius Regni, from the Power of the Kingdom itself. 8. The eighth Ab opulentia ipsius Regni, from the Riches thereof. 9 The ninth A Fortitudine & Rebus in Bello gestis, from Valour and Exploits done in the War. 10. The tenth and last Argument shall be drawn ab Exemplo & Antiquitate, from Examples and Antiquities. Of the first Argument, A Nobilitate Regni, from the Nobleness of the Kingdom. There is a speech drawing near to the nature of a Proverb, Great Britain for an Island, France for a Kingdom, Milan for a Duchy, and Flanders for a County or Earldom, are preferable before all other; They are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in their kind: this shows the supereminence of the Kingdom of France. There is also a signal saying of the Emperor Maximilian the first, who being in some Critical Discourses with his Lords about the Dominions of Europe, broke out into this high Encomium of France, That if it could stand with the Order of Nature and the Pleasure of the Almighty that any mortal Man were capable to be a God of the Elementary world, and that I were He, I would so make my last Will and Testament in the disposing of my Estate, That my eldest Son should be God after me, but my second should be King of France. This saying or excess of speech must be interpreted with a sane sense, for the Emperor meant nothing else hereby but to intimate his opinion touching that potent and noble Kingdom: which Kingdom hath continued an Heredetary successive Monarchy near upon twelve hundred years by three Races of Kings, whereof Lewis the fourteenth now regnant is the sixty fifth Monarch. Now, whosoever will behold that noble Kingdom, will find that no other stands so commodious and strong by the position of Nature herself. It is situated in the centre of Europe, having Westward the Island of Great Britain; Eastward, Italy and Switzerland, with other Regions; it hath Southward the Kingdom of Spain; and Northward the great Continent of Germany high and low: And it is notably fenced against all these by a special Providence; Against the First, it hath a huge Salt Ditch, the Sea itself; against the Second it hath the stupendious Alpian Hills; against the Third it hath the Pyrenean Mountains cast up as Trenches by Nature herself for the defence of France; against the Fourth she hath strong fortified Towns, Castles and Rivers: The Ocean on the one side, and the Mediterranean on the other do wash her Skirts, and mightily invite Trade. And that which adds also much to the advantage of her situation, is, that she lieth accessible and open to all Mankind for Commerce and Negotiation by Sea and Land. Moreover, being seated so in the midst, she is fittest to be Arbitratrix, and to give Law to the rest of Christendom, as being properly seated to divide or unite, to admit or hinder the Forces of Europe. She stands also in an advantageous posture to reach her hand to her Friends in point of Auxiliary Assistance, or heave her hand against the Enemy. She hath divers Provinces, the Governors whereof are equal to Viceroys: And for her Nobles, they are without number; for she can horse about 50000 Gentlemen for the Wars. Add herunto that she hath a mighty advantage to be of a round Orbicular shape, which makes all parts lie nearer for the assisting each other in case of necessity. There is one other quality that makes for the Nobleness of France, which is, though he be Turk or Tartar, Moor or Egyptian, or of any Nation, if he be in quality of a Captif or Slave, as soon as he treads upon French ground he is eo instant frank and free, and as it were manumitted of the tie of slavery: for as Bodin hath it, it is a Principle in France, Servi peregrini ut primum Galliae fines penetraverint liberi sunto; Let stranger-slaves as soon as they come within the borders of France be free. Among other, let this example serve: A Merchant came to Tholouse and brought with him a Slave whom he had bought in Spain; The Slave being told of the Laws and Privileges of France, came and told his Master, Sir, I have had relation to you hitherto as a Slave and Bondman, but now by the Laws of this Noble Country I am a Freeman; yet I am contented to serve you still, but as a Free Attendant. The like happened at the Siege of Mets, where a Slave had played the Fugitive, and ran away with his Master Don Luys d' Avila's horse; Don Lewis sent a Trumpeter to the Duke of Guyse for his Man and his Horse; The Duke understanding that his Horse was sold, caused the Money to be sent the Spaniard, but for the Man he sent him word, That he was upon French ground, therefore was Free by the custom of the Country. In fine, France is so Noble a Region, that as the Sun shines among the Stars in the Firmament, so France shines among the rest of Kingdoms. The second Argument, A Nobilitate Regionis, from the Nobleness of the Country. WE proceed now from the Nobleness of the Kingdom, to the Fertility and Riches of the Country of France, as also to the temperature and healthfulness of the Clime or Climes thereof; for France participats of the nature of divers Climes: Normandy, specially la Basse Normandy, partakes of the Clime of her next Transmarin Neighbour Great Britain: Picardy and Champagne of that of Germany; Provence and the Countries towards the Alps, partakes of the Climate of Italy; Aquitania and Languedoc being walled Southward by the Pyrenean Hills, have much of the Climate of Spain; And the I'll of France wherein Paris is built, and the Country thereabouts, hath a particular Clime of its own. These varieties of Climes make the Country the more fruitful for universality of Wealth and Plenty. Nor is France only a fat Country and full of marrow, but she hath as much Delightfulness as Fecundity, as much real Pleasure as outward Beauty: There is no Soil under the Sun where there is more Agriculture for Bread, which is the staff of Man's Life; Insomuch that she may be called the Granary of Ceres, and she may be called as well one of Bacchus his chief Cellars, for a world of Vineyards wherewith the Country is covered, with innumerable sorts of fruits; insomuch that the character which Salvianus gives of Aquitania may extend to the whole Country, when he elegantly saith, Illic omnis admodum Regio aut intertexta est Vine is, aut florulenta pratis, aut irrigata fontibus, aut interfusa fluminibus, aut distincta culturis, aut consita pomis, aut amoenata lucis, aut crinita messibus, ut verè possessores Illius Terrae non tam soli istius portionem quam Paradisi imaginem possidere videantur: There every place is either interwoven with Vines, or flowrd with Meadows, or set with Orchards, or meerd by Cornfields, or peepled with Trees and Woods, or refreshd with Fountains, or enchanelled with Rivers, or periwiggd with all sorts of Grain; Insomuch that the Inhabitants may be said to possess a part of Paradise rather than a portion of the common earth. Now, among all these, the four Staple Commodities of France may be said to be Corn, Wine, Hemp and Salt, which Boterus calls the four Lodestones of France: For as the Loadstone (whereof the Blue Ethiopian is the best) hath an attractive Virtue to draw unto them Iron and Steel in a mysterious manner, so the foresaid four Commodities have a Magnetical Virtue to draw into France the Gold and Silver of all Nations. Concerning the French Corn, it is reputed the best of all other; Pliny, one of Nature's principal Secretaries, hath left upon record that the Gallic Corn is nitidissimi grani, & plus panis reddere quam far aliud, It is of a neat grain, and yields more bread than other wheat. The Spaniard and others might starve were they not sustained by French Corn, yet she vents but her superfluities, and transmutes them to Indian Gold: for such is the scarcity of Spain, that having not bread enough of her own for the hundredth Child she produceth, whosoever brings thither a Cargazon of Corn, may make his return for it in Gold or Silver, and carry it openly in the palm of his hand without fear of seizure. Touching the French Wines, it may be said they need no Bush: what vast proportions are carried away by all the Northwest Nations? Bodin speaks of one Merchant in Cambray which bought at one Vintage 33000 Barrels; and 'tis worth the observation what a world of variety of Wines grow up and down, for one can scarce go twenty miles but there is still a differing sort of Grape: In some places in Burgundy and Champagne there are Wine-vessels as big as some houses in height, not inferior to those vast Vessels of Heidelberg, Tubinga, and Groninghen, (as the ingenious Lansius hath it.) Touching Hemp and Flax, the third Staple Commodity of France, what mighty rich Proceeds come thereof! For though it be a despicable Vegetal in sight, and unsavoury in the handling, yet it is of such virtue that it can remove Rome to Hercules Pillars, Egypt to Italy, the East and West Indies into England; a Vegetal that can control Aeolus, and overmaster Neptune himself, I mean the impetuous Whirlwinds of the one, and the tumbling Waves of the other. Now, where doth this most useful Commodity grow more plentiful then in France? Nor doth she hereby furnish her Neighbours far and near only with Sails for their ships, but with shirts for their backs, sheets for their beds, and nappery for their tables. Touching the last great Staple Commodity of France, which is Salt; 'tis so savoury in the King's Coffers, that he draws twenty Millions of Livres every year from the Gabel of it: besides that incredible proportion which is spent in France itself, what Millions of Mesures are laden out for other Countries! Spain also hath this Commodity to a superfluity, but her Salt is more corroding and acrimonious than the French; Therefore when the Emperor Charles the fifth (as Lansius relates) had put out a Placart prohibiting that no French Salt should be brought into the Netherlands, the Country was like to mutiny for that tart Proclamation, because the Spanish Salt which was permitted only to be imported, was not so sweet and vigorous as the French; specially as that of Rochel, wherewith if Flesh be salted, and a Ship victualld with it to the furthest part of the East-Indies, it will eat as sweet at the return of the Ship as it did at first, as 'tis found by the frequent experience of our Navigators. Concerning the Air and Clime of France, it is the most cheerful and temperate of any other under the Canopy of Heaven, which makes the inhabitants thereof so spritful and debonnaire: 'tis rare to find a French-Woman melancholy, which was the ground of the Proverb, To make a complete Wife, let her be English to the Neck; From the Navel to the Knee Dutch; From the Knee downward Spanish; But from the Neck to the Navel French, which relates to the Heart, and to the merry disposition thereof. Nor are the French-women spriteful and merry most of any, but they are also wise and judicious: for Cassanaeus relates in his Catalogo Gloriae Mundi, that in the famous old League which was struck 'twixt Hannibal and the Gauls, it was capitulated that if any Gaul was wronged by a Carthaginian, a Carthaginian Magistrate should be his Judge; but if any Carthaginian should be wronged by a Gaul, Gallic Women should be Judges thereof. I will conclude this Argument with the acquaint Verses of Baptista Mantuanus an Italian: Ignea Mens Gallis, & Lactea corpora, nomen A candore datum populis, Muliebra tingit Ora colour Tyrius, Paphium meditata colorem Ex geminis fecit Natura coloribus unum: Laeti, alacres, lusu, choreis, & carmine gaudent; In Venerem proni, proni in Convivia, proni Ante Dapes adsacra Deum servire, j●…gumque Ferre negant, fugiunt figmenta, & hypocrisin, o'er Liberi, & ingenuus mos est, Tetricosque perosi, etc. The third Argument, A Nobilitate Regiminis, from the Nobleness of Government. THe form of Government in the Kingdom of France, is partly Civil, partly Polemical; It is a mixed Government between Peace and War, composed of Military Discipline as well as of Civil Justice, in regard that France having so many open Frontiers and powerful Neighbours by Land, they cannot as other Countries join Peace and Security together. Touching their Martial Government 'tis very exact, there are divers Regiments of Horse and Foot in perpetual pay, being enrolled, and always ready for any occasion of Service. Moreover, in all the Provinces and places of strength, there are Governors and Garrisons dispersed up and down, which is very advantageous for the preferment of the Gentry. Now, the Governors are so cautiously disposed of by the King, that not any of them hath means to betray or deliver up a Province into the Enemy's hands, the commands thereof being so divided: For though the Governor commands the Country in general, and commonly the chief Town, yet there is a Lieutenant that holds also by Patent immediately from the King, and not from the Governor, and betwixt these two there are some emulations and umbrages ever and anon. Then most part of their Towns, Castles and Fortresses have particular Governors not subordinat to the Governor of the Province, but deriving their power expressly from the King; so that in many places the Town hath one Governor, and the Castle another; Indeed the Country of Provence only was used to have a Privilege, that Her Governor held it without a Lieutenant. The Noblesse or Gentry in France are the sole body which participate in some fort with the Prerogatives of the Crown; for from it they receive Privileges above other men, and a kind of limited Regality upon their Tenants, besides real Supplies to their Estates by divers Employments, Pensions, and exemption from Tallies upon their own Demeans and Lands as long as they manure them by their own servants: but what Lands they let out to Tenants is presently Talliable, which causeth proportionable abatements in the Rent; and in compensation for this, They only owe the King the service of the Ban and Arriereban, which is to serve him or his General three months within the Land at their own cost. Now as in time of War the Noblesse undergo most part of the danger, so is their power then more peremptory above the rest of their fellow-subjects; whereas in time of Peace the King is ready to countenance inferior persons against them, and is contented to see them waste one another by contention in Law, or otherwise, for fear they grow too rich, Because it is a principle of State in France, That as the Noblesse use to do him the best service, so, They only misapplyed can do him most harm. Now, the ancient French Gentry was much diminished in the Croisades, or Wars of the Holy Land, because that to enable them for the service, divers of them did hipotheque or mortgage their Fiefs and Lands to the Church, which are not redeemed to this day: Insomuch that it is thought by sundry Computations which have been made, that the Gallican Church possesseth the third part of the fattest Fiefs in France. Now, upon the foresaid diminution, the French Gentry have been repaired and made up since from time to time of Advocats, Financiers, and Merchants, whereof a great many by the King's favour are daily ennobled. Such a gallant Government France hath for the common Incolumity and public defence of the Country, and for the employment of the Gentry who are more numerous there then in any Kingdom else; whereby the true Rules of Policy are observed that should be in a Monarchy, which are For the King to command, The Nobles to execut, and The Peeple to obey; and indeed the Peeple should know nothing else but how to obey. Now, one of the prime Principles in France is to keep the common Peeple under a perfect subjection, so that they may not be able to do any hurt. And if they are kept poor hereby, let them thank themselves; for if they were pampered with wealth, They would be ever and anon kicking at Government: for we know there is not a more instable hair-braind Monster in the world than the Common Peeple, as England of late years hath had such woeful experience. Touching the Civil Government of France, and administration of Justice, it is of that high esteem that divers Foreign Princes have referrd their Causes to be determined to the Court of Parliament in Paris, as a Consistory of high Reason and Integrity. It stands upon record how the Emperor Frederik the second referrd the controversies betwixt him and Pope Innocent the fourth touching the Kingdom of Naples to the decision of this Court, En dernier resort, to pass a Definitif unappealable Judgement. The Count Namurs in a Difference 'twixt him and Charles de Valois, did cast himself upon the verdict of this Court: Philip Prince of Tarentum overcame the Duke of Burgundy in this Court touching the Expenses he was at in recovering the Greek Empire: The Dukes of Lorain have in divers things stood to the Arbitrament and Justice of this Court: They of Cambray when they were a Free Peeple have, been willing to be tried by this Court: The Confederacy also of the Kingdom of Castille and Portugal was confirmed by this Court. Now, the reason why this Court gains such a high Repute, is, That none are admitted to sit in that Tribunal but persons of known Integrity, Erudition and Gallantry; which made Henry the second, as Lansius hath it, when by the importunity of a great Princess he had recommended one to sit there, and being a person but of shallow parts, and so rejected, the King said merrily, je pensois que parmy tant de Ginets un As●…e pourroit bien passer; I thought that among so many Ginets one Ass might have passed well enough. Besides this of Paris, there are divers other Courts of Parliament (and Praesidial Seats) dispersed up and down the Country in such a convenient distance, that the Client may not be put to make long Journeys for Justice, and that the Poor be not oppressed by the Rich for want of means to make such long Journeys whereby they suffer the suit to fall, as many use to do in England in the remotest places from London for want of such Courts. I will conclude also this third Argument with some choice Verses of Ludovicus Bologninus a celebrated Civilian: Francorum Reges sacro sub nomine nati Consilio semper valuerunt, semper & Armis, Sanctaque fautores Bonitatis Iura tenentes Appellat Romana suos Ecclesia gnatos, Et Primogenitos tali sunt nomine digni, His Deus Imperium dedit, & sua Iura tuetur, Unguntur, sancti fiunt quicunque creantur. The fourth Argument, A Religione, & Nobilitate Ecclesiae, from Religion, and Nobleness of the Church. SOme Authors affirm, that when our Saviour suffered upon the Cross, He looked towards France; whence they infer, that it was a blessed Omen that Christian Religion should flourish most in that Kingdom. Moreover, it is a rare, and indeed an unparallelld thing, that there was in France before the passion of our Saviour a Church, viz. Ecclesia Carnotensis, as it remains upon good record, which was dedicated Virgini Pariturae, to the Virgin that should bear; as we read there was in Greece an Altar erected 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, To the unknown God. This made the Emperor julius Caesar, who had felt the pulse of that people more than any other, to give this Encomium of them in his Commentaries, Natura est omnium Gallorum admodum dedita Religioni, 'tis the nature of all the Gauls to be much addicted to Religion. As in the dark times of Paganism they were observed to be so devout, so since the glorious Light of Christianity did shine upon the Flower de Luce's, the French Nation hath been found to be transported with an extraordinary zeal to Religion. And this Heavenly Light began to shine and shoot its Rays betimes: for we read that Iraeneus one of the first Primitive Fathers was Bishop of Lions, and he was Disciple to Polycarpus, and Polycarpus was Disciple to St. john the Evangelist, by whom he was sent from Asia among the Gauls for the plantation and propagation of Christian Faith, as St. Hierome relates. St. Hilarius who was another Father of the Primitive Church, was also Bishop of the Picts in France, where he composed his excellent Works which are partly Expository, partly Controversial, though there occur often some African barbarous Latin words in them, as disfrocite for degenerate, Zabulus for diabolus, etc. What a multitude of Heavenly Martyrs hath France had! for in all the ten Persecutions there were some of them signed still their Faith with their blood. In the Emperor Valerians time there were famons French Martyrs, as Florentius Bishop of Vienna, Pontius Cassius Victorinus, Liminius, Anatolianus, with others whom Gregory Turonensis mentions, and whose names are enrolld in the Catalogue of Saints to all posterity. And this was a little before the unluckily Novatian Heresy crept into France, and infected divers other Countries. Nay, to go higher up, and to the very source of Christianity, there are some Authors who avouch that St. Paul was in France, and that the chief Church in Vienna was built by him, as this ancient Verse there engraven shows: Paulus praeco Crucis tibi dat primordia Lucis. There be other Authors who affirm that St. Peter also was in France; And that there landed at one time in Marseilles Lazarus, Mary Magdalen, Martha and Marcelia, as it is recorded in a Manuscript of the English History in the Vatican whereof Baronius makes mention; And about that time joseph of Arimathea, that Noble Decurion, passed through France into Britain with the foresaid Marcelia, who was she that is mentioned in the Gospel, who being divinely inspired, cried out with a loud voice when Christ was preaching, Happy is the womb that brought Thee forth, and the paps that gave Thee suck. Spencaeus also makes mention that St. Luke was in France; As also Savinianus one of the 72 Disciples, and Martialis another of them, who some do affirm to be He who sold the five Barley Loaves and the two Fishes wherewith our Saviour fed five thousand. And if the Holy Relics of blessed Saints may add to the Nobleness of a Country, the Churches of France are full of them; Reperies in Francia (as Cassanaeus relates) omnes Christi Exuvias, quip praeputium, Inconsutilem togam, Spineum diadema, Crucem, Clavos, Spongiam, Lanciae cuspidem, & cum qua sepultus est sindonem. You will find in France all the Exuvias or Spoils of Christ, his praeputium, his seamless coat, his Cross, the Nails, the Sponge, the point of the Spear, and the Winding-sheet wherein he was buried. Cassanaeus goes further, and says, that in Burgundy the body of Lazarus is buried, as also Marry magdalen's ashes are kept in a noble Chest, and likewise those of Martha, Martialis, and of the three Maries. Add herunto the most precious head of john Baptist, and the finger wherewith he pointed at the immaculate Lamb of God. The eleven thousand Virgins are yet kept in France; And likewise the relics of St. Denis, Martin, Cosma, Damianus, Sebastian, with other Christian Hero's are to be found in France; As Claudius and Edmundus, whose bodies, bones and flesh are to be seen to this day, and are frequently visited by Pilgrims. There are also to be seen the three Twins, St. Geneveva, St. German, St. Hilary, with sundry others. I must not omit the Body of St. Quintinus a great Martyr, who hath a Town of his name to this day, which formerly was called Samarobrina from the River Samoria; which Martyr after many persecutions and punishments under Dioclesian and Maximinianus was at last beheaded; his body and head were thrown into the River Samoria, where it lay many years, until a Roman Matron called Eusebia being warned by an Angel came to search for the body, which being found, it immediately cured her sore eyes; and so she put the body and head under ground, whereon since a mighty Sanctuary was erected bearing his name, and called St. Quintin: 300 years after, in the reign of King Dagobert, his body was taken out of the earth and put in a gold Chest, where it remains to this day, and whereunto a great confluence of Pilgrims do frequently resort by reason of the great miracles that he hath wrought in point of health to many thousands; all which particulars Cassanaeus relates. Touching the Nobleness of the French Fabriques' erected and consecrated for the worship and service of God Almighty, as Basilicas, Temples, Churches, Sanctuaries, and other Domes of Devotion, the whole earth hath not fairer or more magnificent; as also Priories, Abbeys, Convents, Monasteries, etc. What a glorious and indeed admired structure is the great Carthusian Monastery in Provence! It may be called a little Christian Commonwealth of itself, and hath Revenues able to bear up the port of a Sovurain Prince. Now there is no Church upon the surface of the Terrestrial Globe that is comparable to the French in Revenues and Riches; for the last computation which was made, the Revenues of the Gallican Clergy amounted to above three hundred and twenty millions of Livres; a stupendous sum! And indeed They need have so much; for besides such a world of Abbots, Priors, Monks, Priests, and other Ecclesiastical Dignitaries, there are in France 15 Archbishops, and 150 Suffragan Bishops; and such is the honour which is born there to the Mitre, that they are all Privy-Counsellors by their Dignity, and by the Laws of France, though few do come to the said Council unless they have an intimation of the King's pleasure by particular Letter. The fifth Argument, A Nobilitate Subditorem, from the Nobleness of Subjects. IN the third Argument going before, there were some touches of the French Noblesse and Gentry, how numerous they are, and the many ways of Preferment the King hath for Cadets or younger Brothers, whereas the elder use to have great Estates of their own; For indeed some of them have mighty Fortunes by Patrimonial Inheritance. The last Duke of Guyse kept a House like a Sovurain Prince; he had above two hundred Gentlemen waited on him as menial servants, and having Domestik dependency, unto whom he gave such a liberal allowance and long Leases out of his estate, that they might live like Gentlemen; which made one tell the Duke that he had turned all his Estate to Obligations; meaning that he had obliged so many unto him by his munificence and bounty. Yet there are three sorts of Subjects that live but poorly in France, which are the Roturier, the Vigneron, and the Peasan. But they who dwell in Towns, and have any Profession or Trade, live well enough: But the main wealth of the Country is among the Gentry or Noblesse, who live plentifully and well. Among divers others, there is one singular quality in the French Gentry, that they are extraordinarily affected to their King, and they are pleased in nothing more than to have access, and see him. There is a world of examples how close they have stuck to him in the Wars when his person was in hazard, and rescued him though danger and death were inevitable in the Action. For Horsemanship and Chivalry they surpass all other; and indeed there is none that becomes a Horse so well, and hath a more comely seat on his back then a Frenchman. Add herunto that the French Noblesse are naturally Valiant, quick and hardy, not only in the Wars, and public Engagements, but in private Feuds, there being more Duels fought there then in all Christendom besides. Nor is there any Nation more covetous of Honour, or more careful and tender to conserve it when they have it. I will conclude this Argument in brief with the opinion of a famous Poet, who sings thus of them: Gallia fert acres animos, & Idonea bello Corpora, non illis ausit componere seize Thracia quae Martem genuit, non Parthia versis Quaebellatur equis fugiens, licet inclyta Crasso Facta sit extincto signisque superba Latinis. Quas Gentes olim non contrivere? per omnem Invecti Europam quasi grando Aquilone vel Austro Importata gravi passim sonuere tumultu. Scit Romanus adhuc, & quam Tarpeia videtis Arx attollentem caput Illo in monte superbum; Pannones Emathii norunt, scit Delphica Tellus Quam nisi terrificis subito convulsa ruinis Oppressisset eos, non defendisset Apollo. The sixth Argument, A Plenitudine Potestatis Regiae, from the Absolutness of Royal Power. There is no Monarch among Christians that hath a more plenary and absolute power then the King of France, take together all the Prerogatives that a King is capable of. He only can make Peace, or denounce War; He only can convoke, discontinue and dissolve Parlements, I mean the Assembly of the Three Estates; He only can pardon; He only can naturalise and ennoble; He only can put value upon Coin; He only can press to the War: Nay, He hath power not only to do all this, but he can make Laws, and impose Taxes at pleasure; All which he doth by his own Royal Edicts. For as touching the formality that the said Edicts should be confirmed by the next Court of Parliament, that is, by the next Assembly of the Three Estates, That Assembly is now grown as obsolete as a General Council, for there hath been none these fifty years and upward. Besides the Real Demeans of the Crown, the King hath to support his Greatness, 2. La Taille; 3. Le Taillon; 4. Les Aids; 5. Les Equivalents; 6. Les Equipollents; 7. Les Crues, ou Augmentations; 8. L'Octroy, ou Benevolence; 9 La Gabelle; 10. Les Imposts; 11. Le haut passage, or Domain foreign, (for goods exported;) 12. Le Trait Forain, (for goods imported;) 13. Lafoy Sold the 50000 Soldats; 14. The Tenths besides. All these Impositions are as old as Lewis the eleventh, who, whereas before most of them were laid and levied upon extraordinary occasions, he found a way to make them perpetual. And if those fourteen Strings touched before will not serve his turn, he hath power to make more for his Bow when he pleaseth; and herein the King of France hath the advantage of his two Neighbouring Kings: This is that indeed which makes him so potent; Hereby he can lad an Ass with Gold when he will to break in through any Wall though otherwise never so inexpugnable. It is a full Purse that makes a King both feared at home, and formidable abroad; whereas the contrary makes him but a kind of Scarecrow King, as the Spaniard tells us in his Proverb, Don sin dinero no es Don, si no Donayre. I will conclude with the Greek Poet, who sings to this purpose very elegantly: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Wherewith the Latin doth verbatim and exactly correspond both in sense and verse: Argenteis pugna telis, atque omnia vincès. Fight with Silver Weapons and thou shalt conquer all. The seventh Argument, A Potentiâ Regni, from the Strength of the Kingdom. There is not such an intrinsique united Power, such a knot of Strength any where as France is: There are in France thirty thousand Parishes, so that taking but ten men out of one Parish with another, an Army may be composed of two hundred and fifty thousand Combatants; besides the City of Paris, that huge Mass and Miscellany of all Nations, which may furnish well-neer as many more: And it may be said that France was never so powerful since the time of Charlemagne as now she is, nor so entire, and that for many reasons. First, in regard that the Hugonots, or they of the Protestant Religion, are reduced to an exact subjection, who indeed were the greatest weakness of France before; for oftentimes they served as Dark Lanterns to other Princes both abroad as well as at home, to put Combustions in France at pleasure. They might be called Regnum in Regno, having such a considerable strength as above 200 Towns, in many whereof they kept Garrisons, for the maintenance whereof the King himself was to contribut by Article. Two of these Towns commanded the great River of Loire, and others were near the Sea, so consequently fit to receive Foreign assistance, as Rochel, the taking whereof did much startle Spain, who had she foreknown that England could not have done it, she would have sent assistance herself: which made Cardinal Richelieu to rant that he had taken Rochel en depit de Trois Roys, in despite of three Kings, viz. the King of England, the King of Spain, and the King of France himself, who was a great while averse to that business. But now all those Towns of caution and safety the Hugonots had, are dismantled; besides, they have no Garrison any where, so that they are to rely for the future solely upon the King's savour, whereby they are brought to a perfect pass of obedience; which great Five Kings of France before the last endeavoured to do, but could never effect it. Secondly, France is far more powerful because of the three Keys which Richelieu said he had got, viz. Brisac to enter Germany, Pignorol to enter Italy, and Perpignan to enter Spain at pleasure, having thereby besides added to France the whole County of Roussillon. Thirdly, because he hath got in a manner all Lorain, which was formerly a Countermure 'twixt France and Germany, being engaged by homage to the Empire. Fourthly, he hath got the Garrison of Strange Soldiers which were in Orange to be dismissd, and the Castle as good as dismantled; which lying within the bowels of one of his own Provinces, might be said to be another weakness to France. He hath also got the Italian Garrison in Avignon to be cashiered, which also was another inconvenience to France lying within her Verge, and hath made himself Master of the place, though it was part of St. Peter's possession above 300 years. Lastly, he hath Gravelling with Dunkirk and other Towns in the Netherlands. All which considered, it may be said that the power of the Kingdom of France is much more improud than it was formerly in many hundred years. The eighth Argument, Ab Opulentia & Fertilitate, from Wealth and Fertility. IN one of the former Arguments we spoke of the four Staple Commodities of France, viz. Corn, Salt, Hemp and Wines; To these may be added Silks, Oils, Woollen Stuffs, and Saffron; All manner of delicate fruits, as Oranges, Lemons, Citrons: The Lady Flora also hath one of her choicest houses of pleasure there, as well as Ceres and Bacchus, there being such abundance of choice fragrant flowers to be found in every Garden; As likewise all sorts of Edible Roots and Salade-Herbs. Pomona also may be said to have her best Orchard there, for the excellentst Cider is made in Low Normandy; and those who are habituated to drink it, are observed to have clearer Complexions than others who have only Wine for their drink. There are not more delightful Meadows and Fields on the surface of the earth, such huge herds of Cattle, and variety of Stuffs and Cloth made, which makes Le. Drap de Berry in such high request; with the most curious rich Satins and Velvets of Tours. There is not such a Beau-die, such a Scarlet Die in any Country. What thick swarms of Bees, and delicate Honey is found in every Peasans Garden? What delightful Woods and Lawns, Chases and vast Forests, with whole Hosts of huge headed Deer, (and other Beasts for Venery) range up and down! Such Forests that the Sylvan Gods themselves are seen sometimes to hunt in them: As there is a rare Passage recorded by the Bishop of Rhodes in his late Annals of Henry the Fourth, that at a great appointment of Hunting one day in Fountainbleau, as the King was in the heat of his chase, there was another cry of Hounds and Horns heard, which afterward coming near, a black man plainly appeerd to all, who cried out three times, Amendez vous, Amendez vous, Amendez vous; and so he and his Hounds vanished: The Woodmen and Officers of the Forest being questioned about it, they answered, That that black man was often seen to hunt there with his Dogs, and would suddenly disappeer, but he never used to do hurt to any body: And surely this could not be the Devil, as some poor shallow-braind Authors do assert all Spirits of the Air to be. Go to the Bowels of France, and she is full of Mines, and Marble in many places, with great plenty of Iron, (the best and worst thing belonging to humane use.) Look upwards towards Heaven, and you shall see the Air thronged with Volatils of all sorts. Nor is there any Country on earth so conveniently watered as well with Sources and Sanative waters, as with great Navigable Rivers; which makes every part of the Country communicable one to the other in point of mutual commerce, for all the great Towns are situated upon some Boat-bearing Rivers: And besides, they are so delightful, that some of them are said to be embroidered with Swans, bordered with Crevices, and paud with Trout, with all sorts of delicate Fish: Insomuch that there is nothing which Air, Earth or Water can afford as well for Voluptuousness and Lux●…, as for necessity and common sustenance, but France affords it in a kind of exuberance. Paris is such a place of infinite provision, that Monsieur Vigner said, If he were to give a Treatment to the most luxurious Feasters among the Romans, (were they alive) as Apitius, Lucullus, Pompey, with many more, he would desire but one days warning to do it, and they should be so served that they would confess they never found the like in Rome. How many Ordinaries are there in Paris of Pistol-price, and the Tables served all in Plate? Which makes the Italian Poet break out very ingeniously into the praises of France, thus: Gallia Terreni pars est non infima mundi, Sed longè latéque patens— Terra Hominum, Frugúmque ferax, Armenta, Gregésque Uberiùs pascens, plebis non languida Coelo Tabifico. Non mortiferis infecta venenis Ut Lybiae, non perpetuis adoperta pruinis Sicut Hyperborei Montes, non torrida ab aestu Qui faciat steriles, ut decolor India, campos. Non etiam noctis pallens semestribus umbris, Quale sub Arcturo positum Mare, & ultima Thule; Sed nec ut Egyptus quia fusa palustribus undis, Sed Coelo, & tenerae faecunda uligine Terrae, Venatu, Aucupio campos, Montana, lacusque Sallicitant, bellandi usu laetantur Equorum Terga fatigantes, loricae, hastilia, & arcus. Deliciae Genti sub dio ad sydera somnum Carpere, fuscari sole, & ferrugine pulchrum est, Pulvere conspergi, & graviùs sudare sub Armis Pro Patria, pro Cognatis, pro Regibus ire In pugnam, & gladios, & morti occumbere dulce est. The ninth Argument, A Fortitudine & Rebus in Bello acts, from Valour and Exploits performed in the War. IT is recorded in good Story, that Alexander the great Founder of the third Monarchy, viz▪ the Greek, hearing much of the Fortitude of the Gauls, and it seems having read of the great Exploits performed both in Italy, by ransacking Rome, as also in Greece herself, under the conduct of Brennus that valiant Britain, the Cadet of Mulmutius Donwallo the famous Legislator, and first King that wore a Crown of Gold in Great Britain many hundred years before the Romans entered: I say, that Alexander hearing so much, and reading of the Martial Achievements of the Gauls, (now French) sent to know of Them, What they feared most? They answered, Ne Coelum rueret, Lest the Heaven should fall: A magnanimous answer! And the French Nation must by natural inclination be magnanimous and Martial, because the Astronomers who are so conversant with Heavenly Bodies, and their virtual power in relation to Earth, affirm, that the Planet Mars is the Ascendent of France, and hath a peculiar influence upon that Nation more than upon any other. To pretermit for brevity's sake many other victorious Kings who had reigned formerly, what a triumphant Hero was Charlemagne! He vanquished the Saracens in the Holy Land, He freed Spain from them; He was a mighty Champion of Christ, and of the Roman Church: For He restored two Popes, viz. Adrian and Leo, the one being besieged, the other banished, and living in exile. This was the Prince who repaired the Western Empire being almost mouldered into dust, and raised it to as high a pitch of sublimity as ever it was, by congregating the scattered Dominions thereof: This was He who overthrew the Tyranny of the Longobards which his Father Pepin had begun, and quite freed Italy of them, where they had lived and lorded above two hundred years. He subdued the Empire of the Huns, secured England, tamed Bavaria, subjugated Spain, and possessed Italy. He drive the Moors out of Corsica, the Carthaginians out of Sardinia, the Saracens from the Baleares Insulae Malliorca, etc. This was he who trounced the Bohemians, checked the Impiety of the Danes, broke the fierceness of the Sclavonians, and reducd the Saxons to Civility. This is He whom all the Oriental Princes admired, (as well as the West) receiving their Ambassadors laden with rich presents, and desiring a friendship and confederacy with him. This is He who was the founder of the University of Paris, being very learned himself by the Instructions he received from Alcuin that famous Englishman. This was that pious Prince who confirmed the Donation which Constantin the great his predecessor made unto the Holy Father the Vicar of Christ of the City of Rome, and conferred also upon Him the Exarchatship of Ravenna: Therefore was he as deservedly as gloriously Crowned in Rome Emperor of the West, and the Title of Christianissimus given Him, the Empire continuing in his Race by direct Line above a hundred and ten years. What glorious Expeditions have been made since in the Holy Land by five several Kings of France in person? Me thinks I behold Godefroy of Bovillon being countenancd and assisted by the French King, and having mortgaged some part, and sold the rest of his Duchy for that Enterprise, marching with a huge Army through Germany, Hungary and Greece, and so passing to Asia to encounter the Forces of Solyman the Ottoman Emperor, and Chalypha the Sultan of Egypt, with other Infidel Kings whom he put to flight, making himself Master of Nice, of Antioch, and Jerusalem herself, with the Holy Sepulchre of Christ. Me thinks I see Him when he was to be crowned King of jerusalem, throwing away the Crown of Gold, and taking one of Thorns in imitation of our blessed Saviour. Me thinks I see all the Princes thereabouts Tributaries unto him, and bringing him rich presents, though He himself went clad but in the habit of a common Gregarian Soldier; whereat some of the said Princes being astonished, asked, How comes it to pass that so great a Conqueror who hath shaken all the Eastern world should go so plain and homely? But to draw to a conclusion of this Argument, let's descend lower to some of the Modern Kings of France, and the two last will afford matter enough to confirm the Fortitude of the French Nation, viz. Henry the Fourth, and his Son Lewis the Thirteenth: Concerning the first, Valour and Fortune may be said to contend which should entitle him Henry the Great; They both strived for mastery in Him, and which should overcome: He was Conqueror in four signal Battles; In thirty five hot Skirmishes; In above a hundred personal Encounters, with the siege of about three hundred several places, wherein He proud always Victorious; which makes his memory to continue still fresh in France, and makes new impressions from Fathers to Sons to render it eternal. There is scarce any considerable Town but hath his Statue in Brass or Marble, and Pictures innumerable; insomuch that one said, Una Henrici Oblivio erit occasus Humani generis, The Oblivion of Henry alone will be the end of Mankind: But for a true Character of him, I will insert here that which is engraven on the Cheval de bronze, the Brazen Horse on the Pontneuf in sight of the Lovure his most Royal Castle in Paris; which character runs thus: je suis Henry grand Honneur de la Terre, Astre de Paix, & Foudre de la Guerre; L'Amour de Bons, la Crainte de Perverse, Don't les Vertus meritoient l'Univers. Henry I am, the Glory of Mankind, The Star of Peace, and Thunderbolt of War; The spur of Virtue, scourge of Vice; A Mind That merited to sway more Sceptres far. Touching his Son and immediate Successor Lewis the Thirteenth, he also did mighty things. He began to bear Arms, and wear Buff almost when he was no higher than a Sword, at which height they say the Kings of France are out of their Minority: but before he came out of His, he repressd two ill-favoured Commotions in Poitou and Brittany. He continued Conqueror all his life-time, nor did He know what it was to be beaten. He bangd all his Neighbours round about him: He clammerd twice with his Armies o'er the Alps, and came back again, having done the business he went for. He climbed likewise with his Troops up the Pyreney Hills, and establishd a Viceroy in the Kingdom of Catalonia. He crossed o'er the Meuse, and made many deep Hacks in the Ragged Staff. His Horses forded o'er the Rhine, and helped to cuff the Eagle ilfavouredly in the Germane Air. And lastly, He foiled the English at the I'll of Rhe. These were Exploits abroad. At home also within his Kingdom He did marvelous things, by suppressing so many Civil Insurrections; and lastly, by debelling the Hugonots, which his five immediate Predecessors could not effect, though they attempted it many ways: Then which Action nothing could conduce more to the security and improvement of the power of the French Crown, and the tranquillity of the Country. The tenth and last Argument, Ab Exemplo & Authoritate Historicâ, from Examples and Historical Authority. THe Arguments which went before may be said to be Embroideries and Flourishes of Reason; yet those Flourishes were wrought upon good Substantial stuff: but this last Argument hath more of solidness, legality and weight in it, for it consists of Examples, and Historical Authentik Proofs of Antiquity, which the Logician tells us is one of the strongest way of Argumentation. We will not make such overcurious Retrospects as to look on the times before Charlemagne, though there be divers examples that ever since the time of Clovis, who was the first Christian King of France, (which was above 300 years before) which prove that the Kings of France had Prerogatives of Session, and Precedence both of Place and Person next to the Emperor. But since Charlemagne had the title of Christianissimus given him, there be divers clear and convincing proofs, how after the Empire was devolud from Charlemains Race to the houses of Saxony, Suevia and Austria; nay since Austria came to the highest cumble of greatness and multitude of new Dominions, the Kings of France have still had the Antecedence both in General Councils, in assisting the holy Offices of the Church, and in attending the Pope's Person. Now 'tis known that the Court of Rome, with the Rules and practice thereof, is fittest to determine this Question of Precedence. Mausonius and others have it upon good record, how Anno 1564. Pope Pius the fourth passed a solemn Decree, That the Kings of France ought to have the Precedence of any other King. Nor indeed in former Ages did any King contend with him herabouts but the King of England. The Spaniard did but of late years stand for it; it is but since the Reign of Charles the fifth. And as the Kings of France before claimed it as succeeding Charlemagne, so the Kings of Spain would challenge it as succeeding Charles the Fifth. Yet in the famous Treaty at Veruins 1598. after long Concertations and canvasing of the point Pro & Con, the Spanish Ambassadors made a Session of Precedence to the French; And Baldus the great Civilian, as Purpuratus relates, affirmeth categorically, Nemo praesumat Honorem super vexilla Invictissimi Franciae Regis. It is true, that some Writers rank Kings thus; The King of Jerusalem, the King of France, the King of Sicily, and the King of England; which four are the only Anointed Kings: And for this they show an old Manuscript of the Church of Rome, called Provincialis. Saint Gregory writes to Childebert, Quanto caetero●… homines Regia Dignitas antecellit, tanto caeterarum gentium Regna Regni vestri culmen excellit: As far as Royal Dignity excels all other men, so far doth the glory of your Kingdom excel others. H●…norius the third says, Reges Gallorum opposuerum se tanquam marus inexpugnabilis pro populo Christiano: The Kings of France opposed themselves as an inexpugnable Wall for the Christian People. Gregory the ninth saith, Regnum Galliae est quasi Pha●…etra quam Christus sibi circa femur accinxit, ex qua sagittas electa●… extr●…hens, 〈◊〉 ●…t sibi gentes & Regna subjiciat, in arcum brachii potentis em●…: France is a Quiver which Christ tied to his thigh, whence he draws Arrows for the subduing of Nations and Kingdoms, etc. Now, touching the point of Precedence, the notablest Contests that France hath had, have been with Spain in the Council of Trent, which lasted so many long years by intermissions: the relations whereof lie scattered up and down in divers Histories, but we shall endeavour to give here a distinct and uninterrupted Narration thereof, but first we will speak of a signal Contest in Venice. The famous Contest 'twixt the most Christian and Catholic Kings in Venice, as also in the Council of Trent. IT is well known how that before the rearing up of that huge Colosse of the House of Austria, which was Anno 1516. when Ferdinand of Arragon died, Charles rendered himself very potent both in Italy as well as in Spain. But he increased more strength after the death of Maximilian, being chosen Emperor in his place, at which time he was mounted to the highest pitch of sublimity and power: I say, 'tis well known how till that time the Kings of France were acknowledged the first after the person of the Emperor, who hath still preference given him before all secular Princes whatsoever. Now, the Question was never Sur le tapis, was never controverted about Priority 'twixt France and Spain till the house of Austria started up to that enormous greatness. And although before Charles the fifth there were Six Emperors of that House, and that the quality of Emperor gives precedence to any who legally possesseth the title, be he of what Family soever, yet that Prerogative is not given to any of their posterity being not called to the Empire. In regard in Electif States the Election adhering only to the person of the Elected, gives the Eminence only to his person, excluding all other; yea his own Sons unless they be formally elected, although in Successif hereditary patrimonial Estates 'tis otherwise. Insomuch that the house of Austria hath no more right to the Empire than the house of Saxe, Luxemburg, or Brandenburg, with other Families who were Caesar's before them. Another House which much strengthened that of Austria, was that of Burgundy, which yet was feudetary to France, as also the Counties of Flanders and Artois, though the rest of the seventeen Provinces (which came to Spain by this alliance with Burgundy) are Fiefs of the Empire. The other Houses who did aggrandise Charles the fifth, were Castille and Arragon; Castille came to be a Kingdom but after the year 1000 And the Kings of England took always precedence of them. Arragon was but a small State, feodary to the Church of Rome, until the Kingdom of Naples which is also a Fief of the Church was annexd unto it. Hereunto as Fortune would have it, were added the West-Indies, discovered first by an Italian, and offered to the King of England. Then by alliance with Portugal the East-Indies came also to the Crown of Castille. This increase of Countries raised the Spirits of the Spaniard to claim Precedence of France and England, two of the most ancient Christian Kings. And to go more methodically to work, we will divide the State of the house of Austria to three times; First, to that which preceded the year 1519. when Charles was establishd in the Empire; The second during his Reign, until he retired to a Claustral Life Anno 1555; The third to his Progeny since. Touching the first, 'tis certain that notwithstanding the promotion of this Family to the Empire, yet it continued still homageable to the Empire: For Philip the Father of Charles the Emperor rendered solemn homage to the Chancellor du Rochefort, and Charles after him for the Counties of Flanders and Artois Anno 1507. so that the said Charles being born in Gant, was born a Vassal to the King of France. That in the Interview of Lewis the twelfth, and Ferdinand of Arragon Anno 1507. at Savona, although King Lewis used great civilities to Ferdinand coming to visit him upon his own Territories, and so gave him Precedence, yet the world knows that it was but by way of Compliment: But before Charles mounted the Empire, this Dispute of Precedence never entered into the Spirit of Spain. In the year 1519. Charles was created Emperor, which Anno 1555. he resigned to his Brother Ferdinand; and at the same time he made a voluntary and absolute Session of all the rest of his Dominions to his Son Philip the second, except the Archduchy of Austria, and the dependences thereof in Germany▪ Philip though he succeeded in the Empire to which the Precedence only belongs, yet he endevourd to keep it still, under pretext that he succeeded the Emperor his Father in all his large her hereditary Dominions, who always took place in all Assemblies, interviews and Tretises, specially in the great Council of Trent, though it was confusedly, because two qualities were in him of Emperor and King which could not be distinguished or separated. But in the year 1555. when meditating upon a retirement he resigned the Empire to his Brother, and all his Kingdoms to his Son Philip, perceaving that his Son could not take precedence of the King of France because he was not Emperor, He made use of another artifice for conserving this pre-eminence for his Son as well as for his Brother. Before his retirement he revokd Don Francisco de Vargas his Ambassador in Venice, who had always taken precedence of the French Ambassador without scruple: Now, after his resignation of the Empire, he sends again the said Vargas to Venice as his, and also his Son's Ambassador jointly, though indeed he was but Ambassador only to the King of Spain: But he thought to overreach the Venetian because he employed still the same man qualified in appearance as formerly. Vargas demanded of the Senate the same precedence as formerly, which the Bishop of Lodeve, Ambassador at the same time to Hen. 2. of France, opposed, remonstrating to the Senate that Charles was no more considerable to the world being a reclusd person; And if the Ambassador of Ferdinand to whom he had transferrd the Empire were present, he would yield place unto Him, but he would not come after the Ambassador of King Philip. The Senate apprehending some ill issue from this Dispute, ordered that neither of the Ambassadors should be present at the Feast of St. Mark; and so the business remained at a stand by the irresolution of the Senate, and the simplicity of the French Ambassador, who at last was contented to give way to the Ordinance of the Republic in favour of Vargas. But Anno 1558. Francis de Novailles Bishop of Acs succeeding him of Lodeve, renewed the Dispute; and the Ambassador of Ferdinand arriving about the same time, Novailles demanded of the Senate to be maintained in his Rights, and to have the first place next the Imperial Ambassadors, and so took it courageously before Vargas, who observing the cunning of the Emperor Charles, (who died in this conjuncture of time) was discovered, and that he passed for no more than for the Ambassador of King Philip, Vargas began to speak high of the Grandeur of his Master, and to display the large Dominions and States he lorded over, far more in numbee then those of the French King; alleging that these Customs of Honour and Antecedences ought to be altered according to the times: That his Master was the greatest King of the world, That he was able to assist the Republic with Arms, Men and Money more than the King of the French, etc. But the Bishop of Acs though much heat intervend, obtained of the Senate a Deer●…e whereby the precedence was adjudgd him before the Spanish Ambassador; who loudly complaining thereof, the Senate made answer, That the Republik did not trouble herself to examine the greatness of their Majesties, but she found within her Registers that in all Acts both public and private, in all Ceremonies, Visits, and Audiences, the Ambassadors of France preceded those of Spain; wherein she would acquiesce. This answer offended King Philip, who thereupon revokd his Ambassador. But Michael Surianus Ambassador for the Republic in the Spanish Court, defended the Decree of the Senate very vigorously, and in some measure appeased the spirit of King Philip, who notwithstanding advanced this question upon all occasions. The greatest endeavours he used, was four years after in the Council of Trent, which was the greatest Theatre of Religion and Honour that had been seen above a hundred years before, whereof we shall give an exact Relation as followeth. Of the Council of Trent. A General Council after the Revolt of Luther Anno 1517. was desired by all Christians, and often proposed by Charles the fifth and Francis the first of France to Pope Leo the Tenth, Clement the seventh, and Paul the third, who at last convokd an Ecumenical Free Council to be held at Trent, which was also kept at Bolonia some part of the time, and there were ten Sessions made in eighteen months. Then it seized until the death of Paul the third, 1549. The Cardinal john Maria de Monte who had been first Precedent of the Council under Paul 3. succeeded by the the name of julius 3. who presently made an Indiction of the Council again, which recommencd at Trent Anno 1550. and lasted also under this Pope above 18 months; during which time there were six Sessions: but being summoned again by the same julius, it seized under Marcellus 2. who held the Pontificat but 22 days. Then it continued under Paul 4. Anno 1559. Pius 4. succeeding him, made a new Indiction of the Council again, which began 1561. under whom it lasted two years, during which time the nine last Sessions were made: Insomuch that the whole Council by intermissions lasted about eighteen years, from the year 1545. to 1563. but the Council sat together in deliberation but five years, take all the Adjournments together. Now, to understand the Right of the Precedences of Ambassadors, we must know that in the said Council three kinds of Assemblies were made, viz. Congregations General, Particular Congregations, and Sessions. In the particular Congregations the Doctors assisted by some Bishops examined Questions of Faith and Reformation, according to the distribution that was made them; and in this there was no consideration had of Precedence or Ceremony; They were Actions intra privatos parietes, within private Walls. In the General Congregation all the Prelates assembled, and the Legates presided, who proposed what ought to be treated in the particular Congregations: There the Theologians were heard, and Ambassadors of Princes had audience after their Commissions had been examined. In brief, all things were concluded there which were to be promulgated in the following Session, and Ambassadors had their places there according to their Rank. At last the Session was the solemn day, at which after the Mass of the Holy Spirit, and a Sermon preachd by some Prelate, or great Theologian, the Prelate Officiating, pronounced aloud the Decrees already resolved upon, which had been approud by the Fathers by this Canonical word Placet. Now all Ambassadors had their seats of honour in those Sessions, and at Mass; and this Honour appeerd by the places where they sat, as also by the Censer and Pax which were given them to kiss during the celebration of the Mass. In the Council held by Paul 3. and julius 3. Charles the Fifth was Emperor, and without any the least contradiction his Ambassadors preceded all others, though the French scarce appeerd there, and in the 16 first Sessions there was hardly any Prelate of France: so there was no dispute of any precedence at all, the Emperor having the first rank; and there was no occasion at all for any Ambassador from the King of Spain, because it was involud then in the Empire: yet there intervend some things which declared the Prerogatives of the King of France. First, in the Bull of indicting the Council by Paul 3. the King of France is named expressly after the Emperor, and all other Princes spoken of in general terms without any name, in these terms: Charissimos in Christa Filios nostros Carolum Romanorum Imperatorem semper Augustum; Et Christianissimum Regem Franciscum duo praecipua Christiani Nominis firmamenta atque fulchra or are atque obsecrare instituimus. Then a little after: Supra autem dictos Imperatorem Regemque Christianissimum, nec non caeteros Reges, Deuces, Principes quorum praesentia si alias usquam, hoc quidem tempore maxime Sanctissimae Christi Fidei, & Christianorum omnium futura est salutaris, rogantes atque obsecrantes per viscera misericordiae Dei, etc. We have appointed to desire and pray our most dear Sons in Christ, Charles Emperor of the Romans always August, and Francis the most Christian King, the two chiefest Supporters and Props of Christianity, etc. So that there is no other Prince particularly named in the Bull but the Emperor and the King of France, the other Kings and Princes go under one general notion, which is a great advantage of Honour to the Kings of France. Secondly, From the entry of the Council 1545. Francis the first of France had appointed for his Ambassadors Claude d' Urfé Seneshal of the Forests, jacques de Ligneres Precedent of the third Chamber of Inquests, and Dean Peter Danes afterwards Bishop of Vaur: but being advertisd by some Bishops which were at Trent how there were but little hopes that the said Council was like to have good success, he revokd the said Ambassadors who appeerd not at all in the Council. But Anthony Filiolo Archbishop of Aix being there, and demanding that in the public Prayers which were made for all Christian Princes, the King of France should be expressly nominated as he was in the Bull of Indiction: the Legates eluded this demand, insomuch that the Pope and the Emperor were only named in the Prayers, and all other Princes conceaud in General terms. In the year 1546. King Francis 1. sent Peter Danes Bishop of Vaur for his Ambassador to the Council, where making an eloquent Oration, he represented the sad state of Christendom, and the disorders which were crept into the Church, yea into the Roman Court: wherupon one Bishop laughed, saying, Gallus cantat, The Cock crows. Danes replied suddenly, Utinam illo Gallocinio Petrus ad resipiscentiam & fletum excitetur; I would to God that by this crowing of the Cock Peter would be raised up to repentance and tears. And this saying was afterwards in every one's mouth. In the year 1547. Paul 3. in regard of the Plague and Wars then in Germany, transferrd the Council from Trent to Bolonia: but this he did, Communicato etiam Consilio cum Imperatore, Christianissimo Rege, & aliis Regibus ac Principibus Christianis, where the King of France is particularly named. In the year 1551. when julius 3. had reestablished the Council again at Trent, although Hen. 2. the King of France had entered into a hot War against Pope julius for the Affairs of Parma, yet he employed jaques Amyot Abbot of Belosana, and afterwards Bishop of Auxerre with a Letter bearing this Inscription, Sanctissimis in Christo & observandis Patribus Tridentini Conventus. Which Letter the said Amyot having delivered to Cardinal Crescentius Precedent of the Council, and the Secretary having read the Inscription, the Spanish Bishops cried out, That it was a wrong done to the Council to call it Conventum, a Convention, therefore protested against it. Nevertheless after long dispute upon the signification of the word Conventus, it was concluded that it might be taken in good part. The Elector of Mentz to apologise for France, stood up and said, How shall we receive the Papers of the Germane Protestants which we call Concilium Malignantium, if we reject the King of France's Letter for calling us Conventum? Hitherto Charles the Emperor being also King of Spain, there was no Question of Precedence: but at the third Indiction of the Council by Pius 4. Anno 1561. ther were divers clashes happened 'twixt the French Ambassadors and those of Philip, which engendered great jealousies 'twixt the two Crowns, and high Contests which happened principally from the imprudence of Pius 4. In his Bull of Indiction he used other terms than Paul 3. and julius 3. did; for he names not the King of France as formerly, but involves him under the general notions of other Christian Princes: Thereupon Philibert de la Bourdesiere Bishop of Angouleme, Ambassador for the King in the Pope's Court, complained of this omission in the King's name; yet with a protestation, that notwithstanding this misprision and prejudice to his Crown, he would not hinder the continuance and progress of the Council whither he had commanded his Bishops to repair. The Pope made answer, that he had given order to some Cardinals to draw the Bull, and it seems they had not been careful of this punctilio: for having named the Emperor, they judgd it not so necessary to name all Kings, but to comprise them under one general notion: whereupon the French Ambassador replied, That it was one of the Prerogatives of his most Christian Majesty not to be involud in generals, but in express terms. The Pope rejoined, That he could not foresee all things, and for the future there should be a care had there should be no such omission. In the year 1562. there arrived at Trent, Lewis de Saint Gelais, Lord of Lansac; and three days after Arnaud Ferrier, and Guy du Faur Pybrac, Judge of Tholouse, who were received very honourably by the Council: nay, a gr●…at part of the Prelates subject to the King of Spain, went out to meet them; but Ferdinand de Avalos Marquis of Pescara and Ambassador to King Philip, departed from Trent three days before, and retired to Milan, whereof He was Governor, under pretext that there were some apprehensions of danger from the Hugonots of Dauphine, and from the Swiss; But in effect it was to avoid the meeting of the French Ambassadors who took place in the General Congregation next the Imperial. The Lord of Pybrac made a notable Oration, wherein speaking against the enormities of the Church, the small progress the Council had made in so long a time, and also for freedom of Opinions, it was not fit to stand waiting of things so long from Rome: and being seconded by Lansac and Ferrier upon the same subject, the Pope complained thereof, and spoke loud that the King of France had not sent Ambassadors to the Council, but rather Advocats for the Hugonots, etc. The French Bishops arrived afterward at Trent in November, conducted by the Cardinal of Lorraine, who was received honourably by the Cardinal of Mantua, and other Legates; but hitherto the point of Precedence was not touched. A little after the Arrival of the Cardinal of Lorraine, and the Gallican Bishops, Philip the second having revokd the Marquis of Pescara, employed to Trent Ferdinand Quiniones Count of Luna in quality of Ambassador, who having passed before to Germany to be assistant at the Coronation of Maximilian Son to the Emperor Ferdinand, the Count of Luna desired to know of the Fathers of the Council what place he should receive. Thereupon the Cardinal of Mantua the chief Legate having consulted the Ambassadors of France, and the Cardinal of Lorain, he proposed unto them a form of Accommodation, That concerning them they should hold their place next the Imperial Ambassadors, and another place should be given the Count of Luna opposite to the Legates on the other side, or after the Ecclesiastical Ambassadors, or in some other part out of the bank of Ambassadors. Whereunto the French replied, That they were employed by their King not to judge of Processes, or decide the Rights of King Philip, who was a good Friend and Brother-in-law to Charles the ninth; But if any offered to take that place which was due to them, they were resolved to defend it against any person whatsoever. And if the Council would question it, they had in their Instructions order to withdraw themselves with all the French Prelates, and to protest against the nullity of all resolutions that should be there transacted. To this the Legate made no reply. This Answer in appearance was fair and generous, but in effect it gave occasion of affronts, which afterwards were done to the French at the Council, and tended to strengthen the pretensions of the Spaniard, which continue to this day. For the Right of the King of France is not only to be immediately next the Emperor, but to see all other Kings come behind him: insomuch that it was the French Ambassadors duty at that time to stand still upon it, and oblige the Count of Luna to take his place after them; but to permit him to sit elsewhere, was to cut out matter for a Process: For although the French Ambassadors did hold their places, yet to suffer the Count of Luna to sit apart, was tacitly to receive him into an equality: Insomuch that as well in this first rancounter as afterwards when the dispute happened in the General Congregation, the Cardinal of Lorain was blamed that he was not punctual enough in things relating to his Masters Honor. In the year 1563. the Legates apprehending some clash 'twixt the Spanish and French Doctors in point of Precedence of delivering their Opinions, ordained, that without distinction of Nation every one should speak according to the antiquity of his Doctorship. And because there were some French Doctors that were more ancient than the Spanish, yet not permitted to speak first, the Legates quickly satisfied them, saying, That the Doctors do not represent the Prince his person as Ambassadors use to do. But to compose these differences which grew very high, the Doctors were divided to four Classes; and it was ordered that those which were sent from the Pope being de jure to speak first, the French Doctors should speak next; which was accorded by the Legates: Therefore it was voted that after Salmeron the Jesuit, and the Pope's Theologue, Nicholas Maillart Dean of the Faculty in Paris, should speak, and after that, every one should speak according to his reception into the degree of Doctor, which was practised accordingly. But to content the Spaniard, it was couched in the Register of the Council, that the French Doctor Maillart had spoken according to his antiquity into Doctorship, no relation being had to precedence of Nation. In the same year 1563. on Easter-day the Count of Luna was received at Trent; at his entry he marchd between the Ambassadors of the Emperor and the King's of France. This action passed with much honour and civility 'twixt both Nations; and the same time the Cardinal of Lorain writ to the Emperor Ferdinand, who was then at Insbrug in the County of Tirol three days distant from Trent, upon divers affairs of the Council, and at the end prayed him to find out some temperament for allaying the dispute of Precedence 'twixt the two Crowns. But this clause of the Cardinal to the Emperor was blamed by divers, for he should not have desired a temperament in the business, but demanded Right. The Emperor made answer, That it did not concern him to determine the Differences 'twixt the two Kings in this particular; But to speak his sentiment herein, He thought that if the French Ambassadors come immediately after His, and that none disturbs them, what matter is it where the Spanish Ambassadors sit? But these words were held to be of dangerous consequence: For in point of Precedence, whosoever quits his place is presumed to scorn it, and seek after a higher; which cannot be done without a prejudice to them who sat higher before. Upon the 21 of May, at the General Congregation, the intention of the Spaniards appeerd more clear: The Count of Luna after the foresaid solemn Entry absconded himself for 40 days, without appearing openly in any Ceremony or public Act; and so being puzzled what course to take in this business, Somtimess he resolved to enter the Assembly in the midst of the Emperor's Ambassadors, and after they were ●…ate to stand by them while his Commission was verified, and then retire to his House. But thinking this course not generous enough for his Master's honour, He prayed the French Ambassadors not to be there that day; which being denied him, the Spanish Bishops proposed that Secular Ambassadors should be prayed not to enter into the General Congregations, but only the day of their Reception, and that They would be contented to assist the Ceremony at the Session only; alleging, that it was practised so in other General Councils. But all the Ambassadors did mainly oppose this. Then it was privately suggested to the Spanish Bishops by the Count of Luna, that they should propose some point that might make the French Ambassadors Parties, and so not capable to sit in the Assembly. As for example, they should represent the Damages which the whole Church hath received by the peace which the King of France had made with the Hugonots, or some such other thing. But that also taking no effect, and the Congregation being put to delays from day to day by the obstinacy of the Count of Luna, at last that the Affairs of the Council should not be retarded, the Cardinal of Lorain and the French Ambassadors declared to the Legates, that, provided their place should remain immediately after the Imperial Ambassadors, they did not much heed what place the Ambassadors of Spain should take. This weakness of the Cardinal, and of the French Ambassadors, did scandalise all Christendom; and in France they blamed Him to have betrayed the Honour of their Master; Nay, the Fathers of the Council took it in ill part, and at Rome the Cardinal de Bourdesiere who was with the Pope for the King, having complained of this Spanish Ambition, and of this Innovation introducd against the Ancient Orders, Pope Pius made answer, That he should blame the French Ambassadors, and their imbecility; For his part, although he had been solicited before and after the Count of Luna's arrival at Trent, that he should favour this dessein, yet He remained constant and inflexible; and He wondered that the French Ambassadors were wrought upon so easily. The great day of the Congregation being come, and every Ambassador having taken his place, the Count of Luna enters, and seats himself face to face to the Legates, a good distance from the bank of the Ambassadors; and standing up, he presents his Orders, and the Will of his Master; protesting afterwards, that although the first place was due to him after the Emperor's Ambassador, as representing the greatest Prince of Christendom, the greatest Pillar of the Church, etc. yet not to introduce any confusion in the affairs of the Council, he deported himself from this Right; yet with condition that this his Protestation should be inserted in the Acts of the Council, and that they should not be printed or publishd without it; besides, that a Copy should be delivered Him by the Secretary of the Council. When he had said these words, he took the place which was appointed Him near the Table of the Secretary of the Council. Thereupon the French Ambassadors who were next the Imperials, said, That if the place which they had were not the most Honourable after the Emperors, as it was acknowledged in all Councils, and namely in the Council of Constance, and in the last Lateran Council held under Leo the tenth; Or if the place they had given the Count of Luna was any way prejudicial to them, they prayed the Council to provide presently either by Orders, Commandments, Excommunications, or other courses taken in such a case, without having any regard to the person; But because no body spoke a word, and that also the Imperial Ambassadors conniud at this Innovation, although they had equal interest to hinder it as well as the French because it might be disputed on against them, they added, that without any blemish to the Honour of King Philip, and to the alliance of the two Crowns, they protested for a nullity of these Proceedings, and required that their Protestation might also be inserted in the Acts of the Council, and a Copy delivered them. After these Disputes, the Fathers of the Council not saying any thing, Fontidon a Spanish Doctor made a Latin Oration in the name of the Count of Luna, wherein he exalted the Grandeur of the King of Spain, His Zeal to Religion, and the Church in such extravagant expressions, and so derogatory to other Princes, that the Imperial Ambassadors themselves made complaint thereof to the Count of Luna, who excused himself, saying, That that Harang had displeased Him as much as any other. Now, the Promoter of the Council having made answer to the said Oration, the Spanish Ambassador suddenly went from the Assembly, (not staying until the Legates had risen up) it seems of purpose to prevent a Dispute that might happen with the French, which He observed also in the following Congregations, sitting always a part, and going out alone. But the same Order could not be observed in the Church upon the day of the Session, because the mode of sitting was otherwise, and the Ceremonies were more precise in point of Precedency, as that of the Pax and Censer at the celebration of Mass. Therefore the Fathers of the Council consulted the Pope before the Session, who being gained by the Spaniards, and thinking also that the French would show another trick of weakness, He writ to his Legates, That although in the Session a place was given apart to the Spanish, yet that the Pax and Censer should be given to both the Ambassadors at one time: But they were commanded to keep the business secret until the very point of the action, to prevent that the French should make no stir. The day of the Session being come, which was 29 june, being St. Peter's day, after that the Bishop of Valdasto in Savoy had begun to sing the Mass of the Holy Spirit, there was suddenly a chair of Black Velvet brought from the Sacristia or Vestry, which was placed 'twixt the last Cardinal and the first Patriarch, wherein the Count of Luna sat; The Cardinal of Lorain, together with the French Ambassadors, made a great noise, and did rise up with an intention to depart, when they understood that the Pax with the Censer should be presented at the same time: But for fear to trouble the solemnity of the act, they were contented to protest only against it, and to declare that the Right of the King of France did not consist in an Equality, but in Precedence. The Gospel being read, and a Theologue going up to the chair to make an Oration, the Legates, with the Cardinal of Lorain, and the other Cardinals, with the Ambassador of the Emperor, and Ferrier the second French Ambassador, (for Lansac was returned to France, and had left behind him Ferrier and Pybrack) I say, all these entered into the Sextry, whither they called the Archbishop of Granada, (a Spaniard) to find out some way of Accommodation: at last, after many disputes and contestations on both sides, with many entrances and returns of the Count of Luna, it was concluded that Mass should be ended with the Pax or Censer; whereupon Luna went out of the Church accompanied by his Spaniards, triumphing as it were that he had made this first pass for the advantage and honour of his Master. This action seemed very scandalous, and the Legates were much cried down, until at last being not able to bear the outcry, they were constrained to produce the Commands they had received from Rome: and the Injury was held the more sensible, because it was offered to an Infant and Pupil King as Charles the ninth was, who was at the same time assiegd by the Hugonots, and entangled in a Civil War; The Cardinal of Lorain did write stinging Letters to the Pope, yet all within the compass of Reverence: But Ferrier being a spritful and violent man, cried aloud, That if at the first public Mass the Preference of the Pax and Censer was not given to his Master, He would protest not only against the Legates and the Council, who had their hands as it were tied up, nor against King Philip who made use of these advantages, nor against the Church of Rome, (towards which he would never lose due respects) but against the proper person of the Pope himself, who, as he would prove, had bought the Pontificat, and so would appeal from Him to a Legal Pope, and to a free and true Council; And if the most Christian King his Master would convoke a National Council, it should be as numerous and It is very true that Ferrier and Pybrak had prepared a most acrimonious Harang against the Pope, and against this Innovation which Ferrier was to pronounce, and to command at the same time all the French Bishops and Doctors to retire home, with a promise they should return when God should please to give his Church a Legal Pope, and re-establish the Councils in their ancient and full Liberties. This Harang was printed, but not pronounced: in the mean time the Count of Luna did glory that the Legates had promised Him that at the first Mass he should be received in an Equality touching the Pax and the Censer. The Legates apprehending some ill-favoured issue from these rencounters, and because the Ambassador of Poland declared that if the Ambassador of France would withdraw himself from the obedience of the Council he would quickly follow him, as the Ambassadors of divers other Princes would do; The Legates, and the most advised Members of the Council, specially Madruccio Cardinal of Trent in behalf of the Emperor, thought it expedient to sing public Mass without giving the Pax or the Censer; whereunto they had the consent of the Count of Luna. This is the course which was taken to offer so signal an affront to the King of France, whereof so much hath been spoken, and which hindered the good that was expected in France from this great Council. A little after, the Cardinal of Lorain retired to Rome, and Ferrier declaimd loudly in one General Congregation against the enormities and disorders which had crept into the Church, etc. The Pope took this much to heart, and for to sweeten the business, he sent the Cardinal of Lorain back again to the Council with full authority to regulat, together with the Legates, what was amiss in the Proceedings of the Council. He assisted at the twenty fourth Session held the 11 of Novemb. 1563. the day of the Sacrament of Marriage, and having received order from France to retire speedily with all the French Bishops, the Legates hastened the conclusion of the Council, and inorderd that the five and twentieth and last Session should be held the third and fourth day of December, wherein as before, the French Ambassadors took place, and the Count of Luna sat near the Secretary of the Council; and in the public Masses there was no speech either of the Pax or Censer. So the Council of Trent finished the 4 of December 1563. and Cardinal Moron who was then Precedent gave the public Benediction to the Fathers, saying, Post gratias Deo actas reverendissimi Patres Ite in pace: Most reverend Fathers, after giving God thanks go in peace: whereunto all answered, Amen. But because the custom is, that at the end of every General Council acclamations should be made to felicitat the Popes who had convoqud it, the Fathers who had held it, and the Princes who had assisted, the Cardinal of Lorain took a particular care this should be performed, for which he was censured as a care too inferior to his Eminence, which he should have left to the Deacons, Promoters, Secretaries, and Masters of the Ceremonies of the Council. But above all he was blamed that in the Acclamation made for the Secular Princes, he caused not the name of the King of France to be particularly mentioned, as it was observed in the Bull of Indiction; and for omission whereof, complaint was made that Pius the fourth did it not, whereof the Cardinal could not be ignorant. Now, the Acclamation that was made in favour of the Secular Princes, (wherein the name of the King of France was omitted) ran thus: The Cardinal said aloud, Caroli quinti Imperatoris, & serenissimorum Regum qui hoc universale Concilium promoverunt, & protexerunt, Memoria in Benedictione sit; Let the memory of the Emperor Charles the fifth, and of the most serene Kings who have promoted this universal Council, be always Blessed. Then, Serenissimo Imperatori Ferdinando semper Augusto, Orthodoxo, & Pacifico, & omnibus Regibus, Reipublicis, & principibus nostris multi anni: Many years to the most serene Emperor Ferdinand ever August, Orthodoxal, and Peaceful; and to all our Kings, Commonwealths, and Princes. Then the Fathers answered, Pium & Christianum Imperatorem Domine conserva, Imperator Caelestis Terrenos Reges Rectae Fidei conservatores custodi: O Lord, conserve the Pious and Christian Emperor; O Celestial Emperor defend Earthly Kings, Conservers of the Right Faith. The first Acclamation was for the Dead, wherein the Cardinal forgot to express the name of Francis the 1. and Hen. 2. who had contributed their care and zeal for the good of the Council. The second was for living Princes, wherein he also omitted the name of Charles 9 for which the said Cardinal was blamed at the King of France his Council. He excused himself that it was for the fear he had to put division between the two Kings; and withal, that Charles of France being yet a minor, he was like to be troubled about matters of Religion in regard of the Hugonots, and might have need of King Philip, therefore it was no wisdom to exasperate Him. Thus have you a kind of Epitome of the great Council of Trent, specially of the celebrous Contests, Intrigues, Competitions and Artifices 'twixt France and Spain in point of Prerogative of Place, and Priority of Session. The next Contest was at the Congress of Ambassadors in Veruins, 1598. (touched at before) where the French Ambassadors received an Accommodation by the moderation of the Cardinal of Medici. The manner of this Accommodation was thus: The Cardinal Legat being under a Cloth of State at the end of the Table where the Treaty was to be held, had upon his Right-hand the Nuntio, and next Him the Spanish Ambassadors; upon his Lefthand the Legate had the French Ambassadors, and in that posture they proceeded to negotiate and Treat without any exception or animosities; whereby the Business produced peaceful and blessed effects, whereof all Christendom did reap very wholesome fruit. After this, there happened a tough competition upon the same account of Precedence in the Court of Rome; and when the Spaniard could not prevail there, He went to the Emperor's Court Maximilian the second his near Kinsman, where his Ambassadors had the Prerogative of Place before the Ambassadors of Charles the ninth King of France: whereupon Gaspar Coligni protested loudly against this apparent injury, and that it was a sufficient cause to denounce War. But Mendosa the Spanish Ambassador being much pressd hereabouts, and reducd to a narrow straight, found out at last this witty evasion, saying, Se nolle quidem anteire, tamen cogi non posse ut Francorum Legatos sequeretur: If He did not go before, yet He could not be forced to follow the French Ambassador. Besoldus (with others who are great Advocats for the Spanish Precedence) beat their Brains to find out arguments to that effect: amongst which, the greatest is, the multitude of Dominions that have accrued to the Spaniard: whence they deduce this Principle, Ex facto sumitur Ius, Right is to be taken out of the Fact; and the Fact being changed, the Right also changeth. Therefore the Fact and circumstances of things being changed on the Spaniards side, and respect had to his increase of Territories, and present condition, it may well alter the former custom of giving precedence to France. Then he takes the Cudgels against England in behalf of Spain, notwithstanding that he acknowledgeth out of Meteranus that the English are the most ancient Christians, and that Germany his own Country owes her Religion first to Them; That the Kings of England are descended of the Noblest Families of any, which makes him instance in King Cunobelinus, whose Coin is to be seen to this day, who reigned in Great Britain about our Saviour's Nativity. He allegeth further how the King of England is feodary or subordinat to no earthly Power, but is Gods immediate Vicar in his own Dominions: yet he concludes simply and irrationally in these words; Verùm & Angli nimis antiquis argumentis pugnant, & praesenti Majestati Hispaniae aequiparandi minimè esse videntur: The English fight with too ancient arguments, and seem not to be compared to the present Majesty of Spain. He speaks also as simply, and indeed not without some absurdity, when after those uncontrollable arguments, he saith, Sed porro absonum est quod Anglus Hispano Sessionis litem movet; It is a senseless thing that the English should move any debate with the Spaniard for privilege of Session. And another great Champion for the Precedence of Spain, viz. Diego Valdez, discourseth as weakly; for notwithstanding that he acknowledgeth Lucius to be a Christian King of England in the time of Pope Eleutherius, (which was many hundred years before there was any in Spain) & that he confesseth that Summa Ratio est quae ducitur à Religione, yet he would not have England compare with Spain in point of Precedence: whereby he discovers not only a great deal of injustice and partiality, but also a gross Ignorance in Antiquity, by calling Lucius' King of England, whereas this Country had not that Name till the Saxons came in, which was above three hundred years after: For till than 'twas called Britannia by all Forreners, and Loegria or Lloygher by the native Inhabitants; which name continues among the Welsh to this day. Nor is this His Error alone, but of many other great Antiquaries, and some of our own Authors, who having no due regard to the computation of time, do very frequently call this Country England many hundred of years before the word was created. Thus have we produced and faithfully alleged the principal Arguments that France hath for a Precedence: We will conclude with two late Passages which happened in this kind; One was in the Hague 'twixt Monsieur de Thou, and Don Estevan de Gamarra the Spanish Ambassador; whose Coaches meeting casually in a place where there were two Rails, there happened a scustle for Precedence; but a band of Soldiers came and kept them quiet till notice was sent to the Council of State; who sitting three or four hours about it, at last they gave command that the Rails should be cut down; and so the way being left open, the scustle ended. The second was in London 'twixt Monsieur l' Estrade and the Baron de Batteville, both of them Ambassadors at the English Court, the latter for the King of Spain, the other for France; A new Danish Ambassador was to make his Entry through London; and His Majesty of Great Britain having intimation that there might be some clash between the Coaches of the foresaid Ambassadors if they sent them according to custom to bring in the said new Ambassador, He sent unto them that they would forbear to send their Coaches because some inconvenience might arise: Batteville answered, That he would conform to his Majesty's pleasure, provided l' Estrade did likewise do so: But l' Estrade gave answer to the King's Message, That his Predecessor the French Ambassador immediately before him had received a check at his return to France for omitting this ceremony, and so was he like to do if he did not perform it. So both of them sending their rich Coaches and Laquays to Tower-wharf where the new Ambassador was to land, Batteville it seems had taken such a survey of the place, that his Coach stood in such a posture that none could get before it and the King's Coach: besides, he had caused the Rains and Harness of his Coach to be lined with Wire, making them thereby poof against the strokes of Swords: so there happened a hot and fierce Scirmige, there being Pistols on both sides besides Swords, and the French had some horsemen also; so the poor Horses were slashd, and some Laquays killed on both sides, and one Spanish Gentleman was killed in the Coach: but Batteville stood firm to his ground, and so his Coach went next to the Kings all the way. News being sent hereof to Paris, it was much resented, and the Spanish Ambassador there being confined to his House, he presently dispatched an Express to Madrid; who being returned, He sent to the Lovure that he had received such Orders that would give his Majesty satisfaction touching the late Traverses in England, and so desired Audience, which was appointed him the next day: In the interim command was sent that the Princes of the Blood and chief Officers of the Crown should be there. The Spanish Ambassador being come, and expecting a private audience, but finding such a solemn meeting, was a little stunnd at first; yet he went on, and delivered his Message to the King: which was, that touching the late Contest in England, it was done without his Catholic Majesty's direction and knowledge, therefore he would take a course that no occasion should be offered for such differences hereafter. Besides these, he pronounced other Explanatory words that were equivalent to an acknowledgement of Precedence to his most Christian Majesty, which were suddenly commanded to be registered in the Council for an Act of State, and so to stand upon Record to Posterity. Hereupon there was a most prudent Act of State passed in the Privy Council of the King of Great Britain, That in regard of the inconvenience and disturbances which did thence arise, his Majesty commanded that no Foreign Ambassadors Coaches shall for the future go to accompany and introduce any new Ambassador whatsoever, because his Majesty's Coaches are sufficient to accompany them in a fitting Equippage: which Act I believe will be a leading case to all the Courts of Christendom. Before we conclude this Section touching the Right of Precedence which the French King claims of other Princes, we will add what Mr. de Breves says in his Appendix of the Negotiations in the East, where he says, That in the Reign of Henry the Great he took Precedence of the Ambassadors of Rodulphus the Emperor in Constantinople at the Port of the Turks Court, who values Christian Princes according to the merit of their Might. WE will now proceed to weigh and winnow the Arguments of Spain in order to a Precedence, which we will extract also, and distil out of their own Authors, as Valdesius, Francisco Vasquez, Camillo Borrello, Besoldus, Morales, Augusto Cavaisll, Caranato, with divers others. And let this be a Close to the second Section. The third Section, CONTAINING The Reasons whereby the King of Spain pretends, and claims Priority of Place, and Proximity of Session next the Emperor at all solemn Meetings, and in all Public Transactions of State, etc. Which Reasons We will reduce also to Ten Heads or Arguments; The first Argument, Proving, That the Catholic King may challenge Precedence, because Spain is the Noblest Kingdom of Europe, as being always accounted the Head thereof. The second Argument, Proving, That the King of Spain may challenge Precedence by the Authority of General Councils, and the Learned Doctors of the Church. The third Argument, Proving, That the King of Spain may challenge Precedence, because Spain first received and professd the Catholic Faith; That the first Christian Church was built there; The first Council celebrated; The first Bishop was elected out of Her, The first Emperor created, etc. The fourth Argument, Proving, That the King of Spain may challenge Precedence, because He is the Catholic King, which is a more ancient Title then Christianissimus. The fifth Argument, Proving, That the King of Spain may challenge Precedence because that in magnitude of Kingdoms, in Power and Treasure he excels all other. The sixth Argument, Proving, That the King of Spain may challenge Precedence for Nobleness of Family, and that the Kingdom of France did justly belong to Philip 3. The seventh Argument, Proving, That the King of Spain may challenge Precedence because he is King of jerusalem. The eighth Argument, Proving, That the King of Spain may challenge Precedence because of free and absolute Dominion, and that he hath Empires under Him. The ninth Argument, Proving, That the King of Spain may challenge Precedence because he hath done such great Offices to the Christian Church. The tenth and last Argument, Proving, That the King of Spain may challenge Precedence because the Catholic Church receaves greater Protection and Emoluments from Him then from any other Prince whatsoever. OF all these Arguments we shall treat distinctly in several divisions according to the former method, and distil out of the chiefest Spanish Authors that write of this subject, the Elixir and strength of their Reasons. But let the Reader take this Advertisement, That he must not expect here the particular Quotations and Marginals wherewith the Spanish Writers use to abound, and which indeed belong to Civilians and jurists: No, the Author here goes on in a freer and generous way, and the Reader without abusing his Faith may believe what he delivers, being extracted with much fidelity, and care out of the forementiond Authors who write for the Crown of Spain, and in their own expressions; and so we begin with the first Argument, viz. That Spain is called the Head of Europe, and consequently the Noblest Kingdom. I. THe beginning of every thing as it is the hardest, so it is always accounted the worthiest and most Noble part, as being the head and source whence the rest are derived: so our blessed Saviour is called Principium & Caput, the beginning and Head whereof all the Faithful are Members: He is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as well as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; And his Vicar-general upon earth (the Pope) is called Caput Ecclesiae Militantis, The Head of the Militant Church. For in the Head, as Philosophers teach us, Nature shows her chiefest skill in the architecture and composition of Man (the Microcosm) in regard that in the Head all the Senses are placed; The Eyes which are the Casements of the Soul are there; The Tongue which is her chief Interpreter moves there; Nay, all her Faculties, as the Will, the Memory, and the Intellect, by which we are distinguished from Beasts, have their dwelling there as in a Capitol: Therefore, as Cassanaeus saith, He is a Monster of a Man who would compare the Body with the Head. Now, by consent of all, if the Head be the predominant part of the Body, surely He who governs the Head must be more excellent than He who governs the Body; As the City of Rome being the Capital City of the Christian Empire, the Pope being Bishop of Rome, is acknowledged the Metropolitan and chiefest among the rest, because he hath the excellentst City and Diocese. Now an Argument for Precedence drawn A Nobilitate Regni, carries much strength and reason with it: Therefore if the King of Spain be He who governs the Head of Europe, it follows that He may be called the chiefest King. Now, to prove that Spain is so, we will produce these proofs; First, the Authority of Pliny, who saith thus: Terrarum Orbis Universi in tres dividitur parts, Europam, Asiam, Africam, Origo ab Occasu Solis, & Gaditano Freto, quò irrumpens Oceanus Atlanticus in Maria Interiora diffunditur: The Globe of the earth is divided into three parts, Europe, Asia and Africa, the Head is from the setting of the Sun, and the Gaditan Frete, which Navigators commonly call The straits mouth, where the Atlantic Ocean breaking into the inner Seas diffuseth itself. Whence it appeers, that the beginning of Europe is placed in the Gaditan strength. Strabo likewise in his Cosmography, and others of the most ancient and best Geographers concur herein, among whom Nicephorus saith, In Hispania sedes fixerunt quae prima ab Hespero Regio est; And Lucius Marinaeus Siculus, speaking of the situation of Spain, begins thus: Hispania sicuti Plinius aliique Scriptores tradiderunt, Regio prima in Solis occasu Europae terminos claudit. Abraham Ortelius also in his Theatre of the World, and Cassanaeus confess all this; and while they compare Europe to a Virgin, Spain is placed in the head of her by the Geography of joannes Encys●…s; And it may be proud by two Reasons that Spain is the Head, First, that since the Terrestrial Orb is begirt with the Sea on all sides, the Sea cannot diffuse itself to visit other Regions but by the Regions of Spain, where the Gaditan Streight is as it were a Fountain, beginning and origine; where there is a gate open, and whence as it were from a Head it derives itself through Europe, flowing one way into the Mediterranean, and on the other side into the Ocean, and so protends itself to Asia and Africa; insomuch that from this Head the other members proceed, and from this Spring other Seas flow out like Rivers, as Pliny commemorates in another place. Secondly, it make infinitely for the King of Spain, that he doth Lord over the New World where Asia, Africa, Europe, and divers parts of the East, West, North and South do converse, and where Spain commands as Queen and Head, and reduceth daily other Regions to the Catholic Faith as Members of that Head. It being thus proud that Spain is the Head of Europe, it remains to prove that it is the Noblest Region, and that it is a Kingdom then which the Sun doth not behold a more large and flourishing; for whatsoever hath Nobleness, Wit or Splendour in it, she hath. There is not any thing that can be expected from Nature, Virtue and Fortune, but Spain hath it abundantly; she hath subdued most Noble Peeple, most resolute Spirits, most Warlike Nations by Wisdom as well as by Arms: Therefore Spain is to have Precedence after Italy of all other European Regions. Hear what justine speaks of her: Hispania neque ut Africa violento sole torretur, neque ut Gallia assiduis ventis fatigatur, seà media inter utrasque hinc temperato calore, inde felicibus, & tempestivis imbribus in omnia frugum genera foecunda est, adeo ut non ipsius tantum Incolis, verum etiam Italiae, urbique Romanae cunctarum Rerum abundantia sufficat: Spain is neither roasted by a violent Sun as Africa is, nor is she troubled with continual Winds as France is, but in a middle temper 'twixt both she enjoys a moderate heat with happy and seasonable showers towards the production of all kind of fruit, in such plenty that she hath not only sufficient to serve her own people, but she commonly furnisheth Italy and the City of Rome with her superfluities. What shall I speak of the amoenity of the Soil, of the salubrity of Air, of her excellent Metals, of her exquisite Wools, of her incomparable Iron and Steel, of her rare Wines, of her Silks, of her Riches and Treasure! What shall I say of the Fidelity and Fortitude, of the Temperance and Sobriety, of the Devotion and Sanctimony, of the Religion and Piety, of the Abstinence and Sobriety, of the admired Patience and Constancy of her Inhabitants! Nor doth she supply other Nations with her excess of divers Commodities, but she furnisheth them with Emperors and Generals. We may read in the Maccabees that one of the Arguments which the Roman Captains used, to terrify the jews, was, how that they had subjugated many parts of Spain. Hear what the famous Poet Claudian sings of Her in this Rapture: Quod dignum memorare tuis Hispania Terris Vox Humana valet? primo lavat aequore solemn India; Tu fessos exacta luce jugales Proluis, inque tuo respirant sydera fluctu; Dives equ●…s, frugum facilis, pre●…iosa metallis, Principtbus foecunda piis; Tibi saecula debent Trajanum; series his fontibus Aelia fluxit, Hinc senior pater, hinc juvenum Diademata Fratrum; Namque Aliae Gentes quas faedere Roma recepit, Aut Armis domuit, varios aptantur in usus Imperii; Phariae segetes, & Punica Messis Castrorum devota cibo, that Gallia robur Militis, Illyricis sudant Equitatibus alae; Sola novum Latiis vectigal Iberia Rebus Contulit Augustos, fruges, aeraria, miles Undique conveniunt, totoque ex Orbe leguntur. Haec generat quae cuncta regit, nec laude Virorum Censeri contenta fuit, nisi Matribus aequè Vinceret, & gemino certatim splendida sexu Placillam, Mariamque daret, pulchramque Serenam. And whereas innumerable things do offer to be spoken to the glory of Spain, whereof both Poets and Prose-Authors are full, I will make choice here of that eloquent Character which Pacatus Latinus gives of her in his famous Panegyrik to Theodostus the Emperor. Nam primùm tibi Patria est Hispania Terra omnibus Terris foelicior, cui excolendae, atque adeo ditandae impensius quam caeteris gentibus supremus Ille Rerum Fabricator indulsit; Quae nec Austrinis obnoxia aestibus, nec Arctois subjecta frigoribus, mediâ fovetur Axis utriusque temperte. Quae hinc Pyreneis montibus, Illinc Oceani aestibus, inde Tyrrheni Maris littoribus coronatae Natura solertis ingenio velut alter Orbis includitur; Add tot egregias Civitates, add culta incultaque vel fructibus plena, vel gregibus. Add auriferorum opes fluminum, add rad●…antium Metalla gemmarum. Scio fabulas Poetarum auribus mulcendis repertas aliquando nonnullis gentibus attribuisse Miracula, quae dum sint vera, sunt singula, nec jam excutio veritatem, etc. In the first place thy Country is Spain, a Land happier than all Lands, which for Agriculture and Riches, the supreme Fabricator of all things hath indulgd more favourably than other Nations; for it is not obnoxious to Southern Heat, nor subject to Northern Cold, but is cherished with a middle temper of both the Poles. This side Spain is crowned with the Pyrenean Hills, on that side with the Breezes of the Ocean, then with the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, being fenced by the industrious hand of Nature, as if she were another world. Add herunto so many gallant Cities, Add cultivated and incultivated places, all either full of Fruit or Cattle; Add the Wealth of the Gold-bearing Rivers, Add Mines of shining Metals, etc. The Renown of the Spanish Nation was before that of the Romans; for the fame of their Valour did ring among the Greeks in the Wars of Peloponnesus; and Alcibiades in an Oration that Thucydides mentions of his, calls them Fortissimos & Pug●…acissimos omnium Barbarorum, The Valiantest and Warlikst of all the Barbarians, as the Greeks termed then all other Nations besides themselves, which the Romans did afterwards. Annaeus Florus calls Spain Bellatricem, Viris Armisque Nobilem, Annibalis Eruditricem; Warlike, Noble for Men and Arms, and who taught Hannibal; for all the Exploits which he performed, he did with Spaniards. And observable it is, that after the Romans had invaded the Provinces of Spain, they were the last whom they subdued, fight in Her, and for Her in many desperate doubtful Battles, being sometimes Victors, sometimes Vanquished, the space of about two hundred long years, whereas they did spend not near so much time in bringing under the Roman yoke any other Country unless it was Great Britain, (now England) who also wrestled so long before she could be reducd to a general obedience; which discovers the innated stoutness of the two Nations; whereas all Gallia was brought under in less than Ten years, which may be the reason that julius Caesar (their Conqueror) should say, Plebe Galliae nihil contemptibilius, there's nothing so contemptible as the Peeple of Gallia. Argum. 2. That the Catholic King may challenge Precedence by the Authority of General Councils, and the Learned Doctors of the Church. THe Philsopher beats still upon the Anvil of Reason to make his Conclusions good; The Mathematician by practical and visible Experiments brings his Conclusions to Demonstrations; The Jurists and Theologues do commonly make good their Tenets by Authority of the Ancients, by Examples of Antiquity; And indeed Responsa Patrum, Consulta Prudentum, have been much reputed in all Ages; there was always a venerable and religious esteem had of them, so that it is held one of the strongest ways of disputing; therefore the dint of this second Argument shall be to produce the Authority of ancient Ecumenical Councils, that the Noble Kingdom of Spain hath had the Precedence from time to time of France, and consequently of all other Countries. But let this previous Advertisement go before, That superiority of session, and subscription in General Councils, hath been diversely used: For sometimes the Bishops have not subscribed, taken place, or given their suffrages in their own names, but in the name of the Province or Kingdom which they represented; and in that case there is not so much regard had of the Person, or antiquity of Consecration, but the Dignity of the Nation, as it appeers in two Decrees of Gratianus: Therefore the Bishop of Milan did subscribe before him of Ravenna, though Ravenna be much the more ancient. This course was observed in the Nicene Council, where the Bishops voted, and subscribed not according to Priority of Consecration, but Dignity of Provinces, and of the Souverain Prince who sent them. The like course was taken in the first Constantinopolitan Council, and others. But as Baronius observes, to sit on the Right-hand doth nor always imply superiority of place; for he relates according to the ancient order of Rome, that the Priests had sometimes the Right hand of the Bishops, as appeers by these words, Sedebunt ex locali dispositione ut intrantibus Ecclesiam Episcopi sint ad sinistram, Presbyteri verò ad dexteram; & quando Pontifex sederit, & ad eos respexerit, Episcopos ad dextram, Presbyteros intueatur ad sinistram: They shall sit by local disposition so, that in entering the Church the Bishops shall be on the Left hand, and the Priests on the Right; but when the Pope shall be sat, and looks upon them, the Bishops shall be on the Right, and the Priests on the Left. In the first Act of the Nicene and Chalcedonian Synod, it is left upon record that the Pontificial Legates sat on the Left hand, the Bible being placed in the middle of the Hall, which denoted that Christ was present and Precedent. Moreover, in the celebration of the Mass the Epistle is read upon the Right hand, and the Gospel on the Left, though we know the Gospel to be the worthier of the two. This being premisd, we will now to the promised Authorities of ancient Councils. We read that in the time of the Apostles, and the very infancy of the Church, there were four public Assemblies or Councils; The first was of about 120 of the Faithful who met to elect and substitut Mathias to be Apostle in the room of judas. The second, was to choose Deacons, in whose number the blessed Protomartyr St. Stephen was one. The third, was to confute Cerinthus the Heretic, and whether Circumcision was to continue. The fourth, was to give the Circumcision an honourable Burial. Now, it is to be observed, that before the two last were held, St. james the Apostle had travelled Spain, and having reducd that Peeple to Christianity, he brought over some of them to Jerusalem, who were in all probability present at those two last Councils: for in the Acts of the Apostles we read that all the Faithful were at them. Then was St. james the first Converter of Spain, made the first Martyr of all the Apostles, being beheaded by Herod Agrippa, 44 Anno after the Incarnation of our Saviour. It having appeerd that some Spaniards had been at the first Councils of the Apostles, We will now pass to the Nicene Council, (pretermitting the Ancyritan and Illiberitan Synods, with others) Now, That of Nice was the first Universal or Ecumenical Council that ever was; for it was convokd by authority of the secular power the Emperor being then become Christian. This celebrous Council was in the time of Pope Sylvester 325. And as in the Acts it stands upon record, the Bishops therein did not subscribe according to antiquity of Consecration, but according to the Dignity and Renown of the Province for which they served; Osius Bishop of Cordova served then for Spain, and Nicasius Diviensis for Gallia, but Osius subscribed first to the Canons of the Council, and they are the first most authentik and legal Canons of any, for the Emperor did consent thereunto. Now as the Record hath it, 318 Bishops subscribed to the Acts thereof, which begin thus: Osius Episcopus Civitatis Cordubensis Provinciae Hispaniae dixit▪ Ita credo sicut superius scriptum est: Osius Bishop of the City of Cordova in the Province of Spain, said, I believe so as it is written above. Victor & Vincentius Presbyteri Urbis Romae, pro Venerabili Viro Pap●… Episcope Nostro sancto Sylvestro subscripsimus, Ita crede●…tes sicut suprascriptum est: Victor and Vincentius Presbyters of the City of Rome, we have subscribed for the Venetable Man Pope our Bishop Saint Sylvester, believing so as is above written. Provinci●… Egypti Alexander Alexandria Magnae, etc. Of the Province of Egypt Alexander of great Alexandria, etc. And when all Provinces had in their order and several degrees thus subscribed, the last supscription runs thus: Provinciae Galliarum Nicasius Diviensis, Of the Province of Gallias Nicasius Diviensis. I know the French have objected that Osius might be then Legate for the Pope, and so had precedence; but not a syllable of this is spoken of in the Records of the Council. Others allege, that Osius being a Man of extraordinary Renown at that time because he had had a great hand in the conversion of Constantin the Emperor, an extraordinary respect was born him; for Nicephorus calls Him the Miracle of that Age, and Athanasius styles him Patrem Conciliorum, Ducem, & Antesignanum: But Ambrose Morales with others aver, that he subscribed first out of no other respect but as he was Bishop of Cordou●…, and represented the Noble Region of Spain: And for that regard He preceded also the Bishop of Constantinople, as it appeers in a Letter which was written from that Nic●…ne Council to the Pope, which runs thus: Beatis●…imo Papae Urbis Romae cum omni reverentia colendo Sylvestro, Osius Episcopus Provinciae Hisp●…niae Civitatis Cordubensis; & Macarius Ecclesiae Constantinopolitanae; & Victor & Vincentius Presbyteri Urbis Romae Ordinati Ex directione Tua. To the most Blessed Pope of the City of Rome to be worshipped with all reverence Sylvester, Osius Bishop of the Province of Spain and City of Cord●…a; and Macarius Bishop of Constantinople; and Victor and Vincentius Priests of the City of Rome ordained by thy direction, etc. After the Nicene Council celebrated under Pope Sylvester, other Synods or small Councils met where the Bishops of remote Provinces did not repair, but they who were not far distant. But at the great Council of Sard●… (for so 'tis called by Athanasius) there assembled 300 Occidental Bishops, and 70 of the Levant, who were most of them Arrians: In this Council also Spain is named next Rome, as it appeers by the Record which goes thus: Sancta Synodus Dei gratia ex Urbe Roma, Hispanis, Gallis, Italis, etc. And Athanasius relates in his Apology against the Arrians thus: Fuere in Magno S●…rdico C●…ncilio plures quam trecenti Epis●…opi qui ex multis Provinciis Egypti, Lybiae, 〈◊〉, Palestinae, etc. Hisponiarum, Galliarum, Britanniarum, etc. eo se ad Concilium contulerunt: There were in the Council of Sardis above 300 Bishops, who out of many Provinces of Egypt, Lybia, 〈◊〉, Palestine, etc. Spain, Gallia, Britain, etc. did repair to the Council. In the reign of Constantius the Emperor 358. He caused two Councils to convene, One of the Oriental Bishops at Seleucia; The other at Ariminum in Italy, consisting of Western Bishops, and in the Acts thereof Spain is still nominated before France. At the first Council in Constantinople, and that at Rome under Pope Symachus, with others, there can be no judgement made of Precedencies, until Lugdune●…se Concilium, the second Council at Lions, Anno 1274. held under Pope Gregory the tenth, where among divers other there were Ambassadors from Paleologue the Eastern Emperor, and the King of Tartary. This Council was convokd principally for reconciling the Greek Church with the Latin, for the conversion of the Tartars, and also for an Expedition to the Holy Land. There assembled 500 Archbishops and Bishops, 40 Abbots, and 1000 Prelates and Doctors, among whom ●…onadventure and the Angelical Doctor Thomas Aquinas who assisted there did die. Don jaime King of Arragon was earnestly solicited by the Pope to be there, as Peter 〈◊〉 hath it upon good record in the Spanish Tongue, as followeth: Viendo el Papa Gregorio que la yglesia tenia gran necessidad de Concilia para much as cosas, y especialment para 'las de Ultrama●… determinò d●… juntar Concilio en Leon en Francia para la p●…scua del Espiritu 〈◊〉▪ y embiava à 〈◊〉 all Rey de Arragon, 〈◊〉 que no faltasse d●… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 necessidad de 〈◊〉 presentia, para dar Consejo, y favour à la santa Ig be 〈◊〉, etc. Pope Gregory seeing that the Church had great necessity of a General Council for many things, specially for Affairs beyond the Seas, determined to convoque one at Lions in France towards Whitsuntide; and sending notice hereof ●…o james King of Arragon, he endear the business unto him, desiring his presence, in regard there would be great want of his person to afford counsel and favour to the Holy Church, & ●…. King james came accordingly in a splendid Equip page; and the Cardinals, Bishops, and the world of Prelates there came to meet him three miles, were so numerous, that though they set forth betimes in the morning▪ ye●… it was after noon before he arrived at the Pope's Palace: The next day▪ He made a Noble Speech, and Hortative for a Cruzada to the Holy Land, taking the superior place all the time he was there▪ which raising some envy in the Ambassadors of other Kings, discontents grew, and so nothing took effect. Under Clement the fifth, Anno 1311. a Council was convokd at Vienna, wherein there were 300 Bishops, besides other ecclesiastics, where Philippe le Bel, with his Son Lewis Hutin King of Navarre, and two other of his Sons came, but there is no mention made in the Records of any matters of Precedence, nor likewise in the Council of Mantua held by Pius 2. 1458. Then came the Council of Basil, and hear what Platina saith in the Life of Eugenius 4. Et quod Basiliense Concilium jam 〈◊〉 inchoatum Martini Decreto augeri indies cerneret, conturrentibus eò Hispaniae, Galliae, Germaniae, etc. principibus qui communem Christianae Reiqublicae causam in arbitrio Concilii disponebant. And because the Council at Basil begun before by the Decree of Marlin was seen to increase daily, some Princes of Spain, France, and Germany, &c concurring thither for disposing of the common cause of the Christian Republik, according to the arbitrement of the Council, etc. where you find that Spain is nominated before all other Countries. In the Council of Florence begun at Ferrara under Eugenius 4. where johannes Paleologus the Greek Emperor, and the Patriarch of Constantinople, and a great confluence of Greek and Latin Prelates were assembled, there is no superior place mentioned in the Acts of that Council, nor among the Writers of the History thereof. We come now to the Council of Trent, where the Marquis of Pescara and the Count of Luna were Ambassadors for Philip the second, the mighty King of Spain: you may find that in the Acts of that long Council they never came behind the Emperor, but sat between the Secretary of the Council and the Pope's Nuncio on the right hand, whereas the French Ambassador fate upon the left hand both of the Legate and the Imperial Ambassador. Now to go from Ecumenical Councils to National, whersoever the Bishops of Spain and France met, Spain had the first Session, Voice and Nomination as the Nobler Kingdom. As appeers in the third Council at Toledo, in the reign of King Ricaredus, as may be plainly read in the Works of Garsia Loaisa, Preceptor to the glorious and Catholic King Philip 2. and afterwards Archbishop of Toledo, whose sublime Erudition joined with integrity, and signal sanctity of Life and Manners do so contend for precedence, that it is hard to judge which of them excels most, they all are so perfectly resplendent. In the fourth Toledo Council there is frequent mention made in Morales, de Hispaniae & Galliae praesulibus; de Hispaniae & Galliae sacerdotibus. Go to the ancient Doctors of the Church where there is mention made of Spain and France, Spain most commonly is named first: we will first instance in Tertullian in his Book Adversus judaeos, where speaking of the multitude of Nations that were converted to Christianity, He speaks Hispaniarum omnes termini, & Galliarum diversae Nationes & Britannorum inaccessa loc●… Romanis, Christo vero subdita, etc. There is a remarkable thing in Irenaeus, Et si in mundo loquelae dissimiles sint, Virtus tamen Traditionis una & eadem est; & neque hae quae sunt in Germania fundatae Ecclesiae aliter credunt, a●…t aliter tradunt; Neque hae quae in Iberis sunt neque hae quae sunt in Celtis; neque hae quae sunt in Oriente; neque hae quae sunt in Egypto; Neque hae quae sunt in Lybia; neque hae quae in medio Mundi sunt constitutae▪ sed sicut Sol creatura Dei in universo mundo unus, & idem est, sic lumen ac praedicatio Veritatis ubique lucet, & illuminat omnes homines qui volunt ad Veritatis cognitionem venire. Although the Languages of the world be differing, yet the Virtue of Tradition is one and the same: For neither those Churches that are founded in Germany do believe, or deliver otherwise; nor those which are in Spain, nor those which are in France, etc. We will conclude with Saint Hierome: Hoc in Ecclesiis suis faciant quod Romae, sive quod in Italia, etc. quod in Hispania, quoth in Britannia, quod etiam ex parte per Gallias, etc. This precedence for Spain is also confirmed in the Imperial Laws of justinian, where he saith, Quae cunque in partibus Hispaniarum, Galliae sive Francorum aguntur, etc. And there was great care and caution used to give every Country and Nation its Right touching this particular in the justinian Laws, whose principal aim was suum Cuique tribuere, to give every Country and Kingdom its due in point of Dignity as well as of Possession, and common Right. Argum. 3. That the King of Spain may challenge Precedence, because Spain first received, and professd the Catholic Faith; That the first Christian Church was built there; The first Council was celebrated there; The first Bishop and the first Emperor was out of Her, etc. THey who write of the Glory of Nations, should in the first place look upon their antiquity and origine. There is a Topik Axiom, That Bonum quò antiquius eò melius; Therefore Antiquity conduceth much to the Honour and Dignity of a Peeple; As Pliny doth elegantly express, Reverere gloriam Veterum; nam hanc ipsam senectutem quae in Homine venerabilis, in Urbibus sacra est: Reverence the Glory of the Ancients, for that Old Age which is venerable in Man, is sacred in Cities. Touching the Originals of Spain, and of Her Inhabitants, with the propagation and succession of them, there are four things to be considered in the enquiry thereof; first, of what Peeple they first descended; what transmigrations they made; at what time; and by what Right or Title. These may be called the principles of a Country. The Arcadians did vaunt that they were synchronical, or contemporary with the Gods; that they were before the Sun and the Stars. Other Nations do labour much to derive themselves from before the Flood. Now concerning Spain, all Annalists concur that Tubal Cain was her first Populator, being allurd by the amoenity and fruitfulness of the Country and Clime; and this was 2173 years before the Nativity of our Saviour, and 1179 from the Creation, and 143 years after the general Deluge. Berosus affirms that Tubal reigned in Spain 151 years, and Strabo concurs with him▪ some call him jobel, and josephus calls the Spaniards jobeles from him. Setubal in Portugal receaves her denomination thence, as also Tudela in the Kingdom of Navarre. Some are of opinion that No came also to Spain, for in Asturia there is a Town called Noega, and Noela in Galicia. Spain was called Iberia from King Iberus; and there's a great River also of his name, vulgarly called Ebro, wherein many other Rivers do disburden themselves, which was the occasion of the Proverb, Me Llamo Ebro porque de todas aguas bevo. It is also called Hesperia from the Occidental Star; At last it came to be called Hispania from King Hispanus. We will now proceed to prove that Spain received, and professd the Christian Religion first of any. And, as this Inferior World is governed by the motion, and circumgyrations of the Heavens, so Christian Kingdoms are governed by Religion and Faith, and by the holy Professors thereof. Now, Spain had the advantage and honour to have the first Martyr among the Apostles for her Father and Founder, which was St. james, who though he was beheaded in jerusalem, yet his Body was transported to Spain by a wonderful Providence, where a stately Dome or Church is built for him, frequented by Emperors and Kings, with innumerable sorts of Pilgrims. Charlemagne came of purpose to do his Devotions in that Church where such mighty miracles are daily wrought. Now in Tarragona the most blessed Virgin appeerd to St. james, and gave him order to erect a Church there, which is the ancientest of any in the Christian world. Moreover, for the predication of the Gospel, the heavenly tidings of salvation, it began in Spain three years after the passion of Christ, as it is recorded in the Ecclesiastical History of Baronius, and confirmed in the Council of Trent, with the whole current of Antiquity, so that it can be no less than an Impiety to make any hesitation therein. After the predication of St. james, Saint Paul also came to Spain; nay the Prince of the Apostles St. Peter performed a peregrination thither; and among others he converted Epinetus; so that the Christian Faith was founded in Spain by these three great Pillars of the Church. Saint Torquatus Bishop of Guadix was one of the first whom St. james reducd to Christ, and there is an Olive-tree planted by his hand which bears fruit to this day; and the Bridge is yet remaining which broke and fell down under those who did poursue and persecute the Christians in those days. Saint Cecilius his Church near Granada is standing to this day, where also so many miracles and wonderful cures are commonly wrought. There also is the famous Valparayso, the Valley of Paradise, where so many Martyrs suffered, and their Relics remain to this day, as appeers by this Record which I thought worthy to insert here. In nomine Dom. nostri jesu Christi, En el anno ix. deal Pontificado de nuestro santissimo Padre Clement Octavo, y el anno 2. deal Reyno del Clementissimo, y Catholico Don Philippo 3. Nos Don Pedro de Castro, por la gracia de Dios, y de la santa sede Apostolica Arsobispo de Granada, deal consejo del Rey ●…uestro senor, con consejo, y asenso de los Reverendissimos Prelados Don juan de Fonseca Obispo de Guadix del consejo de su Magestad, provincial, y sufraganeo nuestro, y Don Sebastian Quintero Obispo de Gallipoli, y Don Alfonso de Mendosa Abad de Alcala lafoy real. A●…iendo tratado de las Reliquias que el anno del nacimiento de nuestro Salvador I●…su Christo de 1595. see hallaron deribando una torre antiquisstma en esta santa Iglesia, y otras en el monte que Llaman Valparayso el conocimiento y aprobacion de las quales nos pertenece por derecho, y por el santo Concilio de Trenta, y por commission especial de nuestro muy santo padre Clement Octavo; Visto este processo, y todas las informaciones, averiguaciones, y diligentias en el hechas, y aviendo avido conse●…o, y deliberation con barones m●…y doctos, pios, y Theologos, y de otras facultades con nos congregadoes, y todo lo demas que few necessario, y verse convino. Fallamos de un mesmo parecer, y asenso en que fueron todos conforms, que devemos declarar.— In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, In the ninth year of the Pontificat of our most holy Father Pope Clement 8. and in the second year of our most merciful and Catholic King Don Philip the 3. We Don Pedro de Castro by the Grace of God, and the holy Apostolic Seat, Archbishop of Granada, of the Council of the King our Lord, with the counsel and consent of the most reverend Prelates Don john of Fo●…seca Bishop of Guadix of his Majesty's Council our Comprovincial and Suffragan, and Don Sebastian Quintero Bishop of Gallipoli, and Don Alonso de Mendosa Abbot of Alcala; Having treated of the Relics which were found 1598. by pulling down a Wall in this most ancient Church, with others in the Mount Valparayso, the knowledge and approbation whereof belongs to Us by the holy Council of Trent, and by special commission from our holy Father Clement the 8. The process hereof being seen, with the Informations, Averiguations and diligences done therein; and having taken the advice and deliberation of most learned and pious Theologues, with other Faculties which was convenient and necessary to be done; We find according to the concordant and unanimous consent of all, that we ought to declare, and we do hereby declare, define and pronounce the said Relics in this process contained, viz. the one half of the cloth wherewith the glorious Virgin Mary wipd her Tears at the passion of her Son our Saviour, and a bone of St. Stephen the Protomartyr, are the true cloth of our Lady, and bone of St. Stephen; and that having been hidden, locked up, and kept in the Wall of a most ancient Tower which was built near this Church, being put in a Leaden Box lined within and without, and within the said Box a Letter of most ancient parchment, wherein Patricius the Priest relates the said Relics to be; and that he did hide them there by the command of Saint Cecilius; and all was found within the said Box upon St. Joseph's day, 19 of March, by pulling down and destroying the said Tower; We likewise declare, define and pronounce the said Bone, Dust and Ashes, and white Mortar which were found in Valparayso, to be really the Relics of holy Martyrs who now rejoice and reign with God in Heaven; viz. of Saint Cecilio, Saint Hiscio, Saint Cthesiphon, Disciples to the most blessed Apostle Saint james Zebedeus; and of Saint Setentrio, and Patricio Disciples of St. Cecilio; and of Turillo, Panuncio, Maronio, Centulio, Disciples of Saint Hiscio; and of St. Maximinio and Lupario, Disciples of St. Cthefiphon, and St. Mesiton; And the said Saints suffered Martyrdom some, by fire being burnt alive, some shut up in the Caves and Caverns of the said Mountains for the Faith of our Redeemer Jesus Christ, and for preaching and publishing his Gospel in the second year of the reign of Nero, St. Cecilio with his Disciples suffering upon the Calends of February, St. Hiscius on the Calends of March, and St. Cthesiphon with his Disciples on the Calends of April, as four Leaves of Lead do manifestly show in Latin Letters written in most ancient characters, with other old Instruments of Lead, all which was hidden and found in the caverns of the said Mountains, and never discovered until now; and this process is verified, and God hath confirmed it by divers miracles. In consequence whereof we declare that the said Relics ought to be received, honoured, reverencd, adored with honour and holy worship, as the true Relics of the most blessed Virgin our Lady, and of the said Martyrs who reign now w●…h God, according as the holy Catholic Church doth accustom to have in due veneration such Relics of Saints, and expose them to public view to that effect, That they may be incited to invoke them accordingly. And we with others hear congregated do so receive and reverence them, commanding that they be kept in safe custody, and in a decent place according to the pleasure and appointment of the most Reverend Archbishop that shall be then of this Church. And we further declare the said Valparayso, and the Caverns wherein those blessed Saints suffered Martyrdom to be holy places, which ought to be reverencd and honoured, and have prerogatives accordingly, as the holy Canons do allow to such places. And so we pronounce this our sentence, and firm it with our Names, sealing it also with our Seals. Petrus de Castro Archiep. Granatensu. johannes Episcopus Guadix. S. Episcopus Gallipoli. Alfonsus' Abbess. Besides these, there was, after due process made, a sentence passed also for seven more great Saints, viz. St. Secundus Episcopus Abulensis, where his body is had in great reverence to this day; St. Indalecius Episcopus Urcetanus, in the Kingdom of Arragon upon the confines of Navarre; St. Cthesiphon Bishop of Almeria; St. Hesichius; St. Euphrasius Episcopus Illurgitanus of jaen in Andaluzia, who as Baronius affirms was Auditor and Disciple to St. james the Apostle, and was ordained Bishop anno Christi 43. in the reign of Claudius Caesar. Besides these seven, there is Athanasius and Theodorus near the body of the holy Apostle, the one on the right, the other on the left hand of the Apostle, preserved with great vigilance to this day. Now, all these Martyrs and Patrons of Spain are mentioned by Cardinal Baronius and Galesinus in their Martyrologies, as also by Vaseus, Morales, and Mariana, etc. Now, that St. Paul was in Spain, hear what Pope Gregory the seventh saith in his Epistle: Gregorius Episcopus Servus servorum Dei, Alfonso, & Sanctio Regibus Hispaniae, Abbatibus, & Episcopis in ditione sua constitutis salutem, & Apostolicam Benedictionem. Cum B. Apostolus Paulus Hispaniam se acti isse significet, ac postea 7 Episcopos ab Urbe Roma ad instituendos Hispaniae populos à Petro & Paulo Apostolis directos fuisse, qui destructa Idololatria Christianitatem fundaverunt, Religionem plantaverunt, ordinem, & officium in Divinis cultibus agendis ostenderunt, & sanguine suo Ecclesias seminârunt, vestra diligentia non ignoret quantam concordiam cum Romana Urbe Hispania in Religione, & ordine Divini Officii habuisset satis patet. It appeers hereby, as by a world of testimonies besides, what a sweet harmony and concordance there hath been always 'twixt Spain and Rome; And how that the predication of Christian Faith, with the institution thereof, begun by the Apostle St. james, was increased by Peter and Paul, and confirmed by the seven forementioned Martyrs, who were Auditors and Disciples of St. james; besides many others whose names are found in the Book of Martyrologies. In the second persecution under Domitian, after the cruelties of Nero, Eugenius Bishop of Toledo was Disciple of Dionysius Areopagita. This Eugenius being a man excellent for wisdom and Doctrine, made choice of the City of Toledo for his fear, as being situated in the centre of the Kingdom, that the Spirit of Christ might be diffused thence as from the heart into the whole body of the Country. The Body of which Eugenius was removed from France into the great Church of Toledo, and carried upon the shoulders of the most religious King Philip 2 part of the way, Anno 1565. Moreover, it stands upon good record according to Mariana, how Pope Clement, St. Peter's immediate Successor, sent Philip and Marcellus into Spain as Legates, and with Letters and commission accordingly; And it is agreed by all that they were the first Legates, and they carried the first Letters that ever were sent from Rome by any Nuncios, which are to be found to this day in the Church of Compostella. In the third persecution of Trajan, Sanctus Mancius flourished in Spain, who was one of the seventy two Disciples of our Saviour, and served him at administration of the Holy Sacrament, and spread his vestment when he entered into jerusalem upon Palm-Sunday, who afterwards was made a glorious Martyr. Vaceus relates an Epitaph which runs thus: Belila Hispana se●…va jesu Christi requievit in Domino, Obiit aera 115. hoc est anno Dom▪ 77. Belila a Spaniard, servant of Jesus Christ, did rest in the Lord; she died in the year 77 after the passion. Venerus writes that this Epitaph was found in Biscay. There is another Epistle of Pope Clement written to the Bishops of Spain, which is also conserud in Compostella-Church to this day. And this was the state of the Spanish Church the first century of years after the Nativity of Christ, wherein john the Evangelist lived, during which time thirteen Bishoprics are registered in Spain, and a great number of the Faithful; for in the City of Pampelona 40000 were converted, and Biscay or Cantabria was most inhabited by Martyrs, as Iraeneus relates, an Author who was near the time of the Apostles. Furthermore, there was a most signal and notable rare thing happened in Spain; for the same night that our blessed Saviour was born, there were three Suns appeerd visibly in the Spanish Region, which by gentle degrees came to concentre into one. Out of these premises it is apparent that the first Martyr-Apostle preachd in Spain; That he erected there the first Church dedicated to the blessed Virgin; That she appeerd there being conducted by Angels; That the body of St. james lieth there inhumd wi●…h so much state: And this was before there was any predication of Christian Doctrine in France; so that the first Faithful, the first Apostle, the first Church, the first Apostolical Nuncio, and first Epistle was sent by Pope Clement the first into Spain. St. Paul did second what St. james had begun; and all this is confirmed by St. Irenaeus, one of the first among the Primitive Fathers. Argum. 4. Proving, That the King of Spain may challenge Precedence because he is the Catholic King, which is a more ancient Title then Christianissimus. ONe of the greatest Foundations whereon France doth build her right to a Precedence, is, that she would persuade the world, that her Kings are more Ancient both in the reception and profession of Christianity; which assertion being well examined and discussed, it will appear that both generally and privately there were Catholic Kings in Spain before any in France; and to proceed more methodically, we will deduce the business from the beginning. We know that the blessed Apostle St. james was put to death with the sword by Herod, as appeers in the Epistle of Pope Leo touching his Martyrdom, and the translation of his Body into Spain; which Epistle he destinated for the Spaniards; wherein He relates, that when the jews had hurled his whole body without the City to be devoured by Beasts and Birds, his Disciples having notice thereof in his life-time, they recovered the whole body, head and all, in the nighttime, and carried it to joppa for transportation of it to Spain; where being careful for the embarcation thereof, they found a ship ready in the Port, and some say it was of stone, where, after thanks being given to God, they placed the body of the most holy Apostle; and after many dangers they arrived at Iria Flaria, now called Padron; thence they carried it to Liberum Donum, now called Compostella, where they entombed it in a Marble Monument: But, as the Disciples were seeking for a place fit for so great an Apostle, they made their address to Queen Luparia or Lupa, who sent them to King Philotrus, who casting them into an obscure prison, they were freed by an Angel; and while the soldiers were in pursuit of them, they were all drowned in a River, the Bridge and all falling down with them, by which miracle King Philotrus was converted. But Luparia continuing obstinate, she threw their Bodies to Bulls and Dragons, whereof some they slew, and some grew mild. Then Luparia being o'ercome by these miracles, caused a Temple to be erected there for the holy Apostle, as Faber out of Sophorinus doth affirm; And although Morales makes a doubt hereof, in regard that Spain was then subject to the Romans, and so could have no Kings, yet there might be some Kings there though subject and tributary to Rome, as Herodes Agrippa was in Jerusalem, and as Queen Candacis was. But because these passages are so overgrown with years, let us hasten to later times. The second signal time that Spain received extraordinary influence of Christian Faith, was in the reign of Constantine the great, who was so glorious an Instrument to the Church, his Mother, a British Lady being a Christian, and Osius a Spanish Bishop having taken so much pains for his conversion; Then Theodosius who did propagat the Faith more openly, and did destroy the Pagan Churches which were stuffed with Idols, was by Nation a Spaniard, and his sons who succeeded him in the Empire. The third time was, when the seat of the Roman Empire being translated to Constantinople, divers rough Northern Nations broke in, and seized upon most parts of the Western Territories thereof, so that the Goths invaded Spain, and came to possess it; and then by the special benediction of God, there was a Catholic King in Spain before any in France: For an. 554. Athanagildus' King of the Goths, according to the currant consent of all Historiographers, professd the Christian Faith, as Lucas Tudensis hath it. Then succeeded him Leonegi●…dus; Then a little after came Richaredus, and in his reign the whole Kingdom of Spain became Catholik, and flourished exceedingly. But the French object that Anno 496. Clodovaeus was baptizd by St. Rhemigius, and so had the start of Richaredus in Christianity; but to that 'tis answered, That the whole Kingdom of France was not then converted; Nor was He King of all the Kingdom, as Richaredus was of Spain: For Gregorius Turonensis relates, that Clodovaeus with his two sisters were baptizd, and three thousand French more, the whole Kingdom came not to be Christian a good while after, whereas all Spain was reducd entirely to the Faith a good while before, and did make open profession thereof in the Council of Toledo. Moreover, a good part of France was then subject to Theodoricus King of the Ostrogoths, who then reigned in Italy; who were of the Arrian Heresy. But Spain was then totally under Richaredus: whence may be inferrd that Spain generally had a Christian King before France. But if we divide Spain into Provinces, there were divers of them had Christianity planted, and publicly preferred before Clovis; for Rechiarius King of the Suevians was Christian Anno 440. Furthermore, 'tis very observable that from Richaredus no King in Spain fell from the true Catholic Church; whereas, divers in France did after Clodoveus, as Chilperik and others; witness what Gaguinus writes, Nec multò post Chilpericus cujus malitia ut in Homines multis fraudibus perspicua esset, in Deum quoque impietatem meditatus est; de divina quidem Trinitate ita credi noluit, ut tres in Illa Personas sed unam confiteretur, etc. Not long after, Chilperik, whose malice was so evident against men, did meditat malice also against God; for he would not confess three, but one Person in the Trinity: And Mausonius saith, Chilpericus cum multis rebus impiè gestis Deum sibi iratum reddidisset mense quarto à Natali Clodovaei successoris sui apud Callam vicum Parisiorum occididitur: Chilperik when for many things impiously committed he had made God angry with him, was killed in Calla, a small Village of the Parisians. And in this last Age, the last King of France before Hen. 4. having done some acts of Impiety, as imprisoning of Cardinals, and other things, it induced a Brother of the Dominican Order to dispatch him violently out of the world. Besides, a King of Spain Rechiarius was the first, who out of a Zeal to protect the true Religion, made the first War against the Enemies thereof, which were the Arrian Goths; and ever since the Kings of Spain have been the greatest Champions and Propugnators of the Catholic Church upon all occasions. But now we will take in hand the Titles of Christianissimus and Catholik, and make it appear that the Kings of Spain had the one, before the French Kings had the other; and because that Names are the Images of Things, we will give you their primitive derivations. The first Propagators of Christianity we all know were the holy Apostles, and their Disciples; but some of the latter falling into errors, the Orthodoxal Disciples to distinguish themselves from the false, called themselves Christians, which name they first assumed at Antioch, and then it grew general, being derived from Christ, and Christ a Crismate or Unction. It was afterwards raised to a superlatif, to Christianissimus, which was first given to the Emperors, and to this day, as Castaldus observes, they are solemnly prayed for in Oratione Parasceve, in Good-Friday-Prayer every year, Oremus & pro Christianissimo Imperatore nostro; wherein Ferrault is deceived by attributing it only to the French King. Moreover, divers Kings of Spain had that Title given them upon oceasion, as all the Spanish Annalists do aver; For Richaredus was called Christianissimus Anno 589. and after him Sisebutus Anno 616. when he expelld the jews out of the Territories of Spain; and Cinthillanus is called so in the sixth Council of Toledo; and Pope Leo writing to Quirico calls Flavium Ervigium then King of Spain, Christianissimum in the fourth Council of Toledo; and this was before Charlemagne, who first bore that Title in France. Ramirus King of Arragon, and Sancho 3. as also Alphonsus Magnus, was entitled so. Now let us examine when this Title Christianissimus was given to the French Kings: Most do affirm that it began in Charlemagne, but observe, it was given him, and to some of his Successors as they were Emperors: for the ordinary Title which was used to be given the Kings of France before, was Illustris. There is another opinion, that Pope Pius 2. gave Lewis 11. of France the Title of Christianissimus, and that his Father Charles had it in the Council of Mantua Anno 1459. But grant that the French Kings had the Title Christianissimus given them since Charlemagne, yet the Title Catholicus was given before to the Kings of Spain: For Alfonso Son-in-law to Pelagius had it Anno 734. as Garabai and Morales do affirm, and the Epitaph upon his Tomb doth justify it, which is Alfonsus Catholicus. Others are of opinion that Richaredus who quelld the Arrian Heresy was first entitled Catholicus. But now that we have spoken of the Antiquity of these two Titles in relation to the two Kings, we will examine which is the superior and more excellent, Christianissimus or Catholicus, not but that both of them are sublime and glorious. Touching the Title Catholik, it is so complete a word that nothing can be added to it, therefore it admits no superlatif; it is of that comprehensif latitude, that it is Universal, which is the true Etymology of the Greek word: now it is an Axiom in all Sciences, Qui totum dicit, nihil excludit; Who says All, excludes nothing: therefore we say, Ecclesiam Catholicam, not Catholicissimam; as we say, Concilium oecumenicum, or Universal, not Universalissimum. And certainly this word Catholicum must be of extraordinary value, and ancient extraction, since it was an Epithet given the Church of Christ in the Apostolical Creed, in that first Symbol of Faith, Credo in Spiritum sanctum, & sanctam Ecclesiam Catholicam. Now, as we pointed at before, whereas any Believer was called Christian at first, and that by erroneous interpretations, some Heresies began to creep in, the name of Catholic was given him who was a constant embracer of the true Doctrine of the Church: whereas the simple name Christian might comprehend also a heretic, as Pacianus observes against the Novatians, Christianus mihi nomen est, Catholicus vero cognomen; Illud me nuncupat, Istud ostendit; Hoc probat, Illud significat: My name is Christian, my firname Catholik; the one calls me, the other shows me; this proves, the other signifies. Insomuch that the word Catholik did distinguish a true Believer from a heretic. Whence the excellency of this word appeers, being a primitive attribute given both to Church and Faith; for they were both called Catholik. Nor doth it follow though every Catholic be a Christian, that every Christian is a Catholic: For when one is called Catholic, 'tis understood that he is an Elect, that he is saithful, pure, constant and obedient to the Doctrine of the holy Church without mixture or taint: Therefore most meritoriously is this high Epithe●… peculiar to the King of Spain, because he permits no Aposta●…s, no Schismatics to be in his Dominions, as the French, and other Kings do: But by an humble filial obedience he adheres to the Catholic Mother-church, which is the Roman; For the Roman and Catholic Church are Synonimas according to Saint Cyprian, in these words, Dividi à Romano Pontifice idem quod ab universa Ecclesia scismate separari; Rursum illam communicare id ipsum esse quod Catholicae Ecclesiae unitati conjungi: To be divided from the Roman Bishop, is to be separated by Schism from the universal Church; and to hold communion with him, is the same as to be joined in unity with the Catholic Church. Argum. 5. Proving, That the King of Spain may challenge Precedence because that in Magnitude of Kingdoms, in Power, Territories and Treasure He excels all other. MUltitude of Regions, Affluence of Wealth, and Magnitude of Power, is so considerable in Kings, that this one Reason of itself were sufficient by Divine Laws as well as Humane, to yield unto Him who excels in these Particulars superiority of session and precedence. Now, in all things by the very constitution of the Creator, there is a superiority and excellence; Eternity is above Time; The Intellect is beyond Reason; and Reason above Sense. Go to the Fabric of Celestial Cretures, and the pulchritude of the Stars; We see the Sun is as their Prince; and one Star exceeds another in glory: so in this Elementary and the lower world, specially among Mankind, some are more Illustrious, some more Potent than others; Nature will tell you that all the Fingers of the hand are not equal; and this inequality conduceth to the beauty of the Univers, and Manilius tells us, Est aequale nihil, Terrenos aspice tractus. By which Ratiocination he is most sublime, and may claim superiority who exceeds in multitude of Peeple, in extent of Regions, in Wealth and Dominions; and since the Catholic King excels in all these, as the French Authors themselves confess out of Cassanaeus, certainly the higher seat is to be assigned Him. The wisest of Kings tells us, that In multitudine Populi dignitas Reg is, & in paucitate Plebis ignominia Principis; In the multitude consists the dignity of a King, and in the paucity of people his shame. Therefore at the meeting of Councils, an Universal Council which is made up of most Bishops is more illustrious, and carrieth a greater stamp of authority than a Provincial, which consisteth of fewer; As the Emperor and Pope have three Crowns apiece, denoting Asia, Africa, and Europe, where the first exerciseth Sovurain Power in Temporals, and the other in all Spiritual Affairs. Now, to prove that the Catholic King is more potent than any other in spacious Dominions, it is no hard task: For go to Spain itself, it cannot be denied but it is a large Empire. 'tis true, that Spain in former times was divided into many Kingdoms, as Castille, Arragon, Navarre, Leon, etc. but now they are all concentred in one Crown; Add herunto the Kingdoms of Naples and Calabria, with the Duchy of Milan, which make up about the one moiety of Italy. He is Lord of Belgium, or the netherlands; He hath Sicily, Sardinia, with other Islands in the Mediterranean Sea, and the Canaries, with divers other in the Atlantic. He hath sundry places up and down the Coasts of Africa; He hath the Moluccas and Philipi●…a Islands, which are without number in the Indies. It was the Spanish Navigation that refelld the Paradox, for which we read that a Bishop was once imprisoned for a heretic because he held there were Antipodes. O Immortal God what an heroik and incomparable exploit was that of discovering and conquering the West-Indies, which counterbalanceth all the old world were they cast into a pair of scales! which mighty benediction was reserved by a special Providence for Spain. But what a world of dangers, doubts and difficulties did precede the work! On the one side the incertitude of the Thing, and the perils of the angry-tumbling Ocean did offer themsells; On the other side the vast expenses of the Voyage, with despair of new provision when the old was spent; And in case they should take sooting on a new earth, the Clime might perhaps not agree with their bodies, and the Savages might prove stronger than they, as they were in number above a thousand for one. 'tis true, that such imaginations as these did much distract them a while; but at last their courage and constancy was such, that they broke through all these dissi culties. And touching that huge mass of people in America, as a wild boisterous Boar taken within the toils doth foam, struggle, and turn about to try all ways how he may get out, at last when all will not serve, and having wasted his spirits he lies down with quietness and despair, putting himself upon the mercy of the Huntsmen; so the wild American having tried all ways of opposition, lay down at last succumbent and prostrate at the Spaniards feet; and for a reward of their indefatigable pains and prowess, the Divine Providence gave them afterwards Mines and Mountains of Treasure, yea, Rivers running with Gold, Seas full of Perl, with all sorts of Gems and precious stones; all kind of Aromatik Spices, sweet Woods, with a world of new Species of Birds, Beasts, Plants and Fishes which Europe never knew. But what Exchanges and recompense did Spain make to America for all this? Marry, she afforded her a far more precious Jewel, which was Christian Religion, Praequa quisquiliae caetera, In comparison whereof all other things are but Babbles: And what a world of pious pains did the Spaniards take to plant that Tree of Life among them? It is recorded by Boterus that one Franciscan Friar did baptise about 400000 Savages in the sacred Laver of Regeneration; insomuch that one may now travel thousands of miles in America, and very frequently meet with Christian Churches, Chapels, Monasteries, Convents, Nunneries, Towns, Villages, Castles, Forts, or Bulwarks as he goes along. What a coil do the Historians keep about the Achievements of Alexander the Great? We well know that he subdued but part of Asia; But here a new world is conquered about thrice as big as whole Asia: Therefore the Kings of Spain may be only said to have done Miracles in steed of Exploits. And as God All mighty when He builds, creates no less than a World; when He is angry, sends no less than an Universal Deluge; when He confers Grace, doth sacrifice no less than the prime Son; when He rewards, gives no less than Paradis; when He wars, sends no less than Legions of Angels, making also the Elements to fight, the Sea to open, and the Sun to stand: So, if Finite things may bear any proportion with Infinite, the Kings of Spain have been desigud to do mighty things, if not miracles: when They build, they build no less than an Escurial; if They are angry, they drive forth whole Nations, as the jews and Moors; if they provide for the public good, they sacrifice no less than their own Sons; if they take Arms, they conquer not only whole Kingdoms, but new Worlds: insomuch that the King of Spain may be, according to the Proverb, truly called Rex Hominum, the King of Men; whereas those of England and France are called, the first, King of Devils, the other King of Asses. It is the King of Spain alone to whom the Gran Mogor and Sophy use to send this superscription, To the King who hath the Sun for his Helmet; alluding to his vast Dominions in all parts of the world, and that the Sun doth always shine on some of them: besides, it is no mean preeminence to the Catholic King, That God Almighty is served every hour of the Natural Day in some of his Territories. Therefore it can be no derogation from any other Monarch, if for Glory and Amplitude of Dominions, for Men and Mines, for fulgor of Majesty and Power, for Islands and Continents, for a long Arm and Sword, the Catholic King be preferred before any other Prince or Potentat upon the Terrestrial Globe, take both the Hemispheres together. Argum. 6. Proving, That the King of Spain may challenge Precedence for Nobleness of Family, as also for Royal Arms and Ensigns, etc. NObility among the Heralds is of two sorts, the one is of Parental Extraction and Blood, and this is rather our Progenitors then our own, being engrafted or traducd unto us from them: There is another Nobility which is accidental, underiud or personal, and this comes either from abundance of Riches, or from excellency of Parts, or from the Merit and Glory of some great Exploit. The first proceeds from Descent, the other from Desert. Now among other Prerogatives of Kings, one of the highest is, that they are the source and fountain of Nobility and Honour; Therefore no Vassal whatsoever, be he of never so ancient and illustrious extraction, is capable to compare with the King, though I am not ignorant that some of your French Monsieurs will vapour sometimes that way. Now, it contributs much to the honour of any Country to have a King of a long-lind Royal Race. There is a good Text which tells us, That Beata Terra, cujus Rex nobilis est; with another, quam puchra est generatio cum claritate, Immortalis enim est memoria illius, quoniam, & apud Deum nota est, & apud Homines: The Land is blessed whose King is Noble; How beautiful is a Generation with brightness! the memory thereof is Immortal, because 'tis known with God and Men. The Kingdom of Spain may glory to have had Kings of both the foresaid Nobilities, both Progenial derived from their Predecessors, and Personal from their own Merit, and heroik perfections of Virtue, as Magnanimity and Fortitude, as Prudence and high Wisdom, as extraordinary Devotion and Sanctity. Touching the Royal Tree of the Genealogy of the Kings of Spain, we can fetch it from the Families of the Amalis and Baltheis, whence the Kings of the Visigoths and Ostrogoths descended above a thousand years since: Then from the glorious house of Austria, which may be called a true Imperial Tree by having produced so many Emperors that have continued in that stem above these two hundred years without interruption, which House began with Theobarto who came from Sigebart Duke of Germany, Anno 604. Touching the Shield-Ensignes and the Royal Arms of the King of Spain, they are as noble as any; and it adds much to the Nobleness of a Kingdom to have noble Arms; which hath been accounted no small blemish to the Crown of France, whose ancient Arms were three Toads in a black field, though the signification of the Hieroglyphik makes some amends for it, which relates to the fruitfulness of France; for Toads choose always the fattest soil, yet is he an ugly slow poisonous creature, and abhorred by humane Nature. But upon the conversion of King Clovis to Christianity, the French do vaunt that a Shield with three Flower de Luce's of a Caerulean colour fell down miraculously from Heaven, (as Numas Shield did in Rome, and the Palladium did in Troy) which Arms France gives ever since. But the truth of that miracle is much questioned: for the greatest Authors, as Emilius, Gillius, Reginon, and Gregorius Turonensis in the Life of King Clou is makes no mention of any such thing. But grant that France hath reason to give the Lilies or Flower de Luce's for her Royal Arms, yet Spain hath a nobler; for Spain gives the Cross in her Shield: For we know that many ancient and Authentik Writers affirm, how the Cantabrians or Biscayners (who were left unconquerd by the Romans) carried a Cross in their Banner long before the Nativity of our Saviour; which King Pelagius carried when issuing forth of the great Cave called Cobadonga to this day, with not much above 1000 Christians, he utterly routed 60000 Saracens; to the memory whereof 'tis thought the great Church Cangas called St. Crosses Church was erected, where he lieth buried with a Cross engraven upon his Tomb. And after King Pelagius who is called the Instaurator of Spain, with other Kings had the Cross in their Banner. And San Isodorus, who after St. james the Apostle is the Patron of Spain, always used it, who was a Bishop and a Knight, so that wheresoever he is represented either in shadow or stone, he is painted in a Pontifical vest, having the Cross in one hand, and the Sword in the other; and as the Oriflambe is the chiefest Banner of France, which is kept in the great Church of St. Denis; so in the great Church of Leon in Spain Saint Isodorus Banner is devoutly kept up, which upon occasion of urgent necessity was used by divers Kings to be brought to the Field against the Saracens, and afterwards against the Moors, whereby many glorious and wonderful Victories were obtained. Nor is the Cross the Ensign only of Biscay and Castille, but also of Arragon and of Navarre; and the ground of it is related in Beuter, Illescas, and Turapha to be, that when King Garcia Ximenez was ready to fight a Battle against the Saracens, and that the Christians under his command grew to be dejected and faint-hearted, there appeerd in a green Tree a red Cross very resplendent, which struck such a comfort and courage, and made such impressions in the heart of the fainty Soldiers, that they fell upon the Infidel-enemy with so great a resolution, that they did utterly discomfit him; whereupon he was called Rey de Sobrarbe, because that the holy Cross appeerd above a Tree. Argum. 7. Proving, That the Catholic King may claim Precedence because he is King of Jerusalem, and that the Right of Unction belongs also to Him, etc. ALl Authors concede that in all solemn Pomps and public Places, the first seat in the Church (after the Emperor) belongs to the King of jerusalem, as Corsetus, Grasalius, and others, do observe: And the Reasons are many; Because our Saviour preachd and suffered there; Because he made choice of his Apostles and Disciples there; Because he wrought most Miracles there; Because he conversd and had conference with Men there; Because he instituted his last Supper there; Because he did consummate the Eternal Salvation of Mankind there, and because he was buried there; with multitude of other Reasons. Now, that the King of Spain is right King of jerusalem, I believe there are but few will deny it: for the Holy Father in all his Bulls, in his Apostolical Letters, and all public spiritual Dispatches, doth style him King of jerusalem; and so doth the Conclave, the College of Cardinals, the Rota, or Judges of the Apostolic Chancery: And it is as clear as the Meridian, that this Title is due to him as he is King of both the Sicily's, viz. of Sicily, Calabria and Naples, which appeers evident in all Annals and Chronicles; Although the French do cavil with him for a Right to those Kingdoms, which Valdesius and Vasquez do sufficiently answer, and refute. Nor can it be denied but a double Unction belongs to him as he is King of both those Kingdoms; whereas the Kings of England and France have but one Unction apiece relating to single Kingdoms. Now, that Kings are to be anointed with holy Oil, the sacred Code tells us plainly; for it was the warrant which God Almighty himself, the King of Heaven and Earth, gave unto the Prophet Elias, Unges Asachel Regem super Syriam, & jehu silium Namasi unges Regem super Israel: Thou shalt 〈◊〉 ●…sachel King over Syria, and thou shalt anoint jehu King over Israel. In another place he speaks himself, Inveni David servum meum, & oleo sancto meo unxi eum: I have found David my servant, and with my holy Oil have I anointed him. Therefore Kings are called Christ's upon earth, because they are anointed by God: Nay, Cyrus is called Christ in this sense, as the Text saith, Haec dicit Dominus Cyro Christo ejus; Thus says God to Cyrus his Christ or his anointed. One of the Prerogatives of the Emperor is, that he is to be anointed by the Pope himself; But Kings are anointed by their own Prelates. Augustin de Ancona gives the reason for this Ceremony, because Oil signifieth gladness, and promptitude to debel the Enemies of the Church, to fight for the Orthodoxal Faith, and carry away Victories. Thereupon at the celebration of the Olympik Games the Wrestlers were used to be anointed, as the Poet sings: Exercent Patrias Oleo labente Palestras Nudati Socii— The holy King saith, Dilexisti justitiam, & odisti iniquitatem, propterea unxit te Deus Oleo laetitiae prae consortibus tuis: Thou hast loved justice, and hated iniquity, wherefore God hath anointed thee with the Oil of gladness above thy fellows. By Oil also is understood cleverness of Conscience, as we read, Prudentes Virgines acceperunt oleum in vasibus suis: The wise Virgins took oil in their lamps. Now they are Heavenly wide of the truth who hold that these two Kings, viz. of jerusalem and Sicily, with those of England and France, are only capable of holy Unction: For it belongs to all Kings; especially to the Catholic King, who is a mixed Person 'twixt Temporal and Spiritual, for he is Canon of Burgos as the French King is of a Church in Poitou; But the Kings of Spain have been from all times anointed from the time of King Vuamba, and after him Ervigius: for the Text of the Council of Toledo saith plainly, Serenissimus Ervigius Princeps Regni conscenderit Regni culmen, Regnandique per sacram Unctionem susceperit potestatem: Most serene Ervigius Prince of the Kingdom shall ascend the top of the Kingdom, and by the holy Oil take a power to reign. After these the Gothik Kings were also anointed from Pelagius downward. Therefore 'tis a pure Paradox, or rather a vulgar Error, that none but the four mentioned Kings are capable of holy Unction. Argum. 8. Proving, That the Catholic King may challenge Precedence because of the free and absolute Power he hath over his Dominions, and that he hath Empires under Him, etc. IT mightily concerns Royal Dignity to have a whole Plenary Dominion and Rule, and not to be subordinat to any other Temporal Power whatsoever: Such an absolute Dominion the Catholic King enjoys, and is entailed upon him by the Laws of the Land; though as a dutiful Son to the Church, out of pure Ideas of Devotion he is contented to be obedient unto his Mother in spiritual things. Yet, there are divers Tramontan Writers both Italian and Germans, who being devoted to the Emperor, would make the Kings of Spain, England and France to acknowledge the Emperor, and they who do it not remain in no less than mortal sin; And one of the main Arguments which they urge, is, That the Emperor Sigismond before the Council of Constance assembled, sent his summons among other to Ferdinand King of Arragon to be there for the universal good of Christendom. But herunto 'tis answered, That the glorious Emperor Charles the fifth made a solemn Protestation, that he decreed nothing in Spain under the notion of Emperor: For though he had a double quality, yet, whatsoever he acted in Spain was singly as he was King thereof. This signal Diploma, or public Protestation is yet to be seen in the Archives of Spain, and is mentioned in the History of Pedro Mexia, which runs thus. Don Carlos por la gracia de Dios Rey de Romanos, futuro Emperador semper Augusto, Rey de Castilla y de Leon, etc. En uno con la muy alta, y muy Poderosa Reyna Donna juana mi Sennora Madre. Por quanto despues que plugo a la Divina Clementia (por la qual los Reyes reynan) que fuessemos Eligidos Rey de Romanos futuro Emperador, y que de Rey Catholico de Espanna (con que eramos bien contentos) fuessemos promovido al Imperio convino que nuestros Titulos se ordenassen dando a cada uno su devido lugar; Fue necessario conformando nos con razon segun la qual el Imperio precede a las otras dignidades seglares por ser la mas alta y sublime dignidad que Dios instituyò en la I●…ierra, de preferir la dignidad Imperial a la Real, y de nombrarnos y intitularnos primero common Rey de Romanos y futuro Emperador que la dicha Reyna mi sennora lo qual hizimos mas apremiado de necessi●…d que de razon, que por voluntad que dello tenemos, porque con toda reverencia, y acatamiento la honramos, y desseamos honrar y acatar, Pues que demas cumplir el mandamiento de Dios a que somos obligadoes por Ella tenemos, y esperamos tener tan gran sucession de Reynos y senorios como tenemos. Y porque de la dicha prelation no see pueda Seguir ni causar perjuizio ni confusion adelante a los nuestros Reynos de Espanna, ni a los Reyes nuestros Successores, ni a los naturales sus subditos que por tiempo fueren; Por end queremos que sepan todos los que agora son, ò seran de aqui adelante, que nuestra intention, y voluntad es que la libertad, y exemption que los dichos Reynos de Espanna, y Reyes delloes han tenido, y tienen, de que han gozado, y gozan de no reconocer Superior les sea agora, y de aqui adelante observada, y guardada inviolablement, y que gozen de aquel estado, etc. You el Rey. Thus rendered into English. Don Carlos by the grace of God King of the Romans, and future Emperor always August, King of Castille and Leon, etc. together with the most high and most mighty Dame joan my Lady Mother. Whereas since it pleased the Divine Clemency, by which Kings reign, that we were elected King of the Romans, future Emperor, and from a Catholic King of Spain, (wherewith we were well contented) we were promoted to the Empire, it was convenient that our Titles should be ordered giving every one his due place; It was necessary (conforming ourselves to Reason, whereby the Empire precedes to other secular Dignities, it being the highest and most sublime Dignity which God hath instituted on earth) to prefer the Imperial Dignity before the Kingly, and to name and entitle ourselves as Kings of the Romans and future Emperor before the said Queen my Lady; which we did being pressd more by necessity then by any willingness we have thereunto, because we honour and respect, and desire to honour and respect Her with all reverence and duty, in regard that besides the accomplishing of God's Commandment whereunto we are obliged, we hold by Her, and hope to hold so great a succession to Kingdoms and Dominions which we hold. And because no prejudice or confusion may ensue to our said Kingdoms of Spain, nor to the Kings our ●…uccessors, nor to the Native Subjects that shall be for the time, Therefore our desire is, That all those who now are, and shall be hereafter, may know, That our intention and will that the Liberty and exemption which the said Kingdoms of Spain and their Kings have held and do hold, that they have enjoyed or do enjoy, Not to acknowledge a Superior, be observed unto Them now and hereafter, and be inviolably kept; And that they enjoy the same liberty and ingenuity which at the time of our promotion, and before they had and enjoyed, etc. And our will is, that this Declaration have the force and vigour of a Pragmatical Sanction, etc. Given in the City of Barcelona, 5. 7bris. 1519. I the King. This Royal Manifesto, or Pragmatical Sanction you see doth assert the absolute and independent Authority of the Kings of Spain, and that they do not only renounce all subordinations, but are free from the least acknowledgement to any Foreign Power: insomuch that it is enacted by the Laws of Spain, that to avoid the least suspicion of any obedience to the Empire, the Civil Roman Law is not to be kept, or alleged as Law. Nor indeed for driving out the Saracens, and other Infidels was Spain ever obliged to the Empire, or any other Extrinsik Power, but she did it by the effusion of her own blood, by the strength and valour of her own Natives. Moreover, the Kings of Spain are so far from any recognition of subjection to the Empire, or any outward power, that they themselves in former Ages have been frequently called Emperors in public Instruments, as Decretals, Acts of Councils, and Apostolical Epistles from Rome. Now if they did merit to be called Emperors then, how much more is that Title adaequat to the Kings of Spain in these latter times, wherein they are grown to be Lords of above half of the whole Terrestrial Globe? Nor is the King of Spain thus exempt from all Foreign extraneous Authority, but in point of intrinsecal and domestik Power he is as absolute as any other: for it hath not been found this hundred years that his Subjects did refuse the payment of any Impositions, which have been many in regard he wars with all the world who repine at his Greatness. Yet is he still Re●… Hominum, a King of Men, viz. of Free Subjects, and not a King of Asinigos, as his next Neighbour is called. Argum. 9 Proving, That the King of Spain may claim Precedence because he hath been so obsequious a Son, and done such great Offices to the Christian Church. There are three Offices which all Christian Kings are bound to perform towards the holy Church. The first is, To obey the Precepts, Canons and Injunctions of the Church, though it be only by an humble implicit Faith. The second is, To protect and defend the holy Church not only from Infidels, and open Enemies, but from Heretics and schismatics. The third is, To erect Temples and decent Domes of Devotion for the service and worship of God, and to beautify and enrich them accordingly with Rents and Ornaments. The Kings of Spain have been more renowned for these three then any in Christendom. Touching the first, There is no King or Souverain Prince whatsoever hath been or is so exactly obedient to the Canonical Laws, and the Constitutions, Commands and Sanctions of the Church, as the Catholic King is known to be. There are no Kings that do more Corporal Penances when they are laid upon them by their Ghostly Fathers: For that Penitential Whip which Charles the Fifth used, and left all besmeared with his own Blood, is used often by this King, whereby he mingles his Blood with that of his great Granfather, besides that of his Granfather and Father; which Penitential Whip is the most precious Legacy that the Kings of Spain use to leave their Sons upon their Deathbeds, and is like so to continue to all Posterity. Touching the second Office for protecting the holy Church as well from Aposta●…s and schismatics as from open Enemies, I may well say without any derogation, that there is no King comparable to the Catholic King. Spain did clear herself with admired Valour and Prudence of three Nations that were enemies to the Christian Church, viz. the Saracens, the Moors, and the jews: And the Cat●…olik King always bore such a high reverence to the holy Church, that they never got any considerable Victory but they sent the Trophies thereof to the Vicar of Christ. I will produce one signal example: When King Albohazin Belamarin had invaded Spain with a mighty Fleet, transporting 20000 Horse, and 400000 Foot, the King of Granada joining with him also, with all the Moriscos that were yet left in Spain, He first besieged Tarifa, but Alfonso the eleventh King of Castille, with Alfonso King of Portugal did comport themselves with such admired Courage and Magnanimity, having no Auxiliaries from any other Christian Nation, but a pure Army of Spaniards, that they obtained a wonderful and glorious Victory, so that above 200000 Moors were destroyed in fight and flight, the rest made all slaves, as Mariana and Zurita make particular mention in their Chronicles. As soon as the triumphs for so blessed a Victory were ended in Spain, King Alfonso sent a splendid Embassy by Don juan de Leiva to Pope Benedict II. then keeping the Apostolic Seat at Auignon in France; which Ambassador presented his Holiness with a great Banner, and four and twenty of the chiefest Colours they had taken from the Moors. There were presented besides 100 Barb Horses with rich saddles, whereunto Shields, Swords and Javelins were hung, and every horse had a Marisco slave to attend him. Then the very Ginet whereon King Alfonso himself did ride when he got the Field, was presented with rich Caparisons embroidered with Perl. The Pope having notice hereof, sent all the Cardinals, with a great number of Prelates to meet the Ambassador; who being conducted to the Pope, he descended from the Pontifical Throne, and taking the King's Banner into his hands, he sang with a loud voice, Vexilla Regis prodeunt, Fulget Christi mysterium: so making a pathetik elegant speech of so glorious an Exploit, they went all to the great Church to give God the glory, where the said Colours, Ensigns and Shields were hung up. I could bring many instances more of this nature, how highly respectful the Catholic Kings have been always of the holy Church, and of her chief Governor in all Ages; and how ready they have been to sacrifice their bloods in defence of her. But let us go to these modern times, we know that his Catholic Majesty is in perpetual feud with the Common Enemy the Turk, and how he still disdained to make a Peace with him though often wooed thereunto, whereas other Kings make not only a Peace but Confederacies with him ever and anon. We know what a professd eager Enemy the Catholic King is to all Heretics, how he suffers none to breathe in his Dominions; How ready he is always to suppress them in defence of the Catholic Church, and St. Peter's Chair, which by the supplantings and Machinations of the late Apostats had quite fallen down, unless the Catholic King had reachd his arms to support and bear it up. Touching the third Office of a Christian King, which is to erect Temples, and handsome places for the worship of Almighty God, no Kings have been more pious and munificent in that kind: Witness that mighty Monument the Royal Monastery of St. Laurence at the Escurial, a Monument built to Eternity, and to ●…ug with the Iron teeth of time, as the thickness and solidity of the walls do show. This one stupendous Monument of Piety, which is worthily accounted the eighth Wonder of the World, would afford matter for one entire Volume of itself: Let it suffice to know here that it cost above twenty Millions the building: It was twenty years before it was finished; yet the Founder Philip the second, of eternal memory, enjoyed it twelve years after, and at last carried his own bones to be interred in that glorious Pantheon he had expressly caused to be built for that use. What a world of Religious Houses did this pious Prince erect besides I for in Europe and America he built upon his own charge above a hundred Churches, Monasteries, and Hospitals. Now, it is a great matter for other Kings if they build a College, or Chapel, and are prayed for as great Benefactors; then I pray what Prayers and Praises doth such a King deserve as Philip the Prudent was! Argum. 10. Proving, That the King of Spain may claim Precedence because the Catholic Church hath and doth receive greater Protection and Emoluments from Him then from any other Prince. IT is recorded, That when Pope Gregory the thirteenth was sick, it was told him that he was much prayed for, in regard his Life so much concerned the welfare of the Church: He answered, Helas, the prolongation of any Life can little avail the Catholic Church; but pray for the health of King Philip, for his Life concerns Her more. Now, Spain hath been always renowned not only for protecting of the Church, and conquering of Infidels, but also for converting of Heretics. We know that Osius Bishop of Corduba had the chiefest hand in the conversion of Constantin the Great, after his Mother Helena a British Lady, from whom he had suckd Christian milk at first, though 'twas not concocted to good blood until Osius did it. What great favours and indulgence did the poor persecuted Christians receive from ●…rajan, from Elius Hadrianus, from Antoninus Pius, from Theodosius? all Spanish Emperors in the time of the ten Persecutions. How strongly did Spain tug with the Arrian Heresy till she was quite put upon her back, and at last converted? The Albigenses in France who had such nefarious, and indeed nefandous Principles, As that it was lawful to destroy Churches, To pull down Crosses, To have Wives in common, That the Humane Soul was of Gods making, but the Body of the Devils, & c. I say, that these ugly Heretics were principally converted by St. Dominik and by Didacus, (Episcopus Oximensis) both of them being Spaniards, and sent by Pope Innocent 3. expressly for that service in the reign of Lewis 7. of France; wherein also Blanch Queen of Spain took much pains with great success. How much did Charles the fifth labour to quell Luther, and to crush the Cockatrice in the shell! which caused this Distik to be made in those times of him, and Henry the Eighth of England: Carolus, Henricus, Christi Defensor Uterque Henricus Fidei, Carolus Ecclesiae. Charles and Henry both Defendors of Christ; Charles of his Church, Henry of his Faith. And Spain is so zealous a Christian, that 'tis not only sufficient for her to abstain from Heresy, but from the very suspicion thereof; which made her to erect, and raise up that wall of brass against it, I mean the Tribunal of the Inquisition. By which sacred Office the Vineyard of the Lord in the Spanish Dominions is kept free from brambles and thorns, with all noisome weeds; 'tis preserved and hedged thereby from all wild ravenous Beasts that so much annoy her in other Kingdoms, and set fire on her skirts so often, which Spain by the most prudent and pious establishment of this holy Office is so happily made free. Moreover, there have been no Kings so eminently liberal, and munificent to the holy House of God, together with their Governors and Ministers, as the Kings of Spain have been in all Ages; insomuch that a computation hath been made, that well near the third part of Spain are spiritual Revenues, and the third part of the Churches have been founded by Kings. The Archbishop of Toledo is the greatest Ecclesiastical Dignity in Christendom next the Papacy; for it hath above 300000 Crowns annual Revenues, which countervails three of the best Archbishopriks in France. Nor have the Catholic Kings thought it any derogation to make their Sons Archbishops of that place, and Chancellors of Castille. Furthermore, there hath been a late calculation made, That of those five or six hundred Millions of Treasure that hath been transported to Spain from Mexico and Peru since the discovery of the West-Indies, the Church hath the tenth part; insomuch that in some petty Rural Churches one shall see huge massy Candlesticks of Silver, with large Chalices, Pixes, Crosses and Crucifixes, some of them of massy Gold, and inlaid with precious 〈◊〉▪ Nor is this Treasure lost that is given the Church; For the Clergy of Spain have been always ready to serve and assist their King in all his exigents and necessities: insomuch that it is a saying in Spain, That los tesoros de la yglesia son como 〈◊〉 contra ●…na tormenta, The tresures of the Church are as anchors against a storm. Add herunto that no Kings of Spain have felt the fulminations of the Vatican, viz. the sentence of Excommunication, as other Kings have done; But they have always obeyed with much exactness the Doctrine of the holy Church, resigning their Intellectuals, and the whole inward man to the determinations thereof; as also to defend them against all Opposers; whereas divers French Kings have had clashes, and frequent contestations with the holy Father. What high feuds had Philippe le Bel with Pope Boniface 8! for he passed an Edict of Interdiction, that none of his ecclesiastics should have commerce with Rome: He obeyed not the Pontificial censures, but toar his Letters, detained his Legates, and convoqud a Provincial Council in Paris against his order, wherein there were Accusations of Simony and Schism obtruded against him. But all this while the Kings of Castil●… and Arragon adherd to his Holiness as being the Head and Common Father of the Catholic Church. Lewis the eleventh of France against the Ecclesiastical Liberties did institut the Pragmatical Sanction, enforcing the Pope to assent thereunto, whereby all the Cano●…cal Laws and Discipline fell in France, as Mausonius observes. Charles 8. entered Rome against the Pope's will, and did as good as war with him, as with an enemy, but the Catholic King Ferdinand 5. adherd to him to very good purpose. Touching Lewis 12. what a bitter enemy he was to the Apostolic seat! what troubles he excited against julius 2. which gave the first countenance and rise to those Heresies that have pullulated in the Church, and so miserably torn the very Bowels of her ever since! Philip 2. of France repudiating his lawful Wife, married another not only without the consent of Celestin, the holy Father, but against the opinion of his own ecclesiastics, whom he handled with so much rigour and tyranny. Philip the first of France did no less bandy against the Decrees of the Church in divers things, and did likewise cast off his Legitimat Wife, and forced another. Lewis 6. of France did so persecut the holy Church, that he drew Anathemas and spiritual Execrations upon him. Lewis 7. of France had such contentions with Pope Innocent 〈◊〉. that he remained under the heavy sentence of Excommunication three full years. Charles le Bel was so highly disobedient to Pope john 23. that he interdicted to pay him his Tenths, and other Ecclesiastik Rights. Francis 1. and Hen. 2. of France to their eternal reproach called in the Turk to their assistance against the Christian Emperor. Of all which particulars there are Authentik Historians who make mention, and leave it upon record to all Posterity. But the French speak very loud how Charles the fifth raised such a fierce war against Clement 7. that he besieged Rome, and made the Pope prisoner. 'tis confessed, but it was upon a pure temporal score; yet he resented it so much, that it drew repentance from him; nor did he grieve a whit that his General the Duke of Bourbon was killed as he was scaling the walls of Rome, because he had exceeded his commission: Nor when the news came to Spain of the success of the Emperor's Army, was any joy of triumph showed at all, but rather a dark sadness, and all the signs of sorrow, which possessed him to his dying day; And for a compensation to the Holy Father, he establishd his Nephew in the State of Florence. Thus have we collected the Reasons and Arguments of these three great Monarches in order to a Precedence of Place, and Superiority. Concerning the Reasons of the two latter, they are excerpted, drawn and deprompted out of the eminentst Authors who have written in their behalf; and that with such fidelity and truth, as the Majesty of so high a subject doth require, not omitting any Argument that had weight in it. Touching the competition 'twixt other Souverain Princes, as that 'twixt the King of Denmark and Him of Sweden, who both entitle themselves Kings of the Goths and Vandals; as also that 'twixt the Portuguese and the Pole; 'twixt the Republiks' of Venice and Genoa, who both pretend to be Teste Coronate, to be Crowned Heads, because th●… one had the Kingdom of Cyprus, the other hath that of Corsica under her Dominion; as likewise the old Competition 'twixt the Duke of Savoy, and Him of Milan, (which is now drowned in the Spanish Titles) Nor of the Princes of Germany; I say, that the Disputes of these Precedencies do not belong to this present Discourse. There are also divers other Competitions 'twixt Cities as well as Sovurain Princes, as 'twixt Milan and Ravenna in Italy; 'twixt Strasburg and Norimburg in Germany; 'twixt Toledo & Burgos in Spain, which Philip 2. did in some measure reconcile: For when in a Parliament (which they call Las Cortes) there was a high feud 'twixt these two Cities, whose Bourgesse should speak first; the King stood up and said, Able Burgos, que por Toledo hablare you; Let Burgos speak, for Toledo I will speak myself. The like Competition is in England for Precedence 'twixt Oxford and Cambridge, which hath been often debated in Parliament, though Oxford had always the better, because she is named first in all Acts of Parliament for Subsidies. Nor indeed hath Cambridge reason to contend in this point, if Antiquity take place, and Antiquity is a good argument; for Lucian will tell us, that when there was a Contest in Heaven 'twixt Esculapius and Hercules for Precedence, Esculapius carried it, because he came first thither. Therefore Cambridge need not be offended with the Poet when he sung, Hysteron & Proteron praepostera forma loquendi, Exempli causa Cant'brigia Oxonium. there's also another Argument for Oxford drawn ab Etymologia, which the Philosopher tells us is a good way of arguing, viz. Ther was an Ox and a Ford, than Came a Bridge. But these two Noble Sisters as they are unparallelld by any other in their kind, let them be equal among themselves, and listen unto the Poet, Sisters, why strive you for Antiquity? The older still the likelier for to die; Would you wish your own ruin? surely no, Let Mouldering Age on meaner things take hold, But may You flourish still, and ne'er grow old. And let this be a Close to the Third Section. The fourth, & last Section, CONTAINING A DISCOURSE OF AMBASSADORS. There is a good Rule in the Schools, Qui bene dividit bene docet: Therefore we will make this Fourth Section to conform and quadrat with the other Three in point of Division▪ It shall also be a Decade with the rest; and as there is Affinity of Matter betwixt them, so there shall be affinity of Method; For it shall likewise consist of ten Parts or Paragraphs. 1. The first shall be of the derivation and Etymology of this word Ambassador; with the Definition, Division and Denomination of Ambassadors and Legates. 2. The second shall be of the indispensable and absolute necessity of Ambassadors, and that Mankind cannot subsist without Them. 3. Of the Antiquity, the first Rise and Pedigree of Ambassadors; as also of their Dignity, high Honour and Pre-eminence, and who are capable to employ them. 4. Of their Privileges, Reception, Security, and the inviolable sacred esteem of their Persons. 5. Of the Breeding and Education, the Parts and Perfections both acquird and natural which are required in an Ambassador. 6. Of the Election and choice of an Ambassador, that he should be Par Negotio, adaequat to the Employment he goes about. 7. Of the Office and Duty of an Ambassador in the execution of his Place, and acquitting Himself of the great Fiduciary Trust reposed in Him. 8. Of the Laws of England relating to Ambassadors, how they use to be received, and treated in the English Court, and what Rewards they receive, etc. 9 Of the wise Comportment, and witty Sayings of divers Ambassadors during the time of their Negotiation. 10. Of the extraordinary Prudence and Reservedness, the Stoutness and Generosity of divers English Ambassadors, etc. There are many Authors who have made it their business to write of Ambassadors, and of their Office, Incumbency and Charge; as also of their Qualities, Breeding, and suitable Parts. They have moreover undertaken to prescribe them Rules, Precepts and Cautions; but those Precepts may fit any other Minister of State, or Magistrate, and so they amuse the Reader with Universals. But this Discourse shall keep close to the Person of the Ambassador, and to the Nature of his Function, Office and Duty. And so we will take the first Paragraph in hand. 1 Paragraph, Touching the derivation and Etymology of this word Ambassador; With the Definition, Division, and Denomination of Ambassadors and Legates. NEither Don Antonio de Zuniga the Spaniard, nor Doctor Gasparo Bragaccia the Italian, with divers others who have written so largely of an Ambassador, do let us know what the Word is, either Ambassadeur, Ambasciatore, Embaxador, or Ambascia. Now we find them all to be of great Antiquity, for they are derived of an old Celtik or Gaulish word; which Celtiks were before the Greeks or Latins, a Peeple that dwelled where Paris in France now stands, being called so before the Romans or the Franconians came in. Now Embassy or Ambascy comes of Ambachten, which is to work; and Ambacht was a servant in the old Gaulik or Celtik tongue, whereunto alludes Bachken, used yet in Wales for a servant; whereby among divers other Arguments it is very probable that the ancient Gauls and Britain's spoke one Language originally; From hence came Ambactus which Tacitus useth, when he saith, That Galli plurimos circumse Ambactos Clientesque habent. So that Ambasciator derived hence, is come now to be a servant, or Minister of honour; for in some Translations we have Paulus Dei gratia Diaconus, & Ambasciator: Insomuch that it may well extend to the holy Function of Priests: For the Minister on the Desk may be said to be the Peeples Ambassador to God, and in the Pulpit God's Ambassador to the Peeple. But the Italians would have Ambasciatore to come from the old Hetruscan word Bascer, which signifidth nunciare, to report or declare. Others have a conceit that it may come from the word Ambo., because he is a Mediator 'twixt both Parties. Now, touching the Definition of an Ambassador, or Legate, Don Antonio de Zuniga, defines him thus: A Legate or Ambassador is a Conciliator of the Affairs of Princes; A Man sent from far to treat of public Concernments by particular Election, not by strength and stratagems of War, but by Eloquence and force of Wit. Others define him to be a Subject who resembleth a Mediator of Love. Concerning the word Legat, Resoldus tells us in brief, that He is one who is sent to deliver the Commands of another: but none of these can be called properly Definitions according to the Rules of Logik, but Descriptions. They are called sometimes Orators, from Oration, or the fluency of the Tongue, which is the chiefest tool of an Ambassador. They are called also Nuncii, because they come to declare and tell. Now, Nuncii and Legates are of late Ages they whom the Popa sends, whose Ministers of this kind have a mixed employment 'twixt Spiritual and Secular. Legates are of three sorts, there is Legatus Natus, Legatus Missus, and Legatus à Latere: The first hath a perpetual successif Legantine Power, as the Archbishop of Canterbury in England, is endowed with that Prerogative as a Dignity annexd to the Archbishoprik above 1000 years since; therefore there can no other Legates come to England without the King's special consent: whereupon one of the Articles against Cardinal Wolsey was, That he exercised a Legantine Power in England without the King's privity. Then there is Legatus Missus, and he signifieth as much as an ordinary Nuncio. Then there is Legatus à Latere, or Apostolical Nuncio, who is desumd out of the number of Cardinals only, and they are sometimes G●…vernors of Provinces, or called Proconsuls; and they are called Legati de Latere, because they are nearest the side, and the greatest Confidents of the Pope. We may read in justine that Ambassadors by some are called Lenones Bawds, (but taken in a chaste sense) because by smooth and alluring Language they move the affections of the Prince to whom they are sent. The Greeks call their Ambassador's 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, because they ought to be of years, and well salted in the world. There are also Deputies and Commissaries who have the same Office as Ambassadors; but the Civilians make this difference betwixt them, that Ambassadors are sent to Equals, Deputies to Superiors, and Commissaries to Inferiors. There is also a public Minister of State called Agent; and he is sent when there is a suspicion that the Ambassador will not be honoured as he should be. Therefore the French Kings of late years have no Ambassadors in the Emperor's Court, but Agents, because of the Competition for Precedence 'twixt him and Spain. Agents are likewise employed sometimes to save charges, or that the Business may be done without noise. And of late years there is a new Minister of State invented, which is a Resident, who is superior to an Agent, and inferior to an Ambassador. Both Agent and Resident have the Security, though not the Session and state, or such a latitude of power as Ambassadors have: Now, Agents may dispatch Businesses of as great consequence as Ambassadors, though they do it more secretly, and with less stir. Therefore Hottoman saith, That the Queen of England, and the Princes of Germany had des Agens Secrets in Venice, because that in regard of diversity of Religion, the Senate would not seem to make too strict a friendship with them; and for these secret Employments Merchants have been thought to be the fittest Instruments, because under the cloak of Trading they may also hide Affairs of State. There are also Heralds which are a sort of Ambassadors, and they are very ancient; They are called Caduceatores, whose Office is to denounce War: for such was the open honesty of our Ancestors, that they would not commence a War until they had sent notice of it in a convenient time beforehand; and these had also the security of Ambassadors for the time, but they were strictly tied to the very same words that were dictated unto them. Their persons also are to be as free from any outrage as Ambassadors are, which made the Earl of Essex check his soldiers in Keinton-field when the late King sent Sir William le Neve King of Arms the next morning after the Battle was sought; who would have outragd Him. There are also other Ministers of State that draw near to the nature of Ambassadors, which are called Consuls, whereof some have Royal Commission, though the nature of their Office be to protect and assist the Merchant, being practised in the Custom and Language of the Country, in their Lawsuits; and there is as much esteem had of these as of Agents. Of these England hath more than any, and they are allowed very noble allowance; as he of Aleppo hath 4000 Dollars yearly, and they of Smyrna and Moscow little less: but if there be an Ambassador in that Dominion where they serve, they are subordinat to his commands in divers things. We will conclude this Paragraph with this distinction of Ambassadors, That some are extraordinary or pro tempore employed upon some particular great Affairs, or Condolements, or Congratulations, or for Overtures of Marriage, etc. and they use to go with greater lustre and magnificence, and may return without sending for leave, unless there be a restraining clause in their Commission. The other are Ordinary or Leaguer Ambassadors commanded to reside in the place until they receive Letters of Revocation; and as their time of return is indefinite, so their business is incertain, arising out of emergent occasions, and commonly the protection and affairs of the Merchants is their greatest care. But Albericus Gentilis, with all the great Civilians, allege that these kind of Ambassadors were not known but of late years, and Paschalius calls them no better than Emissaries, Explorators or Spies, which made Hen. 7. of England, as he saith, admit of none. The second Paragraph, Of the absolute and indispensable necessity of Ambassadors, and that Mankind cannot subsist without them. IF it were not for Ambassadors Wars would be endless, and Enmities everlasting; There would be no knowledge, no friendship among Princes, nor commerce among Nations. Brunus says, That among all Functions, all Offices and Employments of a Commonwealth, there is none more necessary, more difficult, more honourable, and that requires greater discretion, sagacity and caution, then that of an Ambassador: but as it is accompanied with honour and profit, so it is with danger and hazard. Ambassadors are the emissititious Eyes of a Prince, they are his ears and hands, they are his very understanding and reason, they are his breath and voice; in contemplation whereof the Poet sings that an Ambassador is — Vox Regum, lingua salutis, Foederis Orator, pacis via, Terminus irae, Semen Amicitiae, Belli fuga, litibus hostis. It is observed in all stories, and confirmed by multitude of examples, that the Interview and encounter of Kings hath been rather a disadvantage then an advance to any great business, specially in treating of Capitulations of Peace. Therefore in the politics 'tis a Principle, that in Colloquies for Pacification Princes should not appear in person, but be represented by their Ambassadors and Commissaries. A Journey to be performed by Kings requires much trouble and charges; much ado there is in fitting their train, that they may appear in a fitting equippage; all which consumes time, as also what high ceremonies are to be used in so solemn an action. Philip Comines, who always dismisseth his Readers wiser than they came, giveth special Cautions for this, Affirming that the congress of Souverain Princes in regard of the various circumstances that attend it, is a mere folly; it is exposed to emulation, jealousies, and envy, as also to delays, and retarding of things by needless solemnities. He makes an instance in the personal Encounter which the Kings of England and France had, (where it is observable that he puts England before France) adding further, that Lewis the eleventh though a politic wise King, was much afraid beforehand that some word might slip from him which might give offence, or some advantage to the King of England, or his Ministers; Herunto he adds an infortunate Journey that the King of Portugal made to the said King Lewis for assistance against the Castilians, which perhaps he might have procured by a discreet Ambassador, which makes him give a caution touching this point. Bien tard ●…n Prince se doit mettre soubs la main d'un autre, ni aller cercher son secours en personne: A Prince should hardly put himself under the hands of another, or go seek aid of him in person. Paulus Emilius also describing the personal meeting that was between King Richard of England and Philip Augustus of France, (who also in the relation puts him of England before France) saith, that their often Conversation and Colloquies did much retard and disadvantage the great business of an Expedition to the Holy Land. We will add herunto the memorable example 'twixt Mathias King of Hungary, and Uladislaus King of Bohemia, who after a long War were to meet for concluding a peace in Olmutts in Moravia, where Mathias (merely out of state) made Uladislaus stay for him 15 days; Moreover, Mathias came with a green Garland about his temples in policy that he might not uncover his head: Uladislaus thereupon caused his Cap to be so girded and knotted about that it could not be taken off. — Sic Ars d●…luditur arte. But there is a Modern Example far more pregnant than any of these, of Charles' the first King of England, whose Journey to the Court of Spain, though the design was Princely and Noble in itself, for it was to endear himself the more to the Lady Infanta; yet it proud very disadvantageous, for it distracted and retarded the whole business both of Match and restitution of the Palatinat, when by the negotiation of Ambassadors it had been brought to such a pass of perfection, that it had taken effect had not the Prince come thither, which gave occasion for the two great Favourites Buckingham and Olivares to clash one with another, which broke the neck of so great a Business that had been a moulding above ten years; which had it been left to the sole management of Ambassadors, had in all probability been consummated. Thus we see how absolutely requisite and necessary, how advantageous and essential Ambassadors are to a Kingdom or Commonwealth; which made the Roman Orator say, Sentio Legatorum munus tum Hominum Praesidio munitum esse, tum etiam Divino jure circumvallatum: I ●…old the function of Ambassadors to be fenced by men's power, and fortified by Divine right. We will conclude with a Cannon of the Civilians, Legatorum munus perquam utile est, ac perquam necessarium: The Office of Ambassadors is most 〈◊〉, and most necessary; which makes the Spaniards call it Santo Officio y Ministerio de los Angeles, The holy Office and Ministry o●… Angels. The third Paragraph, Of the Antiquity, the first Rise and Pedigree of Ambassadors; as also of their Dignity, high Honour and Pre-eminence, and who are capable to qualify, and employ Ambassadors. FRom the Necessity of Ambassadors we will proceed to their Antiquity; and surely they must needs be very ancient if they are so necessary. Some draw their antiquity from Belus the Father of Ninus; but josephus makes them more ancient, and refers their Original to God Himself, who was pleased to create the Angels for this Ministry; Therefore Embassy in Greek is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, as being derived by imitation from the Hierarchy of Angels, who are made the Ambassadors of the great King of Heaven upon extraordinary occasions, either for revelation of the success of Kingdoms, as the Archangel Gabriel was to Daniel; Or for the declaring of some rare and signal thing, as He was sent also to the Blessed Virgin of the Conception of our Saviour, etc. Now, there is no Order or Government in this lower World as well Ecclesiastical as Secular but it is had from the Pattern of the higher, in regard that God Almighty created the Elementary World, and appointed the Government thereof to conform with the Architype and chief Pattern, or Ideal Form of the same conceaud at first in the Divine mind, and prescribd to the Heavenly Kingdom. Herunto alludes the Fiction of the ancient Pagans; For Aristides tells us, that in the first Age of the World, whereas Mankind was infected by Brute Animals, whereof some were far stronger, others swifter, others were Venomous, which made Mankind become often a prey to Birds, to Beasts and Serpents, Prometheus being solicitous and studious for the safety of the humane Creture, became Ambassador, or Orator to jupiter for declaring the misery of Mankind; Herupon jupiter resolved to send his son Mercury to teach Man Rhetorik, that is, to speak well and movingly; but with this restriction, that he should not communicate this Art to all, but to the excellentst, the wisest and valiantest sort of men: By means hereof they came down from the mountains, and forth out of Caves and places of fastness, and by means of that Art of Rhetorik or Eloquence they united themselves to civil Societies and coalitions. Hence it may be inferrd that Mercury the God of Eloquence was the first Ambassador, and he is painted with wings on his heels to denote expedition; Besides, he carrieth a white Wand called Caduceus in his hand, encircled with two Dragons greeting one another, which signifieth that his Office is to make Peace, Alliances and Leagues, as also to the nounce War, which is intimated by the immanity of the Dragon. Having thus displayed the Antiquity, we come now to the Honour of Ambassadors; and questionless they must needs be very honourable being so ancient. Royalty may be said, without profaneness, to be a Ray of Divinity; and Honour is a Ray of Royalty; The first is derived immediately from Heaven, the other from Earthly Kings, who are called the Fountains of Honor. Now, the reflections of this second Ray falls no where so directly as upon Ambassadors, who represent and personat Souverain Princes, which makes their Houses Sanctuaries, and their Persons so sacred, inviolable and excellent: and they have this high honour given them not only for their own sakes, and their Masters, but as they are Instruments of so universal good, as suppressing of Wars by making Peace, Friendship and Concord; or for the advancement of Commerce and Friendship. Now, it adds much to the Honour of Ambassadors that none can send any under that Title unless he be a Souverain Prince: There is no subject capable to send or receive any Ambassador, be he never so great a Viceroy; if he do, it is no less than High Treason. Therefore before the beginning of the last Civil Wars in England, it was Treason in the highest degree for the Scots Inconsulto Principe, to send Lowden and others in quality of private Clancular Commissioners to treat with the French King in the name of the whole Nation for assistance. And though the King himself made a semblance not to admit or hear them, yet his fiery Cardinal hugged them; whence it may be well said the first flames of the said Wars broke out. It is recorded in the Life of Eliz. Queen of England, that the Duke of Alva when he was Governor of Flanders sent Christopher Assonville in quality of a Minister of State; but the Queen would not admit him, because he could produce neither Commission or Credential Letter from the King of Spain, whose Vassal Alva was. In the year 1604. the King of Spain motiond that the public Minister who was here for the Hollanders should not be styled Ambassador, because they are subject to the Empire, and have a Superior, having been incorporated in the Empire by Charles the fifth 1548. at the Diet of Auspurg, as Meteranus relates, and says besides that Rodolphus 2. writ Letters unto them 1607. as to Vassals of the Empire, and consequently they had no power to make Peace or War without the consent of Caesar, which they then acknowledged by their Letters sent to Colen. The Electors and Princes of Germany have got a privilege to send and receive Ambassadors touching matters that concern their own Territories, but not the state of the Empire: The like the Hans Town may do. But Rebels have no capacity to employ any in quality of Ministers of State, no not so much as an Herald: Therefore Charles the fifth was censured for admitting a Herald with Letters denouncing a War from the Lutheran party in Germany, and dismissing him unpunished; though he told him that if he came again, in steed of a Gold Chain he should have a Halter for his reward. Touching the Electors or Princes of Germany, and the Hans Towns, or Cities of the Hansa, it hath been much controverted whether they had Ius Legationis, whether they had a capacity to make a Mission of Ministers of State that might bear the quality and privilege of Ambassadors. Concerning the first, Kirknerus a great Civilian holds, That the Germane Princes may have such a Prerogative, but it is secundario tantum jure. Et qui Ius mittendorum Legatorum secundario tantùm jure habent mittuntur Legati non de Rebus universum concernentibus Imperium, sed tantùm sui Territorii ratione, eo enim Ipsis intuitu tantùm datum; ultra igitur terminos non est procedendum, fieret enim altàs prejudicium Imperatori, etc. The Germane Princes may employ Ambassadors to Foreign Princes by a secondary Right, not to treat of Affairs concerning the Universal Empire, but of things only appertaining to their own particular Territories, and beyond those bounds they must not proceed. And there are some Princes in Italy also that are no less under the Majesty of the Empire in this kind, but, etc. As for the Hans Towns and Corporations, they claim the same privilege as the Princes do, for they are free Imperial Cities, and communicate of the same Regalias, yet all by the indulgence of the Emperor, whereunto his necessities from time to time enforced him. The Provinces of Belgia, or the Netherlands, under pretext of such a Right sent the Baron of Montigni as Ambassador to Spain at the beginning of the tumults; but Philip the second choppd off his head, saying, That Vassals, much less Rebels, have no power to employ Ambassadors; Yet this King his Grandchild admitted Ascham who came from as notorious Rebels, (though not in reference to him) which he excused in regard that Queen Elizabeth had received Ambassadors from Holland at their first revolt before they were acknowledged a State, and that she was the chiefest supportress of them. We will conclude this Paragraph with this Ticklish Point, Whether a Protestant Prince may not send an Ambassador to the Pope, and by way of civil correspondence receive another from Him: though justice Ashton was of a contrary opinion, yet Sir Edward Coke was for the Affirmatif; and his reason is, because that besides his Spiritual Jurisdiction the Pope is a Temporal Prince; and there may be Ambassadors sent to him as well as to the Turk, or Mogor. The fourth Paragraph▪ Of the Privileges, Security, Reception, and the honourable sacred esteem which hath been always had of the Persons of Ambassadors. AMong many other Privileges which Ambassadors enjoy, and are endowd withal jure Gentium by the Law of Nations, not only their Persons have been always esteemed sacred and inviolable, but their Houses have been held and allowed as Sanctuaries, all their Servants from the Stuard to the Scullion-Boy are free from all kind of outrages, violence or arrests. And they have this security not only in Courts and Cities, but in the midst of Armies in the Field, 'twixt Swords, Muskets and Guns: for though Ambassadors come from an Enemy, yet they are accounted none. Whensoever they take footing upon the shore, or confines of any Prince to whom they are sent, they use to be attended by Harbingers and other Officers all the way, till they arrive at the Court. If they be robbd, the King makes good their losses: If an extraordinary Ambassador, he is attended at his first entrance with a more splendid equippage; he is Lodged, and Dieted at the King's charge for so many days with his whole train. At his Audience the King riseth to him, pulls off his Hat, and bows his Body, etc. Besoldus produceth the King of England, anno 1527. for an example how he observed the French Ambassador as if he had been the King himself; His words are, Angliae Rex Gallicum Legatum planè ut Regem observavit, eique supremum locum concessit, adeoque honoravit, ut in Comoediis ipsius Regis filiae sustineret personam: The King of England observed the French Ambassador plainly as the King, and gave him the upper place, and he so honoured him that he held by the arm the King's Daughter to a Comedy. But the Prince's Electors carry themselves high in this particular, for they take place of Ambassadors; and the reason which Guetta and other Civilians give, is, In praesente Principe vera Majestas, in Legato tantùm dignitas aliena; In Principe reiveritas, in Legato effigiata & adumbrata est: ut autem umbra Luci, ita Principi Legatus; quamvis enim Fictio tantùm operetur quantùm rei veritas ipsa, tamen ubi veritas & Fictio adidem collimant, veritas praevalet Fictioni. In the present Prince there is real Majesty, in an Ambassador only a representative; In the Prince there is the truth of the thing, in an Ambassador the effigies or shadow: Now as the shadow yields to the light, so an Ambassador must yield to a Prince; For although a Fiction operats as much as the truth of the thing, yet where Truth and Fiction aim at one thing, Truth is Prevalent. Nay, the Electors jointly hold themselves to be more than the Emperor, he being their production, and made by their Suffrages and election; and the Rule of Heraldry is Honour est in Dante. But all this is by the by. Now, so high and transcendent is the privilege of an Ambassador, and his Person so sacred, that whosoever doth perpetrat any thing against his safety, he is guilty of High Treason of Laesae Majestatis, that is, of prostituted Faith, Public Authority, and of a breach of the Law of Nations. Qui violarit Legatum Lege Iulia de vi publica tenetur, Who violats an Ambassador by the julian Law he is guilty of public violence; and by the Pontifical Law 'tis no less than a Piacle, therefore he is interdicted from the benefit of holy things. We will produce some Examples what revenges have followed for the violation of Ambassadors. The King of the Ammonits' did deride and ill entreat the Ambassadors of King David, and to make them more contumelious, their Beards were half shaved, and their garments torn to their tails; but what ensued? the Ammonits' afterward were overcome in Battle, and Rabath their chief City being taken, it was sacrificed with other Cities also to free plunder, and the fury of the soldiers; so the affronts done to the Ambassadors were vindicated. The Romans used for a Piaculary Revenge to send those who had violated an Ambassador to the King whose person he represented as a victim, that he might inflict upon them what punishment he pleased for the a●…rocity of the Fact. So Minutius and Manlius were sent to Carthage by a solemn Decree of the Senate because they had wronged her Ambassadors at Rome. And so respectful were the Romans of the sacred Persons of Ambassadors, that if any free Citizen of Rome did offer the least violence though by words only, he was degraded of being a free Citizen ever after. Nay, the very name of Ambassador is so sacred, that there is a rare example that though some did counterfeit it, yet they would lay no violent hands upon them; For Scipio Africanus having taken a ship laden with many illustrious Carthaginians, they said that they were Ambassadors sent to him, yet, though it was found they were none, he dismissd them peaceably, That as Valerius hath it, Romani Imperatoris potius decepta fides quam frustra implorata videretur. Ambassadors also have a privilege that what children they get abroad, be it under what Climate it will during their Legation, they are freeborn Denizens of that Country whence they come, and need no Naturalisation; and the reason which Hotoman gives, is, that they cannot be said to be absent thence all the while, being still doing the business of their own Country, though they live as Exiles for the time for the common good. Besides, if they chance to die there, their goods are not subject to droit d' Aubaine, that is, they do not fall by Escheatage to the King as other strangers goods do in some Countries. When they are revokd home, they are advanced to the best Offices, and not only as a jeering Frenchman said to pluck Capons, as Sir Henry Vane, Sir Peter Wichts, and Sir Thomas edmond's were, who were made Officers of the Green-cloth in the King's Household; Lastly, after their deaths there were statues erected to perpetuat their memories. The fifth Paragraph, Of the Breeding and Education, of the Parts and Perfections both Acquird and Natural which are required in an Ambassador. AS in a General, or Commander in chief of an Army, there is required Valour, Magnanimity and Courage; so in an Ambassador there is Wisdom, Discretion and Prudence required: The one is for Performance and Action, the other is for Counsel and Negotiation. There is also Elocution requisite in both, in the one to enforce the justice of the Quarrel, and to infuse courage into the soldiers by his Hortatives, in lieu whereof Sermons are made use of in latter Ages; in the other to move the affections of the Prince he is sent unto. Therefore Mercury was appointed to be Ambassador of the Gods in regard of his Eloquence. And this strain of well-speaking in an Ambassador must be natural as well as by art; for the Italian tells us, Una oncia di Natura vale una libra di Dottrina, An ounce of Nature is worth a pound of Learning. Touching matter of Literature, there are two principal Qualities required in him, viz. to be a good Historian and a good Linguist; being the first, 'tis presumed he is stored with Examples, Precedents and Observations of the Carriage of other Ambassadors; Of what encounters and difficulties they found in their Negotiations, and what successes they had. By being a good Linguist he hath extraordinary advantage to facilitat his affairs, to converse with other Ambassadors upon the place; to get intelligence, and gain the knowledge and friendship of the prime men and Ministers of that Prince to whom he is employed, and to get his favour also. But it is a caution which the Civilians give, That an Ambassador should not speak but in a Language which he well understands for fear of slips, and placing a word amiss: Now, 'tis a great truth specially in an Ambassador, that Meglio è sducciolare co ' piedi che con la lingua, 'tis better to slip with the foot then with the tongue: Now, the tongue being by the institution of Nature in udo posita, put in a moist place, is very subject to slip. That worthy Knight Frederik Marselaer in his Book called the Legate, and the Civilians, point at divers qualities that should be in an Ambassador. 1. He should be an Indigena born in that Country whence he comes, that all his hopes of preferment may be there: and certainly a Stranger or Alien though made free Denizen cannot be so proper; for a trueborn Child must needs negotiate with more affection for the honour and safety, for the benefit and interest of his own native Country and Mother. 2. He must be a Gentleman born, or Noble; for all Gentlemen are accounted Noble in other Countries. He must be no Agaso or Caprimulgus, and then he will gain more respect from the Prince and Peeple to whom he is employed: for since he must take Precedence of Princes, Dukes, Marquess' and Earls, etc. they will not think it much to give him priority of place being well born. 3. He must be a comely and graceful Person being to represent the person of his Prince; for the people of that Country to whom he is sent will be apt to think that the Prince whom he personats is so. We read that Artaxerces culled out forty of the handsom'st men that could be found to send in quality of Ambassadors to Alexander, who were also handsomely clad, so that it was a question whether they were a greater ornament to their Garments, or their Garments to them, as the Greeks said. An Ambassador being employed from England to Rome with a train of very comely Gentlemen, the Pope beholding them, said, Hi videntur potius Angeli quam Angli, These appear rather to be Angels then Englishmen. Aristotle being asked why outward beauty and comeliness begat so much love, answered, That this was a Blindman's question. 4. That he should be well in years; for Experience being the great Looking-glass of Wisdom, and Wisdom being the principal Virtue required in an Ambassador, Men that have many years on their backs qui ont pisse en beaucoup de neiges, as the Frenchman saith, must needs have more experience by observing the vicissitude of worldly things, and the successes thereof; who have passed the unruly affections of Youth, which like so many Mastiffs do daily set upon us. Senators (or Counsellors of State) are denominated from Senes, Old men; and an Ambassador, who may be rankd among the highest Counsellors of State, should be so. 'tis a true saying, Qui in multis versati, versuti sunt. 5. That he should be of a proportionable good Estate, and not indigent, for than he will be the more sedulous, diligent and careful in his charge, because he hath something to lose: for his Estate may be said to be his Bail all the while he is abroad. Moreover, it will add much to the reputation of an Ambassador if he be known to be rich. 6. He must be liberal and munificent, remembering the Person whom he represents: for a sordid parsimony and niggardness is odious in all men, specially in an Ambassador. The Spaniaro saith, That Dadivas entran sin taladro, Gifts make their way in without a Wimble, and nothing concerns an Ambassador more than to make his way into the Consults and Transactions of state of that Court where he resides, which cannot be done if he be close-fisted. When Sulpitius Galba and Aurelius Cotta did contend who should be sent to Spain Ambassador in the time of Viriatus, Emilianus one of the Senators said, That neither of them was fit; for the one was poor, and the other was covetous; th●… one had nothing, and nothing would satisfy the other. There is a remarkable passage in jovius, That when the Florentines sent Ambassadors to Charles 5. and Clement 7. being then at Bolonia, together with their householdstuff, they brought covertly many rich Commodities to sell, because they might be free from paying the Gabel: But the Searchers of the Custom house having discovered it, they became a laughingstock; and, as unworthy of the Office of Ambassadors, they were remanded home without audience. By this example it appeers that Ambassadors Luggages may be searched; Whereunto we may add another of Sir Thomas Chaloner sent Ambassador to Spain by Queen Elizabeth, who sending complaint home that his Chests had been searched, the Council sitting thereupon determined, as Campden hath it, in these words, Legato omnia aequi bonique ferenda, dummodo Principis Honor non directè violetur; An Ambassador must bear all things patiently, provided that the Honour of the Prince (whom he serves) be not directly violated. 7. He must be accostable and courteous, and not of a moross humour, yet reserving still his sta●…e and gravity when time, place and persons require. Urbanity and gentleness works much upon all affections, and he is a cheap Friend who is got by a Compliment: Therefore it becomes and behoves an Ambassador to comply with all in civilities by being of a winning, complacentious and benign behaviour; yet not to make himself too cheap, and to have a special care where he placeth his Compliments. 8. An Ambassador also must be constant, and tenacious of the Religion of his Prince and Country, both in the confident profession, and constant practice thereof; if he cannot publicly, yet privately within the walls of his own House; for nothing raiseth a repute more than an opinion of Piety. Therefore he must be very careful in the choice of his house, that it be fair and large, and a good distance from the Court, otherwise he may be pestered with too many Visiters that will have their feet under his table ever and anon. He must be also constant to the habit and vests of his own King and Country: For he who doth not follow the fashion of his Prince herein, may be said Exuere Personam; and this was imputed as a great fault and fantastiqueness in my Lord Rosse when he went to Spain in King james his time, who appeerd at his first Audience, and continued afterwards in the Spanish habit. An Ambassador must be also very careful in the choice of Liveries for his Pages and Laquays, that they be rich and fair, but not fantastical: As likewise that he be well Coachd, and that his Coach be well drawn by good Horses; for nothing sets forth the lustre of an Ambassador more. The sixth Paragraph, Touching the Election and appointment of an Ambassador, that He should be Par Negotio, or adaequat to the Employment He goes about. THe discretion and prudence of a Prince discovers itself in nothing more than in the choice of his Instruments. The old Poet tells us, If Carpenter have not good Tools, He makes ill-favoured Chairs and Stools. But of all other Instruments and Officers, there must be most inspection had in the choice of his Ambassador: for as the incolumity of the Kingdom depends upon the King, so the welfare of the King depends much upon the ability of his Ambassador. Therefore this trustful Charge, this sacred Function must not be prostituted to every one, for Ex quol●…bet ligno non fit Mercurius, Every one is not cut out for a Mercury, that is, an Ambassador; for Mercury is accounted the God of Ambassadors. The Romans for a time did choose Ambassadors Sortilegio, by Lots, as the Venetians now choose their Doge; and this was to prevent competitions and corruptions: Some were chosen Togâ, by the Gown for their wisdom; some Sago, by the Cassock ●…or their experience in the War, according as the quality of the present business did require; and indeed 'tis a great advantage to an Ambassador to have something of a Soldier in him, howsoever he must go always Cinctus gladio, with his Sword by his side; and the Prince who sends him must have also his Sword in his hand though he treats of peace. The principalst quality required in him is to be Intrepidus, to be fearless, resolute and stout. He must not be pusillanimous and sheepish; for the witty Proverb will tell him, Chi pecora si fà il lupo se la mangia, Who makes himself a sheep the wolf will devour him: Therefore there must be a special care had to pry into the genius and natural disposition of the party in this particular; for 'tis a true principle in humane Nature, That a Coward cannot be an honest man, and Honesty is a main thing required in an Ambassador. Therefore he must not be dejected and cast down at the cross traverses and success of any business; his courage must not be daunted or dashed at any thing. He must be also bold and confident in his Proposals and Demands; for Qui timidè rogat docet negare, Who asks with fear teacheth how to deny: And let him be sure to ask rather too much then too little; for Domanda assai, che non mancherà poi à calare; Ask enough, and there will be enough to aba●…e afterwards: Therefore let him not be stanchd, or mealy-mouthd in his Demands and Audiences; Blushing and Bashfulness are commendable in Maids and Boys, but odious in Ambassadors; therefore the Spaniard hath a witty Proverb, All Vergonzoso el Diablo le truxo all Palacio, The Devil brought the Bashful to Court. Wherefore in the election of an Ambassador there must be a regard had to his natural disposition, that he be confident and hardy. There is a memorable observation and saying of Philip the second King of Spain, called El Prudente, that when he had designed one for an Ambassador, he came faintily and coldly to him to propose some things for the accommodation of his Embassy; The King observing it, said, How can I expect that this man can promote and effectuate my Businesses, when he is so fainty and fearful in the solicitation of his own? To prevent this, the probablest way is to make choice of a generous and well- extracted person, for Degeneres animos Timor arguit. One of the greatest blemishes that Historians do cast upon Lewis the eleventh of France, is, that he made choice of his Barbe●… to be Ambassador to the Duke of Burgundy; and it was upon no ordinary business, for it was to make an overture of a March with the young Princess his Daughter; but the mean opinion which was had of the quality of the man overthrew the business. Matthaeus Palmerius an Apothecary of Florence had bet●…er luck than the French Barber had; For he being sent in quality of Ambassador to Alfonso King of Naples, and having acquitted himself so elegantly, and with so much generosity at his first audience, and the King understanding that he was an Apothecary, said, Se tali sono gli Speciali di Fierenze, quali debbono essere gli Medici? If the Apothecaries of Florence are such, what shall we think of their Physicians? But this Apothecary although he was of an ordinary Trade, yet he was an extraordinary man in point of Parts and Erudition, which made compensation for the meanness of his Profession. Moreover, it is an advantage to the affairs of a King that he make choice of a proper and graceful person, and of a sound healthful constitution to represent him abroad. We read that it was prohibited by the Law of Moses that any man who had any blemish or mutilation should be made a Levite: Now, Levits, as it was insinuated before, are as the Legates of God Almighty, and Kings being types of him, should not have any to personat them that had any deformity or indisposition. I remember when Count Gondamar and the Marquis of Inojosa were here Ambassadors for the King of Spain, the one was troubled with the Fistula, and the other had lost a piece of his Nostril, thereupon a Libel was made that the King of Spain made an odd choice of his Ambassadors to England, for the one had the Pox in his Brich, the other in his Nose. It hath been much controverted among Statists whether one person singly, or many joined in Commission be fittest for an Embassy: this business is much canvasd Pro & Con among the Civilians; they that are for plurality urge Solomon, That in multitude of Counsellors there is safety. They instance in divers examples, and produce Virgil, Qui dicta ferunt, & foedera firment Centum Oratores patria de gente Latino's. Darius' employed ten in an Embassy to Alexander; The Romans sent ten to appease the tumults of Asia; They sent ten to Macedonia; Four to the Fidenates; Three to the Carthaginians, etc. But Paschalius gives a Rule herein, Tentando aut Tractando unus satis est; consummando plurtum interventus desideratur: In trying or treating one is enough; in consummating a business the intervention of many is required. So Peter Matthieu relates that there were 400 Spanish Gentlemen at the confirmation of the Peace of Veruins 'twixt Spain and France, which might be called a Legion rather than a Legation. But the most political Civilians are for one single person, trop gran nombre est encumber, too great a number is an encumber among Ambassadors, it is subject to confusion and delays; it will make the business in treaty to take air, and be sooner discovered. One is far more secret and sedulous when he acts by himself, then when he must concur with others. Then there are Maxims in the Law, Cura plurium, cura nullorum; The care of many, the care of none; Quod multos tangit, paucos angit. Then many emulations and envy do often creep in with other inconveniences amongst many. Therefore the most expedit and advantageous course is, that there be but one Ambassador, but the Prince must choose a choice man to be he; He must be Lectus antequam Electus. Another debate there is, Whether Legatio be only a Virile Munus, a Masculine task, or whether Women are capable to be employed in an Embassy; and more are for the Affirmatif part then the Negatif. It was much controverted in Rome whether Veturia and Volumnia, two Roman Matrons, were fit to be sent as the desperatness of the case then stood, upon an Embassy to Cori●…lanus and the Volscians; it was determined they should, and the treaty took good effect. There were Roman Dames sent upon an Embassy to Constantius the Emperor for revoking Pope Liberius, and they prevailed. It was a practice among the Romans to send the Vestal Virgins upon Embassies. There is a memorable example how Guelpso the Duke of Bavaria having provoked the Emperor Conradus, he set so close upon his skits that he coopd him up in Winsberg, where he beleagerd him; Caesar was so incensed that he vowed to put all to fire and sword. So the Duke being reducd to great extremities, it was thought fit to send the Duchess as Ambassadress to the Emperor's Camp, where she performed her part so gallantly, that she so moved and melted his heart, that for her sake all the Women in Winsberg should have safe conduct to depart, and carry away upon their backs as much of the most precious wealth as they could bear, but the Men should abide his mercy. Herupon the Duchess took the Duke upon her shoulders, and every Wife after her example took her Husband; Maids and Unmarried Women took up some their Brothers, some their Kindred, and so all marchd out; so Caesar pardoned all. I will conclude with a late example of Madam Sardaus, who went so often privately 'twixt Brussels and the Hague until the peace was concluded 'twixt Spain and Holland after fourscore year's Wars by Sea and Land: Therefore she was called La Maquarelle de la Paix; which was no disgrace to her. The seventh Paragraph, Touching the Office, Function and Duty of an Ambassador in the execution of his Place, and acquitting himself of the great Fiduciary Trust reposed in Him, etc. THe Civilians, who are best versed in the Laws of Embassies, say, Legatio est mysteriosum quid, that it is a mysterious thing; It is full of secrecy and darkness, as it is of Faith and Trust. The Lord high Chancellor of England, who is Keeper of the King's Conscience as well as of the Great Seal, hath a great trust reposed in him for to mitigat the rigour of the Laws by way of Equity. The Lord Chief Justice of the King's Bench, he of the Common Pleas, and the Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, have great trusts reposed in them: but all these deal 'twixt Subject and Subject, and sometimes 'twixt King and Subject: But Ambassadors have a higher trust, for they deal 'twixt Kings and Kings, 'twixt Countries and Countries; therefore as the burden is heavier, so the honour is the greater: there is no secrecy belongs to the other Offices; but reservedness and secrecy is the soul of Embassy; which made one say, If his Cap knew his private Instructions, he would hurl it into the fire and burn it. And as there is honour in this high employment, so there is much honour attends it; which made one say, That that Ambassador who loseth one hair of his Master's honour, forfeits his head at his return. One of the principal Duties of an Ambassador, is to stick close to his Instructions, and the Mandates of his Master; and therein an Ambassador Leaguer doth not run so much hazard as an Extraordinary, who hath many things commonly left to discretion by way of implicit trust. Besoldus defines the Office of an Ambassador thus, Ut Mandatum fideliter, & cum dexteritate exequatur, & acceptum responsum diligentissime notatum referat Mittenti; That with faithfulness and dexterity he execute the Command, and report to him who sent him the Answer most diligently noted. There is a shorter definition, Officium Legati est ut Mandata Legationis diligenter conficiat, & ex F●…de, That he perform carefully the Command of the Embassy, and with Faith. He derives all his Power from his Instructions; for without them there is no Mission or Embassy. There is an Example of the Athenians, that having employed Ambassadors with divers justructions, whereof one was, that they should take such a way as they went, they going another way, though they had performed all the rest of the Instructions, yet they were put to death at their return for infringing this one. There are divers instances how Ambassadors exceeding their Commissions, and falling into follies, have been punished upon the place. Hector Boetius relates that Olaus and Evetus killed the Scots Ambassadors. Teaca Queen of Sclavonia killed a Roman Ambassador, as Polybius mentions. The Athenians caused Darius' Ambassadors to be thrown into a Well. Dandolo the Venetian Ambassador had his eyes plucked out by the King of Sicily. But let us descend to latter Ages: Francis the first of France sent Fregosa and Rinion Ambassadors to the Turk; Charles 5. soldiers discovered, surprised and flew them in Italy: The fact was justified by the Emperor because they were both his subjects, the one being a Milanois, the other of Genoa, and served his Enemy, for there were Wars then 'twixt Charles and Francis. Edward the second of England employed a French Gentleman Ambassador to France, who had been executed for a Traitor for serving the Enemy had not the Queen interceded. Anno 1302. the Pope sent an Ambassador to France, where he practised some Treason; and being arraigned, convicted, and condemned to die, the Pope's Friends procured that he should be banished only. The Venetian drew out of the French Ambassadors House some who bade discovered their secrets to the Turk, where resistance being made, Cannons were sent for from the Arsenal, and so they were taken out by force, and the French King not offended. The Ambassadors in these latter examples by their own indiscretion and misdemenures drew these violences upon themselves. We will concude this point with a latter example in England 1624. at which time there were two Spanish Ambassadors residing in London, who were the Marquis of Inojosa, and Don Carlos Coloma; and the Prince of Wales being newly returned from Madrid Re infectâ, without the Infanta, matters began to gather ill blood 'twixt England and Spain, in regard that the Treties both of Match and Palatinat were dissolved by Act of Parliament, which was done by means of the Duke of Buckingham. The said Ambassadors finding that, they contrived a way how to supplant and destroy the Duke. Herupon falling into consideration that King james was grown old, and that the least thing might make impressions of distrust and jealousies in him, therefore in a private audience they did intimat unto him that there was a very dangerous design against his Royal Authority traced by the Duke of Buckingham and his Complices, which was, that at the beginning of that Parliament the said Duke with certain Lords, and others consulted of the argument & means which were to be taken for the breaking and dissolving of the Treties both of the Spanish Match, and for the restitution of the Palatinat; and if his Majesty would not conform thereunto, their consultations passed so far, that he should have a house of pleasure where he might retire himself to his sports, in regard that the Prince had now years sufficient, and parts answerable for the Government of the Kingdom. The King for the present dismissd them with thanks; But the next day he made earnest instances that as they had discovered a Conspiracy, they would also detect the Conspirators, this being the only means whereby their own honour might be preserved in proving the truth of things. To this they replied, That they had revealed enough already in order to the care and zeal they had to his Royal Person and Dignity. Thereupon the King commanded that the Duke of Buckingham should be put to his Oath, with others who were most suspectful, which they all took for clearing their integrity. This being done, the King returned to make new instances to the said Ambassadors, that they would not prefer the discovery of the names of the Conspirators to the security of his Person, as also to the truth and honour of themselves, and to the hazard of an opinion to be held the Authors and Betrayers of a Plot of so much malice, sedition and danger; but they would discover no more. Yet a few days after they desired new audience, which was suspended to be given them, and in the interim the King sent Sir Edward Conway his principal Secretary of State, and Sir Francis Cottington Secretary to the Prince, (both Lords afterwards) to signify unto the said Ambassadors that he desired nothing more than a continuance of friendship 'twixt the two Crowns; therefore if they had any thing to say they should communicate it to the said Secretaries as persons of trust, which he employed expressly for that purpose; and if they made any difficulty of this also, than they might choose among his Council of State those whom they liked best, and he would command that they should presently repair unto them: and if this also should seem inconvenient, they might send him what they had to say in a Letter by whom they thought fittest, and he would receive it with his own hands. But they gave no answer to all this: thereupon the said Secretaries told them according to their Instructions which they had received from his Majesty, That they being the Authors of an Information so dangerous and seditious, had made themselves incapable to treat further with the King their Master; and were it not for the respect he bore to the Catholic King his dear and beloved Brother their Master, and that they were in quality of Ambassadors to such a Majesty, he would and could by the Law of Nations, and the right of his own Royal Justice, proceed against them with such severity as their offence deserved; but for the reasons before said he would leave the reparation to the Justice of their own King, of whom he would demand and require it. Herupon Sir Walter Ashton Ambassador then in Spain for the Crown of England, had audience of that King, wherein he said, That the King of Great Britain his Master had commanded him to demand refaction and satisfaction of his Majesty against the Marquis of Inojosa and Don Carlos Coloma for scandalising the Duke of Buckingham, (with other of his best subjects) and through his sides aiming at the Prince himself; for it is unlikely the Duke would have cast himself upon such a design without the communication of it to him, and to know his pleasure: so he remonstrated the whole circumstance of the business, etc. And in conclusion he said, That he humbly beseechd his Majesty to observe and weigh well the care and tenderness wherewith the King his Master had proceeded towards his Majesty's Ambassadors; not obliging them to any precipitat resolutions, but giving them time, and opening a way how they might have cleared themselves, etc. It was expected that the said Ambassadors at their return to Spain would have been punished, or at least checked; but matters growing daily worse and worse 'twixt England and Spain, the said Ambassadors were rather rewarded then reprehended at their return, Inojosa being made afterwards Governor of Milan; and Coloma received addition of command, and honours in Flanders. But the high civilities of England at that time towards the said Ambassadors was much cried up abroad, that notwithstanding so pernicious a machination to demolish Buckingham, and to discompose the whole English Court, yet they were permitted to depart peaceably; and Sir Lewis Leukner was commanded to conduct them to the Seaside for prevention of any outrage upon their persons. We have dwelled the longer upon this business, in regard there are extraordinary traverses of State in it, being a Plot of an unusual reach of policy, which will be found more amply related in the addition the Author made to Finets Ambassador: but in regard it is so pertinent to this Paragraph, he thought it fit to insert the substance of it here. We will now resume things touching the Office of an Ambassador. It is very necessary he should have his Credential Letters exact and plain; His Commission plenary, and fortified with as much authority as he can. The Spanish Ministers when the Prince of Wales was there, objected against the Duke of Buchingham that his Commission (for he came also in quality of Ambassador) was not so complete and authentik as that of the Earl of Bristols; for he had his Commission under the Broad Seal of England, whereas the Duke had his by the King only. The Civilians make a question, Si à Legato Mandata poscantur, is adigi possit ad ea exhibenda. Their opinion is, That besides his Credential or Fiduciary Letters, and his General Commission, he is not bound to show any more. Touching his private Instructions, Paschalius saith, Mala eum agitat res qui in Legati Secreta irreligiose irrumpit. It is questioned further, Whether it may stand with the Office and Honour of an Ambassador to receive Gifts and Presents from the Prince he is sent unto, which the Civilians call Lautia, a word peculiar only to Ambassadors: some are for the Negative, which the Hollanders do follow; for their Ambassadors use to receive none, not so much as a Bottle of Wine: But most are for the Affirmatif. But the Venetians (who are reputed to have the best Rules touching Ambassadors) though they allow it, yet, their Ambassadors are bound to exhibit their Presents to the Senate; and 'tis thought much of St. Marks treasure consists of it. They are also bound in a large Oration to give an account (besides that of their Embassy) what they observed most remarkable in the Government, State and Quality of the Country; of which Oration they bring also a Manuscript which is put up in their Archives. john Earl of Bristol at his departure from Madrid (notwithstanding that the weather had grown foul 'twixt us and Spain) received a Cupboard of huge massy Plate valued at 20000 Crowns of this King of Spain, who also gave him a Diamond Ring off his Finger, rated at 1500 l. sterling; and the reason was, because he had found him so wise, faithful and industrious a servant to his King. The Civilians make likewise a doubt whether it may not interrupt the Office of an Ambassador to have his Wife and Children along with him; but they who hold the contrary are rather exploded then approved: For to leave his Wife, is for one to leave half himself behind him; besides, Conjugal society is counted the prime of comforts: moreover, it saves trouble of Writing, and charges for Letters and Packets, which come to no small sum at the years end, etc. We will conclude this Paragraph with two special things which the Civilians require further for the performance of the Office of an Ambassador, viz. That he be reserved and secret in an intense degree; he must not be Plenus Rimarum, full of chinks: and herein the Italian and Spaniard are eminently imitable; for all the Drugs in Egypt cannot draw away a secret from them, whereas a small Purge or Vomit will make others cast it up. Furthermore, that an Ambassador may facilitat the discharge of his Office the better, it is requisite that he have a previous knowledge of the Court and Country whereunto he is employed: that he be well versed in the Speech thereof; for it is a sad thing when one is sent Ambassador to see fashions, and learn the Language of a Country. Lastly, there's nothing more concerns the Office and Duty of an Ambassador (as it was touched before) then to be true to his Instructions. Brunus tells us, that Qui extra Mandatum agit, aliud agit; Who acts beyond his Commission, acts another thing: Yet it cannot be denied but many things in point of circumstance are left to the discretion of a Plenipotentiary Ambassador; therefore, as I take it, there was by the twelve Tables in Rome a latitude of power left to Legates, Quae bonum Patriae eminenter tangunt etiamsi non Mandentur, agunto: What eminently concerns the public good, though not commanded, let them be done. The eighth Paragraph, Touching the Laws of England relating to Ambassadors in point of Reception, Audience, Treatments and Rewards; as also what prudence hath been used for composing of Contestations betwixt them in point of Precedence, etc. HAving spoken hitherto generally of the concernments of Ambassadors, and the privileges of Legation, We will now make some inspections in particular into the Constitutions and Common Laws of England, which may be called Civil, and very complying in this point. The Law of England, as the great Father of it my Lord Coke says, That Honour Legati honor mittentis est, The honour of an Ambassador is the honour of him who sent him: That Legati, aut Proregis dedecus redundat in Regem, The affront offered an Ambassador redounds to his King. By the Common Law of England 'tis High Treason to kill an Ambassador; as among others there are Examples in the persons of john Kerby and john Algore, the one a London-Mercer, the other a Grocer, who were both arraigned, convicted, and condemned for kill john Imperial, who was Ambassador from Genoa, for a Patent he had got of the King for the sole importing of all Commodities from the Levant parts. I. Hill was also condemned of High Treason for killing of A. de Walton who was Ambassador, etc. Then the high civilities that were showed by King james to the Marquis of Inojosa, and Don Carlos Coloma the Spanish Ambassadors, notwithstanding their high misdemenures for calumniating the last Duke of Buckingham, and through him the Prince of Wales his sole Son, and Heir apparent to the Crown, as it is mentioned in the next preceding Paragraph. And as the Law of England is so respectful of Ambassadors, so for her own she useth to furnish them with as political Commissions and Instructions, and as exactly couched as any other King's Ambassadors whatsoever. I will produce only two Examples, the one ancient, the other modern: the first is of Ambassadors sent to the Council of Basile, which runs thus: Ad Concilium Basiliense sub Eugenio Papa destinati sunt per Regem Ambasciatores, & Oratores Episcopus Robertus London, Philippus Exoniensis, johannes Roffensiis; johannes Bajocens, Edwardus Comes Moriton; Abbas Glastoneensis, & B. M. Eboracensis; Prior Norwici; Henricus Bromflet miles Dominus Vesciae; Thomas Browne Legum Doctor, Decanus Sarum, johannes Coleville Miles, & alii. Dantes & damus iis, & Ipsorum majori parti potestatem, & Mandatum tam generale quam speciale nomine nostro, & pro nobis in eodem Concilio interessendi, tractandi, communicandi & concludendi tam de iis quae Reformationem Ecclesiae Universalis tam in Capite, & in Membris quam in iis quae Fidei Orthodoxae fulcimentum Regumque ac Principum Pacificationem concernere poterint. Nec non de & super Pace perpetua, guerrarumque abstinentia inter Nos, & Carolum adversarium nostrum de Francia; ac etiam tractandi, communicandi, & appunctandi, consentiendi insuper, & si opus fuerit aissentiendi iis quae juxta deliberationem dicti Concilii initi statui, & ordinari contigerit. Promittentes & promittimus bona fide nos ratum, gratum, & firmum perpetuò habiturum totum, & quicquid per dictos Ambasciatores, Oratores, & Procuratores nostros aut Majorum partem Eorundem actum, factum, ceu gestum fuerit in praemissis, & singulis praemissorum. Et Hoc idem cum de, & super iis certiorati fuerimus ad Nos, & Christianum Principem attinet executioni debitae curabimus demanda●…i. In cujus rei testimonium has Literas nostras fi●…ri fecimus Patentes, Datum sub sigillo nostro Magno in Palatio nostro West monasteriensi, x die Julii, etc. We delegat to the Council of Basil under Pope Eugenius for Ambassadors and Orator's Bishop Robert of London, Philip of Exeter, etc. Giving, and do hereby give them, and the major part of them power and command as well general as special in our name, and for us to be present, to treat, communicate and conclude things as well concerning the Reformation of the universal Church, as the Pacification of Kings and Princes; and likewise of and concerning a perpetual peace and abstinence from War betwixt Us and Charles of France our Adversary; and also to treat, communicate, appoint, and to consent besides, and if need be to descent from such things that shall happen to be appointed and ordained according to the deliberation of the said Council: Promising, and we do promise in good Faith to hold for ratified, acceptable and firm to perpetuity whatsoever shall be acted or done by our said Ambassadors, Orators, or Proctors, or the greatest part of them in relation to the Premises, and any part thereof whensoever we shall be certified, and as becomes a Christian Prince; we shall have a care that all be put in due execution. In testimony whereof we have caused these our Letters to be Patents, Given under our Great Seal in our Palace at Westminster, x julii, etc. There repaired to this Council also Henry Beaufort Son of john of Gaunt, Bishop of Winchester, and Cardinal of St. Eusebius, having had licence to transport 20000 l. in Gold and Silver, which was a mighty sum in those days; which money, as the story hath it, though mute, yet they were moving Ambassadors. The second example shall be of Robert Sidney now Earl of Leicester, in an extraordinary Embassy to the King of Denmark, and other Princes of Germany, whose Instructions were these following. CHARLES R. Instructions for our right trusty and right wellbeloved Cousin Robert Earl of Leicester, Viscount Lisle, and Baron of Sulney, our Ambassador to our dear Uncle Christian 4. King of Denmark, etc. We have preferred you before others to this honourable Employment, because we have observed your constant application to virtuous and noble courses; and would have it known to all that we esteem Titles not of those that bury them in obscurity and Vice, but of such that improve their worth for public service in War or Peace, whereby true Nobility raiseth itself above the common sort. We send you to a great King whom we love and honour not only for his Crown and Alliance, but also for nearness in Blood. Your Message in the first part is a Ceremony suitable to the affections and obligations of Princes, to express the sense they have of the mortality of their Friends; which Office is best performed by a person of noble rank, capable of the impression wrought in noble hearts. But the substance of your Ambassage is for the public Peace, and the interest of our Brother, (the Palsgrave) and our dear Sister depending thereupon. To advance this great work, you must with convenient speed fit yourself for your journey, and pass the Seas in a ship appointed to transport you to the Sound, or the River of Elve, as by the way you shall learn where our Uncle the King doth now reside. When you are landed, you shall forthwith give notice of your coming, that your Reception may be with honour due to our Ambassador of your rank. Then, after your coming to Court, you shall in our name demand Audience, and then attend the King's pleasure for your access; but you shall not visit any other until you have had the honour of his presence to whom you are employed. At your first audience you shall deliver our Letter of Credence to our Uncle; and then with a significant expression of our entire and cordial affection proceeding from the obligations of friendship, you shall tell him what great sorrow we have conceaud together with him for the death of our dear Grandmother the late Queen his Mother, whose memory you must adorn with her stile, and due Praises enlarged, as the information of her Life and Death, and your own Judgement will best direct. This Office being performed with the King without any mention of other business at that time, you shall address yourself to the Prince if he be present, or otherwise by special audience, and deliver with our Letter of Credence our like condoleance, with expression of our hearty affection, as to a Kinsman whose prosperity and inward friendship we very much desire. Our Letters to our Aunts the King's Sisters you shall deliver afterwards, with signification of our condoleance and of our love to either of them; and if more of our Cousins be there, you shall pass like Offices with them all. Whilst you attend this Ceremony, you are to inform yourself by Avery, who hath the charge of our affairs at Hamborough, and is also chosen Commissioner for our sister: what is done concerning that Portion of our Granmothers personal Estate which is due unto Us, as by our Uncles own Letters now to be delivered unto you, may appear. Which Portion we have given entirely to our said Sister, with order to her Commissioners to solicit for the same at the appointed time: and in case you find performance to our Sister's satisfaction, according to our former Letters sent on her behalf, you shall take notice of it, and give our Uncle hearty thanks for his just favour and expedition. But if you find refusal, or delay for the discounting of such debt as upon former Treties, and by his last Letters our Uncle doth demand; you shall assure him that before the receipt of those Letters which mention the compensation of such Debts, We had conveyed by Deed of Gift to our Sister all our interest in the Goods; and given warrant to her Commissioners to attend the division: and we hope our good Uncle in his Royal justice and favour to our Sister his Niece, and her many distressed children, will not add affliction to affliction, but rather give them help by his forwardness in this our gift, which we can no more revoke. If this prevail not, you shall modestly demand what those Debts are whereof he expecteth compensation; and therein to clear all misunderstanding, you are thus to distinguish. The Debts to which our Uncle pretendeth, are of two kinds, all contracted by our Father of blessed memory, and not by us. First, our Father after that our Uncle had undertaken the Germane War, sent Sir Robert Anstruther with an advance of forty six thousand pounds present moneys, and promised to pay thirty thousand pounds monthly so our Uncle would maintain one thousand horse, and four thousand foot, for restoring our Brother and Sister to all their Patrimonial Dignities and Estates. If then our Uncle shall declare, that this is the debt he pretendeth to defalque out of the divided Goods; you shall with due respects (and as it were unwillingly) call unto his mind what manner of performance was found on his part, and how little those designs have been advanced for which our Father expressed his Royal affection by so large an offer; which caused us at our coming to the Crown to send the Duke of Buckingham and Earl of Holland to meet our Uncle's Ambassadors at the Hague to qualify those indigested assumptions, made de bene esse, for the present, without debate of Articles indifferent for both parts. And then (as our Uncle well knoweth) we settled the account upon a new foot, and therefore ought no more to be called back to those exorbitant demands, which notwithstanding upon due calculation of all our disbursements in money, and in charges of our Auxiliary aids and diversions, we have so much exceeded: That (laying a side all exception for not performing conditions) we have just cause to claim retribution, or at least acknowledgement of well-deserved thanks, and not to be now strained for compensation of those Debts. Of our ●…ast expenses there hath been a List transmitted to Avery from Sir Henry Vane, whereof you may make use by a Copy to be now delivered unto you, to acquit Us of those debts. But there is another debt for money borrowed by our Father, which we do acknowledge both principal and interest, and for liquidation thereof have given former directions to our Ambassador Sir Henry Vane, who is to meet the King's Ministers at the Hague in his return out of Germany, and to consider of a course for our Uncle's satisfaction, according to his expectation and our desire. Upon this meeting (if otherwise you cannot) you must discharge yourself; and having settled the division of the Portion, and put off the accounts in this manner, you shall afterwards proceed as you find time and opportunity to your more weighty negotiation concerning the common cause; representing to that King our Uncle the present state of Christendom, specially of Germany, the seat of the War, that upon a mature consideration thereof both he and we may best advise how to govern our Proceedings, as well for our safety as for our interests with others, and chiefly for the obtaining of a sure peace, which is to be desired for the common good. To this purpose you shall move him to cast his eyes upon that progress the King of Sweden (his Neighbour) hath already made by his sword, almost through the Empire, beyond all men's expectation: and to foresee in his great wisdom what the consequence will be, if by victorious Arms he shall obtain power to give the Princes and States on both sides what Law shall please himself; which may reasonably be feared, if no course be timely taken for preservation of their rights by treaty or otherwise. On the other side you may lay before him the power yet remaining in the puissant house of Austria, with the dependence of Bavaria, and other Germane Princes; and how both sides are supported by foreign assistants, those with the money and countenance of Spain, these with the actual arms of France, besides the diversions of the Low Countries and Italy; so as in all probability the War is like to last long, and the balance may be swayed as other Princes put to their hands. And the King of Swede having lately moved both the Princes and States of his alliance, and others, to join league for the liberty of Germany, and for peace, and inviting us to join therein: and the Emperor also discovering on his side an inclination to treaty and to peace, you must entreat for our better information our Uncle's sound advice, and how he stands affected, and whether he be engaged in any such treaty; with whom, and how far; and whether our conjunction with the rest will be desired. To which we may by him be persuaded to apply ourselves, so as by the treaty the full restitution of our Brother and Sister to their Patrimonial Dignities and Estates, (being the only interest of our engagement) may be effectually provided for. If upon these intimations the King shall reveal unto you any overtures of a treaty already in hand, and that therein our conjunction will be desired, you shall with speed give us account of the particulars, and of the grounds thereof, with all the circumstances of persons, times and places, that thereupon we may send you such further powers and instructions for your proceedings with our Uncle and other Princes, as with the advice of our Council we shall think meet. Besides this main business, other occasions may be apprehended there by you for the advantage of our service; for i●… by conference with Avery you shall understand of any impediment or obstruction of the trade of our Merchants residing in Hamborough, caused by any difference betwixt that King and the Town; or by his pretence of commanding the River of Elve, you shall do Offices in our name betwixt our Uncle and the Town to remove offences, and to settle good agreement upon honourable terms for the King, and so as an Innovation may not be made, which may prejudice the intended treaty, or which may restrain our Merchants from that freedom of trade there, which they have enjoyed so many years. And whereas by occasion of the War betwixt Poland and Sweden new Impositions are raised in the Pellow, and elsewhere, with other restraints of trade, which in the end will force our Merchants and the Low Countrymen also to seek the Commodities of Eastland in America, to the great detriment of the King's Customs at Elsenore, you shall in this regard advise with our Uncle how the ancient freedom in like manner may be restored in that trade. For Island you shall signify to our Uncle that in conformity to his late Letters we have prohibited our subjects that Fish in those Seas, or fetch Hawks from those parts, either to export or import any Merchandise to hinder his Farmers; not doubting of his gracious reciprocal favour to our said subjects in their lawful proceedings. Concerning our Choler of Rubies which hath formerly been engaged to raise moneys, you shall inform yourself by Avery how the case now stands, and shall proceed as upon further advice thereof we shall direct. You shall keep good correspondence with our Ambassadors and Agents in all parts as occasion shall be offered, but especially with Sir Henry Vane, who is employed with the King of Sweden, and with Sir Robert Anstruther at the Emperor's Court. JOHN COKE. By these two Precedents of Commission and Instructions, we may see how exact and curious the English Court is in this point; how quaintly such Public Dispatches are couched, not so plain and flat, with such superfluity of speech as I have seen the Instructions of other Princes stuffed withal. We will to the Reception, Attendance, Treatments, Gifts, (Lautia) composing of Differences, with other high civilities used towards Foreign Ambassadors in the English Court. Touching the first, There are no Ambassadors whatsoever received more splendidly, and with greater state both by water and land, then in England: For first, he is brought in Royal Barges a good way upon a Noble Navigable River, through a Forest of main Masts on both sides, and landed at the stairs of a huge Tower in sight of a stupendious Bridg, such as I may well say the world hath not the like. Then is he conducted in the King's Coach with a great number besides through the centre of the City of London, to a house expressly provided for him if he comes extraordinary, where he is magnificently treated for divers days upon the King's charge. Now the Rule of the Court is, That the Ambassador of a King is to be brought in by an Earl at least; an Ambassador from Dukes and Republiks' to be brought in by a Baron. 'tis a Rule also that no Ambassadors be allowed this honour at private Audiences but only at the first and last public, or when any are invited to Dine with the King. Moreover, that no Ambassador except a Kings, is to be met with the King's Coach further off then the Tower-wharf: And whereas the Coaches of other Ambassadors residing upon the place were used to go to accompany the new-landed Ambassador from Tower-wharf, which gave occasion of clashing for Precede●…ce of Coaches, as happened the last year 'twixt the Spanish Ambassador, the Baron of Batteville, and Monsieur Lestrade the French, which flew so high that it went to effusion of blood, and killing, (as it is mentioned before in the last Paragraph of the first Section more particularly) There is an Act of State passed, that all Foreign Ambassadors shall forbear for the future from that compliment of sending their Coaches to that purpose. Well, the new Ambassador being so housed, is visited by persons of Quality, as also by other Ambassadors: Now, it is a Maxim among Ambassadors, That the first come is to visit the last come. Touching Presents, there's no Court goes beyond that of England: It was a Rule that the French and Spanish Ordinaries were to have 4000 Ounces of Gilt Plate at their departure; The Venetian Ambassador 2000; The Archdukes 1600, etc. But (by the Examples of other Courts) there was a retrenchment hereof, and it began first with Monsieur Buisseaux in King james his Reign; who had but 2000 Ounces sent Him; the Venetian 1600, and the Archdukes 1000, etc. Touching divers sorts of Clashes, Contestations, Differences and Punctilios betwixt Ambassadors, there have been as prudent and preventing courses taken in the English Court from time to time as in any other; as will appear in the printed Observations of that worthy Knight Sir john Finets, to whom I refer the Reader. We will conclude this Paragraph with some further inspections into the Laws of England concerning Ambassadors. In the 13 of Queen Elizabeth it was gravely debated in the Bishop of Rosse his case, who was Ambassador here for Scotland, An Legatus qui Rebellionem contra Principem ad quem Legatus, concitat, Legati privilegi is gaudeat, an ut hostis poenis subjaceat: Whether an Ambassador who raiseth Rebellion against the Prince to whom he is sent, is to enjoy the privileges of an Ambassador; or whether he is to lie under a punishment as an Enemy; It was resolved by all the Judges of the Land that he had lost the privileges of an Ambassador, and was punishable by the Law of the Land. Herupon Mendoza the Spanish Amdassador was commanded away because he fomented a Rebellion, etc. Moreover, as my Lord Coke hath it, and therein he agreeth with the Civilians, If an Ambassador committeth a delect contra Ius Gentium, as Treason, Felony, Adultery, etc. he loseth the privilege of an Ambassador, and may be punished in England as any private Alien, and not to be remanded but upon courtesy: But committing any thing against the private Municipal Law and Customs of England, which is not Malum in se jure gentium, He is not punishable. The breaking of Truces and Safe-conducts was once High Treason by the Laws of England, but that was mitigated 2 Hen. 5. Furthermore, my Lord Coke holds in his fourth Institut, That if one be named but Agent in his Credentials from a King, yet he is an Ambassador. The ninth Paragraph, Concerning the wise Compliances, and Witty facetious Sayings and Carriage of divers Ambassadors during the time of their Negotiation, etc. AS it is a principal quality in an Ambassador to be serious, abstruse, and reserved in the discharge of his Function; so it is a mighty advantage for him to be Witty as well as Wise; to be facetious, and play the Drol sometimes; for the Italian says, Non è saggio chi non sà esser pazzo, He is not wise who knows not how to play the Fool sometimes. Apt, pleasant and sudden Repartees discover a great deal of wit. An Ambassador being sent to the King of Morocco (whose Law we know is not to eat Swine's Flesh) be brought him Letters wherein all his Titles were not given him; The King said, Sus has Literas peperit, A Sow begat these Letters. The Ambassador suddenly answered, Ne iis Vescaris, It was done that you should not eat them. The Town of Agrigentum, as Herodotus reports, having sent Gellias a very hard-favord man Ambassador to Centuripe, a low dirty Town in Sicily, and being jeered, and stared upon at his audience, he answered, Ne Miremini Centuripini, ut Urbes sunt, ita Cives mei Legatos mittunt, pulchros ad pulchras, deforms ad deforms: Do not wonder, O you of Centuripe at me, for my Masters of Agrigentum send their Ambassadors as the Cities are, Fai●… to Fai●…, Foul to Foul. Don Pedro de Toledo being employed Ambassador to Henry the 4. of France, there were many traverses between them at one private audience, and Don Pedro magnifying much the power of the Spanish Monarchy, King Henry said, That it was much like the Statue of Nabuchadnezzar composed of divers pieces, but having Feet of clay; Don Pedro then replying somewhat high, the King rejoined that if he were provoked he would carry flames even to the Escurial; and if that he once mounted, he would be soon in Madrid. Don Pedro answered, Indeed King Francis was there, meaning Francis the first, who was taken at the Battle of Pavia, and remained Prisoner in Madrid divers years; The King going on further to tax the King of Spain for usurping divers Countries of his, and namely the Kingdom of Navarre, which he might live to recover; Don Pedro answered, That the justice whereby the King his Master held Navarre, would help him to defend it; The King replied, Your reason is good till I be in Pampelona; Don Pedro thereupon rising hastily, and going towards the door; The King asked whither went he so hastily? He answered, To provide entertainment for your Majesty at Pampelona. A French Ambassador (Monsieur de Tilliers as I take it) residing here, and being invited one day to Dine with King james, the King being well disposed began a Health to him, saying, The King of France drinks the French Kings Health; The Ambassador answered as pleasantly, Le Roy mon Maitre est bon Lieutenant, Il tient bien la France de Luy; The King my Master is a good Lieutenant, he holds France well from him. But of any that I have heard or read of, Don Diego de Acunia Count of Gondamar, had an extraordinary faculty this way; and besides, he had well studied the Genius of King james, (in whose Reign he resided here) how he was pleased with sudden pleasant Repartees, therefore he did Seria jocose, he did dispatch serious things in a merry way. When Sir Walter Raleigh was gone with a Fleet to Guiana, and when news was brought that he had taken San Tomazin, plunderd the place, and killed the Governor, which was as some say beyond the bounds of his Commission, wherein he was restrained from doing any Acts of hostility upon the firm Land, Gondamar came early one morning to the King, desiring to speak but only one word to his Majesty: being admitted, he cried out, Pyratas, Pyratas, Pyratas; intimating that Sir Walter Raleigh was turned Pirate; but that word was so fatal, that it took off Sir Welter's head, though upon an old score. Another time having discoursed of many things with the King in a private audience in French, the King asked him whether he understood Latin or no? Yes, Sir, said Gondomar, I understand it, and speak it. Discoursing afterwards in Latin of divers things in a free and facetions' way, it happened that Gondamar spoke false Latin once or twice; the King smiling, said, How comes it to pass that you being an Ambassador to so great a King, who should be exact in all things, how comes it that you break Priscian's head so often? Gondamar replied, Sir, I speak Latin like a King, and your Majesty speaks Latin like an Ambassador. Count Gondamar having been outragd by the Rabble in London, who threw Tobacco-pipes into his Litter, and did him other affronts, coming after to have a private audience, and the King taking notice of it, he said, La Harina de Ingalatierra es muy delgada, y fina, pero el afrecho es muy grossero: Sir, the Flower of England (meaning the Gentry) is very fine; but the Bran is very course, meaning the common people. Another time being to dispatch a Courier to Spain, and the old Countess of Buckingham being then in extraordinary high favour, that most Suitors made their address unto her, he writ in a Postscript to Count Olivares, That there were never greater hopes than now that England would turn Roman Catholik, for the Mother was more worshippd than the Son. Count Gondamar being invited another time to Dine with the Reader at Gray's Inn, at which time the Palsgrave was newly come to Prague, among other Healths there was one begun to the King of Bohemia: He pledged it very merrily, and thanked the Reader, with the rest of the Company; for it was the first time that ever he pledged the Emperor's Health in England. Having another time dispatched an Express to Spain, and the weather having continued dark and cloudy in London for many days, the Post having received the Packet, and taken his leave, Count Gondamar commanded, and told him, I forgot one thing, I prithee when thou art come to Spain commend me to the Sun, for I have not seen him here a great while, and I am sure thou wilt meet with him there. King james having granted leave to Count Gondamar to raise Volonteers to Flanders for the service of the King of Spain under my Lord Vaux, and soldiers coming but slowly to the sound of the Drum; Gondamar coming a little afterwards to Court, the King asked him what number of soldiers he had levied? He answered, Truly, Sir, I can have but few soldiers, but thousands that would be Captains though they were but common soldiers before. I will conclude with Count Gondamar in this very witty passage: when he was to take his leave of England in his last Embassy, the King sent to my Lord Mayor of London to invite him to Dinner; which he did with much solemnity, having bid the chiefest Lords of the Court to bear him company: At first the Lord Mayor after other Compliments told him, My Lord Ambassador, your Excellency me thinks begins to grow very grey. Yes, Sir, said he; but my Lord Mayor, we have a Proverb in Spain, Canos y Cuernos no Uienen Porannos; Grey Hairs and Horns come not by years. Being sat at Table, the Lord Mayor began divers Healths; at last Gondamar calls for a good Glassfull of Canary, and said, You are the greatest Magistrate in the world, for you give place to none but to your own King, as I hear, and you live also as plentifully: But now that you have made so much of me, that having pledged so many Healths you put me in a Jovial humour, I crave leave of these Noble Lords and you to begin a Health or two; and the first shall be to the King of Spain's Mistress; so the Health was drunk round. Then he took another Glass of Canary, and began a Health to the King of Spain's Wife; which also passed round among the Lords and Aldermen. Then standing up, He thanked them all with many Compliments, and said, I will now discover who these two Ladies are; The King of Spain's Mistress is the East-Indies, and his Wife the West-Indies; there's none so fond of a Mistress but that if a Friend hath a favour of her, he will connive at it, as you my Lord Mayor, and these worthy Aldermen whom I have in my eye, use to have of the East-Indies. But my Master's Wife is the West-Indies, which he desires to have solely to himself according to the Law of Nations; Therefore I pray you my Lord Mayor, and these Noble Aldermen, do not offer to meddle with the King my Master's Wife. We will now proceed to a few others. An Ambassador Extraordinary being sent by an Italian Prince to the Emperor that he would confer the Title of Serenity upon his Master as he had done lately upon divers other Princes; But being to depart Re infectâ, and taking his leave of the Emperor that morning, and the weather being foul and very tempestuous, he asked what was the reason he would begin his Journey upon such stormy weather? He answered, Ilne faut pas craindre la Tempeste, puis que votre Majesté à remply le monde de tant de Serenité; One ought not to fear Tempests, since your Majesty hath filled the world with such Serenity. Don Pedro Andrea being sent Ambassador to a Prince whom he had offended so far that he threatened to have his head cut off, He answered, Sir, my dead head will do you more mischief than now that 'tis living. Francisco Marco being sent from Genoa to Galeazzo Duke of Milan, but being delayed audience, and St. john Baptists day being come, who was Protector of Milan, he presented the Duke with a Golden Vessel full of Basilique; Being asked the reason, he sent word that the Genovois have the property of the Herb Basilique, which if one handle gently, it will yield a sweet smell; but if it be rubbd, and trod upon it, it will engender Serpents: And this witty passage conducd much towards the ending of the differences which were then a foot. The Samnites being pressd hard by the Romans, they sent Ambassadors to capitulat; who said, Noble Romans, you are grown too strong for us; therefore if you propose moderate terms we will observe them eternally: if otherwise, we will observe them no longer then till we have opportunity to break them. That Ambassador wanted no wit, who being in a Pagan Country, and standing in the way where the great Idol whom all were to worship which passed by, he let fall his Ring, and as he bowed to take it up, 'twas thought he adored the Idol. The Ambassadors of Portugal and Poland being at Sigismond the Emperor's Court, and there being always competition between them for Precedence of Session, they met casually at a place, where the Portugais having come before, he was got into the upper Chair; The Pole rising up, and making a step forward in a posture as if he would speak with him, and the Portugais coming towards him, he whippd behind him into the upper Chair, and so kept it. We will conclude this Paragraph with the two Ambassadors of Perugia sent to Rome, whereof the one was witty, but the other not so wise: Being admitted to the Pope, who was then very sick a bed, one of made them a long tedious Speech, whereof the Pope had shown signs of distaste: Thereupon the second said, Most Holy Father, our Commission implies, that if your Beatitude will not suddenly dispatch us with satisfaction, my Colleague should recommence his Speech, and pronounce it again more lesurely. The Pope was so taken with this, that he gave order they should be presently dispatched. The tenth and last Paragraph, Of the extraordinary Prudence and Reservedness, the Stoutness and Gallantry of divers English Ambassadors, etc. WE will begin with that Grandee of his time Cardinal Wolsey, who went over to France upon an Extraordinary Embassy; and he had to attend him (though not in joint commission) Cuthbert Tunstal Bishop of London; the Lord Sands, late Chamberlain to the King; the Earl of Derby; Sir Thomas Moor; Sir Henry Guildford, with other Knights and Gentlemen of great rank, to the number of a thousand two hundred horse: for after a short transfretation from Dover, he had so many in his train when he went out of Calais. The French King Francis 1. in person, with his Mother, and most of the chief Peers, came to meet Him as far as Amiens, above two days distant from Paris. He carried with him 140000l. sterling, a prodigious sum in those days, (though Silver was but 20d. an Ounce) He transported that vast sum with him to assist the French King, and other Confederates in a War against Charles 5. Emperor. There is no History can parallel this Embassy, it was performed with such a glorious Equippage; Besides, the Ambassador had such a Plenipotentiary and transcendent Cummission, that he gave the Law both to France and the Popedom; and he comported himself with such dexterity and high wisdom, that all the Princes of Christendom (who had their eyes fixed upon him) admired him. This second example shall be of another strain of Gallantry by Sir Jerome Bowes, who was employed Ambassador to the Emperor of Russia, who was cried up for a Tyrant; Sir Jerome at his first audience having some affronts offered to be put upon him, that he should put off his Hat, else it should be nailed to his head, he was not a whit daunted, but kept it on still, saying, he had no such commission from the Queen his Mistress. Thereupon the Emperor slighting the Queen in comparison of the Emperor of Germany, who was the only Prince Paramount; Sir Jerome replied, That his great Mistress' Father had the Emperor (his Majesty speaks of) to serve him in the Wars, and received pay of him. Whereupon with a kind of astonishment at his courage he parted peaceably. But afterwards being advanced in his Journey as far as Archangel, and being embarkd, there came some of the Emperor's Officers with Presents of rich Furs for the Queen, and some for himself; and being come to the side of the ship with them, He would not suffer them to board, but drawing out his Sword, said, My Mistress the Queen of England hath no need of your Catskins, nor I neither, therefore you may carry them back. Ambassadors being sent to Bourbourgh to treat of a Truce betwixt the King of Spain and the Hollanders, Doctor Dale was sent for an assistant; and coming to kiss the Queen's hands, she told him, That understanding he was a Learned Man, and a good Civilian, she made choice of him for that employment, and she would allow him 20s. a day. He humbly thanked her Majesty, and said he would spend nineteen of them every day for her Majesty's honour: thereupon the Queen ask him what he would do with the other odd shilling; he replied, I will keep that for my Wife Kate: so the Queen increased his allowance. Being assembled to treat, there was a Debate in what Language they should treat: the Spanish Ambassador thinking to put a jeer upon our Ambassadors, said, Let us treat in French, for your Queen is Queen of France. No, said Doctor Dale, then let us treat in Hebrew, for your Master the King of Spain calls himself King of jerusalem. Sir Edward Herbert late Earl of Cherberry, being Ambassador in France, it happened that he had a clash with the great Favourite, and Constable Luynes, which was thus: Sir Edward had received private Instructions from England to mediate a Peace for Them of the Religion; and in case of refusal, to use certain Menaces. Hereupon He coming to the Army which was then before St. jean d'Angely, where the King was in person, and he finding that the approaches to the Town were almost finished, He hastened his address to the King for an audience. The King referrd him to Luynes, desiring that what he had to say might be imparted unto Him: Whereupon he went accordingly to Luynes Lodgings, and delivered his Message; but so that he reserved the latter part, which was Menaces until he heard how the business was relishd. Luynes had hid behind the Hangings a Gentleman of the Religion, who was upon point of turning Roman, that being an Earwitness of what had passed between the English Ambassador and Luynes, he might relate unto Them of the Religion what little hopes they were to expect from the intercession of the King of England. The Ambassador and Luynes having mingled some Speeches, the language of Luynes was very haughty, saying, What hath your Master to do with our Affairs? why doth he meddle with our Actions? Sir Edward replied, It is not you to whom the King my Master doth owe an account of his Actions; and for Me, 'tis enough that I obey Him: In the mean time I must maintain that the King my Master hath more reason to do what he pleaseth to do, than you have to ask why he doth it; Nevertheless if you desire me in a gentle fashion I shall acquaint you further. Whereupon Luynes bowing a little, said, Very well. The Ambassador answered, That it was not on this occasion only that the King of Great Britain had desired the peace and prosperity of France, but upon all other occasions whensoever any troubles were raised in that Country; And this he said was his first reason. The second was, That when a Peace was settled there, his Majesty of France might be better disposed to assist the Palatin in the affairs of Germany. Luynes said, We will none of your advices. The Ambassador replied, That He took that for an answer, and was sorry only that the affection and good will of the King his Master was not sufficiently understood; and that since 'twas rejected in that manner, He could do no less than say, that the King his Master knew well enough what He had to do. Luynes answered, We are not afraid of you. The Ambassador smiling a little, replied, If you had said you had not loved us, I should have believed you, and made you another answer; in the mean time all that I will tell you more, is this, That we know very well what we have to do. Luynes herupon rising a little from his Chair with a fashion and countenance much discomposd, said, By God, if you were not Monsieur the Ambassador I know very well how I would use you. The Ambassador r●…sing also from his Chair, said, That as he was his Majesty of Great Britain's Ambassador, so he was also a Gentleman, and that his Sword (whereon he laid his hand) should do him reason if he had taken any offence. After which Luynes replying nothing, the Ambassador went on his way towards the door, and Luynes seeming to accompany him, the Ambassador told him, That after such Language there was no occasion to use such ceremony, and so departed, expecting to hear further from him. But no message being brought him from Luynes, he did in poursuance of his Instructions demand audience of the King at Coignac, St. jean d'Angely being now rendered up; who granting it, he did in the same terms, and upon the same motives mediate a Peace for Them of the Religion, and received a far more gentle answer from the King. The Marshal of St. Geran coming to Sir Edward Herbart, told him in a friendly manner, You have offended the Constable, and you are not in a place of surety here. Whereunto he answered, That he held himself to be in a place of surety whersoever he had his sword by him. Luynes little resenting the affront he had received from Sir Edward Herbert, got Cadenet his Brother Duke of Chaune with a ruffling Train of Field-Officers, near upon a hundred, (whereof there was not one, as Cadenet told King james, but had killed his man) I say, this Man came Ambassador Extraordinary to England a little after, who misreporting the Traverses 'twixt Herbert and Luynes, prevailed so far, that Sir Edward Herbert was presently revokd to answer the Charge that should be laid against him. In the mean time the Earl of Carlisle was employed Ambassador Extraordinary to France for accommodating Le Mal Entendu which might arise betwixt the two Crowns. Carlisle was commanded to inform himself of the truth of the business aforementiond, and he could meet with no relation but what Luynes had made himself, wherein more affronting and haughty expressions were laid to Sir Edward Herbert's charge than had truly passed: For though the first provocation came from Luynes, yet the Ambassador kept himself within the bounds both of his Instructions and Honor. But as my Lord of Carlisle was ready to send this misinformation to England, the Gentleman formerly spoken of who stood behind the Hangings came to the Earl of Carlisle, and said, That he owed so much duty to Truth and Honour that he could do no less than vindicat Cavalier Herbert from all indiscretion and unworthiness; and thereupon related the true circumstance of the business, which was as it was before told. The Earl of Carlisle being thus rectified in knowledge of the truth, gave account to King james accordingly, who cleared Sir Edward Herbert, and resolved to renvoy him Ambassador to France, whereof he having notice, He kneeled to the King before the Duke of Buckingham, and desired that since the business was public in both Kingdoms, he might in a public way demand reparation of Monsieur Luynes: for which purpose he beseechd his Majesty that a Trumpeter if not a Herald might be sent on his part to Monsieur Luynes to tell him, That he had made a false relation of the passages before mentioned, and that Sir Edward Herbert would demand reason of him with sword in hand on that point. The King answered that he would take it into consideration; but Luynes a little after died, and Sir Edward Herbert was sent Ambassador to France again. john the late Earl of Bristol being Ambassador in Spain, had many clashes with the Alguazils, and the Alcalde himself, together with divers Officers, to preserve the Privileges of his House in point of Sanctuary, which was done with much courage and discretion. But there was one signal passage among divers other, One Scoppius had publishd an infamous base Book against King james, and being in Flanders, (where Sir john Benet was sent for, among other things, to demand Justice of the Archduke upon him) he had fled to Madrid, and the Earl being in despair to get him punished there where the jesuits are so powerful, he employed a good resolute Gentleman Mr. George Digby his Kinsman to give the said Scoppius a Bala●…re or slash o'er the face, which he did to some purpose, for 'tis athwart o'er his face, and his mouth that had offended, which he carried as a mark of Revenge to his Grave. The said Earl being also employed Ambassador to the Emperor in the height of the Wars for the Palatinat, and returning near Heydelberg, or thereabouts where Count Mansfelts Army was, upon which the greatest strength of the Palsgrave depended, which Army being ready to disband for want of Pay, the Earl of Bristol pawned his whole Cupboard of Plate to find money for the said Army, else all had been lost at that time. Such an extraordinary Noble Act (and beyond Commission) the Earl of Leicester did propose also to do when he was Ambassador to the King of Denmark: For whereas that King made a delay to pay the Portion which was due unto the Lady Elizabeth out of the Estate of Queen Sophia her Grandmother, which amounted to about 150000 l. and which the said Earl had power to receive; and the reason of the King of Denmark's delay, being, because there were some accounts to be liquidated 'twixt his Nephew the King of Great Britain and Him; The said Earl (provided he might receive the said Portion due to the Lady Elizabeth to comfort her now in her great extremities) offered to engage besides his Honour, all the Estate he had in England, (which his Majesty must partly know) that this should no way prejudice the accounts that were 'twixt Him and the King of Great Britain. This motion of the Ambassadors was highly extolled by the King and all the Danish Court for the Nobleness of it. The said Earl being afterwards Ambassador for many years in France, he would never give Precedence to Cardinal Richelieu: and touching Hugo Grotius, who, as he was Ambassador for Sweden, would have made his Coaches drive before his, he was put back avec un pied de nez, with a Nose a footlong, as is mentioned more at large in the last Paragraph of Great Britain which went before. Liberorum Cerebri Sextus Post Quadraginta. FINIS. The Bookseller to the Reader. THe Reason why there is no Table or Index added herunto, is, That every Page in this Work is so full of signal Remarks, that were they couched in an Index, it would make a Volume as big as the Book, and so make the Postern Gate to bear no proportion with the Building. CHR. ECCLESTON.