PRINCE ROBERTS MESSAGE, to my Lord of ESSEX: With an Answer to his desires touching the construction of the Laws, and certain other Points to the great satisfaction of all People. Wherein is Declared his wicked Resolutions, masked under the pretention of Loyalty unto his Uncle (our King's Majesty) Together with his desire of a Pitch-field in Duns●ore-Heath, with the true relation of his wicked and Tyrannical proceed where 〈…〉. Also the true Relation of a Challenge he gave unto his Excellency, etc. Together with the Entertainment he and his Brother (Prince MAURICE) found in Shrewsbury by the Trai●ed Bands, and other pious people there inhabiting. ALSO, The wonderful mercy of God shown towards his EXCELLENCY, in delivering his Honour from a fatal Conspirary pretended against his Person at Worcester.  
London, Printed for THO: BANKS, Octob. 6. 1642.   

The discovery of a wonderful 〈◊〉 powder-plot pretended against his Excellency, at St. Peter's Church at Worcester.  
Certain of Sir John Byron's Cavaliers having intelligence of my Lord of Essex his coming to Worcester, and withal knowing his Piety to be such as that he seldom neglect Gods divine Service, thought there to have undermined his Person, making the Church the place and Sanctuary of their wicked Actions, for there was a certain Vault under the Church, where they had conveyed three Barrels of Powder, upon which they laid 〈…〉 heap of dead men's Bones for to blow that side of the Church where my Lord was to Seat himself, (but see the wonderful mercy of God, who was a watch eye still on his beloved) no sooner was my Lord in his Coach coming to the Church but that the Sexton came running to his Excellency and said that he feared some mischief to be hatch●… against his Person, alleging that there were three men that did often frequent the Church Vault, but he knew not their Intentions, and that the Key of the Vault door was stole from him, which made the suspicion the more, on his words my Lord cause● the door to be broke open, and at their entrance they saw three men stand in Armour, whom they took and apprehended, and after further search, they found as aforesaid, ● Barrels of Powder under a heap of Bones with great store of Pla●… there hidden, all which my Lord caused to be taken away, ●…ding the three men up to be censured by the Honourable Houses of Parliament.   

PRINCE ROBERTS Message to my Lord of ESSEX.  
Here am I feign to speak of a Prince that deserves not the title of a Subject, one who pretends Piety in his tongue, but carries I fear mere Irreligion in his heart, and if his future Actions be correspondent or any way equivalent to his former exploits, I shall greatly doubt whether I speak of a Christian or no, it requires an Age ne'er upon to uncase the whole story of his wicked proceed acted here on our Brittish-shore; therefore I will 〈…〉 of his late 〈…〉 those that were 〈…〉 of his Message to my 〈…〉 was to this effect, That 〈…〉 General of the Parliaments Army, without the consent of his Sovereign, but rather to confront and oppose his Majesty's Person; that therefore, he might with as just Grounds (though being a foreign) by the Law of 〈◊〉 assist 〈◊〉 Majesty against any such person, that 〈◊〉 any occasion should disobey His Royal Command, ●…ging that a King though he reign ●ever so Tyrannical, impose an unjust Tax on the Subjects be 〈…〉 so heavy, yet notwithstanding are they by the Laws of God not to withdraw their Duty and Obedience from him. To this I answer, That the sacred Writ binds a Subject to obey a good Sovereign, not (as I think) to hear with a 〈◊〉 one; rather to procure abatement in rigour Authority, than to su●… a continual perseverance of a worse [〈…〉 ●●edientiam] 'tis true [So●… h●c Conditione, si legitime Imper●t Magistratus non Tyrannicè.] We promise obedience to a Magistrate no farther than his actions are done legally, according to the accusto●…ry laws of the Land and the right meaning thereof, not according to his own Constructions and Inventions; so suppose there should be a double construction in some particular points of Law, who more fitter to decide them then they that made them, who more fitter to Correct and abate the rigour of th●… 〈…〉 of the fundamental Spring from whence they flow, and shall 〈◊〉 Parliaments there are the chief founders of Laws be exempted from Construing them (heavens forbidden) withal concerning the Taxes he mentions 'tis not a little known to the great grief of many a poor Subject, the strict Monopolies and quotidian taxations this Kingdom of England is said for a long time hath been sheckled and fettered in, but if the corruption of La●yers and Judges be such as to maintain illegal proceed in a common wealth by their  exactions, yet may good Subjects (and that with a clear Conscience) neglect a willing performance of the same; Tributs may well be denied where unjustly exacted, (according to the common and true proverb) and though the Cavaliers allege the Law for all their Actions, 'tis willingly granted both to His Majesty then, and all his good Subjects, so fare it 'tis executed and grounded upon Justice, but no farther; and I could hearty wish it were in full execution upon all such demanders that require Justice from others, when (in all their Actions) who more unjust than themselves why call they not for Justice upon those that pillage poor people's houses without any right or reason for the same, why not for those that Ravish all they meet with, firing and destroying all in their way, murdering poor Infants that scarce have the discretion to call for succour or aid: no, they expect that their own Tyrannical Actions must s●…pe ; He pleads likewise for the Prorogative of the King (not regarding the privilege of the Subject) alleging that in the behalf of his V●… he is Resolved to live and die: To this, I ask what Prerogative is debarred from His Majesty, ●ought that remained for the safety, and honour of his person, and the good of this his Kingdom; but I truly suppose that he makes this but a cloak for his proceed, for 'tis well known there's no Prerogative for him allotted in this Realm, for the pillaging of Towns, and firing of Houses.  
The true COPY and form of his Message was as followeth.  
MY LORD,  
I Hear you are General of an Army, sent by the agreement of both Houses of Parliament (under the pretence of Subduing some Malignant persons unto th●se parts) but we greatly fear you 〈◊〉 at some higher power, namely your own Sovereign, if your intents are such, give but the least notice thereof, And I shall be ready in His behalf to give you an encounter in a Pitched field, at Dunsmore-heath, the 10. day of October next, and if you think it too much labour and expenses to draw your Forces thither, I shall as willingly for my own part expect private satisfaction at your hands for the same here, and that performed by a single Duel; which proffer if you please to accept, you shall not find me backward in performing what I have said or promised, I know my cause to be so Just that I need not, for what I do is agreeable both to the ●…es of God and man, in the defence of true Religion, a King's Prerogative, and Uncle's right, and a Kingdom's safety; Think it therefore not strange that a Foreign should take footing upon your English shore with intention to draw the Sword, when the Law of Arms prompts him on to that Resolution, you cannot tax your King of aught, without too much clemency and goodness shown towards his people, when that his Person is thus molested by his own Subjects, suppose that He had swayed his Sceptre with a strict hand, raining in the Bridle of Authority with harsh Taxations and Tyranny (which 'tis too well known he did ever abhor as infectious to his Sacred ●…son) yet I say were it so, the Subjects are not thereupon to withdraw their Obedience and Duty neither by the Laws of God nor the Laws of man, for they are however or at leastwise should be still his Subjects; for these reasons and divers others that I could allege, I am resolved in the defence of so just a Cause to hazard my life and being, a●d endeavour the destruction of all those that shall any way oppose my Resolution therein. Now have I said all, and what more you expect of me to be said shall be delivered in a larger field than a small sheet of Paper, and that by my Sword and not my Pen, in the interim I am your friend till I meet you next.  
But before this Message was delivered unto his Excellency, news was brought that Prince Robert had received a dangerous wound in the head by 〈◊〉 Sands in a 〈◊〉 within three miles of W●… that this matter 〈…〉 their Consideration.  
This Prince had 〈◊〉 great mischief to many 〈◊〉 this Kingdom, likewise he and all his followers 〈◊〉 ever they go, leave not a house in their way 〈◊〉 they took from one Mr. Hambury a Gentleman of ●…cestershire, seven hundred pound in money beside 〈◊〉 and other spoils they took from his House. This P●… with his Brother Prince Maurice, being driven from ●…cester by Colonel Fines his Soldiers, betook th●… with all their forces toward Shrewsbury, where they 〈◊〉 such hot Entertainment that they were quickly 〈…〉 take a flight thorough Severne for their safety, for S●…bury is so environed with water, that there is but 〈…〉 for passage unto the Town, which the Townesm●… knowing their advantage did guard that with the 〈◊〉 Bands, so that the Prince being likewise pursued 〈…〉 Rear by Colonel Fines, was feign to take water 〈…〉 his followers.  
FINIS.   

A CONTINUATION Of certain Special and Remarkable passages from both Houses of PARLIAMENT, and divers other parts of the Kingdom, from Wendnesday the 5. of October till the Eight of October. 1642. Containing these particulars, viz. 

1. A true Relation of the taking of a Ship at Yarmouth coming from Holland with great store of Ammunition, 150. Commanders, and 400. barrels of Powder and other provisions.  
2. The intercepting of certain Letters in the said ship by an accident, and their bringing to the Parliament, by which it was informed that there is another Ship coming from the Queen with great store of provisions and moneys, And an Order sent to the Earl of Warwick to use all possible means to intercept the same.  
3. A true Relation of the Kings sending for the Masters of the Mint from the Tower, with an Order of Parliament against their going.  
4. A true relation of his Majesty's sending of the Lord Faulkland into Ireland, with a Relation of the Parliaments proceed concerning the Earl of Leicester.  
5. A vote of the House of Commons for the expelling of one of their members.  
6. Of the Commitment of one Master Price to the Gatehouse for speaking of words against the Parliament.  
7. A True Relation of Sir Ralph Hopton and some other of his confederates possessing themselves of Sir Nicholas Slanies Castle in Cornewell.  
8. Of the Bill agreed upon by the Parliament for the Synod to meet by the fifth of November next.  
9 Of the Parliamen sending into Ireland for the Earl of Antrim taken prisoner by the Scots in the Noth of Ireland.  
10. A true relation of the Earl of Stanfords securing of Hereford with 500 horse and 2000 foot.  
11. A certain relation of the Kings fortifying of Shrewsbury, and sending of Prince Rober with his main forces to Bridge North and some further proceed of that Army.  
12. Of Captain straddlings making escape into Ireland.  
13. The bringing of the High sheriff of Lincoln to the Parliament.  
14. The Examination of the keeper of the Gatehouse, concerning Captain Legs escape.  
15. A relation of certain Letters to the Parliament from Holland.     

A CONTINUATION OF Certain Special and Remarkable passages from both Houses of Parliament and divers other parts of this Kingdom, From Wednesday the fifth of October, till Saturday the Eight of October 1642.  

Thursday the 6. of October.  
THere came Letters to both Houses of Parliament by one Captain johnson from Yarmouth, Informing them that they have there taken a ship coming from Holland with great store of Ammunition about 400. barrels of Powder, ten pieces of Ordnance and 150. of the Prince of Orange's chief Officers & Soldiers, & some Treasure & other Arms which the Queen had procured to assist his Majesty, and they intended to have landed there at Newcastle, but the ship sprang a leak at Sea, and so was forced to come into into Yarmouth, upon the first taking of the ship they pretending they had brought those provisions for the Parliament, but upon further examination it appeared otherwise, however by good providence they are now likely to be employed for the service of the Parliament: The ship being ordered to be safely conveyed up to London by the Earl of Warwick, and the Prince of Orange's Commanders, also to come 〈…〉 Master thereof and company having certain Letters which they brought from the Queen; tied them up in a piece of Sail cloth, and with a cord tied a great Cannot bullet to the end thereof to make it sink, and so threw it into the Sea by the side of the ship to prevent discovery.  
But the Letters being found were also brought to the Parliament and broke open, but the wet had so defaced the writing they could scarcely be read, only thus much was informed by them, that the Queen hath provided another ship with great store of Ammunition and moneys to come speedily after this ship to Newcastle to relieve his Majesty's forces.  
But the Parliament upon consideration of this business have sent to the Earl of Warwick to desire him that withal possible vigilency he would guard the Coasts from Holland, whereby that ship may be also intercepted in her passage to Newcastle.  
There was a certain report made to the Parliament, that the King hath sent to his Coiners of the Mint at the Tower to bring their coining mould and other implements, and come 〈…〉 to his Army at Shrewesbury, but the Parliament have sent ●…der Order to the Masters of the Mint that they shall not go.  
There was also certain information given to the houses by letters that his Majesty hath sent the Lord Faulkland his chief Secretary over into Ireland, with some private instructions concerning the Army, but the full end, and intent thereof cannot as yet be learned.  
However the Parliamen have ordered that Master Goodwin, and Master Reynolds members of their house appointed for that service shall have their speedy dispatches and be sent over to Ireland, but the Earl of Leicester it is much feared will scarcely be permitted to go over at all, for that he refused to show to the Parliament his instructions which he had from his Majesty for the ordering of the affairs of Ireland whereby the Parliament have a great jealousy of him.  
Captain Price a member of the House of Commons hath been very busy there abouts in putting the Commission of Array in Execution, and doth give out great threats against such as refuse to obey it, where upon it was voted by the Commons that he should be expelled the house, and a nother to be chosen in his room.  
There was also one Master Price a Suffolk man brought before the Commons and committed to Prison for saying that the Earl of Pembroke was an Ass, A knave, and a fool, and that the Parliament men, were no better than a company of beggarly fellows, chosen out of the very scume of the people etc.  
The houses received certain information by letters out of Cornewell that Sir Ralpeh Hopton and some other of the Marquis of hartford's chief Confederates, that left the Marquis to My●…ard for that they could not get passage with him over the Sev●…, have been at Plymouth and have pillaged, and spoiled divers honest men there abouts, and that he and his company are now marched into Cornwell and have possessed themselves of a very strong Castle there belonging to Sir Nicholas Sla●y, who is also one of their Confederates, but the Marquis of Hartford is 〈◊〉 Cardife Castle in Wales.  
The Parliament have resceived the bill for the assembly of the Clergy to consider of the settling of Religion and Ceremonies and they have added to the List divers Scotch Ministers▪ that are sent over by the Kingdom of Scotland, to join with our Assembly for the settling of an uniformity in Religion in both Kingdoms and it is ordered that the meeting shall begin by the 5. of November next.  
The houses of Parliament have taken Order for the sending to the Scotch forces in Ireland that they would send up to the Parliament the Earl of Antrim an Arch-rebel whom they touke prisoner in the North of Ireland, that he may be hear examined concerning the Rebels proceed.  
It was informed the houses by letters from Hereford-shire that County do much repent themselves for their malignancy against the Parliament for that so the c●ring● of the King's Cavaliers tends to nothing but destruction, and therefore they have sent 400. Volunteers to the Earl of Essex, and his Excellency hath sent the Earl of Stanford with 500 horse and 2000 〈◊〉 to Hereford, and that they have possessed themselves of that City and fortify it for the Parliament.  
It was also informed the houses that the Earl of Bath is 〈◊〉 by the Earl of Bedford's Troops in Devonshire and that he and divers others of the Marquis of hartford's Cavaliers are bringing up to the Parliament.  
The Marguis of hartford's Steward was upon Thursday last brought up to the parliament, and Committed to the Gateho●…  
There came more Letters to the Houses from Shrewesbury informing that his Majesty makes great provisions for the ce●…ing of Shrewesbury, but Prince Robert with the main force is marched to Bridge North a place of special Eminency, where they intent to place themselves for a pitched battle, the King 〈◊〉 to stay at Shrewsbury and hath reserved a part of his forces for a Garrison there, his Majesty hath caused all the houses without the Walls of the Town to be taken down that so he may with more Conveniency plant his Ordnance to secure the Town, but the Townsmen do not relish these proceed and are much troubled at it.  
Upon Friday last the Parliament received further information by Letters from Shrewesbury, that Prince Robert with his Majesty's main forces is matched from Bridge North, and go●… more near to the Lord General's Army, and that he is now within 15 miles of Worcester, and that some sudden attempt is expected betwixt the two Armies: It is boasted that the King's Forces is 20000 strong, but it is thought he wants a quarter of the number.  
It was also informed the Houses that upon the Earl of Warwick's taking of the two ships before Newcastle Captain ●…stradling Made escape from his ship in his long boat, and that he is now gone into Ireland.  
As also it was informed that the Lord Paukt is of certain gone over into Ireland with the Lord Faulkeland, and that the intent of their going is to waste over a Regiment or two of the forces, there to assist his Majesty.  
This afternooe Sir Robert Hern High Shreiffe for the County of Lincoln who was lately apprehended by the Parliaments Forces in that Crunty for his great delinquency in opposing the County in their yielding obedience to the Parliament, and a chief Array man, who upon his first apprehending was so unruly, that the Country was enforced to tie him in a Cart, and carry him to Boston prison, was this day brought with a strong guard to London, and committed prisonor to the Tower, till the further leisure of the Parliament to examine him.  
Also the under Keeper of the Gatehouse that had charge of Captain Legg, was that after-noune brought before the Commons and examined cencerning Captain Legs escape, but would not confess any thing concerning the same only that the chief Keeper hath also absented himself, and as it is conjectured is gone a long with Captain Legg to his Majesty.  
Where upon it was Ordered that the under keeper should be commited to the Sergeant at Arms, and a more strict course to be taken for his Examination.  
There came also Letters to the Houses from Master Srickland at the Hague, informing the fair correspondency which the State desire to hold with the Parliament, & that with there permission, there shallbe no supplies sent from thence to his Majesty, But the Queen by underhand dealing, and by the means of the Prince of Orange hath procuredsome provisions which she intends to bring along with her into England, there being 14-sayle of Ships that lie ready for her Transportation.   
FINIS.